Myojo 2012 October Tanaka Koki's 10,000 Character Interview
Myojo 2012 October Tanaka Koki's 10,000 Character Interview
Translated by erobaba Scanned by tanaka_kyoudai
Tanaka Koki’s Long 10,000 Character Interview - “A BARE PERIOD~ WHEN I WAS A JR.”
“If you haven’t made the people who are important to you cry then try doing what you want to do.”
(In a group where everyone’s shining personalities clashed, there’s a man that strangely stands out unlike an idol would. That impression is old now. Now, more than anyone he is like an idol because he’s doing it his own way, a way that only he can accomplish.)
During my elementary school years I was bullied. They said, “You look like a girl."
-What was it like, when you were little?
When my parents weren’t looking I was the type of kid who would quickly run off somewhere. My mother often searched for me saying, “Kou-chan! Kou-chan!” My mom and I were famous for it in our neighborhood. In the end, however, I would be quickly found in a park that was a part of a major road that I was told not to get close to.
-You were an uncontrollable child.
I slid down the glass on the front of car like a slide, I made the girl I liked cry because I tripped her and she fell and I did stuff like suddenly running home from kindergarten after saying that I was thirsty. I was so naughty that I was on an inexcusable level.
-Somehow, that fits your image.
Maybe that’s true. The days of me hating to lose started from that time. I played soccer but, during a match, if it looked like we were going to lose I made sand dunes and stuff. I didn’t lose, it was because I wanted to think that we lost on purpose. Although my position was just the goal keeper. In elementary school on my report card they always wrote, “He’s the class’ mood maker because he’s cheerful.” Well, I think that’s a positive way of looking at it *smile*.
-So from that time you were an enthusiastic guy.
However, I don’t remember how many years ago it was but I was bullied. Because of that reason in my 5th year of elementary school I transferred once. In the beginning, I was bullied because they said that my hair style “looks like a girl.” During that time they would leave thumbtacks on my chair and my indoor school shoes would disappear and stuff. I couldn’t tell my teachers or my parents anything. At first when I transferred I became a little more popular. But, soon after I started getting bullied again. Now that I think back, I wasn’t good at being in groups. Therefore, I think it happened because people were like, “Why don’t you join a group?”
-How did the bullying stop?
I think it happened when I entered middle school. It’s because I couldn’t put up with it anymore. I simply got angry and hit them, giving to them what they had coming. After that, the bulling stopped.
-Do you have a piece of advice; say if some of our readers among us are in trouble?
I’m not going to say that you should not run away and rise up and face it. I think that it’s okay to run away because I actually ranaway by transferring once. I don’t think that running away is uncool. Once again although I got back at them, I think it depends on your personality. There must be kids who are troubled because they can’t do that. I think the important thing is, that you are the happiest you that you can be. In that case I definitely think that there will be one person who will arise from somewhere to help you. Then, I would want you to let that person in and not refuse them. Because I don’t think it’s necessary for you to put up with it. It might sound harsh but I think that putting up with something like that is the number one dumbest thing to do. Because you only live your life once.
There was a snow white dog named “Hachi” that my granny raised.
-Who supported you to join JE during your 1st year of middle school?
My cousin encouraged me, like a mother saying, “How about we go together?” I didn’t know that I had a supporter.
-Did you have an interest in the entertainment world?
I hardly ever watched TV. Even if I did watch it I only watched anime or ‘Kamen Rider’. Despite that, because my mom showed me, “8 o’clock J” when I was a kid, I think, “She was plotting something.”
*Translator’s Note: ‘Kamen Rider’ or ‘Masked Rider’ is a sci-fi superhero manga and live action series that is aimed toward children. ‘8 o’clock J’ or ‘Hachiji da J” was a variety show that aired on Asahi TV that featured Johnny’s Jrs.
-So that’s how it was.
When I was in my 6th year of elementary school, I think that’s when KinKi Kids debuted. Everyone around me was excited saying KinKi this, Kinki that. I thought, “who’s that?” So in order to solve my question I went and bought their CD. I didn’t know that KinKi were Johnny’s.
-When did you find out that you were being encouraged to join JE?
Unfortunately I didn’t know until the end. Without understanding why my mom said, “You’re going to Tokyo for a little bit” I got into the car that my father drove. Because my dad got lost on the road, halfway through he asked, “Excuse me, where is the Asahi TV station?” By the time I thought, “There’s no way!” we arrived at the location for the audition.
-So you didn’t want to do it.
But, I’m the type of person that will just enjoy it because I’m doing it anyway. During the interview, the company’s president was talking while looking at the applications and even though everyone had their perfectly chosen pictures hanging up, I had to go with this picture of me standing up in the bath while reading Shonen Jump. Then the president asked me, “This is YOU?” And when I answered, “I’m sorry it’s because it was so unexpected.” He told me, “On the contrary this is good!” *smile*. The dance audition also was also fun because it was the first time that I danced myself. It seems that the sight of me laughing was a really good thing.
*Translator’s Note: ‘Shonen Jump’ is a serialized manga magazine of the action genre that is marketed toward young boys. Hence, ‘Shonen’ or ‘young boys.’
-When did you find out that you passed the audition?
Although I had said that I wanted to be a mangaka (a person who makes mangas), a policeman, and I wanted to be a whole bunch of other things but ever since before that what I wanted to become was a veterinary surgeon. Also I think I wrote that I wanted to become a veterinary surgeon on my graduating elementary school album.
-Why did you want to be a veterinary surgeon?
My granny raised a dog in her house. He was a snow white dog named, “Hachi.” When I was being bullied my only friend was Hachi. We always played together. Other than me if other people would come Hachi always would bare his teeth to them. However I don’t know why but we hit it off right from the start. But, I guess it was around my fourth year of elementary school. He died because he got hit by a motorcycle. After seeing his dead body, although it’s totally a kid’s why of thinking, I thought, “I could have saved him if I was a veterinary surgeon.” Therefore it’s fairly simple. So I thought if I was a veterinary surgeon I could save my friend. Right now I’m raising a lot of animals but it doesn’t feel like they’re my pets. It feels like they’re my friends or my children.
-Aren’t you taking in mistreated dogs as well?
With the help of an acquaintance, I heard about mistreated dogs. So I claimed, “Then, bring them to me, because I will make them happy!” At first in the middle of the night, the dog would try to make its body smaller then it would be trembling and shaking, and it would cry in a weird voice. That’s because it probably resurrected a memory of being hit. He bit my hand. That’s why everyday, everyday, I picked him up for 30 minutes. With our heads stuck together I told him, “It’s okay, because no one is going to bully you anymore.” Every day we slept together, after living together for about 3 months, he was spoiled, and started showing me his stomach. At that time, I was super happy. After that I started taking in all kinds of animals.
Even now I still remember the sight of the stadium seats of our first live show.
-How were your activities as a Johnny’s Jr.?
I guess it was before my first lesson. Although I received a phone call asking, “From now on we’re shooting for “8 o’clock J” so can you make it?” I didn’t have a cell phone and there wasn’t anyone home at my house, so when I came home and heard the message on the answering machine, it was too late for me to answer it. I cried! Because I thought, “I lost my only chance.”
-So you sensed that you had “lost your only chance.”
I did. That’s how I’ve been since before, I’m simple so I think that I can do anything that I put my mind to. That’s why it was a very bitter experience.
-At that time did you have a rival?
It was super strict. Because I didn’t have time to take a break, I would fake that my shoelace became untied so I could rest a bit. Besides, before it was normal to be in 4 or 6 performances. So one summer when the backup Jrs. got into 4 groups, we had to remember an insane amount of choreography that I can’t even imagine doing now. We exercised all the way.
-Early on you started appearing in dramas and movies, your activities were satisfactory.
However I didn’t feel that way myself. Now that I think about it, I think I had taken an elite highway (path). Although it’s weird to say that myself *smile*. But I felt strongly that they were letting me do that.
-KAT-TUN was formed during your 4th year after becoming a Johnny’s Jr. in 2001. At first it seemed that you didn’t want to be a part of it right?
I really didn’t want to! I was going through a super rebellious stage. It wasn’t just KAT-TUN, I didn’t like anything. School, my parents, my friends, the road that I always walked on, and the train as well, I hated everything. Everything that I saw made me angry.
-I heard a story that you only cut out the letter ‘T’ from “KAT-TUN” that was hanging in a dressing room.
I did do that. It’s because I really hated it. Since I didn’t really feel like doing it, a person from the company told me about the situation and shared with me that, “Originally, it wasn’t supposed to be you but at the very end you were added in.” I think that I should’ve tried my best because I ended up making the group but I thought, “Then, just put the other guy in.”
-Did you think that you could continue?
I guess it was about 1 month after KAT-TUN was formed. I thought about quitting so I called the company. I said, “I didn’t come here to do this kind of thing.” Although it’s not like I came here wanting to do something. But the president stopped me from leaving. Despite that I still decided that I wanted to quit the company, the entertainment world, and school. So no matter what I was told I wouldn’t listen.
-How did talking it over go?
I think we talked for about 2 hours. I didn’t have a positive decision at all but since the president was persistence I crumbled and said, “I got it, then I won’t quit.”
-So you continued to carry discontentment?
Yes. But it wasn’t just me, because all of us members were unable to reason it out, I think that each and every one of us had our own feelings about it.
-But the group didn’t disband halfway through, why is that?
We fought quite a bit but maybe it was a good thing for a change. More than anything, it was huge that they let us be a contestant during live performances. I have so many experiences of doing live performance as backup. But, even though it was the same location and stage, I got to see the stadium seats in a different light after thinking about the people who were coming not just to see anyone but us. It was super beautiful. Even now I still remember. When I was singing the ballad song, in the pitch black stadium seats a bunch of the pen lights were sparkling. So when I thought, “these are the people who are supporting us one-by-one.” I came super close to crying.
KOKI TANAKA BIOGRAPHY
1985 -Nov. 5
-Tanaka Koki was born.
1998 -June
-Passed the Johnny’s Jr. audition
-July
Johnny’s Summer Concert
-Oct.
Variety “Ai LOVE B.I.G.”
1999 -May
Fresh Spring Concert
-Oct.
Johnny’s Jr. Special Express <10.9> Windup <10.9> Concert
2000 -April
Johnny’s Jr. SPRING CONCERT 2000
Drama “Tenshi ga Kieta Machi~ The beloved time with my autistic older brother
-July
Special Drama “Eiji”
-Aug.
Musical “big~ Dreams will come true. ~”
-Sep.
Johnny’s Jr. 3 Big Dome Concerts
-Oct.
The movie “Colorful” released, with a supporting role.
-Nov.
Musical, “MILLENNIUM SHOCK”
2001 - Apr.
KAT-TUN is Formed
-July
Variety show, “My J” Drama “Neverland”
-Dec.
Theater “Kurumi Wari Ningyo”
2002 - March
Acted in Thai “Pataya Music Festival”
-June
Musical “SHOW Geki. SHOCK”
-Aug.
“KAT-TUN Okyakusama wa Kamisama Concert
Responding to 55,000 people’s love request!!”
2003 -Jan.
Musical “SHOCK~ is Real Shock~”
-Aug.
Concert “KAT-TUN 2003
Ko Nenmo Ah Tai hen Thank U Natsu”
Concert “Odaiba Bouken Ou” KAT-TUN’s Big Adventure
De SHOW @ Hotel Grand Pacific Meridian
2004 -Jan.
MAGICAL MUSICAL “Dream Boy
-Aug.
“Johnnys Theater “SUMMARY”
Of Johnnys World
-Dec.
Concert “KAT-TUN Live Kaizokuban”
2005 -March
Concert “Looking KAT-TUN 2005”
-April
Variety “Minna no TV”
Theater “Hey!Say! Dream Boy
-Sep.
Special Drama
“Kindaichi Shonen No Jikenbo Kyuketsu Oni Densetsu Satsujin Jiken”
-Oct.
Variety “Kashou HOT Hit 10”
2006 -Jan.
Theater “KAT-TUN vs Kanjani 8
Musical DREAM BOYS”
-March
“KAT-TUN SPECIAL TOKYODOME
CONCERT Debut ‘Real Face’”
Debut Single Release “Real Face”
-April
Radio “KAT-TUN Style”
Special Drama “Takusan no Ai wo Arigatou”
Variety “Utawara”
-July
Drama “My ☆ Boss My ☆Hero”
-Aug.
“24 hrs. TV 29 ‘Love Will Save The World’”
KAT-TUN as The Main Personality
-Oct.
Variety “YOU Tachi!”
Drama “Tata Hitotsu no Koi”
2007 -Jan.
Special Drama “Byakotai”
-April
Concert “TOUR 2007 cartoon KAT-TUN II You”
Variety “Cartoon KAT-TUN”
Drama “Tokyuu Tanaka 3 Go”
-Sep.
Theater “DREAM BOYS”
2008 -June
Concert “KAT-TUN LIVE TOUR 2008
QUEEN OF PIRATES”
2009 -April
Drama “Hisatsu Shigotojin 2009”
-May
Concert “KAT-TUN Break the Records
Tokyo Dome 10 days. Kyo Sera Dome Osaka 3days”
-July
Concert
“KAT-TUN SUMMER 09’ Break the Records”
2010 -May
Concert “KAT-TUN LIVE TOUR 2010
PART 1: ARENA TOUR”
-July
Concert “KAT-TUN LIVE TOUR 2010
PART 2: WORLD BIG TOUR
2012 -May
Variety “Bakusho! Big Japan Akan Keisatsu”
-Sep.
Theater “DREAM BOYS”
-Oct.
Variety “KAT-TUN no Zettai Manetakunaru TV
2012 - Feb.
Concert “KAT-TUN LIVE TOUR 2012 CHAIN”
-April
Radio “KAT-TUN no Gatsun”
-You were saved by that scene. What did you think about your debut?
When we started doing concerts I thought, “Maybe we can debut.” But only time would tell, then I was thinking, “Is it this year?” “Is it this year?” Since much time passed and we weren’t able to debut I became impatient. I also thought, “This is enough, we won’t debut.”
-During that time, NEWS and Kanjani8 debuted didn’t they?
I was kind of bitter when NEWS debuted. But I my friends were also in that group. I was also in the same high school as YamaP (Yamashita Tomohisa). In Kanjani 8’s case, I was also friends with Shibuyan (Shibutani Subaru), and Yasuda (Shota). So I thought, “Ah, good for you!” However, when Kanjani 8 released their nationwide debut single, it was hard to give a comment as KAT-TUN. We said, “Congrats on debuting nationwide.” Strictly speaking, that was our CD debut.
Grandpa are you watching? I’ve become this big!
-During your Jr. period, you went bouzu (bald) right? What was with that?
That was a half a year before we debuted. I had been thinking for a long time that, “A man is bald.” I took my really long hair and made it short, in order not to get found out I cut it short 1 millimeter at a time *smile*. Lastly I used a pair of hair clippers and went to trim it and then since Shibuyan said, “Let me do it.” I let him do it.
-Since he did as he pleased and made you bald didn’t you think, “Will this be okay?”
I thought, “It’s not a person’s head, it’s my head right? It’s a freedom to be able to choose.” Of course the company got angry and said, “What the heck are you doing? That is not good at all!” But I guess it was about one year later. Due to my bald head we also became more well known so I was told, “ YOU, as I thought are best bald!” Inwardly I thought, “I won!”
-When the title of the debut song was being decided, didn’t you have trouble with the president?
Yes. I was told, “Let’s go with, ‘A period of youthfulness that is tired from trying to be an adult.’” I told them, “Hell no!” I thought that we shouldn’t be “tired” if it’s our debut song.
-You wanted to refuse the debut song after all?
That has the biggest existence. During the time when we knew there was a chance for us to debut that person became sick. It was cancer. I went to visit a lot during the last month. During the last week I was in the hospital room every day. But he went before getting to see me debut. Since the funeral was the same day as the live debut, the morning of the funeral, before going to the live debut, I touched the face of my grandpa that was in the casket, although that’s really not a good thing to do. I told him, “Watch me because I will reach the top!” When it was time to get the crowd stirred up one at a time, although it was something that I shouldn’t have said to the guests because it didn’t concern them but I said, “Grandpa are you watching? I’ve become this big!”
-I see that kind of thing happened.
It’s too bad; I wanted to show him the sight of me debuting. However I was able to show him the PV of “REAL FACE.”Although half of his conscience was gone, he reacted. My grandpa was really cool and manly. When he died he was in a loin cloth! Grandpa was so stylish!
My job is being an idol. “Don’t look down on idols!”
-Even after debuting and till today a lot has happened hasn’t it?
What should I say. To me, now KAT-TUN is limitless. I’ve been thinking that we need each person. Since we were such a disorderly group, we were aware that, “We need to do something,” on this journey that this disorderliness happened.
*Sorry no picture because the post was too big*
-Did you have a lot of worries?
Yes I was lost because there were things that I wanted to do, things that as a group that we had to do because we felt that we had to do something, I was worried and confused because of the gap in-between those things as well, and ultimately I did have a period of time when I was at a loss. I really lost heart; I became unable to leave my house. I was really worried about my surroundings. There was one time when I consulted my mom saying, “Maybe this is impossible.”
-How did you resolve your worries?
I wonder how. But, naturally the things that I had to do became the things that I wanted to do. It’s not like it’s because I had the opportunity. I thought, “Maybe that’s not something to be worried about.” I think that now because I have experienced doing things that must be done I have broadened my horizons.
-When did you start thinking like that?
When was it? But what I’m positive of is that it has changed, I haven’t wanted to say it ever until now, I guess it was the time when I began to be able to say that my job is an idol. I was able to think that being an idol was my divine calling. Lately I really feel that way. There was a time when I wanted to act cool so I called myself an artist but now I can think, “No, I’m an idol. Don’t you look down on idols.” Even when asked about the other members, I would clearly be able to state that, “It’s not like we are super private or hang out together all the time but I can’t work with anyone except them, I don’t want to.”
-That’s a big change.
Yep. Therefore that’s what I think now. I thought, “Nothing is going to waste.”
-Now you’re able to think that this is your divine calling.
Well I like singing, dancing, and I also like acting. More than anything I like making people laugh. So I don’t have a job outside of that. I think that I’m a really happy person. How should I explain it? The reason why I am able to think that this job is good isn’t because of the money or something. However I’ve been told that I’m doing a job that other people cannot do, that’s what I simply think.
-Don’t a lot of people get confused when they search for something only they can do?
More than self-worth or finding what only you can do, I think that, “Why don’t you just go with whatever you find fun or something?” I don’t think it’s necessary to search for something that only you can do. I think that there’s definitely something more important than that.
-I see.
But of course I am doing what I have to do at 100 percent so I think that I am being able to do the things that I want to do. I used to think that if what was in front of me for a moment was fun was good but now my feelings are a bit different. It suffices to say that, I thought that if it was fun for 5 seconds later it was okay. I didn’t know about 10 minutes later and I also didn’t know about the day after either. But it’s because somehow I understood after 5 seconds. I suppose I felt that after 5 seconds that I was living to be able to smile.
It’s too big, I don’t really get world peace.
-Is it okay to ask you about the big earthquake that happened last year in the east part of Japan? After the earthquake you quickly sent support supplies over to the hit area right?
It was really simple. When I was doing “24 hour Television” as a personality, there was a friend that I knew through the show. It was only about once or twice a year but I met up with that person. I couldn’t get in contact with him because of the earthquake, so when I thought, “What should I do,” the roads to Tokaido opened up at the same time so I only left with supplies. Because I didn’t even contact the company, so the company people told me to reflect on my rashness. But I don’t think I made a mistake as a person.
-How was the actual site?
I have been really blessed from meeting people. I guess at the disaster site and from other times as well I have been changed by other people. They made me grow up into being an adult. Amongst one group of people that have changed me are my fans. Although I’ve already said, “You’ve saved me.” Or “You’ve given me strength.” I feel that I live because of them.
-You live because of them?
When our group was a mess, I wondered many times, “Will our fans (guests) come?” I had been really worried about that when the curtain on the stage lifted. But without changing the fans were there for us. I have almost cried so many times before opening (on stage). I thought, “Ah, they came even despite that.” It’s deep but I am more thankful than the fans think, I cannot stop being thankful. More than saying that I was saved by the fans, I have been saved so many times over.
-That’s really true.
Even though I’m not the type to say, “I love everyone!” but after all I said, “I can’t hear you, you guys! (konoyaro!)” I think you have to say it. How do I describe it? I feel like I’ve finished my understanding of who I am as an idol. Me, Tanaka Koki who does his own thing.
-Why do you have feelings to that extent for your friends, family and fans?
I always go to visit the shrine every year to pray. I pray that, “This year for 1 year, please make all the people who’ve changed me happy.” Then I added on, “And if you have a little extra room left please help me with my job.” *smile*
-Ha ha ha ha.
Up until now I have gone through a lot of trouble, I’m not self satisfied in walking the life I’m walking in. Even with me like that, if it weren’t for my parents who raised me I wouldn’t have been able to do it. If it weren’t for these members I also wouldn’t have been able to do this job. If it weren’t for my friends I would’ve suffered a setback for sure too. If it weren’t for the fans I would’ve given up. World peace is to big of a thing I don’t understand it but I think I want the people who’ve helped to change me to be happy.
-Right now, who are you privately really good friends with?
More than anyone I am really good friends with Nagase Tomoya (Tokio).
-What about with your kohai (juniors)? But I think that they might be afraid to talk to you as kohai. *smile*
It’s not like I’m going to suddenly punch them *smile*. I’m completely welcoming. But, it’s really cute when giving advice to my kohai like Kis-My-Ft2 and also for some reason Yamada (Ryosuke) always calls me “Aniki! Aniki!” (Older brother).
-So that’s how it is.
Although I think that this is really bad to say this to my kohai kids but I think that they should use me. Because I think something good will come out of it if we work together. I think it’s okay if they use me like a step ladder to climb up one foot after the other. So when I’m with people who are above me (experience wise) I think of trying to take something away (steal) from them. It’s because I think you should give to your kohai the happy things that were handed down to you from your sempais. I mentioned Nagase-kun, I was super happy and I thought he’s a good guy. When Nagase-kun introduced to me his friend, it wasn’t like he said that he was my sempai or that we work at the same place, he introduced me as, “This is my friend, Koki.” I love Nagase-kun. I thought that he treated me not as a kohai but as a friend.
*Sorry no picture because the post was too big*
Doing things as yourself by doing things the way you would do them.
-When it comes to talking about yourself during your Johnny’s Jr. years, is there anything you want to say?
No there isn’t. I don’t want the things I’ve said to change *smile*. Even now if I’m told something about my future self, I don’t think I’d listen. Even if I the 'me from 10 years in the future' told me , “You’re going there tomorrow,” I would still go. That’s why even if I spoke to the 'me of the past' I don’t think anything would change. In the first place, up until today, because I feel like it’s useless to think about the mistakes I could have avoided. So I haven’t thought about trying to fix it. Isn’t it boring to living thinking negatively?
-Then do you have advice for the current Jrs.?
I say, “Definitely, become like me.” *smile*
-Ha ha ha ha ha.
I get asked for advice a lot. The biggest worry among the kids who haven’t debuted is, “I’m thinking of quitting because I don’t see where this is going even if I continue on like this.” But in that case I say, “No no no, for now try continuing on. I mean for us it took more than 10 years until we debuted!” I tell them that, “Someday something will form out of it.” However that might not mean debuting. But by continuing on you will make something out of it. Besides don’t sweat the small stuff. I tell them that more than getting an answer, their way of thinking is wrong. For now try running. It’s okay if they say you’re uncool, it’s okay if you fall, I tell them for now just run! Because that is the coolest. You should quickly try do the things that you want to do. I’m borrowing a line from a manga that I love but it’s a phrase that I love. “When you strike when it’s hot it’s a lucky day, then any other day is unlucky.” I think you should approach things more simply and with more enjoyment. Because I have made my parents cry before, that is my only regret. I think if you haven’t made the people who are important to you cry then it’s okay to do the things that you want to do when the time comes and do it.
-That is something that you can say because you shouldered so many things and have overcome it.
Before I thought that I didn’t want to walk down the path set before me. That’s what I really thought. But now am able to think that it’s okay to walk down that set path. Just get on and do things as yourself by doing things the way you would do them. It’s okay to lean out of the window *smile*. The things you have done haven’t gone to waste. Contrarily, if you go down the path, you’ll be able to see the parts that are stubborn and the parts where you’ve compromised as a human yourself. I think that now that, I am being myself when I am standing on stage. That’s the only thing that I won’t slip up on because it doesn’t fluctuate.
-Then what do you want to do next time?
Until now my style is to dance, move 100 percent, rest 100 percent, and to play 100 percent. Because I really am allowed to do so many different things when it comes to work as well, there’s of course things that I haven’t done yet but I’m thinking of upgrading the things that I’ve come to do as well. Even if I’m acting, singing, dancing or talking, to the extent of how much I work it’s because of the amazing people I meet. On that journey I think, “Crap!” When I’m sitting on the same platform as other entertainers and they do a good job I think, “Crap! I just thought of saying that!” It’s because also when I’m acting I’ll think, “Crap! This actress is good!”
-As usual you hate to lose.
Yes.
-Lastly there’s something I would like you to tell me, when you’re standing at a crossroads, what do you use as a standard to judge which road to take?
I think that there is no crossroad in front of me. I think that the road behind me is done. Therefore I don’t stand at a crossroads or something like that. It’s not either one. It’s about what I want to do, I’m the type to judge in a moment and then continue down that path. Because the time spent thinking while in a standstill is a waste. For now I just try it. If I think I’ve got it right I’ll feel that way. Because you only have one life to live.
Next time is Kamenashi Kazuya’s turn!
*There were too many things mentioned in this interview. I don't even know how to comment on it.
*Edit: Birth date on timeline fixed. Translator's note changed Kamen Rider to being a live action not an anime series. The earthquake location was changed to east instead of west.
Translated by erobaba Scanned by tanaka_kyoudai
Tanaka Koki’s Long 10,000 Character Interview - “A BARE PERIOD~ WHEN I WAS A JR.”
“If you haven’t made the people who are important to you cry then try doing what you want to do.”
(In a group where everyone’s shining personalities clashed, there’s a man that strangely stands out unlike an idol would. That impression is old now. Now, more than anyone he is like an idol because he’s doing it his own way, a way that only he can accomplish.)
During my elementary school years I was bullied. They said, “You look like a girl."
-What was it like, when you were little?
When my parents weren’t looking I was the type of kid who would quickly run off somewhere. My mother often searched for me saying, “Kou-chan! Kou-chan!” My mom and I were famous for it in our neighborhood. In the end, however, I would be quickly found in a park that was a part of a major road that I was told not to get close to.
-You were an uncontrollable child.
I slid down the glass on the front of car like a slide, I made the girl I liked cry because I tripped her and she fell and I did stuff like suddenly running home from kindergarten after saying that I was thirsty. I was so naughty that I was on an inexcusable level.
-Somehow, that fits your image.
Maybe that’s true. The days of me hating to lose started from that time. I played soccer but, during a match, if it looked like we were going to lose I made sand dunes and stuff. I didn’t lose, it was because I wanted to think that we lost on purpose. Although my position was just the goal keeper. In elementary school on my report card they always wrote, “He’s the class’ mood maker because he’s cheerful.” Well, I think that’s a positive way of looking at it *smile*.
-So from that time you were an enthusiastic guy.
However, I don’t remember how many years ago it was but I was bullied. Because of that reason in my 5th year of elementary school I transferred once. In the beginning, I was bullied because they said that my hair style “looks like a girl.” During that time they would leave thumbtacks on my chair and my indoor school shoes would disappear and stuff. I couldn’t tell my teachers or my parents anything. At first when I transferred I became a little more popular. But, soon after I started getting bullied again. Now that I think back, I wasn’t good at being in groups. Therefore, I think it happened because people were like, “Why don’t you join a group?”
-How did the bullying stop?
I think it happened when I entered middle school. It’s because I couldn’t put up with it anymore. I simply got angry and hit them, giving to them what they had coming. After that, the bulling stopped.
-Do you have a piece of advice; say if some of our readers among us are in trouble?
I’m not going to say that you should not run away and rise up and face it. I think that it’s okay to run away because I actually ranaway by transferring once. I don’t think that running away is uncool. Once again although I got back at them, I think it depends on your personality. There must be kids who are troubled because they can’t do that. I think the important thing is, that you are the happiest you that you can be. In that case I definitely think that there will be one person who will arise from somewhere to help you. Then, I would want you to let that person in and not refuse them. Because I don’t think it’s necessary for you to put up with it. It might sound harsh but I think that putting up with something like that is the number one dumbest thing to do. Because you only live your life once.
There was a snow white dog named “Hachi” that my granny raised.
-Who supported you to join JE during your 1st year of middle school?
My cousin encouraged me, like a mother saying, “How about we go together?” I didn’t know that I had a supporter.
-Did you have an interest in the entertainment world?
I hardly ever watched TV. Even if I did watch it I only watched anime or ‘Kamen Rider’. Despite that, because my mom showed me, “8 o’clock J” when I was a kid, I think, “She was plotting something.”
*Translator’s Note: ‘Kamen Rider’ or ‘Masked Rider’ is a sci-fi superhero manga and live action series that is aimed toward children. ‘8 o’clock J’ or ‘Hachiji da J” was a variety show that aired on Asahi TV that featured Johnny’s Jrs.
-So that’s how it was.
When I was in my 6th year of elementary school, I think that’s when KinKi Kids debuted. Everyone around me was excited saying KinKi this, Kinki that. I thought, “who’s that?” So in order to solve my question I went and bought their CD. I didn’t know that KinKi were Johnny’s.
-When did you find out that you were being encouraged to join JE?
Unfortunately I didn’t know until the end. Without understanding why my mom said, “You’re going to Tokyo for a little bit” I got into the car that my father drove. Because my dad got lost on the road, halfway through he asked, “Excuse me, where is the Asahi TV station?” By the time I thought, “There’s no way!” we arrived at the location for the audition.
-So you didn’t want to do it.
But, I’m the type of person that will just enjoy it because I’m doing it anyway. During the interview, the company’s president was talking while looking at the applications and even though everyone had their perfectly chosen pictures hanging up, I had to go with this picture of me standing up in the bath while reading Shonen Jump. Then the president asked me, “This is YOU?” And when I answered, “I’m sorry it’s because it was so unexpected.” He told me, “On the contrary this is good!” *smile*. The dance audition also was also fun because it was the first time that I danced myself. It seems that the sight of me laughing was a really good thing.
*Translator’s Note: ‘Shonen Jump’ is a serialized manga magazine of the action genre that is marketed toward young boys. Hence, ‘Shonen’ or ‘young boys.’
-When did you find out that you passed the audition?
Although I had said that I wanted to be a mangaka (a person who makes mangas), a policeman, and I wanted to be a whole bunch of other things but ever since before that what I wanted to become was a veterinary surgeon. Also I think I wrote that I wanted to become a veterinary surgeon on my graduating elementary school album.
-Why did you want to be a veterinary surgeon?
My granny raised a dog in her house. He was a snow white dog named, “Hachi.” When I was being bullied my only friend was Hachi. We always played together. Other than me if other people would come Hachi always would bare his teeth to them. However I don’t know why but we hit it off right from the start. But, I guess it was around my fourth year of elementary school. He died because he got hit by a motorcycle. After seeing his dead body, although it’s totally a kid’s why of thinking, I thought, “I could have saved him if I was a veterinary surgeon.” Therefore it’s fairly simple. So I thought if I was a veterinary surgeon I could save my friend. Right now I’m raising a lot of animals but it doesn’t feel like they’re my pets. It feels like they’re my friends or my children.
-Aren’t you taking in mistreated dogs as well?
With the help of an acquaintance, I heard about mistreated dogs. So I claimed, “Then, bring them to me, because I will make them happy!” At first in the middle of the night, the dog would try to make its body smaller then it would be trembling and shaking, and it would cry in a weird voice. That’s because it probably resurrected a memory of being hit. He bit my hand. That’s why everyday, everyday, I picked him up for 30 minutes. With our heads stuck together I told him, “It’s okay, because no one is going to bully you anymore.” Every day we slept together, after living together for about 3 months, he was spoiled, and started showing me his stomach. At that time, I was super happy. After that I started taking in all kinds of animals.
Even now I still remember the sight of the stadium seats of our first live show.
-How were your activities as a Johnny’s Jr.?
I guess it was before my first lesson. Although I received a phone call asking, “From now on we’re shooting for “8 o’clock J” so can you make it?” I didn’t have a cell phone and there wasn’t anyone home at my house, so when I came home and heard the message on the answering machine, it was too late for me to answer it. I cried! Because I thought, “I lost my only chance.”
-So you sensed that you had “lost your only chance.”
I did. That’s how I’ve been since before, I’m simple so I think that I can do anything that I put my mind to. That’s why it was a very bitter experience.
-At that time did you have a rival?
It was super strict. Because I didn’t have time to take a break, I would fake that my shoelace became untied so I could rest a bit. Besides, before it was normal to be in 4 or 6 performances. So one summer when the backup Jrs. got into 4 groups, we had to remember an insane amount of choreography that I can’t even imagine doing now. We exercised all the way.
-Early on you started appearing in dramas and movies, your activities were satisfactory.
However I didn’t feel that way myself. Now that I think about it, I think I had taken an elite highway (path). Although it’s weird to say that myself *smile*. But I felt strongly that they were letting me do that.
-KAT-TUN was formed during your 4th year after becoming a Johnny’s Jr. in 2001. At first it seemed that you didn’t want to be a part of it right?
I really didn’t want to! I was going through a super rebellious stage. It wasn’t just KAT-TUN, I didn’t like anything. School, my parents, my friends, the road that I always walked on, and the train as well, I hated everything. Everything that I saw made me angry.
-I heard a story that you only cut out the letter ‘T’ from “KAT-TUN” that was hanging in a dressing room.
I did do that. It’s because I really hated it. Since I didn’t really feel like doing it, a person from the company told me about the situation and shared with me that, “Originally, it wasn’t supposed to be you but at the very end you were added in.” I think that I should’ve tried my best because I ended up making the group but I thought, “Then, just put the other guy in.”
-Did you think that you could continue?
I guess it was about 1 month after KAT-TUN was formed. I thought about quitting so I called the company. I said, “I didn’t come here to do this kind of thing.” Although it’s not like I came here wanting to do something. But the president stopped me from leaving. Despite that I still decided that I wanted to quit the company, the entertainment world, and school. So no matter what I was told I wouldn’t listen.
-How did talking it over go?
I think we talked for about 2 hours. I didn’t have a positive decision at all but since the president was persistence I crumbled and said, “I got it, then I won’t quit.”
-So you continued to carry discontentment?
Yes. But it wasn’t just me, because all of us members were unable to reason it out, I think that each and every one of us had our own feelings about it.
-But the group didn’t disband halfway through, why is that?
We fought quite a bit but maybe it was a good thing for a change. More than anything, it was huge that they let us be a contestant during live performances. I have so many experiences of doing live performance as backup. But, even though it was the same location and stage, I got to see the stadium seats in a different light after thinking about the people who were coming not just to see anyone but us. It was super beautiful. Even now I still remember. When I was singing the ballad song, in the pitch black stadium seats a bunch of the pen lights were sparkling. So when I thought, “these are the people who are supporting us one-by-one.” I came super close to crying.
KOKI TANAKA BIOGRAPHY
1985 -Nov. 5
-Tanaka Koki was born.
1998 -June
-Passed the Johnny’s Jr. audition
-July
Johnny’s Summer Concert
-Oct.
Variety “Ai LOVE B.I.G.”
1999 -May
Fresh Spring Concert
-Oct.
Johnny’s Jr. Special Express <10.9> Windup <10.9> Concert
2000 -April
Johnny’s Jr. SPRING CONCERT 2000
Drama “Tenshi ga Kieta Machi~ The beloved time with my autistic older brother
-July
Special Drama “Eiji”
-Aug.
Musical “big~ Dreams will come true. ~”
-Sep.
Johnny’s Jr. 3 Big Dome Concerts
-Oct.
The movie “Colorful” released, with a supporting role.
-Nov.
Musical, “MILLENNIUM SHOCK”
2001 - Apr.
KAT-TUN is Formed
-July
Variety show, “My J” Drama “Neverland”
-Dec.
Theater “Kurumi Wari Ningyo”
2002 - March
Acted in Thai “Pataya Music Festival”
-June
Musical “SHOW Geki. SHOCK”
-Aug.
“KAT-TUN Okyakusama wa Kamisama Concert
Responding to 55,000 people’s love request!!”
2003 -Jan.
Musical “SHOCK~ is Real Shock~”
-Aug.
Concert “KAT-TUN 2003
Ko Nenmo Ah Tai hen Thank U Natsu”
Concert “Odaiba Bouken Ou” KAT-TUN’s Big Adventure
De SHOW @ Hotel Grand Pacific Meridian
2004 -Jan.
MAGICAL MUSICAL “Dream Boy
-Aug.
“Johnnys Theater “SUMMARY”
Of Johnnys World
-Dec.
Concert “KAT-TUN Live Kaizokuban”
2005 -March
Concert “Looking KAT-TUN 2005”
-April
Variety “Minna no TV”
Theater “Hey!Say! Dream Boy
-Sep.
Special Drama
“Kindaichi Shonen No Jikenbo Kyuketsu Oni Densetsu Satsujin Jiken”
-Oct.
Variety “Kashou HOT Hit 10”
2006 -Jan.
Theater “KAT-TUN vs Kanjani 8
Musical DREAM BOYS”
-March
“KAT-TUN SPECIAL TOKYODOME
CONCERT Debut ‘Real Face’”
Debut Single Release “Real Face”
-April
Radio “KAT-TUN Style”
Special Drama “Takusan no Ai wo Arigatou”
Variety “Utawara”
-July
Drama “My ☆ Boss My ☆Hero”
-Aug.
“24 hrs. TV 29 ‘Love Will Save The World’”
KAT-TUN as The Main Personality
-Oct.
Variety “YOU Tachi!”
Drama “Tata Hitotsu no Koi”
2007 -Jan.
Special Drama “Byakotai”
-April
Concert “TOUR 2007 cartoon KAT-TUN II You”
Variety “Cartoon KAT-TUN”
Drama “Tokyuu Tanaka 3 Go”
-Sep.
Theater “DREAM BOYS”
2008 -June
Concert “KAT-TUN LIVE TOUR 2008
QUEEN OF PIRATES”
2009 -April
Drama “Hisatsu Shigotojin 2009”
-May
Concert “KAT-TUN Break the Records
Tokyo Dome 10 days. Kyo Sera Dome Osaka 3days”
-July
Concert
“KAT-TUN SUMMER 09’ Break the Records”
2010 -May
Concert “KAT-TUN LIVE TOUR 2010
PART 1: ARENA TOUR”
-July
Concert “KAT-TUN LIVE TOUR 2010
PART 2: WORLD BIG TOUR
2012 -May
Variety “Bakusho! Big Japan Akan Keisatsu”
-Sep.
Theater “DREAM BOYS”
-Oct.
Variety “KAT-TUN no Zettai Manetakunaru TV
2012 - Feb.
Concert “KAT-TUN LIVE TOUR 2012 CHAIN”
-April
Radio “KAT-TUN no Gatsun”
-You were saved by that scene. What did you think about your debut?
When we started doing concerts I thought, “Maybe we can debut.” But only time would tell, then I was thinking, “Is it this year?” “Is it this year?” Since much time passed and we weren’t able to debut I became impatient. I also thought, “This is enough, we won’t debut.”
-During that time, NEWS and Kanjani8 debuted didn’t they?
I was kind of bitter when NEWS debuted. But I my friends were also in that group. I was also in the same high school as YamaP (Yamashita Tomohisa). In Kanjani 8’s case, I was also friends with Shibuyan (Shibutani Subaru), and Yasuda (Shota). So I thought, “Ah, good for you!” However, when Kanjani 8 released their nationwide debut single, it was hard to give a comment as KAT-TUN. We said, “Congrats on debuting nationwide.” Strictly speaking, that was our CD debut.
Grandpa are you watching? I’ve become this big!
-During your Jr. period, you went bouzu (bald) right? What was with that?
That was a half a year before we debuted. I had been thinking for a long time that, “A man is bald.” I took my really long hair and made it short, in order not to get found out I cut it short 1 millimeter at a time *smile*. Lastly I used a pair of hair clippers and went to trim it and then since Shibuyan said, “Let me do it.” I let him do it.
-Since he did as he pleased and made you bald didn’t you think, “Will this be okay?”
I thought, “It’s not a person’s head, it’s my head right? It’s a freedom to be able to choose.” Of course the company got angry and said, “What the heck are you doing? That is not good at all!” But I guess it was about one year later. Due to my bald head we also became more well known so I was told, “ YOU, as I thought are best bald!” Inwardly I thought, “I won!”
-When the title of the debut song was being decided, didn’t you have trouble with the president?
Yes. I was told, “Let’s go with, ‘A period of youthfulness that is tired from trying to be an adult.’” I told them, “Hell no!” I thought that we shouldn’t be “tired” if it’s our debut song.
-You wanted to refuse the debut song after all?
That has the biggest existence. During the time when we knew there was a chance for us to debut that person became sick. It was cancer. I went to visit a lot during the last month. During the last week I was in the hospital room every day. But he went before getting to see me debut. Since the funeral was the same day as the live debut, the morning of the funeral, before going to the live debut, I touched the face of my grandpa that was in the casket, although that’s really not a good thing to do. I told him, “Watch me because I will reach the top!” When it was time to get the crowd stirred up one at a time, although it was something that I shouldn’t have said to the guests because it didn’t concern them but I said, “Grandpa are you watching? I’ve become this big!”
-I see that kind of thing happened.
It’s too bad; I wanted to show him the sight of me debuting. However I was able to show him the PV of “REAL FACE.”Although half of his conscience was gone, he reacted. My grandpa was really cool and manly. When he died he was in a loin cloth! Grandpa was so stylish!
My job is being an idol. “Don’t look down on idols!”
-Even after debuting and till today a lot has happened hasn’t it?
What should I say. To me, now KAT-TUN is limitless. I’ve been thinking that we need each person. Since we were such a disorderly group, we were aware that, “We need to do something,” on this journey that this disorderliness happened.
*Sorry no picture because the post was too big*
-Did you have a lot of worries?
Yes I was lost because there were things that I wanted to do, things that as a group that we had to do because we felt that we had to do something, I was worried and confused because of the gap in-between those things as well, and ultimately I did have a period of time when I was at a loss. I really lost heart; I became unable to leave my house. I was really worried about my surroundings. There was one time when I consulted my mom saying, “Maybe this is impossible.”
-How did you resolve your worries?
I wonder how. But, naturally the things that I had to do became the things that I wanted to do. It’s not like it’s because I had the opportunity. I thought, “Maybe that’s not something to be worried about.” I think that now because I have experienced doing things that must be done I have broadened my horizons.
-When did you start thinking like that?
When was it? But what I’m positive of is that it has changed, I haven’t wanted to say it ever until now, I guess it was the time when I began to be able to say that my job is an idol. I was able to think that being an idol was my divine calling. Lately I really feel that way. There was a time when I wanted to act cool so I called myself an artist but now I can think, “No, I’m an idol. Don’t you look down on idols.” Even when asked about the other members, I would clearly be able to state that, “It’s not like we are super private or hang out together all the time but I can’t work with anyone except them, I don’t want to.”
-That’s a big change.
Yep. Therefore that’s what I think now. I thought, “Nothing is going to waste.”
-Now you’re able to think that this is your divine calling.
Well I like singing, dancing, and I also like acting. More than anything I like making people laugh. So I don’t have a job outside of that. I think that I’m a really happy person. How should I explain it? The reason why I am able to think that this job is good isn’t because of the money or something. However I’ve been told that I’m doing a job that other people cannot do, that’s what I simply think.
-Don’t a lot of people get confused when they search for something only they can do?
More than self-worth or finding what only you can do, I think that, “Why don’t you just go with whatever you find fun or something?” I don’t think it’s necessary to search for something that only you can do. I think that there’s definitely something more important than that.
-I see.
But of course I am doing what I have to do at 100 percent so I think that I am being able to do the things that I want to do. I used to think that if what was in front of me for a moment was fun was good but now my feelings are a bit different. It suffices to say that, I thought that if it was fun for 5 seconds later it was okay. I didn’t know about 10 minutes later and I also didn’t know about the day after either. But it’s because somehow I understood after 5 seconds. I suppose I felt that after 5 seconds that I was living to be able to smile.
It’s too big, I don’t really get world peace.
-Is it okay to ask you about the big earthquake that happened last year in the east part of Japan? After the earthquake you quickly sent support supplies over to the hit area right?
It was really simple. When I was doing “24 hour Television” as a personality, there was a friend that I knew through the show. It was only about once or twice a year but I met up with that person. I couldn’t get in contact with him because of the earthquake, so when I thought, “What should I do,” the roads to Tokaido opened up at the same time so I only left with supplies. Because I didn’t even contact the company, so the company people told me to reflect on my rashness. But I don’t think I made a mistake as a person.
-How was the actual site?
I have been really blessed from meeting people. I guess at the disaster site and from other times as well I have been changed by other people. They made me grow up into being an adult. Amongst one group of people that have changed me are my fans. Although I’ve already said, “You’ve saved me.” Or “You’ve given me strength.” I feel that I live because of them.
-You live because of them?
When our group was a mess, I wondered many times, “Will our fans (guests) come?” I had been really worried about that when the curtain on the stage lifted. But without changing the fans were there for us. I have almost cried so many times before opening (on stage). I thought, “Ah, they came even despite that.” It’s deep but I am more thankful than the fans think, I cannot stop being thankful. More than saying that I was saved by the fans, I have been saved so many times over.
-That’s really true.
Even though I’m not the type to say, “I love everyone!” but after all I said, “I can’t hear you, you guys! (konoyaro!)” I think you have to say it. How do I describe it? I feel like I’ve finished my understanding of who I am as an idol. Me, Tanaka Koki who does his own thing.
-Why do you have feelings to that extent for your friends, family and fans?
I always go to visit the shrine every year to pray. I pray that, “This year for 1 year, please make all the people who’ve changed me happy.” Then I added on, “And if you have a little extra room left please help me with my job.” *smile*
-Ha ha ha ha.
Up until now I have gone through a lot of trouble, I’m not self satisfied in walking the life I’m walking in. Even with me like that, if it weren’t for my parents who raised me I wouldn’t have been able to do it. If it weren’t for these members I also wouldn’t have been able to do this job. If it weren’t for my friends I would’ve suffered a setback for sure too. If it weren’t for the fans I would’ve given up. World peace is to big of a thing I don’t understand it but I think I want the people who’ve helped to change me to be happy.
-Right now, who are you privately really good friends with?
More than anyone I am really good friends with Nagase Tomoya (Tokio).
-What about with your kohai (juniors)? But I think that they might be afraid to talk to you as kohai. *smile*
It’s not like I’m going to suddenly punch them *smile*. I’m completely welcoming. But, it’s really cute when giving advice to my kohai like Kis-My-Ft2 and also for some reason Yamada (Ryosuke) always calls me “Aniki! Aniki!” (Older brother).
-So that’s how it is.
Although I think that this is really bad to say this to my kohai kids but I think that they should use me. Because I think something good will come out of it if we work together. I think it’s okay if they use me like a step ladder to climb up one foot after the other. So when I’m with people who are above me (experience wise) I think of trying to take something away (steal) from them. It’s because I think you should give to your kohai the happy things that were handed down to you from your sempais. I mentioned Nagase-kun, I was super happy and I thought he’s a good guy. When Nagase-kun introduced to me his friend, it wasn’t like he said that he was my sempai or that we work at the same place, he introduced me as, “This is my friend, Koki.” I love Nagase-kun. I thought that he treated me not as a kohai but as a friend.
*Sorry no picture because the post was too big*
Doing things as yourself by doing things the way you would do them.
-When it comes to talking about yourself during your Johnny’s Jr. years, is there anything you want to say?
No there isn’t. I don’t want the things I’ve said to change *smile*. Even now if I’m told something about my future self, I don’t think I’d listen. Even if I the 'me from 10 years in the future' told me , “You’re going there tomorrow,” I would still go. That’s why even if I spoke to the 'me of the past' I don’t think anything would change. In the first place, up until today, because I feel like it’s useless to think about the mistakes I could have avoided. So I haven’t thought about trying to fix it. Isn’t it boring to living thinking negatively?
-Then do you have advice for the current Jrs.?
I say, “Definitely, become like me.” *smile*
-Ha ha ha ha ha.
I get asked for advice a lot. The biggest worry among the kids who haven’t debuted is, “I’m thinking of quitting because I don’t see where this is going even if I continue on like this.” But in that case I say, “No no no, for now try continuing on. I mean for us it took more than 10 years until we debuted!” I tell them that, “Someday something will form out of it.” However that might not mean debuting. But by continuing on you will make something out of it. Besides don’t sweat the small stuff. I tell them that more than getting an answer, their way of thinking is wrong. For now try running. It’s okay if they say you’re uncool, it’s okay if you fall, I tell them for now just run! Because that is the coolest. You should quickly try do the things that you want to do. I’m borrowing a line from a manga that I love but it’s a phrase that I love. “When you strike when it’s hot it’s a lucky day, then any other day is unlucky.” I think you should approach things more simply and with more enjoyment. Because I have made my parents cry before, that is my only regret. I think if you haven’t made the people who are important to you cry then it’s okay to do the things that you want to do when the time comes and do it.
-That is something that you can say because you shouldered so many things and have overcome it.
Before I thought that I didn’t want to walk down the path set before me. That’s what I really thought. But now am able to think that it’s okay to walk down that set path. Just get on and do things as yourself by doing things the way you would do them. It’s okay to lean out of the window *smile*. The things you have done haven’t gone to waste. Contrarily, if you go down the path, you’ll be able to see the parts that are stubborn and the parts where you’ve compromised as a human yourself. I think that now that, I am being myself when I am standing on stage. That’s the only thing that I won’t slip up on because it doesn’t fluctuate.
-Then what do you want to do next time?
Until now my style is to dance, move 100 percent, rest 100 percent, and to play 100 percent. Because I really am allowed to do so many different things when it comes to work as well, there’s of course things that I haven’t done yet but I’m thinking of upgrading the things that I’ve come to do as well. Even if I’m acting, singing, dancing or talking, to the extent of how much I work it’s because of the amazing people I meet. On that journey I think, “Crap!” When I’m sitting on the same platform as other entertainers and they do a good job I think, “Crap! I just thought of saying that!” It’s because also when I’m acting I’ll think, “Crap! This actress is good!”
-As usual you hate to lose.
Yes.
-Lastly there’s something I would like you to tell me, when you’re standing at a crossroads, what do you use as a standard to judge which road to take?
I think that there is no crossroad in front of me. I think that the road behind me is done. Therefore I don’t stand at a crossroads or something like that. It’s not either one. It’s about what I want to do, I’m the type to judge in a moment and then continue down that path. Because the time spent thinking while in a standstill is a waste. For now I just try it. If I think I’ve got it right I’ll feel that way. Because you only have one life to live.
Next time is Kamenashi Kazuya’s turn!
*There were too many things mentioned in this interview. I don't even know how to comment on it.
*Edit: Birth date on timeline fixed. Translator's note changed Kamen Rider to being a live action not an anime series. The earthquake location was changed to east instead of west.