[Election and Depression] August 10th (Sun) Shimokita-Ekimae-Cinema K2 Post-Screening Talk [House Kagaya]
I am reporting on the post-screening talk for "Election and Depression" held at Shimokita-Ekimae-Cinema K2 in Shimokitazawa on August 10, 2025!
"It's Ka-ga-ya!!"
That's how House Kagaya-san made his entrance! I'm so happy!
The talk began with Kagaya-san, Hakase, and myself all beaming with smiles!
Hakase and Kagaya-san have known each other since Kagaya-san was 17, so that's over 30 years of friendship!
And he shared this comment regarding this film!
First, about the "Sancho Panza" mentioned in the comment. This is a character from the novel "Don Quixote."
He compared Hakase to a Don Quixote-like figure (someone with ideals and momentum), and likened Matamatazo-san, Harada-san, and myself to "Sancho Panza"—the realistic yet affectionate companions who stand by and support him. The humorous comparison to classical literature instantly warmed up the venue!
How the depiction of depression was handled
Regarding the director's decision not to film or use footage from the period when Hakase was suffering from depression, Kagaya-san said, "That was the right choice."
He also mentioned that Taro Yamamoto's words, "the right to rest when you want to rest," were well-reflected in the work.
It was a gentle yet sharp perspective, unique to Kagaya-san, who understands the difficulty of depicting depression from his own experience with mental illness.
For me, the priority was to cherish the relationship I had built with Hakase before the election campaign. That is precisely why I could not, and intentionally did not, point a camera at him during that time. Because Hakase is someone who can perform in front of a camera, I felt that filming him then would not have been a record of his "true depression." Instead, I chose to outline it through the testimonies and events surrounding him, leaving it for the audience to imagine. I believed that by choosing to wait, his own struggles and the moment of our reunion would become even more vivid.
And as Kagaya-san said, Taro Yamamoto's words about "the right to rest when you want to rest" became a signpost for continuing to film a movie that had lost its way.
To increase awareness
Finally, Hakase spoke about disseminating information via social media and YouTube during the election campaign. He explained how to reach the indifferent demographic, discussing the "aerial warfare" using social media and sharing his experience of trending multiple times during his own campaign. Many in the audience were nodding along!
I gave a speech alongside Hakase, saying, "The film is also like a candidate, so first we want people to know about it and increase awareness!" To that end, I asked everyone to share the photos taken today on social media, and we ended with a photo session with the audience! Kagaya-san joined in too!
House Kagaya-san, and everyone who came, thank you so much! With the unique perspective of a comedian, the insight from someone who knows the illness, and stories about the distance between comedy and politics, it was such a fun atmosphere and the time flew by!
I performed the "It's Ka-ga-ya!!" line!!!
The guests for the post-screening talk tomorrow, 8/11 (Mon) at 14:50, are Matamatazo-san and Harada Senmonka-san! The unit "The Penibans," which was very well-received at previous stage greetings, is back! Please come to Shimokita-Ekimae-Cinema K2! 🎟
Click here for the Shimokita K2 ticket reservation site
https://k2-cinema.com/event/title/573
8/18 (Mon) Suidobashi Hakase Birthday Celebration @ Koenji Pundit
A special event to celebrate Hakase's 63rd birthday!
We will release selected unreleased footage from over 100 hours of material from the film "Election and Depression" for one night only. Featuring special guests and surprises!
👉 Details & Ticket Purchase:https://note.com/nenogami/n/n072cf3f53b56?sub_rt=share_pw
8/29 (Fri) Yuru-Gakuto Cafe (Ikebukuro) "Hii-kun no Aruku Machi" Screening
Screening my debut work "Hii-kun no Aruku Machi" and the phantom short film "Ido wo, Horu." I will talk about episodes from the time of filming and stories that connect to "Election and Depression" in a relaxed setting.
👉 Reserve here:https://peatix.com/event/4509785/view
Now showing in Asagaya, Tokyo from 8/1 (Fri)!
"Elections and Depression" is now showing at Morc Asagaya from 8/1 (Fri)! Please come and see it!
Now showing in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo from 7/25 (Fri)!
"Elections and Depression" starts screening at "Shimokita-Ekimae-Cinema K2" in Tokyo from 7/25 (Fri)! Many stage greetings and talk events are scheduled from 8/9 (Sat) onwards, so please come and watch!
Now showing in Atsugi, Kanagawa from 7/25 (Fri)!
"Elections and Depression" has been showing at "Atsugi no Eigakan Kiki" in Hon-Atsugi, Kanagawa Prefecture since 7/25 (Fri)! To everyone in the neighborhood, please come and see it!
The film "Elections and Depression" continues.
"Elections and Depression" will continue to be screened! Please, take this film in.
If you watch the film, please share your thoughts on social media! Your voice saying "I watched it" connects to the person next to you! It creates the next screening! Thank you for your continued support!
▶︎ Future screening theaters 👉 Official Website
▶ For the latest information 👇
📣 "Elections and Depression" Official Social Media
📣 Taku Aoyagi Social Media