Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on May 2013

For many movie stars, Tokyo is an obligatory stop on international promotional tours. But for Tom Cruise, Japan has become something of a home away from home. At a recent press conference to unveil his latest sci-fi epic Oblivion, a Japanese reporter pointed out that the 50-year-old actor/producer was on his 19th visit to the country. “For me, it is a dream to be here every time. I think everybody knows how I feel about the people and the culture,” Cruise reflected. “I can’t believe it has been 19 times, and I hope to come 19 more times.”

Cruise’s packed schedule, though, means he is often on the ground in Tokyo for less than 48 hours. His costar Olga Kurylenko is giving herself a bit more time. The Ukrainian actress previously made a short stop in the country in 2008 to promote her role as a Bond Girl in Quantum of Solace. “This time, I’m taking 10 days to travel all around Japan,” she said. Will Cruise ever come back for a longer stay? “It’s a beautiful country,” he said, recalling his shoot outside Kyoto in 2003 for The Last Samurai and adding that he would love to make another film in Japan. “Where we shoot would depend on the story and the architecture needed to tell it.”

Oblivion will open in Japan May 31