Yamamoto Taro is a Japanese actor-turned-politician who was born on November 24, 1974, in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. He began his career in the 1990s, starring in hit dramas such as “Futarikko” (1996–97). He also appeared in a number of hit movie releases, such as the international smash “Battle Royale” (2000), “Go” in 2001, and “Moon Child” (2003). He also starred in the drama series “Shinsengumi!” (2004). He went on to become the founder and leader of the political party Reiwa Shinsengumi and stood as a candidate in Tokyo’s 2020 gubernatorial election.

Yamamoto Taro

Sugihara (Kubozuka Yosuke) is a troubled student. He comes from a Korean family and attended a junior high school for the children of mainly North Korean families, but has now moved on to a high school for mainly ethnically Japanese students.

His family operates a small store that swaps prizes from arcade machines for cash and his father – an ardent supporter of the North Korean regime – surprised the whole community when he decided to apply for a South Korean passport. Ostensibly, he made the decision in order to go on vacation to Hawaii.

Sugihara and his friends cause no end of trouble at school and in the neighborhood, with violent fights not uncommon.

But when he meets a Japanese girl named Tsubaki Sakurai (Shibasaki Kou), his hard edges soften. The two begin on a relationship – which threatens to turn sour when she learns of his heritage.

And when he confronts his father about his motives for obtaining a South Korean passport, he discovers that all is not as it seems…

Will Sugihara and Tsubaki Sakurai find love, despite lingering social prejudices? And can Sugihara find a peaceful resolution to his spat with his father?

“Go” is a 2001 Japanese movie that was directed by Isao Yukisada.

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