As I Leave, I'll Be as I Like: Japanese Character Actor and Soul of Hirokazu Kore-eda's Films, Kirin Kiki's 120 Life Sayings

　　"Shoplifters", "After the Storm", "Still Walking", "Tokyo Tower: Mom and Me, and Sometimes Dad"
　　Kirin Kiki, hailed as Japan's national grandmother, brought countless nuanced and subtle mother roles to life.
　　In reality, she lived her life with zest and ease.
 
　　◆From TV dramas and commercials to films, her naturally captivating personal charm captivated fans worldwide.
　　As an actress, Kirin Kiki starred in TV dramas written by Kuniko Mukōda, won the Japan Academy Film Prize for Best Actress for "Tokyo Tower: Mom and Me, and Sometimes Dad," and became a core creative force for Hirokazu Kore-eda starting with his film "Still Walking." In an era dominated by demure actresses in entertainment, she stood out for her individuality; yet, while some might call her rebellious, she also left behind a graceful and understated presence on the big screen. In Japanese TV dramas and commercials, she was a familiar and amiable neighborhood aunt, but she also consistently impressed the international film scene. Her acting, which exploded with emotion in seemingly ordinary roles, deeply moved countless film critics, media outlets, and fans worldwide.
 
　　"I find everything interesting." — Kirin Kiki
 
  Off-screen, Kirin Kiki had two marriages. She was separated from rock singer Yuya Uchida for over forty years, yet she believed that "allowing each other to live the lives they should is what a rock-and-roller ought to do." As the vision in one eye gradually declined and cancer steadily consumed her body, she still stated, "Being sick has its advantages... I gradually lost the strength to argue and became very humble." Kirin Kiki considered herself ordinary, having the same troubles as everyone else, but when faced with life's challenges such as work, marriage, society, and old age, she viewed everything with "truth" and expressed her opinions forthrightly. Through her simple and concise words, we can discover how intriguing and fascinating this world truly is.
 
　　◆120 interview highlights, transcending generational barriers and resonating with readers of all ages.
　　This book compiles the essence of Kirin Kiki's lifetime interviews, organized around universal life themes such as birth, aging, illness, and death. In the book, Kirin Kiki responds directly to questions about everyday life, such as "What is happiness?", "The path of an actor," "Views on marriage," and "Interactions with children," much like her seemingly casual yet deeply poignant lines in films.
　　"Don't try too hard, but don't be too negative either." This book is not only an exquisite record of Kirin Kiki's words but also offers inspiration or gentle companionship at every turn of life or when overcoming obstacles.
 
　　◆Featuring numerous exquisite photos, offering a glimpse into Kirin Kiki's daily life.
　　Active in various fields such as film, television, commercials, and documentaries, Kirin Kiki gave numerous interviews to TV, newspapers, and magazines during her lifetime, leaving behind many precious photographic records.
　　The full-page photo on the book's cover is from the annual image campaign of Takarajimasha, inspired by British painter Millais' masterpiece "Ophelia." It not only garnered widespread attention but also won prestigious advertising awards such as the JAGDA Award, ADC Award, and JAA Award.
　　The book also exclusively includes photos of Kirin Kiki in her younger years, wedding photos, family photos, behind-the-scenes work shots, as well as several lifestyle photos featuring her beloved car and cat, making it deeply commemorative and collectible.
 
　　On happiness, she said—
　　Happiness is not "always there"; it is something "you have to discover for yourself."
 
　　On marriage, she said—
　　It's best to get married quickly while you're still young and naive.
 
　　On work, she said—
　　When you're not expected to do much, that's when you can produce your best work.
 
　　On couples, she said—
　　I could feel that Uchida and I were looking in the same direction. We shared a rebellious impulse, a desire to destroy everything, like comrades.
 
　　On family, she said—
　　It felt like everyone was an individual first, and then together they formed this family.
 
　　On interpersonal relationships, she said—
　　I like people who have taken a hard fall.
 
　　On cancer, she said—
　　Being sick has its advantages. Even if you win an award, you won't attract jealousy; if you misspeak a little, no one will blame you; you gradually lose the strength to argue and become very humble.
 
　　On aging, she said—
　　Getting old is definitely interesting. Things that were taken for granted in youth gradually become impossible, but I don't see that as misfortune; rather, I find it amusing.