Alain Delon: The French Deity of Japanese Cinema

• French movie star Alain Delon, revered as a deity in Japan, passed away at Delon’s popularity in Japan began in 1963, with his charm transcending the silver screen.
• His breakthrough role in “Purple Noon” resonated with Japanese youth, making him a symbol of French elegance.
• Delon’s impact on Japanese culture is compared to the Beatles’ influence on American music, paving the way for French cinema in Japan.

The world of cinema is in mourning following the loss of French movie star Alain Delon, who passed away at the age of 88. Known for his charismatic roles and classic good looks, Delon was not just a star in his homeland but also a cultural icon in Japan, where he was revered as a deity. His popularity in the Land of the Rising Sun was such that he once remarked in an interview with Figaro Magazine in 1986, In Japan, I am a kind of a god.

Delon’s connection with Japan was not an overnight phenomenon. It was a relationship that blossomed over decades, beginning with his first visit to the country in 1963. He was there to promote his films, but his charm and persona soon transcended the silver screen, making him a regular feature on television variety shows and at society events. His appearances on Japanese television frequently broke audience records, and he regularly topped the rankings of Japan’s most popular celebrities until the mid-1970s.

The French actor’s breakthrough role in Japan was in Purple Noon (1960), where he played the handsome, homicidal anti-hero in the original screen version of Patricia Highsmith’s thriller The Talented Mr Ripley. His portrayal of an ambitious roughneck who loved money, women, and was ready for anything, as described by Sahoko Hata, a film critic who worked in the Japanese movie industry at the time, resonated with the Japanese youth. This thirst symbolised that of Japanese youth at the time, Hata told AFP.

Delon: More Than Just a Movie Star

Delon’s popularity in Japan was not just limited to his on-screen persona. Fans were enamoured by his physical presence, finding real pleasure in touching him, caressing his hand, and kissing his fingers. He was showered with gifts ranging from red roses to statuettes. His fan base spanned across generations, with fans in their 70s and 80s still madly in love with him. One such fan, Seta, 74, told AFP on Monday, Even at 88, he looked great.

Delon’s allure was not just about his good looks. He was seen as a symbol of French elegance and chic. He became the face of Japanese fashion brand D’Urban and appeared in adverts for Mazda cars. In 1978, he launched the Alain Delon brand, mainly aimed at Japan and other Asian countries, selling accessories from watches and socks to cigarettes. His popularity was such that a Japanese tour operator even offered organized trips to Europe that featured a banquet in Paris in the presence of Delon himself. Extra paid options included having the honour of presenting Delon with a bouquet or having a souvenir photo taken with him.

Delon’s Lasting Impact on Japanese Culture

Delon’s appeal to the Japanese audience was multifaceted. Yoshi Yatabe, a former programmer of the Tokyo International Film Festival, told AFP in 2022 that Delon had a dark, sad, mysterious, ambitious side, but also a bit of a loser. This dark side resonated with Japanese viewers who tend to sympathise with the weakest in kabuki theatre.

Delon’s impact on Japanese culture can be compared to the Beatles’ influence on American music in the 1960s. Just as the Beatles’ arrival in America marked the beginning of the British Invasion, Delon’s arrival in Japan marked the beginning of a French Invasion in the Japanese film industry. His popularity paved the way for other French actors and films to gain recognition in Japan.

In conclusion, Alain Delon was not just a French movie star; he was a cultural phenomenon in Japan. His death marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of his fans. His life and career serve as a testament to the power of cinema in bridging cultural gaps and bringing people together. His story is a reminder of the universal language of art and its ability to transcend borders and touch hearts across the globe.