Veteran actor Shin'ichi Chiba’s career in Japan dates back to the 1950s. He is also highly popular overseas, where is known as Sonny Chiba and has worked with one of his biggest fans, Quentin Tarantino. Although Chiba was born in Fukuoka, he has a special connection with Okinawa and the Okinawa International Movie Festival, which he has attended several times.

That is why fans were so excited to see two of Chiba’s classic films from the 1970s, Doberman Deka and Terror of Yakuza, screen at Sakurazaka Theater on Friday April 20, and then meet the legendary actor himself. Chiba told them that he identifies with the character he plays in Terror of Yakuza, who says he only wants to protect Okinawa as it prepared to return to Japanese control in 1972. He said the gangsters in the film were basically harmless, “but the influence of power and money forced them to do bad things.” Chiba said the film makes him think about Okinawa’s history, starting as an independent dynasty that became part of Japan and then was devastated in World War II.

Chiba said the people of Okinawa persevere despite their troubled history. “That is why I always find something dramatic when I come to Okinawa,” he said. “If I go out drinking, I talk to people. Someone will tell me about their life, and I say ‘That sounds like it could be a movie! Tell me more!’”

Now 79, Chiba says his relationship with his second home will continue in the future. “I am planning three or four new films, all of which are set in Okinawa or have themes connected with here,” he said. It was an announcement that won enthusiastic applause from the audience.

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