Happy Birthday Tori Matsuzaka! - The meaning of his name

I wish you succeed every goal you set.

Grow up to be an even better actor, ne?

His name 桃李 (First letter: Peach, Second letter: Prune) is actually very girly in the first glance.

The other pronunciation for peach (桃) is Momo thus, making it worse. But actually, his name is given by his father with love and care. (He found out during his China trip). 

It is said that his name comes from the clause "桃李不言下自成蹊" in Chinese history book written by the famous historian Sima Qian. Meaning "Instead of showing off, Peach and Prune trees make people gather being attracted by fragrant flowers and delicious fruits" 

There is also a mention that his father named him referenced to another Chinese proverb「桜梅桃李」meaning: 桜:Sakura, 梅:Ume/Plum, 桃:Peach, 李:Prune. (T/N: the four similar flower trees).

This proverb is said to be used for referring "Cherish your own personality".

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The documentary to his trip to China:

松坂桃李 丝绸之路中国行 20170604【4431字幕】附修正版下载_哔哩哔哩 (゜-゜)つロ 干杯~-bilibilihttps://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1Yx411a7D2?from=search&seid=8781124517785690281

Tori Matsuzaka's manager on his marriage - ManeTsubu

As many of you may already know,

Today, Matsuzaka reported his marriage.

Since it's private matter, I think Matsuzaka will talk about

his feelings someday in his own words, so I will refrain from doing so here.

Today is the day I thought that congratulatory emails and phone calls that you'll receive all the time.

Warm comments from everyone on Matsusaka's SNS and countless "Congratulations"

I realized it again that Matsusaka's path.

I remember....

His debut, ShinkenRed, where many children and mothers cheered us on.

The first time in a variety show where he could hardly speak.

The promotion of his first movie which was the day when Kirin Kiki scolded him because he couldn't say the highlights of the work.

On the way home from the award ceremony, which he won an award for the first time in a movie.

The day when he finally muttered that he was confident now.

The first crank-up of a taiga drama.

The day when he shed tears for the first time in front of us.

For the first time, a work that he actively worked on and received so many supporting actor awards.

I was present at the moment of many "first time"-s.

I'm sure everyone reading this is thinking about various things now, aren't you?

Just thinking about that made me feel warm.

To Matsuzaka who made me feel like that, I'm full of gratitude (Am I an oyabaka?)

I'm sure we will be able to deliver the normal manoeuvre from tomorrow.

Thank you for your support.

I look forward to working with you.

Taiga Nakano (Nov. 2020)

Q: Since you like movies, is there any recommended work?

A: "Manchester by the Sea (2016)" is my favorite work I've watched many times. Actually, I rewatchd it before shooting "Any Crybabies Around?".

Q: Any recent impression of works (movie/ books/ music)?

A: Mikako Brady's book (ぼくはイエローでホワイトで、ちょっとブルー)

Title: I'm Yellow and White - and a Bit Blue, June 2019. Winner of Bookstore Award Non Fiction. About her half child's experiences growing up in UK. 

Reddit link: reddit.com/r/hapas/commen…

Japanese reviews say, if you are interested in this, try American book called "White Trash: The 400-Year Untold History of Class in America". Originally published June 2016. 

r/hapas - Japanese author (Brady, Mikako) writes award-winning non fiction bestseller about her half child's experiences growing up in the UK

21 votes and 2 comments so far on Reddit

https://www.reddit.com/r/hapas/comments/dt8tb4/japanese_author_brady_mikako_writes_awardwinning/

Taiga: It's about the relationship between Brady-san and her son, I can learn about "diversity," which is difficult to understand when living in Japan. 

Q: I have the impression that your favorite author: Kanako Nishi's novels also feature unique people who are not bound by common sense. Are you interested in the theme of diversity? 

A: It's more like impatience than interest. It's taken for granted in many countries but if you don't input even a little, it's likely that you'll be lagging behind the rest of the world. In my industry, overseas works naturally depict the other side of diversity, but I think Japanese works have not reached that level yet. I would like to constantly increase my sensitivity and learn what I don't know so that I can be involved in works that update Japanese movies.

Nagasawa Masami (2020)

Q: It's been 20 years since debut. Have you ever felt any change in yourself?

A: When I was a teen, I was told to be more like an actress. The actress is a dream seller, so no matter what she really is, she should always act with dignity.

A: However, personally, I'm not good at showing more than what I really am, and I'm inevitably feeling "whatever I am". When I became an adult and became able to listen to those around me, I wondered if I was ready to do that. 

Q: Why?

A: Did you know that you don't have to castrate to show your dignified self? If you do your best with aspirations without neglecting your studies, I feel people around you will naturally see you as yourself. Good work is always transmitted to people.

Q: Any social topics that you are interested lately?

A: Working women. Recently, there are more female staff than male staff in movies/ dramas. It's not possible back then. They're also in recording/ lighting that require physical work. Gender differences are no longer relevant.

Q: As a working woman, your thoughts about marriage and childbirth?

A: I can't say unconditionally because it is an era in which even women have a career and having a family is no longer the only goal. Marriage and childbirth can only be done with a partner. There are timings. 

Q: Is there anything you are conscious of in order to remain attractive?

A: In my case, I think to do my best at work. It suits me. It does not mean that I will do it by force, but that I will prepare as much as possible and face the work carefully.

A: When you grow up, you will understand what you are good at and what you are not good at. If you act according to your intuition, "I feel like I'll be successful if I do it this way because of my personality," I think that sincerity will be reflected in the eyes of others. 

Analysis of Tori Matsuzaka's acting

 https://tv-maga.com/matsuzakatouri-syo/

1. A sinful "voice" that you will never forget once you hear it.

Personally speaking, I think the moment I got hooked on Tori Matsuzaka was his voice. Not to mention his good acting and good looks, but even after watching the movie, his voice remained in my ears. Low, thick, yet memorable scoop of sweetness. When I watch Tori Matsuzaka's work, I naturally fall in love with it, and now I have sharpened my senses of both "watching" and "listening" when I encounter his work. The dialogue is wonderful but his monologue is one of the best in the world. Not only does he have a good voice, but he is also skilful using it. Esp in Call Boy, his voice acting is emphasized. Dialogue covers all kinds of variations: monologue, sighing, and breathing. 

Also, in Birds Without Names, he changed the voice with a sweet voice and gesture. He was talking about the knowledge he gained from book as if he were his own, or the affair, Matsuzaka immediately looks like it. Once again, I feel that he has a great talent. 

2. You will love just by watching him! "Cheerfulness" with outstanding softness

There are many wonderful things about Tori Matsuzaka as a performer, but the best is an overwhelmingly good aura that can only be given to Tori Matsuzaka. The cheerfulness.  For example, when I watch movies and dramas, I don't often think "Oh, I want to be friends with this person", but with him, there is a high chance that I feel so.

Esp with the virgin teacher Yamaji from the drama "Yutori desu ga nani ka?" and the movie "In Those Days".  In those, he's so full of charm that you'll want to say, "I love you, I love you, I want to talk to you."

Also the hitchhiker Takumi of "Her Love Boils Bathwater" is also good. 

A crumpled smile, giggle, simple feeling with outstanding empathy. These, no matter how much skill you have, you won't be able to catch up. I think it's the absolute charm that Tori Matsuzaka originally has (I'm convinced that's why he was selected for "Paddington"). 

3. The other side of madness! "Fear" that attracts you with a character with set eyes.

Tori Matsuzaka also can do the characters who are completely dyed in madness. Eg. the blue-haired assassin Gondo of "MOZU" and Tadashi Usobuki of "Impossibility Defense". In the early career, "Life Back Then", he played the role of a bully, and in "Tsunagu (Until the Break of Dawn)" he acted the big actress Kirin Kiki. It is clear that he has been acting wide range since that time. 

4. The depth of "entering" the role is overwhelming! "Personality" that changes with every character.

Tori Matsuzaka has an unusually deep "entry into the role". He has established "living as another person" at a high level rather than "looking into another person".  Therefore, it is possible to perform the "change" that occurs to the role without any discomfort.

I was convinced of his "awakening" is the 2015 movie "The Emperor in August". His appearance of escalated thoughts and actions throughout the movie is terrifying.

Called as one of his masterpieces, "The Blood of Wolves" was also dramatic in the movie. This movie has a structure where the main character switches in the middle. The rampage of Tori Matsuzaka in the latter half who got the baton by Koji Yakusho, really shines.

In the movie "Kiseki: Sobito of That Day", which co-starred with Masaki Suda, Ryusei Yokohama, Ryo Narita, and Yosuke Sugino, the gradation of growth that accepts his standing position was performed radiantly.

 In the movie "Iwane: Sword of Serenity", the character carrying a tragic past behind a gentle expression is tastefully embodied (sword fight is also great). The reason why he can portray a complicated inward character is because he has an exceptional expressive power.

5. He always considers work first. "Dedication" to work even in supporting roles.

When comparing Tori Matsuzaka with actors of the same generation, although he has such an aura and can just take "leading roles", but he also tries to stand up by supporting roles. Rather than "Who would stand out most on the screen now?". Tori Matsuzaka seems always thinks about completeness of work from a bird's-eye view and devotes himself to his work. He even has a veteran personality at a young age. 

In The Journalist with Shim Eun Kyung, he added tension and calmness with restrained acting. It was a really difficult role to keep a cautious stance, so the contribution of Tori Matsuzaka became clear. I feel other actors couldn't maintain this exquisite sense of balance.

"Listen to the Universe" is also a gem that shines with Tori Matsuzaka's good positioning. As the story progresses, the difference with him and the "geniuses" becomes apparent.

Tori Matsuzaka - PLAYBACK +act, 2021 Feb

N-mane about Tori's mom

During the first meeting with his mother, she told N-mane:
"Tori is a "half-hearted" person, (sometimes done things not very serious). I don’t want you to make him more famous, but I hope he can be a proper person. If he had a little bit of temper or if he didn’t do it right or said something wayward, please do not hesitate to scold him.

After that, she often asked me "Did my Tori do anything wrong?"
His mother is really a serious and very detailed minded person.

I thought 2019 is the year to reap and 2020 will be the year to sow the new seed. But in the end, it becomes like "endurance."

Emergency declaration to Tokyo was to be announced while shooting Blank. So we were thinking that we would not be able to return to Tokyo since we were shooting in rural area. But in order to shoot it till the end, the director drove us to the extreme. I really remember the feeling of being chased by something big approaching. I can't even remember what kind of acting I did and what kind of scene I was doing that time. Everyone was worried and for the first time I think it was the same for all occupations. There was an indescribable tense atmosphere.

I remember receiving a call from the president a day before crank-up to come back to Tokyo due to the situation. But we were able to shoot it till the end. I think there are many people that were in my situation. It was not just about Japan.

For me, I feel like I was playing a big role in an invisible place. 

I wondered where my emotions were before. During lockdown, I'm interested in watching movies, stage performances, listening to my favourite songs etc. I think I was even feeling emotional when I ordered a new book. I think it was easier to cry than laugh during that period but I guess I had some time that I laugh. My feelings are hanging around all the time, even if I want to digest it, I couldn't. I think the lockdown was a long time. 2020 was a really long year.

What is interesting about being an actor?

Tori: I used to say that this work is very fun. Now, I have this urgent sense of pride. I want to convey to the public how beautiful and important entertainment is and how inspiring it is. Its "Power."

Not just drama, movie, music, other various forms of entertainment are very expressive. The process of viewing and experiencing can make people happy. Feelings: anger, sorrow, and joy are indispensable.

As an actor, as a component of this industry, I must not be boring. So I have to "move" and practice constantly.

His Kanji to describe 2020 is 「忍」
(meaning: endurance)

His Kanji for 2021 is 「動」
(meaning: movement, activity, trend, development, change)

Daiken Okudaira - Mother (2020)

Q: Did you know that Masami Nagasawa is the mother when you won the audition?

A: I didn't know. After audition, when I heard the names of other performers, I felt pressure thinking that "I am going to work with such amazing people”.  I met Nagasawa-san for the first time during costume trial, but I was so nervous that I couldn't even make an eye contact. At school, I had only one girlfriend, and I wasn't used to talking to women, suddenly Nagasawa-san was the co-star (lol).

Q: However, the sense of parent and child is completely created.

A: At first, I was scared to approach Nagasawa-san
. I was scared of her role, and also I was afraid to touch her. However, she told me "It's okay" so I was able to switch my mind "If then, I will do it.”. I told myself "Just be careful not to be rude, and try to be as normal as possible.". I think I was able to be close to her while talking during our rest time.

Q: It seems that you had a workshop with Dir. Tatsushi Omori before shooting because it was your first time acting.

A: We did about 4 workshops. In the first two times, the director used a normal conversation between Aramaki-san (Shuhei's boss) and me as a script. It is natural when we talk but when the same is used as the script "What would happen if I did this or that?". Then, if it didn't feel natural, I tried to make it as natural as possible. The remaining two times I practiced mainly on the script of "MOTHER".

Q: What did you feel when you actually started shooting?

A: The director said "You should do what you think. What you do is the correct answer" so I think that the shooting became more interesting, I keep thinking "What will happen next?" and started to get a positive feeling. 

Q: How did you create the role of Shuhei within yourself?

A: After reading the script, I thought "May be, this scene is like this," but I didn't know if it was correct because I had no experience. So, I had no choice but to hit the feelings on the spot when I entered the shoot.

Q: It would be most difficult to perform the scene where Shuhei was cornered to commit a crime. How did you feel when you played?

A: I was scared for that scene even when I was reading the script. Imagine replacing it with myself. However, at the stage of script-read, I didn't know the true feeling, so I thought I'd leave it to the feelings at the actual shoot. At shooting, Nagasawa-san put a lot of pressure on me in the previous scene, so in that scene I always thought "I have no choice but to do it.".

Q: The work is hard, but how was the atmosphere at the site?

A: It was extremely bright. It's a movie like this, so I thought it would be quiet ... but Nagasawa-san and Abe-san (Sadao Abe) joked a lot. It was completely different from my imagination.

Q: As soon as the production starts, everyone will become very serious, right?

A: Nagasawa-san's switch was amazing. She talked normally while waiting, but as soon as she was told "Start", she became a different person. Being pulled by her, I was able to become Shuhei.

Q: What did you learn from Nagasawa at the site?

A: I learnt how to relax before acting. She stretches before acting. When I asked her, she said "If you do, you can relax." I started stretching and my body moved better and I can express myself more. I try to continue after that.

Wife of A Spy Interviews

Dir. Kiyoshi Kurosawa

Q: It is a movie that can be discussed from the aspects of national and individual issues: universal justice and individual well-being, war perpetrator issues, etc. When I interviewed you a year ago, you said the following. Q: "I want to make a perfect entertainment movie someday, but I always do extra things." that you want to make a movie that most people can enjoy normally, but you always put experimental elements somewhere, and it becomes a movie that limits the audience.

Q: However, I think that this time you can finally make a perfect entertainment movie with great theme. 

A: Thanks. I believed that the structure of entertainment films such as suspense and soap opera should definitely hold, even with a heavy background and a serious theme. I don't see many in Japan, but there are many interesting movies overseas that have both theme and entertainment. However, I was in a lot of trouble with where to end. For eg, if the person runs away on a boat, that's all and it can be a fancy entertainment movie. However, here, we know what happened to Japan in this era after those events. For that matter, it can even be a movie that depicts something that leads to the present day. So I was quite worried about where to end.

Aoi Yu x Takahashi Issei

Q: Please tell us about "A movie of your heart".

Takahashi:  Ikiru (1952). For some reason, this work has been my favorite. I've always liked Takashi Shimura's acting. In Seven Samurai (1954), where Takashi Shimura runs with his sword is the most realistic and scary situation that he might get stabbed by swords. However, I feel Ikiru is the true value of Takashi Shimura, so if I have to choose one, this is it.

Aoi: Face (2000) directed by Junji Sakamoto and Gemini (1999) directed by Shinya Tsukamoto. These two and Picnic (1996) directed by Shunji Iwai are the original concept of movies for me. Also, Yoji Yamada's Tora-san, Wish You Were Here (2019). I'm so happy to see Tora-san at the movie theatre! I felt like I was able to meet my deceased grandpa (lol). I like all the 49 works in the Tora-san series, but it's special to be able to meet Tora-san again as new.