‘House of Ninjas’: A Glimpse Into the Shadows with Kento Kaku & Dave Boyle – Up Your Geek: Spotlight Interview

In the latest episode of Up Your Geek: Spotlight, host Lou Lamar Booker delves deep into the making of Netflix’s newest series, House of Ninjas, a Netflix series that revives the enigmatic world of ninjutsu within the fabric of modern-day Japan. This captivating series, which blends action, family drama, and the secrets that bind us, is the brainchild of Kento Kaku, the creative mind, co-executive producer, and star, alongside Dave Boyle, the adept writer-director steering this cross-cultural narrative.

Synopsis

House of Ninjas explores the intriguing premise of ninjas not only surviving but thriving in contemporary society. It follows the Tawara family, the last of the ninja clans, who have turned their backs on their heritage following a mission that didn’t go as planned. However, when an unforeseen crisis emerges, the family is compelled to reunite and embrace their ancestral ways once more.

House of Ninjas brings together an exceptional cast including Kento Kaku, Yosuke Eguchi, Tae Kimura, and others, under the creative guidance of Director Dave Boyle and based on a story developed by Kento Kaku, Yoshiaki Murao, and Takafumi Imai. This series is not just a tale of espionage and family drama but a reflection on tradition, modernity, and the secrets that bind us.

Interview Highlights with Kento Kaku and Dave Boyle

Lou Lamar Booker’s insightful conversation with Kento Kaku and Dave Boyle shed light on the inspiration, challenges, and creative processes behind House of Ninjas.

Kento Kaku, the force behind the series, shared the spark that led to its creation. Kaku revealed the inception of House of Ninjas during the global stillness brought about by the coronavirus lockdown. Inspired by a ninja show he attended with his children, Kaku recognized a diminishing interest in ninja culture within Japan, contrary to the fascination it sparked among international audiences. This realization motivated him to showcase ninja culture to the world through this series. Dave Boyle added how the series aims to refresh the ninja genre with a modern twist, emphasizing the unique opportunity Kaku has seized in developing this project akin to a pioneering effort in Japan’s entertainment landscape.

Boyle, drawing from his own experiences, found a unique angle to approach the story, comparing the disciplined lifestyle of ninjas to his Mormon upbringing. This personal connection allowed for a deeper exploration of the characters, especially in depicting the diverse perspectives within the Tawara family.

Character and Action Development

Kaku, portraying Haru, the kind-hearted second son of the Tawara clan, discussed his natural connection to the character and the intensive preparation for the action-heavy role. Training commenced six months prior to filming, focusing on realistic and lethal action sequences rather than flashy stunts, a vision brought to life with the guidance of action director Tabuchi San.

Boyle praised Kaku’s dedication to performing his own stunts, highlighting the authenticity and depth it brought to the series. The collaborative effort ensured that each family member had their moment to shine, reinforcing the idea that the family unit is the central character of the show.

Cultural Integration and Production Challenges

Boyle discussed the challenges of directing a predominantly Japanese production without an interpreter, emphasizing the importance of immersing himself in the culture and language to maintain the authenticity of the show. This approach facilitated a stronger bond with the cast and crew, enriching the collaborative process.

Navigating a Non-English Production

Boyle shared his experiences directing a predominantly Japanese production without an interpreter. Emphasizing the importance of immersing himself in the culture and language, he recounted the initial challenges and the eventual bond formed with the cast and crew through this immersive approach. The decision to forgo an interpreter not only streamlined communication but also deepened his connection with the project and its cultural roots.

Looking Ahead

When asked about future aspirations, Kaku expressed a keen interest in continuing his journey in production, inspired by the creative process and collaboration with Boyle. The experience of developing House of Ninjas has opened new avenues for storytelling, hinting at potential future projects that could emerge from this successful partnership

Conclusion

As the interview concluded, Booker praised the series for its innovative storytelling, dynamic action sequences, and the seamless integration of music that sets the tone for this modern ninja saga. House of Ninjas stands as a testament to the power of creative vision, cross-cultural collaboration, and the timeless appeal of the ninja lore, reimagined for today’s audience.

House of Ninjas is set to premiere on Netflix on February 15th, promising viewers a unique journey into the lives of a family bound by tradition, yet propelled into action by the demands of the present.

To those who have followed this journey on Up Your Geek: Spotlight, thank you for tuning in. Don’t forget to check out House of Ninjas on Netflix, and keep the conversation going by subscribing, liking, and commenting on our social media platforms.

Check out the full interview below: