Natsuko's Room Guest: Video Director Oone Hitoshi How do you create something that goes beyond your imagination?

I first met Shoji through a mutual friend who had previously gifted me one of his cakes, but I had never purchased one myself and had always wondered what kind of person made them, so I was delighted to meet him at the dinner party.

I'm happy to meet you again. Among your works, I like "The Land Fraudsters," which was released on Netflix in 2024. It was so interesting that I watched it twice. I was curious about how you can create a work that makes people want to watch it even if it means sacrificing sleep, so I really wanted to talk to you about it.

The motif of "Jandsushitachi" is the Sekisui House land fraud case. The incident took place in Gotanda, very close to my workshop, and I cycled there all year round, so I was interested in researching it, and while I was researching it, the original novel was published. I thought it would be interesting to turn it into entertainment, so I decided to produce it.

When I create a work, not just "The Land Fraudsters," I think I think more as a viewer than as a creator. I want to create things that I would actually want to see, and content that has never been seen before.

In terms of creating something, do movies and TV dramas and cooking have something in common?

When I was a student, I worked part-time in a restaurant kitchen, and that's when I discovered how fun it was to cook, so I started doing it myself. I think there are many similarities between "movies and dramas" and "cooking."

The directing process involves "planning, writing a script, gathering materials, shooting footage, and editing," which I think is similar to the process of cooking, which involves "thinking up a restaurant concept, thinking up a menu, purchasing vegetables, fish, and meat, and cooking."

That's certainly true. When you create a work, do you pay attention to how you express your own personality?

I wasn't really aware of it myself, but apparently what sets me apart from other directors is the timing of adding music. Many directors order music after filming, but I order it before filming.

I love music, so I wanted the music to be made by musicians and track makers that I normally listen to. I value whether it excites me when I watch it, so perhaps that's where my personality comes out.

Mr. Shoji, is there anything you pay attention to when it comes to expressing your individuality?

In my case, I think about how my work can be communicated to the outside world. I hope that more people will want to become chefs, so I think about how I can make more people want to become chefs, and I cook and share that through opportunities like this one.

Where does your desire to see more people aspiring to become chefs come from?

There are very few people who want to enter the culinary industry. When I was training, the environment was particularly tough. I managed to do my best, but many people quit.

Now that I have my own shop and am in a position where I have to employ people, I really feel the importance of the staff I work with. I don't think we can create good products unless our staff are motivated to do their best.

To me, all of my staff, who I spend a lot of time with, are like family. I believe that unless a pottery store can become one that is considerate of the backgrounds and families of each of its staff, there will be no growth in the industry.

I've been listening to your story as if it were about me. When I first entered this industry, there were many strict workplaces and seniors, and it was common to meet at 6am, leave at 2am, and meet again at 6am the next day. I think somewhere in the back of everyone's mind, they wondered, "Can we really create good work in an environment like that?"

As the work has gained more attention, I have started to think more carefully about the staff and filming environment on set.

Last year, we signed an exclusive contract with Netflix. Netflix has set rules regarding working and filming conditions, and it feels like we're able to create our work in a very clean environment.

I was surprised because I had imagined it would be a physically demanding environment. Apparently, Daikon is particular about the food on set.

I love to eat. As Shoji-san mentioned earlier, the same goes for the film crew of movies and TV dramas; they are important people to me, and I spend more time with them than my own family. During filming, mealtimes are the only time I can relax. We all eat from the same pot, and I want to create a great film.

Until last year, I had a series in BRUTUS called "#Onayami Advice Room." Do you have any "worries"? I have the feeling you would solve everything yourself (laughs).

When people hear the name "Natsuko Shoji," many of them imagine my signature rose-shaped mango tart. I'm very grateful that they request it, but I personally think, "That cake is a past creation, so I have to surpass it."

There are times when I get angry at myself for not being able to create anything better than my past works. Do you ever feel the same way, Daikon?

The first of my works to gain public recognition was "Moteki." It took about 14 years from then until "Janshi-tachi" (The Land Fraudsters), which thankfully became a big hit. During that time, I was always called "Moteki's Daikon." Then, suddenly last year, I became "Janshi-tachi's Daikon" (laughs), so I think I have no choice but to repaint my image myself.

Finally, what does "success" mean to you?

I wonder if there is something in the work that exceeds my imagination. In terms of my recent works, I would say that "Elpis" and "The Land Fraudsters" have been successful.

When it becomes a case of downsizing or self-imitation, it cannot be considered a success.

On set, I tell the actors, cameramen, lighting staff, and other staff, "If you have any opinions, please let me know." My role is to get ideas from the actors and staff, accept them, and make adjustments as a whole. I think that this style of creating a work while getting ideas from everyone leads to things that exceed my own imagination.

We've finally created the ideal environment for producing Netflix content, but we're just getting started.

Keeping the door open so that staff can easily express their opinions is what leads to success.

As a viewer, I'm even more excited to see your future works. Thank you for today.