Sheffield was great. 2 sold out screenings. Had famous doc film maker D.A. Pennebaker who made 1960s bob Dylan doc ‘Don’t Look Now’ at one screening. He said “you took a loser and made him a winner”. Naoki was humble in Q & A.  The audience loved him. One of them suggested he write a book, another said he should have his own show on NHK.

He was the link that allowed them to see inside Japan.

Many said they’d never seen anything like this before. Especially the poverty aspect. They thought all japanese were rich, they were curious to know how Japanese people at home would receive this film.Naoki had drinks bought for him all weekend.

We got back to London and he said he missed being famous, which was funny.