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Japanese actor Tagawa says wants to become Russian citizen

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa starring in 2015 Russian movie Priest-san says he is also planning to become an Orthodox Christian

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa

© Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP

MOSCOW, November 12. /TASS/. Japanese actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa starring in 2015 Russian movie Priest-san said on Thursday he wanted to obtain Russian citizenship.

"I am planning to become a Russian citizen," Tagawa told a press conference at TASS dedicated to the film’s presentation.

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Priest-son tells the story of a Japanese orthodox priest who had to flee Japan after a conflict with Yakuza and settle in Russia.

"My experience in Russia differs from my work and interaction with people in other countries," the actor said. "When my father lived in the US, he was learning Russian. My uncle, a famous singer in the 1960s, gave concerts in Moscow every year. He sang in Russian. Therefore, my ties with Russia continue our family traditions."

He said he was impressed with the Russian soul’s depth.

"Your soul, heart and mind very much differ from Americans and Europeans," Tagawa said.

He also said he was planning to become an Orthodox Christian.

Celebrities who recently got Russian passports are French movie star Gerard Depardieu, South Korean skater Viktor Ahn, American boxer Roy Jones Jr., and others.

Hollywood star Robert de Niro said on Tuesday he was also thinking of becoming a Russian citizen.

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