Emerging
Jun 18, 20261
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Actor Tsuda Kanji reflects on fateful meeting with director Kitano Takeshi and support from Osugi Ren
Actor Tsuda Kanji recounted how director Kitano Takeshi became a formative influence through a chance meeting at a restaurant where Tsuda worked, and how veteran actor Osugi Ren's mentorship and introduction to director Naoki Takechi launched his film career with roles in "Sonatine" (1992) and "119" (1994).
Quick Facts
Who
Tsuda Kanji (actor)
What
Tsuda met Kitano Takeshi at a restaurant where he worked as part-time employee
When
1992 (Sonatine filming)
Where
Tokyo
- Tsuda met Kitano Takeshi at a restaurant where he worked as part-time employee
- Tsuda was cast in "Sonatine" and met Osugi Ren on set
- Osugi Ren introduced Tsuda to director Naoki Takechi
- Takechi gave Tsuda a handwritten poem to read aloud
- Tsuda was cast in Takechi's film "119"
Japanese actor Tsuda Kanji has shared the story of a chance encounter with acclaimed director Kitano Takeshi that proved pivotal to his early career. In a conversation with TV personality Anmika, Tsuda recalled that when he first moved to Tokyo to pursue his dream of becoming a film actor, he encountered Kitano entirely by accident—the director frequented a restaurant where Tsuda worked as a part-time employee.
More significantly, Tsuda credits veteran actor Osugi Ren with providing crucial support that launched his film career. Tsuda first met Osugi on the set of the 1992 film "Sonatine," where Osugi warmly encouraged the struggling young actor. Despite initially not recognizing Osugi, Tsuda's passionate monologue about Osugi's work in Naoki Takechi's 1991 debut film "A Man of No Importance" left a strong impression. Osugi subsequently introduced Tsuda to director Takechi Naoki, a connection that proved transformative.
At their meeting, Takechi handed Tsuda a handwritten poem titled "Hotel" to read aloud. This audition-like moment led directly to Tsuda's casting in Takechi's 1994 film "119." Throughout these encounters, Osugi demonstrated remarkable mentorship, explicitly telling Tsuda that while he was not his parent, he should develop his own voice and passion.
Tsuda expressed deep gratitude for Osugi's guidance, describing him as "Tokyo's father" and noting that Osugi had sacrificed time with his family to support the young actor's career. He emphasized that Osugi had endured his own difficult career path—working primarily in production roles before eventually appearing in avant-garde theater, then facing challenges in film work—yet deliberately chose to provide opportunities to younger actors rather than repeat that struggle for them.
Tsuda revealed that many other actors have similarly credited Osugi with crucial early support, and he continues to hear Osugi's encouraging voice in his mind throughout his career. The actor views his relationship with Osugi as transcending a typical professional mentorship, describing a bond of genuine familial warmth and gratitude.
Topics
Why This Matters
This story illustrates the profound impact of mentorship and chance encounters in shaping creative careers. For aspiring actors and professionals, Tsuda's account demonstrates how genuine relationships built on passion and mutual respect can transcend typical business transactions—offering practical lessons about networking through authenticity, the value of veterans investing in younger talent, and how small moments can redirect life trajectories. Osugi Ren's deliberate decision to lift others after facing his own struggles provides a model for breaking cycles of difficulty and creating opportunity.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 1991
WireNaoki Takechi directs his debut film 'A Man of No Importance' featuring Osugi Ren
Jan 1, 1992
WireTsuda Kanji cast in 'Sonatine', meets Osugi Ren on set
Jan 1, 1994
WireTsuda Kanji appears in Naoki Takechi's film '119'
Jun 18, 2026
WireTsuda Kanji gives interview to Anmika recounting these career-formative experiences