An interview with Sato Ryuji: "It's important that I'm able to stand firm even in the swift current"
Published Date: March 26, 2021
An interview with Sato Ryuji: "It's important to me that I have a strong core and am able to stand firm even in the swift currents"
Sato Ryuji-san, who disguises himself as Moguro Fukuzou, the titular character in '"Warau Salesman" THE STAGE'. Boasting of an overwhelming popularity with a focus on 2.5D productions, the challenge that Sato-san is taking on will be the masterpiece of black humour by Fujiko Fujio Ⓐ, a work that has gained popularity from the Showa Era [1] to the Heisei Era [2]. I asked him about his enthusiasm leading up to the actual performance, his process in crafting his role, and also, the view he currently as about his work.
Even if I don't physically resemble [the character in the original source material], I need to play the character in the way that it makes us look similar, that's an actor's duty
This production had been scheduled to be performed in 2020, but due to the impact of COVID-19, it would be approximately 1 year later that it is performed. Firstly, please tell us your impression when you received the offer.
I received the offers for 3 productions at the same time, it was a line up of productions that were quite famous. 2 of them were productions that, "Ah, seems like me [and something I would do]", but for "Warau Salesman", it was, how do I put it, unexpected? It was a production that seemed to stand out as distinctive, and so, I immediately decided that, "I want to do it".
Because it's that "Warau Salesman" being made into a stage adaptation, when the the decision for its performance was made, it became a hot topic of conversation.
At the time that it was decided that I would participate [in the play], and this time, when Moguro Fukuzou's visual was released into the world, there are arguments for and against it, but I thought, "Of course it wouldn't be similar (to the source material)". That is also something they're aiming for, [and] as an actor, even if I don't physically resemble him [the character in the original source material], I need to play the character in the way that it makes us look similar. I'm enjoying myself while working on making it so that the audience will be able to be swiftly and smoothly absorbed into it [my performance] without feeling like something is off when they watch the actual play, so I think whether we look [physically] similar or not is not an important thing.
Because Moguro Fukuzou is being played by Sato-san, who looks completely different physically, the expectations for the play are growing. What do you think of the unique world of Fujiko Fujio Ⓐ where the wishes and desires that are hidden in your heart are granted, but in return, if you break your promise, you'll pay the price?
When it was decided that I would participate in the play, I read the original work and watched the anime, and there are many parts that seem like they would not pass the compliance standards of today (LOL). But, it's a wonderful piece of work where we can feel the relaxed atmosphere of freedom of the Showa Era, and I think that's nice.
Sato-san also has a lot of fans who are from the younger generation, and it'll be very interesting to see how the youth of today will receive this black humour.
Whether we are able to skillfully convey the worldview remains to be seen (laughs bitterly). Recently, I, myself, too am starting to feel a generation gap with the young people, [and] I don't understand the trendy words that are being used nowadays. For example, don't we say "only 〇〇 wins" [3]? It has the linguistic connotation of "wow wow wooow!" Using polite words to express rough language, that is my nature (LOL).
Sato-san's choice of words is always interesting.
I quite like beating around the bush and speaking of superfluous things... [Because] It allows us to obfuscate [things for] our listeners, right? Rather than directly talking only about our conclusions in a straight-forward way, [it would be better] if we meander and talk about unnecessary things, mixing in words that they've never quite heard before, I feel like our partner would listen to us.
I want it to be a performance where I can let the audience ride on the roller coaster that is "Moguro Fukuzou"
Speaking of "Warau Salesman", the pick up line, "The void in your heart, I will fill it", appears, but how does Sato-san deal with sweet talk?
Fundamentally, I like talking, but I can't listen to difficult stories. I get bored halfway.
Are you the type that doesn't quite believe in stories that are too good to be true?
I do get people around me consulting me about their worries and concerns, but in the end, whether you take people's advice and use it, if it's not something that you've decided for yourself, I think you'll mostly regret it. If it were me, I wouldn't be satisfied if it isn't a road that I've chosen for myself. I always say, "rather than ask people, it's better that you think about it yourself". That's why, I don't fall for or get swept away by people's invitations [about plans that are too good to be true].
I think this is a production that has the potential to gnaw at people about how prone they are to self-fulfilling prophecies, what do you think of something like that?
This time, I'm thinking of how I want to do something like a performance where I can let the audience ride on the roller coaster that is "Moguro Fukuzou", so I feel like I can treasure people more by engaging with this production. Just when you think good and evil is black and white, it isn't, and there are parts that dig deep into the ambiguous feelings of human beings, so I think that different people will receive it differently.
It seems like it'll become something that will make us think deeper about things. Please tell me your thoughts on being able to bring a Showa production to the Reiwa Era [4].
I say this every time, but I think that what the actor is trying to convey isn't that important, I think that how the audience feels while watching what we do is important. It's the stance of, "I'm fine with whatever they think of it [and take away from it]".
For the purpose of becoming an existence that my family, my friends, the audience can be proud of, I make the effort to not slack off
From here on, I would like to ask about Sato-san's view on your job, but as an actor, what part of it do you think is the best part?
It's the fact that my life doesn't get stuck in a rut, I think? I get the opportunity to experience different kinds of lives, and I'm never bored. I get new information every day, I speak new words every day, I live in days that are stimulating. Also, personally, I'm grateful that I can't take a break because of things like a cold or other small things. I used to have a habit of slacking off, so I think that being placed under the circumstances of not being able to run away helps me maintain the human being that is myself.
The...habit of slacking off?
It's slightly different from slacking off, but when I first came to Tokyo, I started working part time at a yakiniku [5] shop, but the charcoal grill was hot, and I quit on my second day (LOL). Realistically speaking, if I were to run away halfway through a production, there would be financial issues, and to some extent, even if it's only a little, my face and name is out there in the world, [and if I ran away,] I would cause trouble for my parents, I wouldn't be able to face my friends, I wouldn't be able to meet with the audience, and I would ruin the reputation of the audience who support me. For the purpose of being an existence that these people can be proud of, I'm making the effort to not slack off.
The fact that there are people who acknowledge and need me is my motivation and driving force
Now then, on top of doing your job, what is the thing that is important to you?
Sticking to my opinions and having firm convictions. I've always had an unshakeable personality from the get-go, but speaking of actors and talents, it's a gathering of people with a strong sense of individual uniqueness, so I'm making the effort to have a strong core to be able to stand amongst them in the swift currents and not be swept away.
What was the trigger that prompted you to arrive at that style [of thought]?
The process of elimination. After all, our ideal self is the appearance of self where we've removed everything that we don't like, right? That's why, at the beginning, rather than "this would be nice, I want to do this", I started with "I don't want to do something like this, I don't want to say something like this".
Right now, what is Sato-san's motivation and driving force?
My cat. Because I need to feed my cat (LOL). Also, it's become so matter-of-fact to me that I don't usually say it, but it's the realisation and awareness that, even if it's only a little, I can be the audience's power. This is an extreme example, but I received comments where there were people who thought of death [and wanting to die], but in watching my acting, they said, "I thought of trying to live a little longer [after watching you]", even though I may still be lacking in my abilities, in no small way, I've become a person who has the power to change people's lives, or so I think. It's a huge thing [for me] that there are people who acknowledge and need me.
Finally, please give some advice to the younger generation who are struggling towards achieving their goals and dreams.
"The end justifies the means", so as much as possible, it's better to pretend to be strong. For example, even though you are like a kitten, I would like to say "please make a [lion's] mane [for yourself]". That's how I've made it this far by faking it and making it look like I have talent. Tricking yourself into thinking that "I'm amazing and a great human being", making the people around you think that you're an incredible person, and going on to trick the entire world. This is it.
NOTE:
[1] The "Showa Era" refers to the era that begins in the year 1926 and ends in the year 1989.
[2] The "Heisei Era" refers to the era that begins in the year 1989 and ends in the year 2019.
[3] "Only 〇〇 wins" is a loose translation of the Japanese slang "〇〇しか勝たん", which loosely means "〇〇 is the best", and is a phrase that is used to express high praise for someone or something.
[4] The "Reiwa Era" refers to the current era starting in the year 2019 until the present.
[5] "Yakiniku" is most commonly used to refer to the Japanese cuisine where bite-size pieces of meat are grilled and eaten.
[6] Sato Ryuji stars in '"Warau Salesman" THE STAGE' as the titular character Moguro Fukuzou. The stage is currently ongoing, and will run until April 11, 2021.
The opening performance of the stage is available on archive. To watch the opening performance, please refer to this link: HERE
The grand finale performance of the stage will be live streamed online. To watch the live stream of the grand finale performance, please refer to this link: HERE
The pre-performance special is also currently available for viewing. To watch the pre-performance special, please refer to this link: HERE
Goods for the performance are also available. For more information on how to purchase the goods, please refer to this link: HERE
Source: TOWNWORK Magazine
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 ♥
An interview with Sato Ryuji: "It's important to me that I have a strong core and am able to stand firm even in the swift currents"
Sato Ryuji-san, who disguises himself as Moguro Fukuzou, the titular character in '"Warau Salesman" THE STAGE'. Boasting of an overwhelming popularity with a focus on 2.5D productions, the challenge that Sato-san is taking on will be the masterpiece of black humour by Fujiko Fujio Ⓐ, a work that has gained popularity from the Showa Era [1] to the Heisei Era [2]. I asked him about his enthusiasm leading up to the actual performance, his process in crafting his role, and also, the view he currently as about his work.
Even if I don't physically resemble [the character in the original source material], I need to play the character in the way that it makes us look similar, that's an actor's duty
This production had been scheduled to be performed in 2020, but due to the impact of COVID-19, it would be approximately 1 year later that it is performed. Firstly, please tell us your impression when you received the offer.
I received the offers for 3 productions at the same time, it was a line up of productions that were quite famous. 2 of them were productions that, "Ah, seems like me [and something I would do]", but for "Warau Salesman", it was, how do I put it, unexpected? It was a production that seemed to stand out as distinctive, and so, I immediately decided that, "I want to do it".
Because it's that "Warau Salesman" being made into a stage adaptation, when the the decision for its performance was made, it became a hot topic of conversation.
At the time that it was decided that I would participate [in the play], and this time, when Moguro Fukuzou's visual was released into the world, there are arguments for and against it, but I thought, "Of course it wouldn't be similar (to the source material)". That is also something they're aiming for, [and] as an actor, even if I don't physically resemble him [the character in the original source material], I need to play the character in the way that it makes us look similar. I'm enjoying myself while working on making it so that the audience will be able to be swiftly and smoothly absorbed into it [my performance] without feeling like something is off when they watch the actual play, so I think whether we look [physically] similar or not is not an important thing.
Because Moguro Fukuzou is being played by Sato-san, who looks completely different physically, the expectations for the play are growing. What do you think of the unique world of Fujiko Fujio Ⓐ where the wishes and desires that are hidden in your heart are granted, but in return, if you break your promise, you'll pay the price?
When it was decided that I would participate in the play, I read the original work and watched the anime, and there are many parts that seem like they would not pass the compliance standards of today (LOL). But, it's a wonderful piece of work where we can feel the relaxed atmosphere of freedom of the Showa Era, and I think that's nice.
Sato-san also has a lot of fans who are from the younger generation, and it'll be very interesting to see how the youth of today will receive this black humour.
Whether we are able to skillfully convey the worldview remains to be seen (laughs bitterly). Recently, I, myself, too am starting to feel a generation gap with the young people, [and] I don't understand the trendy words that are being used nowadays. For example, don't we say "only 〇〇 wins" [3]? It has the linguistic connotation of "wow wow wooow!" Using polite words to express rough language, that is my nature (LOL).
Sato-san's choice of words is always interesting.
I quite like beating around the bush and speaking of superfluous things... [Because] It allows us to obfuscate [things for] our listeners, right? Rather than directly talking only about our conclusions in a straight-forward way, [it would be better] if we meander and talk about unnecessary things, mixing in words that they've never quite heard before, I feel like our partner would listen to us.
I want it to be a performance where I can let the audience ride on the roller coaster that is "Moguro Fukuzou"
Speaking of "Warau Salesman", the pick up line, "The void in your heart, I will fill it", appears, but how does Sato-san deal with sweet talk?
Fundamentally, I like talking, but I can't listen to difficult stories. I get bored halfway.
Are you the type that doesn't quite believe in stories that are too good to be true?
I do get people around me consulting me about their worries and concerns, but in the end, whether you take people's advice and use it, if it's not something that you've decided for yourself, I think you'll mostly regret it. If it were me, I wouldn't be satisfied if it isn't a road that I've chosen for myself. I always say, "rather than ask people, it's better that you think about it yourself". That's why, I don't fall for or get swept away by people's invitations [about plans that are too good to be true].
I think this is a production that has the potential to gnaw at people about how prone they are to self-fulfilling prophecies, what do you think of something like that?
This time, I'm thinking of how I want to do something like a performance where I can let the audience ride on the roller coaster that is "Moguro Fukuzou", so I feel like I can treasure people more by engaging with this production. Just when you think good and evil is black and white, it isn't, and there are parts that dig deep into the ambiguous feelings of human beings, so I think that different people will receive it differently.
It seems like it'll become something that will make us think deeper about things. Please tell me your thoughts on being able to bring a Showa production to the Reiwa Era [4].
I say this every time, but I think that what the actor is trying to convey isn't that important, I think that how the audience feels while watching what we do is important. It's the stance of, "I'm fine with whatever they think of it [and take away from it]".
For the purpose of becoming an existence that my family, my friends, the audience can be proud of, I make the effort to not slack off
From here on, I would like to ask about Sato-san's view on your job, but as an actor, what part of it do you think is the best part?
It's the fact that my life doesn't get stuck in a rut, I think? I get the opportunity to experience different kinds of lives, and I'm never bored. I get new information every day, I speak new words every day, I live in days that are stimulating. Also, personally, I'm grateful that I can't take a break because of things like a cold or other small things. I used to have a habit of slacking off, so I think that being placed under the circumstances of not being able to run away helps me maintain the human being that is myself.
The...habit of slacking off?
It's slightly different from slacking off, but when I first came to Tokyo, I started working part time at a yakiniku [5] shop, but the charcoal grill was hot, and I quit on my second day (LOL). Realistically speaking, if I were to run away halfway through a production, there would be financial issues, and to some extent, even if it's only a little, my face and name is out there in the world, [and if I ran away,] I would cause trouble for my parents, I wouldn't be able to face my friends, I wouldn't be able to meet with the audience, and I would ruin the reputation of the audience who support me. For the purpose of being an existence that these people can be proud of, I'm making the effort to not slack off.
The fact that there are people who acknowledge and need me is my motivation and driving force
Now then, on top of doing your job, what is the thing that is important to you?
Sticking to my opinions and having firm convictions. I've always had an unshakeable personality from the get-go, but speaking of actors and talents, it's a gathering of people with a strong sense of individual uniqueness, so I'm making the effort to have a strong core to be able to stand amongst them in the swift currents and not be swept away.
What was the trigger that prompted you to arrive at that style [of thought]?
The process of elimination. After all, our ideal self is the appearance of self where we've removed everything that we don't like, right? That's why, at the beginning, rather than "this would be nice, I want to do this", I started with "I don't want to do something like this, I don't want to say something like this".
Right now, what is Sato-san's motivation and driving force?
My cat. Because I need to feed my cat (LOL). Also, it's become so matter-of-fact to me that I don't usually say it, but it's the realisation and awareness that, even if it's only a little, I can be the audience's power. This is an extreme example, but I received comments where there were people who thought of death [and wanting to die], but in watching my acting, they said, "I thought of trying to live a little longer [after watching you]", even though I may still be lacking in my abilities, in no small way, I've become a person who has the power to change people's lives, or so I think. It's a huge thing [for me] that there are people who acknowledge and need me.
Finally, please give some advice to the younger generation who are struggling towards achieving their goals and dreams.
"The end justifies the means", so as much as possible, it's better to pretend to be strong. For example, even though you are like a kitten, I would like to say "please make a [lion's] mane [for yourself]". That's how I've made it this far by faking it and making it look like I have talent. Tricking yourself into thinking that "I'm amazing and a great human being", making the people around you think that you're an incredible person, and going on to trick the entire world. This is it.
NOTE:
[1] The "Showa Era" refers to the era that begins in the year 1926 and ends in the year 1989.
[2] The "Heisei Era" refers to the era that begins in the year 1989 and ends in the year 2019.
[3] "Only 〇〇 wins" is a loose translation of the Japanese slang "〇〇しか勝たん", which loosely means "〇〇 is the best", and is a phrase that is used to express high praise for someone or something.
[4] The "Reiwa Era" refers to the current era starting in the year 2019 until the present.
[5] "Yakiniku" is most commonly used to refer to the Japanese cuisine where bite-size pieces of meat are grilled and eaten.
[6] Sato Ryuji stars in '"Warau Salesman" THE STAGE' as the titular character Moguro Fukuzou. The stage is currently ongoing, and will run until April 11, 2021.
The opening performance of the stage is available on archive. To watch the opening performance, please refer to this link: HERE
The grand finale performance of the stage will be live streamed online. To watch the live stream of the grand finale performance, please refer to this link: HERE
The pre-performance special is also currently available for viewing. To watch the pre-performance special, please refer to this link: HERE
Goods for the performance are also available. For more information on how to purchase the goods, please refer to this link: HERE
Source: TOWNWORK Magazine
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 ♥