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, the largest film festival in Asia.)
On Oct. 17, a witch swooped down upon the 26th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF), the largest film festival in Asia. Maho Hashimoto, who is active as a model and artist, walked down the green carpet fully dressed as the charming witch Bayonetta. This was due to the new animated film BAYONETTA Bloody Fate being screened at the festival as a special invitation work. Being accompanied by director Fuminori Kizaki dressed in a tuxedo, Hashimoto appeared on the green carpet as the main character of the film, Bayonetta.
The green carpet at TIFF was full of movie stars from within Japan and abroad, and the atmosphere was completely changed the moment Bayonetta stepped out. With her skin-tight black suit, glasses, and red guns in-hand, Hashimoto stood out and fully embodied the glossy, long black-haired character from the anime. It was as if she had jumped out from the anime itself. She was bathed in attention as not just media and fans surrounding the green carpet, but also film staff took pictures of her. She caused such a stir on the roughly 100-meter-long green carpet that it was as if she was a heroine.
BAYONETTA Bloody Fate is a new anime based on the original game Bayonetta that was directed by Hideki Kamiya and released in 2009. Bayonetta is a witch who possesses abilities that surpass that of ordinary humans. The game has high popularity due to its beautiful graphics and unexpected world in which Bayonetta hunts angels using magnificent martial arts and guns in both hands and attached to both feet. GONZO, a company that has created many masterpieces in the past, is in charge of the anime’s production, and Fuminori Kizaki, who has many fans worldwide due to the Afro Samurai series, is directing. The film will be released for a limited two-week theatrical run in Japan on Nov. 23.
Comment from director Fuminori Kizaki:
>I was surprised by the many cameras from the moment I stepped onto the green carpet. I have experienced stage greetings before, but it was my first time on such a large-scale stage with so many people and being asked to sign autographs. The moment I saw Bayonetta, who walked next to me, I thought, “This is Bayonetta!” She had remarkable proportions and she looked like the real Bayonetta. I was able to face the green carpet at ease. I think there were also those on the green carpet who knew of BAYONETTA Bloody Fate, so I hope this is the catalyst for many people seeing it.”
Comment from Maho Hashimoto (Bayonetta):
>When I heard I would be walking the green carpet, I was nervous and excited at the same time, but director Kizaki who walked with me said, “It’s okay if you take your time!” When I appeared, so many attendees were taking pictures of me, and as I began to walk, my nervousness melted away. There are many Bayonetta fans all over the world, and I researched her posing day after day so as not to betray their expectations. I have a mole near my mouth at the same spot that Bayonetta does. I want many people to know about BAYONETTA Bloody Fate, and I think that I carry a part of that responsibility.
Source: animeanime
