Japanese Entertainment: From special effects actor to action superstar

Chapter 199: Nara Scenery, Tang Dynasty Ancient Buildings
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As many as seventeen companies participated in the Japanese version of Journey to the West, among which the more famous ones include Toho, Bankaya, Kyoto Garment, Kawaguchi Wigs, Miura Industry, etc.

Radio and Television, which was not yet the Radio and Television Administration at the time, provided domestic location shots and some services for this production.

The first stop was Kansai, where some of the scenes were filmed.

Due to Japan's level of development, many cities in Kansai have retained their original ancient architectural style, especially cities such as Nara and Kyoto, which retain a large number of Tang Dynasty architectural features.

Therefore, it is quite appropriate to choose this place to shoot the exterior scenes.

After all, Journey to the West itself is a story that took place in the Tang Dynasty.

Although people often say that Japan is a little Japan, in fact, Japan is indeed not small. Its terrain is long and narrow, spanning multiple regions, which naturally has advantages in filming.

If you want snow, there will be snow; if you want mountains, there will be mountains.

Unlike Hong Kong and Taiwan films of the same period, there were problems with the framing and most of the scenes were indoors.

TVB's plastic waterfall is world-famous.

"So we're filming in Nara now... And, Nara has so many Buddhist temples, it's more convenient than going to Zhou Country to shoot."

Gu Ming folded his arms and looked at the huge Buddha statue in front of him.

He had shaved his head into a shiny bald shape, and at first glance he looked more like a monk than a monk.

This is Toshodai-ji Temple. As the name suggests, it is a Japanese Buddhist temple built in the Tang Dynasty. When Jianzhen sailed east, Toshodai-ji Temple was built for him.

The lofty Buddha statue gave Gu Ming a strange feeling of being watched.

"Buddha, you are very compassionate, right?"

The voice coming from behind made Gu Ming turn around.

"Oh, you're that...Kenshin Himura?"

Gu Ming thought about it.

Of course, his name is not Kenshin Himura, but the swordsmanship instructor of the Yagyu Shinkage-ryu, named Yagyu Sosuke.

Being in such a scene at this moment, Gu Ming felt that he was the local, while Liu Sheng was like a time traveler.

"No, it is!"

Gu Ming calmed down and said, "Yagyu-kun, what's the matter?"

Yagyu Sosami bowed slightly and asked, "Is Furuya-kun from Kansai?"

"I guess so. I grew up in Ikoma."

"Oh, Ikoma..."

Yagyu Sosami suddenly showed a strange expression, which startled Gu Ming.

Could it be?!

Gu Ming couldn't help but take a few steps back.

"Since we're all from Kansai and Nara, of course we need to look out for each other."

Yagyu Somi did not say it clearly.

A confirmed role will not be easily changed, and Shinichi Chiba is also a well-known actor, so there is no reason to replace him suddenly.

Yagyu Somi was just thinking.

The iron shoes are there and will eventually lead to the road.

So, after all, I met a real fellow countryman.

"I think there will be opportunities for collaboration with Furuya-kun in the future."

Yagyu Sosami bowed slightly. "This play will feature martial artists using kendo and fighting scenes. I wonder if Furuya-kun knows anything about kendo? If not, I can offer some guidance."

Of course Gu Ming didn’t quite understand.

"Giving me some guidance is certainly fine, but is that really appropriate? I've heard that every unique sword technique is a secret that can't be passed down. Wouldn't it be inappropriate for me to know about it?"

"Ha..." Yagyu Sosami instead showed a contemptuous smile.

This is not a ridicule of Gu Ming, but a different kind of sigh.

"For those who don't understand, no matter how detailed the explanation is, they still won't be able to learn. Kendo is not that simple."

Seeing him make a gesture of invitation, Gu Ming withdrew his gaze from the Buddha statue and left.

A moment later, he and Yagyu Sosami arrived at a large square.

Yagyu Somi took a bamboo sword from the weapon rack and threw it to Gu Ming.

Gu Ming took it and felt the weight in his hand. His first reaction was that it was heavy.

It was heavier than he had imagined, as if there were extra weights inside.

This thing is called a Suzhen stick, which is a common prop used in Japanese kendo practice. The first to invent and use the Suzhen stick was the Yagyu Shinkage-ryu.

"The sword of Yagyu Shinkage-ryu is different. Next, I will demonstrate several sword techniques from Yagyu Shinkage-ryu. Furuya-kun, attack me!"

"it is good!"

Gu Ming responded, raised his sword and started to chop, and then smashed with a stick. Liu Sheng Somi held the Su Zhen stick tightly but it was of no use. In an instant, the Su Zhen stick in his hand was knocked away.

Looking at the vibrator hanging so close to his neck, Yagyu Sosuke was momentarily bewildered. "Furuya-kun...you can't sneak attack."

"Is this considered a sneak attack? Sorry, I don't know the rules."

Gu Ming took a few steps back and waited for Yagyu Sosami to pick up the Suzhen stick again.

"Kendo has its rules. When you stop fighting, it means you're done."

Yagyu Sosashi said: "Now you attack me."

Gu Ming confirmed again and again, and seeing that he really meant it, he took a step forward and swung the stick.

Somi Yagyu:...?
What the hell happened? It went by in a flash!

I have such a big vibrator in my hand!
"Uh, there's no need for a duel. Let's just talk about moves individually."

Yagyu Somi picked up the vibrator and automatically changed the subject.

"In fact, the highest secret technique of Yagyu Shinkage Ryu is called 'Swordless Taking'."

Gu Ming nodded: "I know, bare hands into the sword!"

"Wrong! That's just word of mouth from outsiders. In reality, wudaoqu is a spirit, a philosophy that explains how to win without using swords or knives, without fighting!"

Yagyu Sosei said, "Legend has it that our ancestor Yagyu Muneyasu fell ill in his later years and was bedridden. The swordsman Miyamoto Musashi once planned to take advantage of the opportunity to launch a sneak attack, but our ancestor simply grabbed a 'Buqiuren', turned around, and used his eyes to force Miyamoto Musashi back."

Gu Ming hissed.

That’s pretty impressive!
He didn't ask for help, he just scratched the itch. He scared Miyamoto Musashi away with a broken scratcher. It sounds pretty powerful!
“So, this is the idea of taking without a knife.”

Gu Ming said, "Can you demonstrate it?"

"Simple." Yagyu Somi cleared his throat: "You attack me."

"Again?"

"Come!"

Gu Ming picked up his knife and started chopping.

Yagyu Sosei suddenly shouted, "If you dare touch me, I'll report to the crew that your agency is embezzling funds during the filming!"

Gu Ming stopped instantly, and the Su Zhen stick stopped in front of Yagyu Sosashi's eyebrows.

The expression on Yagyu Sosuke's face remained unchanged.

Of course, actually I am numb.

He chopped down as soon as he finished speaking. It was too fast!
He almost thought his head was going to explode!

"awesome!"

Gu Ming exclaimed.

It is indeed the idea of winning without a sword and without fighting!

Yagyu Somi raised his hand slightly to push away the vibrator, folded his hands, and looked extremely cold.

"This is the secret of the swordless attack! As a master of the killing formation, Furuya-kun must be familiar with the swordsmanship of our Yagyu Shinkage-ryu. So, let's incorporate our style of swordsmanship into the filming!"

Gu Ming held the vibrator in his hand and suddenly revealed a strange smile.

"You know, Yagyu-kun, the truth is that the swordless can only be used against gentlemen."

"for example?"

"For example, if I just blew your head off with a stick, who would report it to the crew? So, it's better not to use the idea of taking without a knife indiscriminately."

After all, no one wants to have their head blown off!
Yagyu Somi looked down at his hands, then looked up at the vibrating stick.

In an instant, it felt like all the sword skills I had practiced for more than 20 years were shattered.

"Furuya-kun."

"What's wrong?"

"Do you...want to act?"

Gu Ming stopped.

This was probably the second time he had heard someone speak to him like this since he entered the entertainment industry.

"I'm asking, do you want to enter the real entertainment industry? In other words, movies! In fact, the Yagyu family has invested in a movie and has already confirmed some roles. However, if possible, people from Kansai should take care of people from Kansai. We hope that there will be people from Kansai in this work, preferably people from Nara! And you, Furuya-kun, obviously meet this requirement!"

Gu Ming clicked his tongue.

"Journey to the West hasn't finished filming yet."

"It's okay...the Yagyu family can wait."

Yagyu Sosami's smile remained unchanged, and he became even gentler.

Of course, the Yagyu family can wait.

After all, the Yagyu family had placed their bets on the Warring States Ninja Turtles and the old raccoon cat Tokugawa Ieyasu. He was the most patient Japanese man in the Warring States period!

(End of this chapter)