Tagawa, an American actor of Japanese descent, who is starred in a new Russian film The Priest-San. Confession of the Samurai (Иерей-сан. исповедь самурая), decided to become a true follower of Jesus Christ.
 |
| Metropolitan Hilarion and newly baptized Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa in the altar - the Holy of Holies of every Orthodox church building accessible only to Orthodox men. Photo by Anna Galperina |
 |
| Metropolitan Hilarion and newly baptized Cary-Hiroyuki now Panteleimon Photo by Anna Galperina |
The Russian connection
I have Russian history in my family. My father studied Russia while he was in US military. My uncle, who was famous singer in the 60's came to Moscow every year during those years with concerts. He also spoke and sang songs in Russian, so he is also the part of my Russian history. So I'm just continuing legacy of my ancestors in Russia.One thing that impressed me immediately was the depth and the soul of Russian people. This is what I identified first and foremost with my experience here and the Russian people. Your soul, heart and mind are very different from the Western American mind that I know and absolutely different from the Western European heart that I know. You come from an energy that I identify with completely. And it comes from my warrior Japanese heart and mind.
Not soldiers, but warriors
While I was growing in America, I used my warrior heart and mind to survive. And although it was different from my Japanese side I learned to grow my Japanese side very much while in America. But when I came to Russia, immediately I felt the connection of heart and soul to be very very similar. And the one thing I realized, especially, that we share together is the warrior heart and mind you are not soldiers, you are warriors, as we are warriors.I have experienced so much love and respect from Russian people. In a much deeper and soulful way than I have the welcome in America. In that way I feel very much one with you.
Full circle of Christianity
Later today I will accept Orthodox Church into my religious experience and my experience will be full circle of Christianity within my life. Because when we first came to America my father was military my father served in the United States military and was stationed in Hawaii. My mother's side of family was very strongly Japanese, very samurai energy and very impero-japanese-navy energy. So in my family we have two sides: US army, Japanese Navy. That gap is massive. But as as a child that was my destiny to bring that energy together in myself the best of both.I grew up in hell
And not only that, I was raised in Louisiana, Texas and North Carolina - in the worst part of America. To me what was happening in the South when I came to America in 1955 was unbelievable. So I say this very seriously, without hesitation, I grew up in hell. So when it comes to the idea of soul, heaven and God it was immediate to me, an experience in America and not just talking about (it). And the thing that save me was my mother's guidance to always be proud that I am Japanese. Also, never surrender, always be victorious. It's a lot for a six year-old.But somehow I made my way in America through not fighting and not giving up. And my option was to lead in the position... in first grade... in second grade... all my elementary years. I did not quit, I did not fight. I chose to lead the whole group. It was not easy, but there was success. And with that success it did not mean I fit in, it just meant I succeeded. So, it doesn't mean that people understood me, or people respected me, just mean that I succeeded. So anything that was lacking from that positive response, I made up for it within myself.
And anything that I did not connect in a deep way with American culture, I connect with you. I feel the respect and the love of the Russian people... for the Japanese, also our principles, the honor. When I see the Russian martial artists and fighters, I immediately understand, and they understand me.
Mother Russia
Because of that connection that I have with Mother Russia, not just Russia, Mother Russia I want to be part of you. I want to bring my love, my respect and any talents that I have, including acting and other talents. Also as a teacher. Because I am an old man, I can teach. So today with my acceptance of the Orthodox Church a new relationship with God coming full circle from Christianity in America that I want to announce that I am going to see Russian citizenship. I know it seems like Hollywood trend. Sportsmen from America. You know... I think this is something new and trendy. But it is new trend.My decision comes from a long life of struggle and pain and knowing that, no matter what, our soul and heart is most important. I understand there some difficulties in the world. There's conflict... it's not anything simple. But neither was growing up in America. So this is another challenge.
To become Orthodox Christian is also not easy at this moment. Considering we have so much religious conflict in the world today.
The Sign from God
But my life has always been filled with conflict and conflict resolution. And it is the sign from God that the opportunity appeared to become Orthodox. So, the opportunity to connect with God, on the human level to connect with part of my own people. And no mater what the challenge is, not matter what the difficulties are, I accept them as a Japanese warrior. An I tank you and appreciate your support.The meaning of the word samurai comes from the word serve.
"I am not afraid, but a little nervous. I feel I am making the right move. This decision is important to me"- Said Tagawa before entering the Joy of All Who Sorrow church in Moscow as reported by RIA Novosti: [http://ria.ru/religion/20151112/1319343315.htm]
Tagawa, an American actor of Japanese descent, who starrs in a new Russian film called The Priest-San: Confession of the Samurai (Иерей-сан. исповедь самурая) The film, soon to hit screens in Russia, tells the story of a Japanese priest, who leaves Japan due to Yakudza wars and heads for a small Russian town.
The Priest-San: Confession of the Samurai film page on VK
Speaking about Russia experience at the press conference. Forward 21 minutes
Priest-San: Confession of the Samurai Movie trailer