 From interview with Yuya Uchida (qv) and lecture by  Nagisa Oshima (qv): Singer/actor Kenji Sawada (qv) was first  choice for captain Yonoi. After he suggested David Bowie (qv) for  Celliers, Sawada dropped out due to his touring schedule.  Tomokazu Miura (qv) was then considered for Yonoi briefly, before  Oshima saw a photograph collection and noted the similar androgyny  Ryuichi Sakamoto shared with Sawada. Shintaro Katsu (qv),  legendary chambara star already causing discord on the set of  Akira Kurosawa (qv)s Kagemusha (qv), was first choice for Sgt.  Hara. Oshima conceived Yonoi in the image of Yukio Mishima (qv).  Celliers was fashioned after Peter OToole (qv) played in  Lawrence of Arabia (qv).