"I can't read novels because I feel like they're an extension of my work," says Kuroshima, whose favorite books are philosophy books and essays. Among them is "Notes on the Theory of Life," which she discovered in a scene in the film, and has read it so much that the cover is worn out.
"For example, when I'm feeling irritated, I read the chapter on anger, and the book helps me sort out my feelings when I don't know what to do with them. I often open it when I'm worried about something. I recently realized that although the book covers a variety of topics, such as hope and travel, there is no chapter on love. I discovered that it was written in the chapter on jealousy and anger, and I thought it was interesting because it somehow conveyed what the author thinks about love.
But I think I've only understood about 10% or 20% of the content. Every time I read it, I feel like it's seeping into my body, and I want to know more, I want to understand more. This was the first book that made me realize how easily a book can fall apart."
He told me that this is the only book in which the corners of the pages are folded. He said that he likes essays, as well as philosophy books, because he can pick up any page he wants whenever he wants, rather than reading it in order from the beginning. The way he reads it is also unique.
"I keep books in various places around the house, such as the kitchen, bathroom, and bedside, and I open them whenever I have time. With essays, I don't have to read them all at once, so I can read whatever part I like when I feel like it. Of course, there are times when I need to concentrate on reading, but if I have five minutes or so to spare, I'd rather open a book than look at my phone."
When he had more time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he bought many books based on his interests, including travelogues that satisfied his desire to travel, which had become difficult.
"COVID-19 has made me more conscious of what I eat, and 'I Became a Hunter' made me think again about the value of life. I admire the lifestyle of not using a gun, but instead trapping animals as fellow living creatures, and using every last bit of their lives, even the skin, without waste. I was interested in this because my grandfather, who lives on Ishigaki Island, does the same trapping to protect his fields, but it also made me think about the true nature of food, not just efficiency."
Just as I pick up books to see the fundamental aspects of food that have been forgotten in modern life, I also pick up books to learn about the lives of women who have passed away.
"I happened to learn about Shinoda Toko through a poster for an exhibition, and when I went to see it, I was amazed by her work. I wanted to know more, so I bought "What I Learned at 103." After reading the book, I became a woman I admired not only for her work, but also for her life and way of thinking. Takamine Hideko is similar, isn't she? Her straightforward personality is reflected in "My Diary of the World," which chronicles her journey from child actor to great actress, and even the slightest bit of humor makes me laugh.
The line, "The most important thing is to become a trustworthy person," made me want to become that kind of person myself. The book also describes what it was like on set at the time, and even though I've never met him, it makes me feel like I've worked with him. There were many things I admired about him."
The book taught me everything about Okinawa, where I was born and raised.
When I started appearing in the NHK morning drama series "Chimudondon," which is set in Okinawa, from spring 2022, I read many books related to Okinawa. Among them, "Let's Buy an American Pie and Take It Home" became a memorable book.
"This book features Jimmy, an Okinawan restaurant famous for its apple pie, where I worked part-time as a high school student. It brought me closer to the Okinawa I grew up in, and I was able to learn more about the connection with America at the time and its impact on Okinawa. Of all the books I bought to learn about Okinawa, this was the most interesting. I think the people of Okinawa have accepted what they have, made it their own, and found interest in it. After reading this book, I thought they had the sense of fun and enjoyment to enjoy themselves even in difficult times."
I am amazed at the scope of Kuroshima's book, which seems to have spread from a variety of different sources.
"It's difficult to get a deep understanding of each subject, but once you become interested in something, you want to know everything about it. That's why books are like teachers to me. They teach me everything I don't know."
Five books that gave Kuroshima Yuina knowledge that seeped into her body
"Notes on the Philosophy of Life" by Kiyoshi Miki
This work, written by a philosopher in the early Showa period who studied under Heidegger, covers 23 topics, including death, happiness, loneliness, and individuality. It was first published in literary magazines such as Bungakukai between 1938 and 1941. Shincho Bunko, 473 yen.
"I Became a Hunter" by Shinya Senmatsu
The 33-year-old author, who became a trapper, writes about why he became a trapper, what he thinks about while facing nature, and his daily life. He conveys details of how to hunt, how to prepare game, and recipes in a realistic, life-size manner with photographs. Shincho Bunko / 990 yen.
"What I learned at age 103: Life is fun even when you're alone" by Toko Shinoda
This essay was written by the artist, known for his abstract ink paintings, who passed away at the age of 107, looking back on his life at the age of 103. It describes the world as seen from the perspective of someone over 100, including cultivating a peaceful mind and living a self-centered life. Gentosha Bunko / 550 yen.
"My Diary of the World" by Hideko Takamine
This is an essay by the author, who made her debut at the age of five and has appeared in over 300 films, including "Twenty-Four Eyes" and "Floating Clouds." It covers everything from her complicated family background to the background of her film debut and her first love with Akira Kurosawa. It also includes many stills from the films. Two volumes. Bunshun Bunko/Volume 1 902 yen, Volume 2 924 yen.
"Let's Buy American Pie and Take It Home: Okinawa, Beyond Route 58" by Toshiki Komazawa
This book depicts Okinawa under American rule from 1945 to 1972 from nine perspectives, including apple pie, concrete block architecture, and SPAM. This book is by a Tokyo-born author who has continued to cover American culture. Nikkei BP Marketing / Out of stock.
