Shunji Iwai arrives in Shanghai on November 27 to promote his new film and book. [Photo/Shanghai Observer]

Shunji Iwai, the famous director who has made spellbinding, beautiful movies such as “Love Letter,” once again left his fans breathless as he came to Shanghai on Monday, November 27.

The Japanese director came to China to promote his new film and book. The anime film, “Fireworks,” is the latest work of Shunji Iwai. To be screened on December 1, the film is adapted from his 1993 live-action TV drama of the same name. According to the director, many plots in the film represent his own experience in his youth. He said that he is more like the supporting role in the story, who is shy about love.

Shunji Iwai at a book signing event in Shanghai [Photo/Shanghai Observer]

Shunji Iwai also wants to retell the story in written letters. As a follow-up of “Fireworks,” his new book “The Kids Who Wanted to View Fireworks from Another Perspective” reveals many details not included in the film and the 1993 drama. “For me, the book is a complete version of ‘Fireworks,’” said Shunji Iwai at the book signing event in Shanghai. 

At the end of the event, Shunji Iwai told the audience his next work is in preparation and will be released next year. He also said, “There are many outstanding actors in China and I am looking forward to working with them.”