Chiba explains 'retirement'

[Tokyograph News]

Veteran actor Shinichi Chiba (also known as Sonny Chiba) held a press conference on Monday. Earlier this month, he hinted on TV that he was planning to quit acting. After the media picked up on his statements, he scheduled this press conference to explain his plans.

The actor said that he is reaching a physical limit, so he feels that he can no longer live up to the name of Shinichi Chiba. He will continue doing some acting, but under a different name.

Meanwhile, he will begin searching for the "second Shinichi Chiba." In October, he plans to open the "Thousand Leaves Hollywood" acting school in hopes of finding a successor to take on his name. Branches are expected to open in other cities, including Osaka and Fukuoka. Chiba mentioned that he is working on recruiting action star Jackie Chan as an additional coach.

Chiba has other plans as well. He is said to be currently writing a movie script, and he hopes to eventually try his hand at directing.

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