Director Yoji Yamada discusses AI at ‘Otoko wa Tsurai yo’ fan festival

Director Yoji Yamada, comedian Gekidan Hitori, and actor Masayasu Kitayama attended the third annual ‘Otoko wa Tsurai yo’ fan festival in Tokyo. The event, held at MOVIX Kameari, commemorates the anniversary of the first film's release in 1969.

During a Q&A session, Yamada addressed the modern era by humorously suggesting that if the series' protagonist, Tora-san, were selling goods today, he might sell a fraudulent book on ‘how to use AI.’ Beyond the humor, Yamada expressed personal anxieties regarding rapid technological advancement, questioning whether current AI developments are truly making humanity happier and noting the sense of uncertainty surrounding the technology.

Yamada also reflected on the enduring legacy of the film series, expressing gratitude for the multi-generational fanbase that continues to support the franchise decades after its inception.