Ano Toki Kiss Shite Okeba - Tori Matsuzaka

It's a luxury for me to be in a position where I can watch my seniors throw homework at each other. My role Momochi, is to catch their performances and create them by accepting them. I am watching my co-stars more than usual.

Tori: In the early stages of filming, Arata Iura copied the Tomoe, that was created by Kumiko Aso. But as the story progressed, Aso copied the Tomoe, that was created by Iura. 

Tori: I think the hardest part of this drama is Arata Iura, who has to express the image of Tomoe created by Kumiko Aso, and then create new parts of Tomoe such as growth, sadness and laughter by himself. Watching him up close is a great learning experience for me. 

Tori: In this drama, a frightening number of scenes are shot at once. In some cases, the timeline is different. I have to look at the whole schedule and work backwards to create my role, and I have to organize the story so that I don't get confused. The ability to be able to respond quickly and easily without worrying about such things "instantaneous power" is necessary for this drama. Kumiko Aso is very good at it. 

Tori: I want to take time to make a work over four seasons (like Taiga drama). I don't know for sure if that "time" is the shooting period or the preparation period. I'm curious to see how I will feel when I let my body experience it. 

CUT Magazine - Tori Matsuzaka

 CUT Introduction

One of Japan's leading actors. It is no exaggeration to say that Tori Matsuzaka is now in that position. This must be a fact that everyone knows.

However, what I felt through this interview was that he himself is never satisfied with his current situation, never gets overwhelmed, and calmly focuses on what he needs to do now. "I don't have enough experience at the moment," he said without hesitation. 

In other words, the kind of actor and character he is looking for is far beyond our imagination. I wonder if there are any actors who can give us such a thrilling experience. In recent years, he has been appearing in a number of solid films, but his next challenge is a comedy. 

Regarding COMEDY

Tori: I think it is much harder to make people laugh than to make them cry. The bar for "funny" is getting higher every year. It's hard for me to laugh with a big smile on my face. But when it comes to crying, the older you get, the more fragile you tears become, don't you think? I've been fragile since I turned 30. The other day, I almost cried when I saw the scene in Home Alone where Kevin and his mother are reunited (lol). 

What he wants to do NOW

Q: Are there any clear goals now?

Tori: One of my goals now is to create a work that depicts one's daily life carefully. But it's not interesting as a project (lol) But I want to try the fun and rigor of living, the happiness in life etc. 

FUTURE PLAN

Aside from your role as an actor, what are your future plans as Tori Matsuzaka?

Tori: I think I don't have enough experience in both my professional and personal life at the moment. In my 30's and 40's, I want to focus on building up my experience. 

Ima Koko ni Aru Kiki to Boku no Koukando ni Tsuite - Tori Matsuzaka

I want to pass on the thoughts and messages of the creator to the recipients. I am doing all the works with the hope that I can serve as a bridge between the two parties.

I believe an actor's job is to deliver the intention and essence of the work as it is. However, I feel the current trend is "playing it safe". Even in dramas, there is a principle that the direction of the work is influenced by the comments on the Internet. 

I want my work to be soothing and supportive, so I want it to be delivered without any deviation from the original. If it takes a different form by neglecting its essence, the meaning of my participation will be lost. 

For that reason, it would be great if TV dramas could be made in a format that allows the entire production to be shot in advance. I am glad that this is the first time I've been able to do this. 

Since it's a comedy, I wanted to balance with my co-stars to make the character seem funny even tho he is very serious and desperate. It was a luxury that I was allowed to play the lead role. I was able to act head-on with the perfect balance of seriousness and comicality. 

I feel Japan's entertainment industry is supported largely by popularity/ favourability tho I don't think it's right to say whatever you want by imitating overseas.

Each country has its own religion, culture and character. But, it'd be nice if there're a little bit changes in Japan. 

Recently, I have been reminded of how difficult it is to express in words. The emotions "joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure" are diverse. I would like to use images to express the nuances that cannot be conveyed in words. I think this is one of the powers of entertainment.