Socrates in Love
Encyclopedia
Socrates in Love, also known as is a Japanese novel
written by Kyoichi Katayama
. It was published by Shogakukan
in April 2001. The novel and the manga adaptation (illustrated by Kazumi Kazui
) are published in the United States by VIZ Media
under the title Socrates in Love. In 2005, the film was remade as My Girl and I
in South Korea
and the Korean remake aired on August 26, 2006 in Japan. The Japanese title of the Korean film is You are the Center of my World (僕の、世界の中心は、君だ Boku no, Sekai no Chūshin wa, Kimi da).
When initially released only 8,000 copies of the book were printed. A year after its publication, celebrity Kou Shibasaki
wrote: "I read it thoroughly even though it made me cry. I wished to have a such a relationship in my life." The book became a bestseller. By May 2004 over 3 million copies were sold, exceeding the sales record of Norwegian Wood
. In 2004, Shibasaki acted in a film version.
, Sakutaro "Saku" Matsumoto and Aki Hirose, classmates all through junior high, become high school students and then fall in love. They share audio diaries, go on excursions together, and enjoy summer vacation.
However, Aki finds herself suffering from Leukemia
and begins to weaken, rendering her unable to see Saku or go outside. Saku is desperate to take her to Uluru
(Ayers Rock) in Australia (the "Center of the World"), a place she had wished to visit. Saku buys tickets, but Aki dies before boarding the plane.
Seventeen years later, an older, sombre Saku trudges through everyday existence. The last tape of Aki's audio diary is suddenly unearthed, leading Saku back to his hometown in the south, and back to his memories of their last days together.
short story by Harlan Ellison
, "The Beast that Shouted Love at the Heart of the World
".
The English title originates from the original Japanese title, Socrates
in Love (恋するソクラテス Koi Suru Sokuratesu), originally chosen by Katayama. In Japan, the movie title (Sekai no Chūshin de, Ai o Sakebu) is abbreviated Sekachū (セカチュー)
The Hong Kong
English version of the film is entitled Crying Out Love, In the Center of the World.
Comedian Hikari Ota
said: "Pure love in which nobody's hurt is suspicious and not interesting at all."
The novel uses simple vocabulary.
Ritsuko Fujimura, who appeared in the film and novel but is never named, is Saku's youthful fiancée
and the last person to see Aki alive. In the film, Saku still isn't able to let Aki go, causing tension in his and Ritsuko's relationship.
The film opened in wide release in Japan on May 8, 2004, and brought Masami Nagasawa
recognition as an actress. The film was a huge success, and its theme song, Hitomi o Tojite by Ken Hirai
had record sales as well.
Staff
Cast
Filming location
(television series) based on the book and film was broadcast in Japan from July 2, 2004 until September 10, 2004 on the Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS
). It was directed by Yukihiko Tsutsumi
.
Like the film, the drama also has an original character that doesn't appear in the novel - Aki Kobayashi, a friend of the older Sakutaro, who likes him and whom he struggles to not simply take as a replacement, although her own young son already views him as a father figure.
The drama's theme song, Katachi Aru Mono, is notable for having been written and performed by Kou Shibasaki
, the actress who portrayed Ritsuko Fujimura in the film adaption.
Staff
Cast
Novel
A novel is a book of long narrative in literary prose. The genre has historical roots both in the fields of the medieval and early modern romance and in the tradition of the novella. The latter supplied the present generic term in the late 18th century....
written by Kyoichi Katayama
Kyoichi Katayama
is a Japanese author.-Biography:Katayama was born in the Ehime Prefecture and graduated from Kyushu University. Katayama's first major book was Kehai . The book won the Bungakkai Newcomers award....
. It was published by Shogakukan
Shogakukan
is a Japanese publisher of dictionaries, literature, manga, non-fiction, DVDs, and other media in Japan.Shogakukan founded Shueisha which founded Hakusensha. These are three separate companies, but are together called the Hitotsubashi Group, one of the largest publishing groups in Japan...
in April 2001. The novel and the manga adaptation (illustrated by Kazumi Kazui
Kazumi Kazui
is a Japanese manga artist who's well known for illustrating the manga adaptation of Socrates in Love. Kazui, who's a native of Aichi Prefecture, made her debut in 2000 in a special edition of Petit Comic with Watashi no Iru Basho .- External links :...
) are published in the United States by VIZ Media
VIZ Media
VIZ Media, LLC, headquartered in San Francisco, is an anime, manga, and Japanese entertainment company. It was founded in 1986 as VIZ LLC. In 2005, VIZ LLC and ShoPro Entertainment merged to form the current VIZ Media LLC, which is jointly owned by Japanese publishers Shogakukan and Shueisha, and...
under the title Socrates in Love. In 2005, the film was remade as My Girl and I
My Girl and I
My Girl and I is a 2005 South Korean film directed by Jeon Yun-su. It is a remake of the Japanese film Crying Out Love, In the Center of the World, which itself is based on the novel Socrates in Love by Kyoichi Katayama.-Plot:...
in South Korea
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
and the Korean remake aired on August 26, 2006 in Japan. The Japanese title of the Korean film is You are the Center of my World (僕の、世界の中心は、君だ Boku no, Sekai no Chūshin wa, Kimi da).
When initially released only 8,000 copies of the book were printed. A year after its publication, celebrity Kou Shibasaki
Kou Shibasaki
, born Yukie Yamamura, on August 5, 1981 in Toshima, Tokyo, Japan is a Japanese singer and actress.-Music career:Shibasaki made her debut in the music industry in 2002 with her first single Trust My Feelings, but she became recognized for her second single Tsuki no shizuku which was used for the...
wrote: "I read it thoroughly even though it made me cry. I wished to have a such a relationship in my life." The book became a bestseller. By May 2004 over 3 million copies were sold, exceeding the sales record of Norwegian Wood
Norwegian Wood (novel)
is a 1987 novel by Japanese author Haruki Murakami.The novel is a nostalgic story of loss and sexuality. The story's protagonist and narrator is Toru Watanabe, who looks back on his days as a college student living in Tokyo...
. In 2004, Shibasaki acted in a film version.
Plot summary
In a small town in 1980s southern JapanJapan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, Sakutaro "Saku" Matsumoto and Aki Hirose, classmates all through junior high, become high school students and then fall in love. They share audio diaries, go on excursions together, and enjoy summer vacation.
However, Aki finds herself suffering from Leukemia
Leukemia
Leukemia or leukaemia is a type of cancer of the blood or bone marrow characterized by an abnormal increase of immature white blood cells called "blasts". Leukemia is a broad term covering a spectrum of diseases...
and begins to weaken, rendering her unable to see Saku or go outside. Saku is desperate to take her to Uluru
Uluru
Uluru , also known as Ayers Rock, is a large sandstone rock formation in the southern part of the Northern Territory, central Australia. It lies south west of the nearest large town, Alice Springs; by road. Kata Tjuta and Uluru are the two major features of the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park....
(Ayers Rock) in Australia (the "Center of the World"), a place she had wished to visit. Saku buys tickets, but Aki dies before boarding the plane.
Seventeen years later, an older, sombre Saku trudges through everyday existence. The last tape of Aki's audio diary is suddenly unearthed, leading Saku back to his hometown in the south, and back to his memories of their last days together.
Main characters
- Sakutaro "Saku" Matsumoto (松本朔太郎 Matsumoto Sakutarō, サク "Saku") - Called "Saku-chan" by Aki. Saku's name derives from that of the Japanese poetPoetA poet is a person who writes poetry. A poet's work can be literal, meaning that his work is derived from a specific event, or metaphorical, meaning that his work can take on many meanings and forms. Poets have existed since antiquity, in nearly all languages, and have produced works that vary...
Sakutaro HagiwaraSakutarō Hagiwarawas a Japanese writer of free-style verse, active in the Taishō and early Shōwa periods of Japan. He liberated Japanese free verse from the grip of traditional rules, and he is considered the “father of modern colloquial poetry in Japan”...
. - Aki Hirose (廣瀬亜紀 Hirose Aki, アキ "Aki") - Saku's classmate and later girlfriend. Suffers from leukemiaLeukemiaLeukemia or leukaemia is a type of cancer of the blood or bone marrow characterized by an abnormal increase of immature white blood cells called "blasts". Leukemia is a broad term covering a spectrum of diseases...
. - Ryunosuke Oki (大木龍之介 Ōki Ryūnosuke) - Saku and Aki's classmate. His name is derived from that of the Japanese writer Ryūnosuke AkutagawaRyunosuke Akutagawawas a Japanese writer active in the Taishō period in Japan. He is regarded as the "Father of the Japanese short story". He committed suicide at age of 35 through an overdose of barbital.-Early life:...
. - Kentaro Matsumoto (松本謙太郎 Matsumoto Kentarō) - Saku's grandfather.
About the title
The book's title bears a resemblance to that of the science fictionScience fiction
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities...
short story by Harlan Ellison
Harlan Ellison
Harlan Jay Ellison is an American writer. His principal genre is speculative fiction.His published works include over 1,700 short stories, novellas, screenplays, teleplays, essays, a wide range of criticism covering literature, film, television, and print media...
, "The Beast that Shouted Love at the Heart of the World
The Beast that Shouted Love at the Heart of the World
The Beast that Shouted Love at the Heart of the World is a short story collection by Harlan Ellison published in 1969. It contains one of the author's most famous stories, "A Boy and His Dog", adapted into a film of the same name...
".
The English title originates from the original Japanese title, Socrates
Socrates
Socrates was a classical Greek Athenian philosopher. Credited as one of the founders of Western philosophy, he is an enigmatic figure known chiefly through the accounts of later classical writers, especially the writings of his students Plato and Xenophon, and the plays of his contemporary ...
in Love (恋するソクラテス Koi Suru Sokuratesu), originally chosen by Katayama. In Japan, the movie title (Sekai no Chūshin de, Ai o Sakebu) is abbreviated Sekachū (セカチュー)
The Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
English version of the film is entitled Crying Out Love, In the Center of the World.
Response
It was published during the "Pure love boom", a media trend in which many written and film works in Japan portrayed chaste, undying love.Comedian Hikari Ota
Hikari Ota
is a Japanese television comedian.He is most famous as one half of the owarai duo Bakushō Mondai along with Yūji Tanaka, where he acts as the boke.- Unique character :...
said: "Pure love in which nobody's hurt is suspicious and not interesting at all."
The novel uses simple vocabulary.
Film version
In the film version, an adult Sakutaro, reflecting on his relationship with Aki, plays an important role. The original story unfolds through his memories.Ritsuko Fujimura, who appeared in the film and novel but is never named, is Saku's youthful fiancée
Engagement
An engagement or betrothal is a promise to marry, and also the period of time between proposal and marriage which may be lengthy or trivial. During this period, a couple is said to be betrothed, affianced, engaged to be married, or simply engaged...
and the last person to see Aki alive. In the film, Saku still isn't able to let Aki go, causing tension in his and Ritsuko's relationship.
The film opened in wide release in Japan on May 8, 2004, and brought Masami Nagasawa
Masami Nagasawa
is a Japanese actress under Toho Entertainment. She has performed in many movies and television dramas including Crying out Love, In the Center of the World, Dragon Zakura and Proposal Daisakusen. She graduated from Horikoshi High School in 2006. She is also known as "Ma-chan" or, as Tomohisa...
recognition as an actress. The film was a huge success, and its theme song, Hitomi o Tojite by Ken Hirai
Ken Hirai
is a Japanese R&B and pop singer. Since his debut, Hirai has worked as a model, actor, composer, lyricist, singer, and spokesperson.During his career, Hirai has released 32 singles and 11 albums up until October 2010. According to Oricon, his single Hitomi Wo Tojite became the best-selling single...
had record sales as well.
Staff
- Film director & scenario - Isao YukisadaIsao Yukisadafrom Kumamoto, Japan is a Japanese film director. He served as assistant director on Shunji Iwai's Love Letter, April Story, and Swallowtail Butterfly.-Director:* OPEN HOUSE * A Closing Day...
- Scenario - Yuji SakamotoYuji Sakamotois a Japanese adult video director who has directed more than 250 videos during his career, primarily with the Alice Japan studio.-Life and career:...
, Chihiro Ito - Filming - Noboru Shinoda
- Music - Meina Co.
- Theme songs - Hitomi wo Tojite (瞳をとじて) by Ken HiraiKen Hiraiis a Japanese R&B and pop singer. Since his debut, Hirai has worked as a model, actor, composer, lyricist, singer, and spokesperson.During his career, Hirai has released 32 singles and 11 albums up until October 2010. According to Oricon, his single Hitomi Wo Tojite became the best-selling single...
- Episode songs - Someday by Motoharu SanoMotoharu Sano, is a Japanese musician, and a graduate of Rikkyo University. Sano is a featured frontman, vocalist and guitarist with a history of performing in several Japanese bands which feature music both in Japanese and occasionally, English, playing songs that often have a rock and roll sound to...
, Kimi ni Aete (きみに会えて) by Misato WatanabeMisato Watanabeis a female Japanese popular music artist.- Singles :* 'I'm Free' * 'Growin' Up' * 'Shinderu mitai ni Ikitaku nai ' * 'My Revolution'...
Cast
- Sakutaro "Saku" Matsumoto - Mirai MoriyamaMirai MoriyamaMirai Moriyama is a Japanese actor. In the Japanese film Crying Out Love, In the Center of the World, he played a high school age hero trying to deal with his terminally-ill girlfriend. He also portrayed the character Kakuta on the 20th Century Boys live action movie...
/ Takao OsawaTakao Osawais a Japanese actor and a producer. He began his career as a fashion model when he was a university student in 1987.He rose to prominence in a lead role on the television drama Heaven's Coins in 1995. He turned his focus to film roles from 2000.-Movies:... - Aki Hirose - Masami NagasawaMasami Nagasawais a Japanese actress under Toho Entertainment. She has performed in many movies and television dramas including Crying out Love, In the Center of the World, Dragon Zakura and Proposal Daisakusen. She graduated from Horikoshi High School in 2006. She is also known as "Ma-chan" or, as Tomohisa...
- Ritsuko Fujimura - Kou ShibasakiKou Shibasaki, born Yukie Yamamura, on August 5, 1981 in Toshima, Tokyo, Japan is a Japanese singer and actress.-Music career:Shibasaki made her debut in the music industry in 2002 with her first single Trust My Feelings, but she became recognized for her second single Tsuki no shizuku which was used for the...
/ (Girlhood) Rio Kanno - Uncle Shige - Tsutomu Yamazaki
- Ryunosuke Oki - Kankuro KudoKankuro KudoKankurō Kudō is a Japanese screenwriter, dramatist, director, actor and member of the theater company Otona Keikaku...
/ (High school days) Issei Takahashi - Johnny - Kanji TsudaKanji Tsudais a Japanese actor.He played Katsuya Tokunaga in the Japanese film The Grudge. He is married and has one child. He is managed by La Sette talent agency....
- Radio's DJ - Misato WatanabeMisato Watanabeis a female Japanese popular music artist.- Singles :* 'I'm Free' * 'Growin' Up' * 'Shinderu mitai ni Ikitaku nai ' * 'My Revolution'...
- Aki's father - Tetta Sugimoto
- Sakutaro's superior - Yuki AmamiYuki Amamiis a Japanese actress.-Career:Amami joined the Takarazuka Revue in 1987 and retired in 1995. Amami was the youngest actress in the company's history to be cast in a top male role...
- Sakutaro's mother Midori Kiuchi
- Ritsuko (Girlhood)'s mother - Misato Tanaka
- Film director - Yoshimitsu Morita
- English teacher - Dandy SakanoDandy SakanoDandy Sakano is a Japanese comedian, best known for his flamboyant clothing and "Gets" catch phrase.A former noodle shop owner, Sakano began his comedy career in 1996...
Filming location
- Aji, KagawaAji, KagawaAji was a town located in Kita District, Kagawa, Japan.On January 10, 2006 Aji, along with the town of and Mure, also from Kita District, the towns of Kagawa and Kōnan, both from Kagawa District, and the town of Kokubunji, from Ayauta District, was merged into the expanded city of Takamatsu and no...
- Mure, KagawaMure, Kagawawas a town located in the suburbs of Takamatsu in Kita District, Kagawa, Japan. The north and south of the town are hilly; the center is flat and suitable for housing development....
- Konan, KagawaKonan, Kagawawas a town located in Kagawa District, Kagawa, Japan.On January 10, 2006 Kōnan, along with the towns of Aji and Mure, both from Kita District, the town of Kagawa, also from Kagawa District, and the town of Kokubunji, from Ayauta District, was merged into the expanded city of Takamatsu and no longer...
- Takamatsu AirportTakamatsu Airportis a second class airport located south southwest of Takamatsu, Kagawa, Japan. It handles a very small number of international flights.It is equipped with an Instrument Landing System, VHF Omni-directional Radio Range, Distance Measuring Equipment, Airport Surveillance Radar, approach lights,...
- Sanuki, KagawaSanuki, Kagawais a city located in Kagawa, Japan.As of March 31, 2011, the city has an estimated population of 53,865, with 20,237 households and the density of 339.01 persons per km²...
- Marugame, KagawaMarugame, Kagawais a city located in Kagawa, Japan.-Geography:As of 2008, the city had an estimated population of 110,550 and the density of 989 persons per km². Marugame occupies the centre of an alluvial plain. The total area is 111.79 km².-Points of interest:...
- Matsuyama, EhimeMatsuyama, Ehimeis the capital city of Ehime Prefecture on the Shikoku island of Japan. It is located on the northeastern portion of the Dōgo Plain. Its name means "pine mountain." The city was founded on December 15, 1889....
- Ōzu, EhimeOzu, Ehimeis a city located in Ehime, Japan.On January 11, 2005 Ōzu absorbed the towns of Hijikawa and Nagahama, and the village of Kawabe, all from Kita District, to form the new and expanded city of Ōzu....
- Masaki, EhimeMasaki, Ehimeis a town located in Iyo District, Ehime, Japan.As of March 1, 2007, the town has an estimated population of 31,560 and a density of 1,605.29 persons per km². The total area is 19.66 km².-External links:*...
- Alice Springs, Northern TerritoryAlice Springs, Northern TerritoryAlice Springs is the second largest town in the Northern Territory of Australia. Popularly known as "the Alice" or simply "Alice", Alice Springs is situated in the geographic centre of Australia near the southern border of the Northern Territory...
Drama (television) version
A dramaJapanese drama
Japanese drama may refer to:*Japanese television drama or Dorama, about dramatic television shows in Japan*Radio drama in Japan, often related to anime and manga series- See also :...
(television series) based on the book and film was broadcast in Japan from July 2, 2004 until September 10, 2004 on the Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS
Tokyo Broadcasting System
, TBS Holdings, Inc. or TBSHD, is a stockholding company in Tokyo, Japan. It is a parent company of a television network named and radio network named ....
). It was directed by Yukihiko Tsutsumi
Yukihiko Tsutsumi
is a Japanese television and film director. He began directing commercials and music promotion videos as an employee of Nihon Television. After spending time abroad, he returned and started his own production company, Crescendo, from which he works independently...
.
Like the film, the drama also has an original character that doesn't appear in the novel - Aki Kobayashi, a friend of the older Sakutaro, who likes him and whom he struggles to not simply take as a replacement, although her own young son already views him as a father figure.
The drama's theme song, Katachi Aru Mono, is notable for having been written and performed by Kou Shibasaki
Kou Shibasaki
, born Yukie Yamamura, on August 5, 1981 in Toshima, Tokyo, Japan is a Japanese singer and actress.-Music career:Shibasaki made her debut in the music industry in 2002 with her first single Trust My Feelings, but she became recognized for her second single Tsuki no shizuku which was used for the...
, the actress who portrayed Ritsuko Fujimura in the film adaption.
Staff
- Script - Yoshiko Morishita
- Filming - Satoru Karasawa
- Direction - Yukihiko TsutsumiYukihiko Tsutsumiis a Japanese television and film director. He began directing commercials and music promotion videos as an employee of Nihon Television. After spending time abroad, he returned and started his own production company, Crescendo, from which he works independently...
, Yasuharu Ishii, Yuichiro Hirakawa - Producer - Akihiko Ishimaru
- Theme songs - Katachi Aru Mono (かたちあるもの) by Kou ShibasakiKou Shibasaki, born Yukie Yamamura, on August 5, 1981 in Toshima, Tokyo, Japan is a Japanese singer and actress.-Music career:Shibasaki made her debut in the music industry in 2002 with her first single Trust My Feelings, but she became recognized for her second single Tsuki no shizuku which was used for the...
Cast
- Sakutaro "Saku" Matsumoto (Age 17) - Takayuki YamadaTakayuki Yamadais a Japanese actor and singer. He has two elder sisters and one son. At age 15, he was discovered by talent agency and made his debut in his acting career in the TV drama Psychometrer Eiji 2 in 1999....
- Aki Hirose - Haruka AyaseHaruka Ayase, born in Hiroshima Prefecture, on March 24, 1985, is a Japanese actress.-Career:In 1999, she successfully passed a Horipro audition. She first achieved widespread recognition for her starring roles in the short film Justice; in 2004 she rose to stardom as Aki in the TV series Crying Out Love, In...
- Sakutaro "Saku" Matsumoto (Age 34) - Naoto Ogata
- Aki Kobayashi (Saku's Friend) - Sachiko Sakurai
- Ryunosuke Ooki (Saku's friend) - Koutaro Tanaka
- Akiyoshi Nakagawa (Saku's friend) - Tasuku Emoto
- Tomoyo Ueda (Aki Hirose's Friend) - Yuika MotokariyaYuika Motokariyais a Japanese actress. She is signed with the Stardust Promotion agency.-Dramas:* 3 nen B gumi Kinpachi sensei Season 6 * Satokibi Batake no Uta * Sekai no Chuushin de, Ai wo Sakebu * Fight...
- Fumiko Matsumoto (Saku's sister) - KahoKaho (actress)is a Japanese actress and fashion model. Her real name is not disclosed.From 2004 to 2007, Kaho was the 11th Mitsui ReHouse Girl. She was given a Best New Talent award at the 2008 Yokohama Film Festival for her performance in the film A Gentle Breeze in the Village.- Filmography :* Joō no Kyōshitsu...
- Toshimi Yatabe (Saku & Aki's teacher) - Yuki Matsushita
- Junichiro Matsumoto (Saku's Father) - Katsumi Takahashi
- Tomiko Matsumoto (Saku's Mother) - Satoko Oshima
- Kentaro Matsumoto (Saku's Grandfather) - Tatsuya NakadaiTatsuya Nakadaiis a Japanese leading film actor.He became a star after he was discovered working as a Tokyo shop clerk by filmmaker Masaki Kobayashi during the early 1950s...
- Makoto Hirose (Aki's Father, ArchitectArchitectAn architect is a person trained in the planning, design and oversight of the construction of buildings. To practice architecture means to offer or render services in connection with the design and construction of a building, or group of buildings and the space within the site surrounding the...
) - Tomokazu MiuraTomokazu Miurais a Japanese actor. Born January 28, 1952 in Enzan, Yamanashi, his real name is Miura Minoru . He attended Hino high school in Tokyo, and married actress and singer Momoe Yamaguchi in 1980... - Ayako Hirose (Aki's Mother) - Satomi Tezuka
External links
- Movie's site Japanese site
- Drama's site by TBS Japanese site