I'm interested. Because the system of filmmaking is so different between the two countries, I'd have to start off by learning the American way of making films. And it seems like a lot of trouble to me at this point. If someone would offer me the possibility of remaking one of my films my own way, as a Japanese film, I would be interested but I don't expect it. It would be difficult, and I doubt it's likely to happen.

I would probably have to say that the student films I made on Super-8 are my most personal. I shot and edited them myself. Once I started making commercial films and working with a large cast, D.P. and crew, I've never felt that I could call any of the films I made in this format personal.

Until now [2007], I had conditions that allowed me to make films as I wanted. But in the past five years, I have become increasingly aware that it is more and more difficult for me to release my films, or even to make them. I am a bit worried, but I am trying to remain optimistic.