EntameOVO: "When it comes to [my] work, I prefer work that is difficult." Featuring Sato Ryuji
Published Date: January 10, 2019
"When it comes to [my] work, I prefer work that is difficult."
Sato Ryuji was recently interviewed about his upcoming stage project "The Beginning of Love", which is scheduled to run from March 10, 2019 to March 31, 2019 in Tokyo and Osaka.
This looks like it will again be a production of a different style, but how did you feel when your participation [in this production] was confirmed?
It's been a while since I've been confirmed [for a production] in a situation where I don't know about the plot of the story or anything about it [the production] at all, so I am genuinely, purely looking forward to it; I was really happy.
The visuals have also been revealed.
My role this time is Minamoto no Yoshitsune. I've never acted as him (Minamoto no Yoshitsune). But, he's a character who holds a sword, so I think it might be my speciality (LOL).
It'll be your first time [acting] with the director Kawahara-san, but what's your impression [of him]?
When I read the script, I thought that, maybe, he'd be a terrifying/dangerous person (LOL), but he was an incredibly gentle and nice person [who spoke] with a soft tone of voice.
You've already been given the chance to read the script, right? Reading it, how is it?
I was blown away. The stage directions are interesting, and it really made me laugh.
About Minamoto no Yoshitsune, who Sato-san will be acting as, reading the script, how did you feel [about him]?
When talking about Minamoto no Yoshitsune, with his nimble movement, and subsequently, the way he's called a genius of war, there is the image of [him being] "the best". But, in the script this time... It's incongruous with that image. If anything, it's a character that is closer to me [and my personality].
That is, in what way?
He's very "light". There are also very frank conversations [for him in the script], and he feels like a youngster in recent times.
This time, beginning with Kawahara-san, there are also a lot of the cast members whom you're [co-starring] with for the first time, right?
For the cast this time, other than (Inoue) Sayuri-chan [1], I'm meeting everyone for the first time. I, I'm really shy, so I really can't deal with meeting people for the first time. Even during (the production that I participated when this interview was conducted) the 'Ongaku Geki "Michi" ~ La Strada', for the cast members whom I was meeting for the first time, it took me about 1 week to talk to them (wry laughter). I really need to cultivate my ability to communicate a bit more, or so I think.
Your [participation in types of] stage plays that you're doing for the first time continues huh.
Yes, that's right. I, myself, have the feeling that I would like to do it [types of stage plays that I've never done before]. After this, even if I continue with 2.5D stage plays, if I don't experience stage plays that aren't 2.5D, my [performance in] 2.5D stage plays wouldn't improve, so I would like to experience various types of acting.
I do think that Sato-san is a presence that can be said to be one of the top actors in 2.5D, but when you appear in stages other than 2.5D, how do you feel?
When I am given the opportunity to participate in stages other than 2.5D, I'm always told, "I underestimated 2.5D, but you're good". I do have the self-awareness that 2.5D is a genre that is easily underestimated, but for me, that isn't praise. After all, 2.5D is also a normal stage play [genre], I don't want people saying such words [to me]. But, undoubtedly, in straight plays, I understand that I'm a newbie/small fry, so I do also have the feeling that I'm leaving myself in people's care.
Since this production is a musical, what are your thoughts on appearing in a musical?
For me to say such a thing it might be a bit, uh, but... I'm actually not that skillful when it comes to musical-style singing. My voice is husky and it doesn't last on a long note... I think that everyone (my co-stars for this production) are really good, so as much as possible, I think it would be nice if I had very few singing parts (LOL).
Well then, if it [your singing parts] were to decrease, instead of that, which part [of yourself] would Sato-san use to appeal to the audience?
I will swing my sword around energetically! I wonder if I could make a deal using that [in exchange for singing]. Everyone's definitely going to be good (at singing), it's scary (LOL).
It's scary [for you]? Do you like doing things that you think are scary?
On top of doing my job, I like doing things that are difficult or tough. Fundamentally, I'm [the] lethargic [type], so if I don't work hard to earn a living, I'd be spoilt. 'If I don't get it done today, I really wouldn't make it', if it weren't under such circumstances, I'd just chill.
That's unexpected. Well then, what are your thoughts on how you'll be acting as Minamoto no Yoshitsune?
The completed script is so interesting that it makes even me, who is acting [in the role], laugh, so I'm thinking that I'd venture to aim for doing my best at suppressing it [my laughter].
Is it a production that has a strong sense of comedy?
Too strong (LOL). There is also the surreal [type of] laughter that'd make you laugh.
Well then, what are your goals for the year 2019?
I'm thinking of reading the Japanese language dictionary. Even during an interview like this, I think that it'd be nice if I could be better at telling more interesting stories and using more interesting words.
Even now, I do feel that Sato-san's choice of words is very unique?
It's interesting, [the way] other people [speak]. I too, when I listen to people talking, my interest wells up at the words that I don't know, and the distinctively unique way they use a turn of phrase. That's why, it makes me want to use words and phrases in a uniquely distinctive way.
Lastly, once again, [please tell us] your wish for the production.
Everyone (my co-stars) are all wonderful actors, so I will frantically, with everything that I have, study a lot, and would like to grow from my first stage play of the new year. I think that it will become a production that even I will also love very much, so to the people who always cheer me on and support me, please do come and watch it, and to the people who don't cheer me on and support me, please come and watch it too (LOL), I'd like it if everyone could look forward to it.
NOTE:
[1] Sato Ryuji co-starred with Inoue Sayuri during the 'Gakuran Kageki “Teiichi no Kuni”'.
Source: EntameOVO
Translator's Note: If you like the content of this blog, do consider buying me a coffee: HERE. I hope that you enjoyed the content provided, and thank you for your support of this blog ♥