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Dalai Lama to Give Stamp of Approval for Buddha 2 Anime on TV
posted on by Sarah Nelkin
The 14th Dalai Lama will appear on a January 18 Tokyo MX TV special for Buddha 2: Tezuka Osamu no Buddha - Owarinaki Tabi, the second film in a trilogy based on the late Osamu Tezuka's Buddha manga. After seeing the film a month before it premieres in Japan, the 78-year old exiled Tibetan leader said, “I am very thankful to have the world of the Buddha be spread by the film.” The Dalai Lama gave his stamp of approval for the project.
The television special will also feature a digest of the first film, footage from the making of the second film, and also interviews with actors Sayuri Yoshinaga, Ken'ichi Matsuyama, and Yōko Maki (who play Queen Māyādevī, Tatta, and Prince Ruri, respectively). The special will also feature a sit-down discussion with Japanese DJ and music critic Peter Barakan and the 14th Dalai Lama.
The cast for the film includes:
Toshiaki Komura is directing off a screenplay by Reiko Yoshida.
In the original 1972-1983 manga, Tezuka recounts of the life of the young prince Siddhārtha, the founder of Buddhism. Vertical released all eight volumes in North America in hardcover and paperback, and the story won Harvey Awards in 2004 and 2005. Hideaki Maniwa designed the characters in the first film, and Toei Animation produced the project in association with Tezuka Productions.
The second movie will premiere in Japanese theaters on February 8.
Source: Sports Hochi
