[trans] otomen- masaki okada interview
loose translation.
Masaki Okada Interview for Otomen
Q. When you found out you were casted in Otomen, what did you first think about?
A. At first, i didn't know what Otomen is, even that i'll play as a girly man (laughs). But when i read the original story, it's about a boy with the heart of a maiden. People think that it's embarrassing for anyone to have a "girly hobby" like Asuka, but it was a really fun read. Also, i have friends around me who's good at cooking, , so i didn't know it was strange especially now that i'm playing Asuka.
Q. How will you capture Asuka Masamune?
A. It's cool to be a man who has both brains and beauty. However it will be found out that he has a habitual obsession (laughs). Asuka will be paranoid about this, as usual. I've practiced tightening and loosening the bishi expressions. (tn: controlling the expressions of a bishounen). I've practiced it a lot.
Q. You've performed it in your mind?
A. It's really hard to look like a real man in terms of shape. Sometimes, i said that i'm not a man (laughs) (tn: WHAT? xD). So we researched on how to look like a man. Now i'm training in kendo to keep a good posture, a posture that will definitely look like a man with an attitude although it gets weary sometimes.
Q. He does Kendo so he's in pretty good shape, it is really a challenge.
A. I've been training for it a few times before the shooting, i enjoyed it a lot. My perception of the techniques are gradually improving and i practice even at home. It is very hot though with the padded undershirt and the uniform but like kendo, the feeling is very refreshing.
Q. Asuka is also good at cooking and sewing, have you done this for training.
A. I'm not at all good, i'm so clumsy in sewing and cooking. There was one scene in the story where we're knitting, we have practiced before the shooting. The staff had given us the yarn earlier and i was busily knitting while watching TV at home. I got used to it and i've even become speedy at it that i didn't notice i was having fun at it already (laughs). I offered to help mom to make dinner plans for training on cooking, and i tried to cut the vegetables. It was particularly difficult to cut the vegetables in the right shape (laughs).
Q. What do you think of girls like Miyakozuka (Kaho) who are bad at housework?
It's difficult not to be bad at it. I thought it is kind of cute but at the same time it is frustrating. Asuka is not exactly requited, so i'll work hard (laughs).
Q. This is your second time together with Kaho?
Ever since our film together debuted at that time, i feel a little nervous and nostalgic. I'll work hard although i can't say i haven't changed from that time (laughs)
Q. Being in 2nd year section A, there are a lot of artists as your classmates.
It's really fun. One time when we were in a rehearsal before shooting that i could not attend, the producer said "everyone's tension is high. i will be very busy like that too". We were worried but the producers have us advice to "have to get used to it". So i really want to get used to it (laughs). Since i'm playing Asuka, i really want to get along with everyone, and while watching our performance, the director was in a good mood and i hope you'll enjoy the harmony between everyone.
Q. Finally, a thank you message to the audience.
I hope it'll work out, we'll portray the image of the original, as much as possible. This drama is very fun and unique. I'll make most of my "manlihood" and i'll do a good job. Maybe i'm a little late and i'm really like a man, but i really want to be an Otomen so please take a good look and change your mind (laughs) (tn: about him being manly xD). To everyone who's supporting, thank you very much.
Masaki Okada Interview for Otomen
Q. When you found out you were casted in Otomen, what did you first think about?
A. At first, i didn't know what Otomen is, even that i'll play as a girly man (laughs). But when i read the original story, it's about a boy with the heart of a maiden. People think that it's embarrassing for anyone to have a "girly hobby" like Asuka, but it was a really fun read. Also, i have friends around me who's good at cooking, , so i didn't know it was strange especially now that i'm playing Asuka.
Q. How will you capture Asuka Masamune?
A. It's cool to be a man who has both brains and beauty. However it will be found out that he has a habitual obsession (laughs). Asuka will be paranoid about this, as usual. I've practiced tightening and loosening the bishi expressions. (tn: controlling the expressions of a bishounen). I've practiced it a lot.
Q. You've performed it in your mind?
A. It's really hard to look like a real man in terms of shape. Sometimes, i said that i'm not a man (laughs) (tn: WHAT? xD). So we researched on how to look like a man. Now i'm training in kendo to keep a good posture, a posture that will definitely look like a man with an attitude although it gets weary sometimes.
Q. He does Kendo so he's in pretty good shape, it is really a challenge.
A. I've been training for it a few times before the shooting, i enjoyed it a lot. My perception of the techniques are gradually improving and i practice even at home. It is very hot though with the padded undershirt and the uniform but like kendo, the feeling is very refreshing.
Q. Asuka is also good at cooking and sewing, have you done this for training.
A. I'm not at all good, i'm so clumsy in sewing and cooking. There was one scene in the story where we're knitting, we have practiced before the shooting. The staff had given us the yarn earlier and i was busily knitting while watching TV at home. I got used to it and i've even become speedy at it that i didn't notice i was having fun at it already (laughs). I offered to help mom to make dinner plans for training on cooking, and i tried to cut the vegetables. It was particularly difficult to cut the vegetables in the right shape (laughs).
Q. What do you think of girls like Miyakozuka (Kaho) who are bad at housework?
It's difficult not to be bad at it. I thought it is kind of cute but at the same time it is frustrating. Asuka is not exactly requited, so i'll work hard (laughs).
Q. This is your second time together with Kaho?
Ever since our film together debuted at that time, i feel a little nervous and nostalgic. I'll work hard although i can't say i haven't changed from that time (laughs)
Q. Being in 2nd year section A, there are a lot of artists as your classmates.
It's really fun. One time when we were in a rehearsal before shooting that i could not attend, the producer said "everyone's tension is high. i will be very busy like that too". We were worried but the producers have us advice to "have to get used to it". So i really want to get used to it (laughs). Since i'm playing Asuka, i really want to get along with everyone, and while watching our performance, the director was in a good mood and i hope you'll enjoy the harmony between everyone.
Q. Finally, a thank you message to the audience.
I hope it'll work out, we'll portray the image of the original, as much as possible. This drama is very fun and unique. I'll make most of my "manlihood" and i'll do a good job. Maybe i'm a little late and i'm really like a man, but i really want to be an Otomen so please take a good look and change your mind (laughs) (tn: about him being manly xD). To everyone who's supporting, thank you very much.