Ryo Yoshizawa otoCoto Interview for the BLEACH movie [1 of 3]
BLEACH, the series beloved around the world, has now been adapted into a live action film. Ryo Yoshizawa, the actor behind the Quincy Uryuu Ishida, shares his thoughts with us. “I grew up with BLEACH”; he talks about his favorite characters and his favorite scenes in the movie that excited him as a fan of the original series. In addition, there’s a behind the scenes story of Ryo Yoshizawa’s debut series “Kamen Rider Fourze” co-star Sota Fukushi, a scene that the actor thinks Tokusatsu fans would appreciate, and scenes in which BLEACH fans would love; this interview’s contents is truly aimed at the fan’s hearts! Ryo Yoshizawa’s new favorite manga is a definite must read!
Ichigo and Uryuu’s relationship is similar to Fourze and Meteor! “I’m glad to revisit this kind of dynamic again.”
What was your reaction when you were offered a role in the film?
I really love the series, I read the manga since I was a kid and even watched the anime. It’s not an exaggeration to say that I grew up with BLEACH! I heard about a live action film in the works through my agency, but I was even more shocked when I got a casting offer.
It was Uryuu Ishida, the last of the Quincy, and the one who holds contempt for the hero Ichigo Kurosaki.
When I first heard about being offered the role of Uryuu, my first thought was ‘So it’s that one?!’. (laughs) Because I initially thought I’d be part of the Gotei 13.
The Gotei 13 doesn’t appear in the “Substitute Shinigami” story (laughs)
That’s true. (laughs) Uryuu in this movie, finds Ichigo Kurosaki played by Sota Fukushi, to be his complete opposite. The fact that they’ll develop a friendship through their competitive rivalry makes me happy.
The different take in Uryuu and Ichigo’s relationship from the original is interesting.
In the original series, Uryuu’s character gradually become comical. He turned out to be very easy to tease. But here, he’s a very mysterious person. Is he an enemy or an ally? you just can’t tell what he’s thinking. That’s why I’m very careful in showing that his whole character is wrapped in mystery. Uryuu is the counterpart to Ichigo, similar to Fourze and Meteor’s dynamic in “Kamen Rider Fourze”. I think the tokusatsu fans might appreciate it.
Yes, they definitely would!
(laughs) When we were shooting the scene where they team up together, Fukushi told me “Kamen Rider Fourze fans would be so excited when they see this”. (smiles) After Fourze ended, Fukushi worked on a lot of different projects where he plays a cool character. But to me, he’s still Gentaro. Ichigo share the same earnest idiot quality with Gentaro, so accepting the role of Uryuu was easy. I’m glad to revisit this kind of dynamic again.
It’s been awhile since you last worked with Sota Fukushi, how was it?
To be honest, it’s not like we haven’t meet up since then but it’s been 6 years since we last worked together. ‘How is Fukushi nowadays?’ I thought. We spent a lot of time together in the one year duration of shooting Fourze, so it was very comfortable acting alongside him again.
Co-starring together for one year, that’s a long time.
Yes, it really was. Since then, Fukushi has become very popular. 'What am I gonna do if he’s different?’ but he’s still the same stoic person I know. (laughs) As expected, he’s so cool! Fukushi gives off this amiable vibe and he’s good at being the go-between.
Kamen Rider Fourze is very special to you.
Of course. The fact that I’m able to co-star with Fukushi again, it makes me feel nostalgic. I realize all of my previous works still remain valuable acting experience for me.
The Fourze Trio photo isn’t actually included in the original interview but since the actor dedicated an entire page for Fourze, I might as well share the cute photo of them posing together.
I’m the one who translated, edited and formatted the whole thing. I’m in charge.
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