“I have a passion for discovering and telling little known stories, especially those connected with Japan. I visited Manipur for the first time in 2012. I found out that Manipuri people were very compassionate towards Japanese people. Even though the war broke out 75 years ago, sadly not many people know about it. I’m eager to tell stories related to this part of our history to the world and pass it to the next generation”.

His quest to unearth unheard of stories of the Imphal Battle, Junichi Kajioka directed and produced his first film, ‘Imphal 1944’. This 18 minute long film bagged Best short film(Gold) & best original screenplay awards at 2nd Kala Samruddhi International Film Festival 2019,Mumbai on Friday. 

KRC Times caught up with the versatile Japanese artist and spoke on his experience and why Manipur beckons him again and again. An Excerpt.  

• Kindly introduce yourself.

My name is Junichi Kajioka, a Japanese writer, director, actor in TV Drama, worked in Johny English and now in upcoming TV Series “The forgotten Army” by Kabir Khan.  I started acting long time ago in Japan. I went to drama school in China and moved to UK, and presently living in London. I started directing five years ago. My first film  is called, “Imphal 1944”, and followed up with a documentary film, entitled, “The Forgotten War- Voices from Manipur”.

• What brings you to Manipur again and again? What is so special about Manipur?

It all started with the Battle of Imphal which I was not aware of it earlier. In 2012, I was called as a Japanese actor to Manipur in connection with one feature film project. This brought me in contact with the Manipuri people. I found them very friendly. I got a chance to taste Manipuri dishes.  Yes, I love “Hawaijar” or fermented soya beans and of course the soothing climate of Manipur. These are the things which attract me to Imphal. This is my fourth visit.

•  As an actor and filmmaker,how are you to sensitize about WWII and Manipur?

I believe that films can play a role in helping to promote peace and build bridges between different cultures. Firstly, I believe that this documentary film will provide a platform to strengthen the relationships between Japan, Manipur and the UK. Secondly, it would add educational value, for the younger generations. Lastly, this documentary would be pitching in international film festivals which will help in showcasing the beauty of Manipur.

I made “The Forgotten War: Voices from Manipur” for the 75^th Anniversary of the Battle of Imphal and dedicate to all who lost their lives in the war. This story would give a chance to think about the importance and the meaning of one’s life in this special milestone year. Being an actor, one has limitation in contributing but as a filmmaker one can do many things since he has an authority to control the project easily. For“Forgotten War…” I got inspired by the then social activist and philanthropist, a Japanese veteran named, Masao Hirakubo who devoted his later life in reconciliation with his former British adversaries. He was the founder of The Burma Campaign Society. But my film had a gap which could only be filled with the voices from Manipuri’s whose untold stories helped me fill that remaining part, giving essence to my film. I am very much fortunate to have met them and capture them through my lens. This again gave birth to my second documentary which I could deliver only after 5 years. Here in this, one could easily see those powerful unheard voices from the Manipuri people. All this while the world spoke about the War being fought by Japanese and British soldiers but the stories of the Manipuri peoples were truly missing. One should not forget that they also fought for their land and died. I am sure that this piece of art would give justice to those unheard stories and it would enhance the flavour more.

•  What do you feel about World War Peace memorial? Any comment on this WWII museum?

I feel at any cost one should grab this opportunity to promote peace. It’s the 75^th anniversary where one should express more and try to say a big “NO” to war but rather promote any kind of World Peace. We humans should not forget that during these years, we all are benefitting with a sound life which should be continue for long.

• Making movies on war makes people recollect their sad memories, while making this film on “Forgotten War.” What defence mechanism you have used to console them and how?

Memories play a vital role in our lives and these powerful memories if kept, treasured and documented then it could do wonders. Now most of the survivors are aged and their stories should be documented or else it would be too late. While being with them and documenting them I felt their stories had a different angle which none of us knew it earlier.

• Could you share your future plans and projects?

I would be visiting Japan to interview Japanese war survivors which would be followed by British Englishmen. With these three different angles, it would give a different perspective. Later on,I’m planning to come up with a feature film. With all these film projects the great message I want to reach out is “not to start the war again” because people forget that one should never start a war again.

• Any help or support for your movie?

I’ve put all my hard earn money into my films. I keep doing it because I strongly trust myself and my work.  Yes, I would be happy to get some good sponsors in the coming future. My motive is to convey my message to the people. I am open to any kind of collaboration to work with like-minded people. At present,a local based group from Manipur name Tantha Entertainment Private limited is supporting my work. But I am open to any kind of collaboration in future with any group to send the message through our art form.