The release of the film “The Stars and the Moon are Holes in the Sky”, based on the work of Yoshiyuki Junnosuke, marks a significant moment for contemporary Japanese cinema as it addresses complex themes of sexuality and expression. The production, directed by Haruhiko Arai and starring the actress Go Ayano, arrives in cinemas under the R18+ classification, facing regulatory barriers to maintain fidelity to the original 1966 material.
The narrative follows the life of Yazoe Katsuji, a novelist who deals with abandonment and the search for emotional and physical connections in a setting of introspection. The development of the script required Arai to return to the original period setting, after realizing that the contemporary context did not support the depth of the characters idealized by Junnosuke. Este return to its roots allowed the team to explore nuances of a changing Japão, using black and white photography to evoke an atmosphere of nostalgia and artistic realism.
Challenges of adaptation and the context of the original work
Director Haruhiko Arai revealed that the desire to adapt this specific novel was born in his youth, but practical execution encountered severe obstacles in current compliance regulations. Ele explained that society and the film industry have become more restrictive regarding the representation of the body and desire, often labeling such expressions as unnecessary even before appreciating the work. Segundo the filmmaker, there is a growing tendency to criticize cinema from perspectives external to the art itself, which can compromise the creative freedom essential for productions of an experimental or adult nature.
The choice to maintain the focus on dialogues and the projection of handwritten texts on the screen was a strategy to transpose literature to cinema without losing the philosophical essence. Arai mentioned that his pedagogical approach in imaging institutes was challenged by this project, as he opted for techniques that deviate from the conventional commercial standard. The intention was to create an experience where the viewer could “read and hear” the film, transforming what could be considered not very cinematic into a central element of the visual narrative.
Actor’s perspective on constraints and creativity
Go Ayano, who plays the protagonist Yazoe, presented an optimistic view on the limitations imposed by the industry and the indicative rating. Para the actress, the existence of rules should not be seen as a burden, but rather as fuel for the imagination and the creation of innovative scenic solutions. Ela argues that entertainment reaches its peak when professionals find compelling ways to exceed expectations within a defined set of norms, comparing the process to the rules of a sporting competition.
- Creativity flourishes in environments where the artist needs to intelligently subvert the norm.
- Adapting old works requires a hybrid sensitivity between respect for the past and modern technique.
- The use of image consultants and intimacy coordinators is vital to ensure the safety of the entire cast.
- Fidelity to the original text of Arai was an absolute priority during filming to maintain the work’s density.
On-Set Safety and the Role of the Intimacy Coordinator
The production of “The stars and the moon are holes in the sky” included the active presence of intimacy coordinators, professionals specialized in mediating sexually explicit scenes. Go Ayano highlighted that this practice, consolidated in Japão as of 2020, is essential not only to protect actresses, but also to guarantee the comfort of male actors. Ela emphasized that extensive rehearsals and open dialogues with these experts deepen understanding of the creative process and allow actors to feel freer to perform in vulnerable scenes.
Ayano reinforced that, although the filming environment involves nude and intimate scenes, the focus has always been on building a professional and respectful space. Ela recalled experiences in previous films where, even without the official nomenclature of these professionals, the search for a consistent and safe scenario was already a priority in their career. The actress believes that the evolution of the sector in this aspect is a necessary step so that artistic expression continues to evolve without compromising the human integrity of those involved.
Character construction and immersion in the script
Ayano’s interpretation sought a deep connection with Arai’s words, avoiding facial exaggerations or unnecessary intonations that could distract the audience from the textual message. Ela described the experience as a “dive into a whirlwind of words”, where the beauty and sensuality of the dialogue drove the rhythm of each scene. When playing a writer, vocal precision has become an essential technical tool, requiring a level of concentration similar to radio work or classical dubbing, where the voice carries the weight of emotion.
The secondary characters, played by Sakuya and Rena Tanaka, were described by the director as figures that “swam on the screen”, such was the fluidity of their performances under the direction of Arai. The director reiterated that his main role is to create the right environment so that the cast can explore their limits with confidence and vivacity. Essa synergy between direction and acting resulted in a work that, despite production difficulties, maintains the vivacity necessary to impact contemporary audiences.
Reflections on freedom of expression in entertainment
At the end of discussions about the film, Ayano pointed out that his objective is to always deliver the best performance possible, regardless of the environment or external difficulties. Ela rejects the idea of blaming the “present time” for the difficulties of art, preferring to face the realities of the market with honesty and technique. The actress hopes that audiences will receive the work as an invitation to critical thinking and appreciation of a form of cinema that refuses to be silenced by simplistic conventions.
The film represents a collective effort to preserve freedom of expression in a period of cultural transition, where the balance between protection and boldness is still being defined. Arai and Ayano conclude that art must continue to provoke and explore the emptiness of the human heart, using both silence and sound to tell stories that resonate across the decades. The production serves as a reminder that quality entertainment requires the courage to question the possibilities of love and spiritual existence.
Public reception will be decisive for the future of adult-themed productions in the Japanese and international market, especially those that opt for less commercial aesthetic paths. The team’s commitment to script integrity and set safety sets a new standard for adaptations of classic works that deal with the human condition. Através of this collaboration, cinema reaffirms its role as a platform for debate and reflection on the limits of creation in a surveilled society.
