From Kawagoe, Saitama. Debuted in the 1973 production of Jesus Christ Superstar by the Shiki Theatrical Company. He has since starred in a variety of shows (including musicals, straight plays and monodramas), and has appeared in a wide range of films and TV dramas. Currently starring in 'A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder'. Anticipated to appear in repeat performances of 'NINAGAWA Macbeth', 'Fiddler on the Roof', as well as the film 'Dorobou Yakusha' (‘Thief Actor’; November release). Mr Ichimura serves as an envoy of Kawagoe, a town that harks back to the Edo Period, conveying to audiences both at home and abroad the enduring charm of his hometown.

Yoshiaki Kawai, Mayor of Kawagoe

Born in 1950. Graduated from the Department of Political Economy at Waseda University, and the Department of Literature at the Tokyo University of Education (now the University of Tsukuba). Qualified lawyer. In office since 2009 (currently serving third term).

His political creed is to ‘stand for justice and impartiality’. Hobbies are 'reading and walking'.

Tetsuya Bessho　President of Short Shorts Film Festival

Tetsuya Bessho made his Hollywood debut with the film "Solar Crisis" (1990) and has since performed in stage productions such as "Les Miserables”. He is the president and founder of SSFF & ASIA and has received numerous awards including the 63rd Yokohama Culture Award. He is currently a VISIT JAPAN Ambassador and designated member of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he manages the overseas promotion of “Japan.”