The route from idol group member to TV and movie appearing is a well-trodden one for a number of Japanese performers as they mature and try to broaden and prolong their profession.
Few, nonetheless, can have acquired the plaudits of SixTONES member Matsumura Hokuto, who flies in to the Berlin Movie Competition for the worldwide premiere of two handed drama characteristic “All of the Lengthy Nights.”
Derived from a novel by Search engine optimization Maiko and directed by Miyake Sho, the narrative incorporates a lady (portrayed by Kamishiraishi Mone) whose pre-menstrual rigidity is so intense that it adjustments her character and disrupts her profession. She is befriended by a youthful, considerably solitary man who, in flip, suffers from panic assaults.
The movie’s narrative describes their ever nearer, however non-romantic, relationship as these two tender souls help one another by way of a disturbing and clamorous world. And the Berlin organizers’ usually dry catalog write-up referred to as the performances merely “incredible.”
Selection caught up with Matsumura on the eve of his arrival in Berlin.
May you describe the character, Yamazoe, that you simply play in ‘All of the Lengthy Nights’?
As a youthful man, every part in his life was easy and straightforward. He was fashionable, obtained good grades, a job at a dream firm that allowed him room to develop and change into profitable. He labored laborious, challenged himself, undertaking every part he thought he ever dreamed of. Then, in the course of all that, a panic assault modified every part. His complete world was turned the other way up and turned the web page on every part he’d ever identified. This new chapter not solely introduced him to new and complicated conditions, but in addition new, and complicated folks.
This contains Fujisawa, a girl with excessive PMS. Collectively, they begin to take management, writing their very own story and, by way of this, Yamazoe realizes that on this new world, he’s not alone.
It’s a narrative very a lot about humanity. My character exhibits how our lives are usually not solely modified by the alternatives we make, but in addition the folks we let into them.
How did you put together for a job coping with psychological well being?
I wished to grasp it as absolutely as I might, particularly since it isn’t a dysfunction that I (myself) undergo from. I wished to painting it truthfully and respectfully.
Social media performed a giant half in my analysis. On YouTube, there may be an unimaginable quantity of people who find themselves not solely affected by panic problems but in addition documenting their journeys, in an effort to assist others. I additionally met with paramedics and spoke with them about what they skilled when serving to folks by way of these conditions.
How did you obtain this provide? What made you interested by collaborating within the movie?
My supervisor was approached by the producers straight as apparently, they actually wished me for the movie. After I learn the remedy, I assumed it was a really attention-grabbing function and so purchased the novel the movie relies on. It is without doubt one of the most attention-grabbing books I’ve ever learn.
I particularly love how time is depicted. Like, a minute inside the world of the story is a minute inside your personal world because the reader. It’s fascinating. I believe that this story has the facility to succeed in lots of people. To assist reveal a really actual subject, however one that’s usually hushed up.
And your relationship with the director?
After I noticed director Miyake’s title, I used to be very excited. I’m an enormous fan of his 2018 movie “And your chicken can sing” (aka “Kimi no Tori wa Utaeru”) [a love triangle and a nother book to film adaptation]. I used to be nervous, but in addition very excited.
After assembly him, I used to be impressed by how heat and welcoming he was,at a private stage, but in addition how strict he was professionally. He was great to work with. I actually loved this undertaking.
Who’s you favourite Japanese director now?
The explanation why I initially fell in love with motion pictures was the work of director Iwai Shunji [“Love Letter,” “Hana and Alice,” “All About Lily Chou-Chou”]. I like the appeal of the youthful administrators like Miyake, too, however Iwai stays my favourite.
What about your profession from right here? Do you propose on focusing extra on appearing?
I’ve this type of two-pronged profession. On the one hand, I’m getting plenty of native and even worldwide consideration as an actor. Not as somebody who does music.
Whereas in Japan I’m often called an idol, which implies, not solely am I identified for appearing, however music, modeling, and a plethora of different actions.
Whereas I like appearing, I’m not able to make it my sole focus. The music I do with my group SixTONES can be crucial to me. I need to proceed down each paths for so long as I can. I like all of the actions that I’m doing now, the songs. the performs. I just like the stability of every part now and hope it continues for a very long time.
Do you’ve gotten the rest lined up proper now?
I’ve some actually nice initiatives on the horizon. Not ones I can discuss simply but, however it’s a “completely satisfied” line-up and I’m very excited.
What are you wanting ahead to about your journey to the Berlin Movie Competition?
I’m wanting ahead to it as a brand new and thrilling expertise! To share this story of small-town Japan. I hope that individuals watching it’d get a way of peace regardless of the obvious chaos of the world round us.
