Hero Vision Vol.38 (2010/Autumn)
ft. Kamen Rider OOO Cast Members
Watanabe Shu x Miura Ryosuke, Asaya Kimijima
Yamada Yusuke x Hashimoto Taito Interviews
(translations below)
Publication: December 12, 2010
"From "Kamen Rider OOO," comes Watanabe Shu-kun, who plays Eiji Hino and Kamen Rider OOO, and Miura Ryosuke-kun, who plays Ankh and Izumi Shingo. At the time of this interview, it's been about 4 months since filming began, but, this is actually their first face to face interview. While talking about each other in a somewhat clumsy manner, as the conversation began to focus around the production, it became clear that they both have a passion for it, and that they couldn't talk about enough."
-Freedom and Loneliness?-
Miura: This is actually our first face to face interview.
Watanabe: It's been about 4 months since filming started (laughs). The first time we met was at a rehearsal. If I'm remembering right, you told me a simple recipe for carbonara.
Miura: I was like, "The first part is crucial!," and then explained to you how to make it from scratch……you probably still haven't made it, have you?
Watanabe: That's how the conversation started (laughs). I wouldn't stop talking to you.
Miura: You suddenly thrusted yourself into my personal space. To be honest, it startled me.
Watanabe: Miura-kun is the type who dislikes that kind of thing, right? I did it while thinking, "I'm sure he doesn't like it."
Miura: That's right. I was actually thinking of taking a step back…..I think we both got off on the wrong foot in the beginning (laughs).
Watanabe: Don't worry about it. The show will last a year, so we can start over during that time! (laughs).
Miura: Watanabe-kun was more firm when we first met.
Watanabe: Eh? You don't think so now?
Miura: You're very free (laughs). As I mentioned in the previous issue, there's nothing Watanabe-kun can't say or do now since becoming an adult. When I look at Watanabe-kun, he reminds me that I shouldn't forget about being honest.
Watanabe:……I've been wondering for some time now, but you've been addressing me as "Watanabe-kun."
Miura: Forgive me. It should be "Watanabe-san"
Watanabe: It's always either "Shu" or "Shu-kun," right?! (laughs).
Miura: It's because this is our first face to face together. When you print this, have him referred to as "Watanabe-san" (laughs).
Watanabe: It sounds like we're not on good terms.
Miura: Now, now (laughs). I like Shu-kun because he's free and honest. He'll usually say something on set like, "I'm hungry," as he naturally speaks on behalf of what everyone else is actually thinking, so it's nice being around someone like him. Also, when I look at your attitude toward the performance in Kamen Rider OOO, I feel that you're always looking at things with the feeling of, "What should I be doing now?" I think it gives off incredible energy, and it in turn makes me feel like, "I can't give up." I'm grateful for him.
Watanabe: You praise me too much.
Miura: Occasionally (laughs). I'd never say such things on set though.
Watanabe: That's for sure (laughs). Miura-kun, in a good way, hasn't changed since we first met. As his junior, this might be strange for me to say, but he's a very considerate person. It's amazing because he doesn't force it, it's just natural.
Miura: What have you seen that makes you think that way?
Watanabe: You casually moved your bag off a bench, and it give off an aura that said, "It's fine if you sit here."
Miura: That's it?! (laughs).
Watanabe: I feel like you're nicer to everyone else except me.
Miura: There it is! You often say stuff like that in interviews, don't you? Every time I do an interview, the interviewer says to me, "Miura-kun, Watanabe-kun said, "I wish he'd be alittle kinder to me," you say that right?!
Watanabe: Ahahaha! (laughs).
Miura: It's true that I haven't had a chance to have such deep conversations with Shu-kun…..I should be the one saying, "Be nicer to me." You're so close to (Asaya) Kimijima-kun, that I tend to become jealous.
Watanabe: Eh? Really?
Miura: Well, it's because you've always admired him since you saw him modeling, right?
Watanabe: That's true, but I still haven't gotten to know Kimijima-kun that well yet, you know?~.
Miura: No. I'm always thinking, "What? Am I really all alone?"
Watanabe: No way (laughs). Ah, I noticed something different about Miura-kun since the beginning. He's started to tell jokes!
Miura: That's right! (laughs).
Watanabe: At first, he wasn't really into funny stuff. He was like, "Hmmm, is that so?," and it felt like he was ignoring me. Then suddenly, he started to say funny things on his own, and started to open up more. What happened?
Miura: It's because I wanted to get to know everyone better. I'm one of the older people on set, so I'm very conscious and careful in that regard. Still, as expected, the atmosphere is different between the teen group (Watanabe-kun, Riho Takada-san, Mayuko Arisue-san). It's like there's some kind of obvious wall between us…..
Watanabe: No, no! It's more like Miura-kun was the one who put up the wall first.
Miura: Yeah. I'll admit to that (laughs).
-Eiji and Ankh are Incomplete?-
Miura: The episodes from when we first started filming, I remember them well, and I think they're nostalgic.
Watanabe: Like the scene where we first performed together?
Miura:……Hmm?
Watanabe: You don't remember! (laughs).
Miura: No, no! If I remember correctly, I was Shingo, right?
Watanabe: Wrong, it was Miura-kun!
Miura: That's right! (laughs)
Watanabe: I made a mistake (laughs). I meant it was Ankh!
Miura: Yeah. At the end of the first episode, Ankh possesses Shingo.
Watanabe: There's that one scene where Ankh quickly grabs him by the chest and yells, "What do you mean?!" When I saw Miura-kun's performance, I really thought, "He's scary! I see, from now on, Ankh will be getting mad at Eiji like this all the time….."
Miura: Eiji had a calm face, but Shu-kun looked terrified (laughs). When I performed it with Shu-kun, I thought it was very fresh, and I still think about it even now.
Watanabe: What do you mean?
Miura: Shu-kun acts naturally, which is how he becomes Eiji. On the other hand, I'm a pretty well defined character, so it's interesting to see the contrast in the way we act and the characters we portray. From the first time I read the script, I knew I wanted to create a contrasting relationship, so I'm glad to see that I've been able to make it happen.
Watanabe: Eiji and Ankh have a really strange relationship right now. We don't know if they'll stay together or not, if they understand each other or not…..
Miura: We don't know what'll happen in the future, but……Whether Ankh and Eiji continue to work together, or decide to separate, either way, I think it'll be interesting to see what direction OOO heads in. No matter what scene we're in, I enjoy them all. Isn't it fun thinking about where and what Ankh and Eiji are doing, and then finally finding out?
Watanabe: I know! Ankh's a bird monster, so he'd be eating chicken meat (laughs).
Miura: Ankh isn't just about being in high places. Even though he's a bird, maybe there'll be a scene in the future where he goes into water?
Watanabe: Currently, I like the scene in episode 8, where Eiji goes to save Ankh from completely falling apart due to being beaten by Uva. From there, I felt that the two of them were rapidly getting closer. If Eiji had just met Ankh, he would've never done such a thing, but I guess he gradually began to realize that he needs Ankh.
Miura: If someone's in troube right in front of him, Eiji's the kind of guy who can't leave them alone, but is it not the same for Ankh?
Watanabe: Ankh's the one who approached Eiji to take advantage of him. At first, he didn't know that he couldn't transform without Ankh. In episode 8, I think I understood that both Eiji and Ankh are incomplete without each other. I was acting as if it was an important scene for both of them.
Miura: I see.
Watanabe: But, Ankh isn't honest, so he doesn't say "Thank you."
Miura: He'll say, "He's a useful idiot." Basically, he's got a bad mouth (laughs).
-A Role is Coming….?-
Miura: At first, I thought Ankh stood at the top, but Eiji tends to drag him around alot, huh? Now, the only place to stand is at the top of a tree.
Watanabe: Is that what you mean by standing on top? (laughs). It's true that after giving Eiji the medals, he'll often be on a higer spot to view things.
Miura: I think that's what it means. Also, I really like the scenes where the two of us stand side by side. At first, I was wondering how it'd turn out, but when I saw the broadcast, it looked great.
Watanabe: I thought that too!
Miura: The image of two contrasting people standing side by side, it's really good. I don't want to lose to the Kamen Rider W duo (Renn Kiriyama-kun, who played Shotaro Hidari, and Masaki Suda-kun, who played Philip).
Watanabe: For me, when Eiji's next to Ankh as he plays with his iPad….I like the casual feel of those scenes. Even if you think, "What's the point of them being together now?," they're still casually together. Will there be more scenes like that in the future?…..
Miura: As Ankh continues to become more emotional, there'll probably be more conflicts between them.
Watanabe: Eiji's inner self is also coming out. We still don't know whether they'll continue to fight or understand each other. Either way, I'm interested in seeing how Ankh becomes more human like and cute. Especially since Chiyoko-san keeps making him look so cute (laughs).
Miura: I feel bad for Ankh these days (laughs).
Watanabe: From episode 10 onwards, Chiyoko-san starts to discipline him, and Hina-chan uses her incredibly stupid strength to knock him around. Also, in episode 8, Eiji ignored him by saying, "Ah, I see."
Miura: That's right! Gamel's Yummy won't drop that many medals even if it's defeated, so Ankh says that there's no need to fight, but Eiji just ignores him with, "Ah, I see," and fights. It made me think, "He can really say such a thing!" It was an incredibly cold, "Ah, I see." It made me feel lonely. I thought it was Shu-kun's true feelings……
Watanabe: What? Is today the day Miura-kun spreads rumors that we don't get along?! (laughs). But, we've been discussing our thoughts on the broadcast, right? There's that one scene with Ankh that I really like. In episode 6, while riding the motorcycle to the apartment with the Piranha Yummy, he makes eye contact with Hina-chan.
Miura: It was through the helmet.
Watanabe: It was just the expression of his eyes, but it was really cool. Your eyes held various implications.
Miura: Hmm~. That's a nice way of putting it.
Watanabe: There's also episode 5. When Eiji's being chased by Uva, he sends his Battacandroid to Ankh for help, where he scolds him with, "Would you stop playing around?" That's Miura-kun's true nature.
Miura: What? That previous push back? (laughs). That's how Ankh should be! But, I did think, "Huh? This is something I'd often say to Watanabe Shu" (laughs).
Watanabe: Does that mean we're getting closer to our roles? We've only done alittle over 10 episodes so far, but looking back, there's so much to talk about.
Miura: That's because we're enjoying OOO just as much as the viewers.
Watanabe: That's true, I'm a fan (laughs). Everyone who's reading this magazine is watching the relationship between Eiji and Ankh grow deeper and deeper, so I hope you're enjoying it. Also, the songs that play during the combos are rather impactful, so I hope you're enjoying them as well! (laughs).
Miura: We're all working on the show with the hopes that the viewers will enjoy it more than we're enjoying it. I want to capture that feeling better through the filming. OOO still has a long way to go, so let's enjoy it together, with me, Shu-kun, Ankh and Eiji.
Watanabe: We should go to a hot spring together.
Miura: You mean you want to have a naked relationship like Eiji, and open our hearts to each other?
Watanabe: Hmm?
Miura: In the show, Eiji often talks to someone while in his underwear. I thought it symbolized facing the other person while being naked in both body and soul. Maybe that's what we're missing (laughs).
Watanabe: Right, right. I think it'll help bring us closer in our performance.
Miura: Well then, please make a plan and give me a call. I can't do that kind of thing (laughs).
Watanabe: You got it!
_
"Shintaro Goto is a 22 year old former police elite, who now works for Kousei Kougami, the Chairman of the Kougami Foundation, as a Ridevendor captain and an observer of OOO. He may have a cool attitude that makes others feel unwelcome, but in reality, he's a passionate person who's determined to "save the world." Asaya Kimijima-kun plays Goto, who becomes more human and appealing as the story progresses. We could see that he's learning and enjoying himself as he performs the constantly changing Goto."
-"Shintaro Goto" is changing-
Kimijima: It's been about 4 months since Kamen Rider OOO started filming, and I'm still learning everyday. I haven't really seen much from the Kamen Rider series, since it wasn't being broadcast when I was a kid. That's why when I found out that I was going to be in OOO, I was happy, but at the same time, I was worried with, "I wonder what's going to happen?," as there were so many unknowns. It's the first time for me to play a role in over a year, and it's also the first time for me to shoot action and CG scenes. What's more, Kamen Rider is such a "big stage." I was always confused, because I couldn't see how my performance was going to be captured on film. But, it's also a fun way to learn about something you don't know.
First off, there's the character Goto. Currently, The image I had of him in my mind has changed alot. In the beginning, I was told that his set up was a quiet and expressionless former police elite, who's now a cool guy who loyally performs his duties as a subordinate of Chairman Kousei Kougami of the Kougami Foundation. I was trying to be mindful of those characteristics in my performance, but as the story progressed, he started to fall apart as he was being pulled around by Eiji, and saying, "I want to save the world with my own hands, but I can't." He seems to express his desires and dissatisfaction with just his attitude, huh? He's becoming alot more human. Once I realized that Goto isn't a person who feels no emotions, I began to think that both Goto and I need to be more flexible in our performances.
However, his character is still abit of a mystery. My own view of Goto, which isn't depicted in the script, is that he's always had a strong sense of justice, never made any friends, worked hard to join the police, and did his duties without wasting time on a personal life. That's probably why the way Eiji acts is so hard to understand. I don't know if Eiji is passionate or not when it comes to fighting.
Most importantly, while Goto avoids interacting with people as much as possible, Eiji lives his life while always interacting with someone. He's got a different sense of distance from others. I guess they can't easily understand each other, because their lifestyles are so different……What's more, when Goto gets swayed by Eiji, he ends up becoming someone with a comedic side (laughs).
In episode 7, he's struck in the face with cake. I was surprised, being like, "This is going too far for Goto. What should I do?" (laughs). Goto's not trying to be funny, he's just being serious, and I think that makes him even more interesting (laughs).
Around episodes 9 and 10, Goto's gun action started to increase. One word I could use for it is "difficult." Even though I have experience in sports, this is my first time in action, and shooting a gun is something I'd never do in my normal life. Since my body isn't familiar with it, it's difficult just to take a stance. Actually, before acting, I watched a few movies for reference, but I think I made a mistake in my choices……If you watch war movies or mafia movies, the way they shoot is very clumsy. I guess it's because it takes place in an intense world, where everything is life or death. Later, I realized that I should've watched some detective movies (laughs).
Once filming actually started, I was amazed at how much I learned on set. The Action Director taught me every step of the way, from how to handle weapons, to how to get on and off a motorcycle. Rather than being told by the Director, "This is the kind of Goto you should play," I get feedback on Goto that I've personally thought of, and sometimes I notice things myself and make corrections, so I feel like I'm creating Goto together with everyone else. I go into filming with my own idea of, "How I want Goto to be" in advance, but when I actually play him, he becomes something different just by the way he's portrayed. You can't create Goto with just your own ideas alone. I believe that by talking with everyone on set, we're able to present a, "Good Goto" for the broadcast.
It's difficult to look at the broadcast objectively, but regardless, my opinion is, "The story is interesting!" Each character is interesting, and the various combinations of the medals are interesting……Huh? Surprisingly, I'm enjoying it objectively (laughs).
-"Asaya Kimijima" is changing-
When I first met (Watanabe) Shu-kun, who plays Eiji, he told me, "I saw a magazine where Kimijima-kun was a model," and it honestly made me very happy. We had conversations like, "If you have any clothes you don't need, please give them to me," and I'd say, "Alright then," but many people also asked me the same thing, and I wouldn't act on it. Then, every time I saw him, he would ask, "When are you going to give me some clothes?" I realized, "Ah, he's being serious," and so……I gave some to him. That event made me realize that Shu-kun is not the kind of person who tells lies or makes ups stories (laughs). He's exactly like Eiji. Although we've never been alone together due to the filming schedule, (Miura) Ryosuke-kun, who plays Ankh, is someone who's very particular about how he presents himself and is an artistic person. I feel inspired just by looking at him.
(After learning that Watanabe-kun said in the previous issue that he wanted the 3 of them to be in the same dressing room together) Unfortunately, there hasn't been any news of the 3 of us being in the same dressing room yet (laughs). Shu-kun often invites me to go out to dinner with everyone, but we haven't been able to do that because our schedules don't match up…..
By the way, people often ask me, "What kind of things do you talk about with your co stars?" It sounds like something that guys in their teens or 20s would normally talk about (laughs). I'd rather not talk about our performances. As I'm still learning, there's nothing I can say about the performance, and I don't think acting is something that should interfere in personal talk. When Shu-kun saw the broadcast, he said, "Goto's really cool," and, "OOO is interesting, right?," but all I can say is, "It's interesting, isn't it?" (laughs). This is normal for me, because I'm not the type of person who talks alot. On the other hand, Shu-kun is the type who talks all the time, and seems to love it when someone jokes around with him. That's why I'm also making sure to joke around too (laughs).
Considering this project will last a year, the filming and broadcasts have only just begun. I wonder how Goto will change in the future. He works under Kougami, and has doubts about not being able to save the world with his own power. During all of this, he gets involved with Eiji and Ankh, and he's definitely being influenced by them, as he continues to recognize their actions and ways of thinking......His way of life will gradually change, and you'll see a new side to him. I'll do my best to show off Goto's range, so please keep an eye on him in the future. I myself hope to also change for the better through this show. I hope you'll watch over me warmly.
_
"Among the elite monsters known as Greeed, who are hostile to Kamen Rider OOO, is Yusuke Yamada-kun, who plays Uva, an insect based monster, and Taito Hashimoto-kun, who plays Kazari, a feline based monster. Not only do they have to play the roles of special monsters, but they also couldn't hide their confusion, as there were alot of first time experiences for them, but it seems that they're quickly discovering their own ways of acting. The efforts of these two are firmly connected to the existence of their characters in the story."
-The gap between the role and what was envisioned?-
Yamada: Taito, have you gotten use to things yet?
Hashimoto: (while smiling proudly) No! I'm new to acting, so there's alot I still don't understand. During the dubbing, I was overwhelmed by the performance of Yukana-san, who plays Mezool. I thought, "She can do such a powerful performance with just her voice!" At first, I was struggling to watch the movements of Kazari, played by Suit Actor (Jun) Watanabe-san, and to check the voice counts. Now that I've got this role, I think I need to increase the variety of my voice for the fighting scenes.
Yamada: It's difficult to get the intonation right, isn't it? I heard the person who voices Yummy do the dubbing, but the Yummy don't talk, so he just goes, "Gwah!" with a human touch. I immediately tried to imitate him, but he got angry and said, "Weak" (laughs). I wonder how you make a strong sounding voice? If you overdo it, it makes me look weak.
Hashimoto: Children watch the show, so I think it's important to act in ways that are big and easy to understand. I think it also depends on how much I can get immersed in the world by watching the dubbing footage. However, lately I've been able to see alot more moments where I think, "Ah, now!," as the footage and my own voice become linked. It feels really good!
Yamada: For me, it was more difficult not being able to approach Uva in the beginning.
Hashimoto: Because he keeps away from others?
Yamada: What I envisioned and what was expected of me didn't work together. The image of Uva I had, was that he was a weak and insecure guy. It's because, Kazari is clever, Gamel acts like a child, and Mezool is full of mystery, so I thought it'd be nice to have at least one character with those traits. But, what the Directors wanted was to have Uva be "tough."
Hashimoto: "OOO" is also the plural form of "King" (Ou-zu). You just need to have more style.
Yamada: That's right, isn't it? I thought too much about it, and at first, I acted in a way where I was still trying to figure things out. But, I was able to change direction by talking with the Director on the set, and I think I've made up my mind. Originally, I had set my methods at 100% from the beginning, but then I tried it at 50% and would gradually add to it, which seems to have been a good idea. I don't know if this is the best way of doing things, but I'm someone who can't give less, so I think it's faster.
Hashimoto: I'm thinking about alot of different things. I try thinking as much as possible before going to the set. If I were to create something different from what the Directors envisioned, the current set up makes it impossible to change. I'm just trying to respond to what was said to me on set.
Yamada: What kind of advice do you get on set?
Hashimoto: Mostly about my movements I guess. In particular, I learned alot about hand movements.
Yamada: Earlier, you were doing it while taking pictures, but do you think about the small movements of Kazari's hands as Taito's?
Hashimoto: Some parts I thought of myself, and some I came up with after receiving the advice. However, I was relieved that none of them were too different from the Kazari I wanted to play.
-On a set full of confusion….-
Yamada: Are you still not getting used to the set?
Hashimoto: Unlike in stage plays, there's alot of on the spot work involved in film production, isn't there? You have to do the rehearsals yourself, and that's something I'm not used to yet.
Yamada: It's confusing because some Directors are very specific when it comes to what they film, while others tell me, "Feel free to do whatever."
Hashimoto: Now that you mention it, there was a time when a "certain someone" broke a bottle on set when he was told, "It's fine to act freely."
Yamada: That "certain someone" was me, and it's something I did because the staff gave me the OK, alright? After all, I only broke one bottle.
Hashimoto: I'll expose you myself then (laughs). After he smashed it, the atmosphere on set included the words, "Did you really break it?!" Then Yamada-kun whispered, "I'm sorry….." I could barely watch~ (laughs).
Yamada: I wanted to break down after that…..
Hashimoto: Everyone understood that you did it as a good way of expressing yourself. But, you learned the horrors of miscommunication (laughs). I've made mistakes too. The first scene we shot was the one where I appeared on a skateboard in the abandoned building where the Greeed hang out. I didn't know that filming started after they hit the clapperboard, so I started before they hit it, and the Director started to say, "H-hey!" Then, the Director said, "Stop! Stop!" so I stopped…..I was riding the skateboard with alot of enthusiasm (laughs).
Yamada: You were (laughs). Furthermore, when the clapperboard is used indoors, the sound echoes and is delayed, making it difficult to count. Sometimes the delayed sounds and our lines overlap, so it's a good idea to wait atleast one beat before starting to act.
Hashimoto: Eh?! I haven't been told that! Yamada-kun, if you know anything else, please tell me! There's so many things that are confusing me right now, and it's really tough!
Yamada: Eh? Really? Like what?
Hashimoto: They'll shoot one scene in one take, so often times I'm like, "I want to say this line after hearing the previous one!" I want to create Kazari's feelings by hearing the other person's words, but how do you act when you haven't heard them yet?
Yamada: You mean you want to act without getting a "trigger line" first? I can't really answer that. After all, we're in the realm of individual performance.
Hashimoto: Then please, tell me everything else you know!
Yamada: O, Okay……I wonder why I'm so upset (laughs).
-Will you try action in the future?!-
Yamada: Yesterday, I heard about various future developments from the Producer.
Hashimoto: I made an appeal, asking for what I wanted Kazari to be like.
Yamada: I couldn't think of anything (laughs). Well, all I want is that if Uva dies, I want him to die an enemy.
Hashimoto: Have him go, "Gwaaah~!," while looking evil.
Yamada: I don't think that'll be conveyed well in the magazine (laughs).
Hashimoto: From now on, I won't take my eyes off future developments, and I think the Greeed side of the story in Kamen Rider OOO is a really interesting. There aren't that many shows that have so many established characters and relationships among the enemies, or that the story develops around only the enemies themselves.
Yamada: I think it's fun that adults and children alike can imagine some exciting developments, like whether all the Greeed's will one day become complete, or what kind of combos OOO will show us in the future. (suddenly) Oh yeah, did you know that Director Osamu Kaneda is JAE's (Japan Action Enterprise) President?
Hashimoto: Really?! (is surprised)
Yamada: I also found out about it yesterday, and I'm looking forward to having him teach me about action. I heard that Director Kaneda almost never uses CG when filming.
Hashimoto: I think I can do all the actions that the Yummy do! Like the backflip belly flop! As the name implies, you do a backflip and land on your stomach.
Yamada: I think so too, so I told the Producer. He said, "That kid can do it." It'd be nice to see more pre transformation action.
Hashimoto: You did?! Thank you Yamada-kun! I'm really motivated now!
Hero Vision Vol.43 (2012/Winter)
ft. Kamen Rider OOO Cast Members
Watanabe Shu & Miura Ryosuke Memorial Trip
(translations below)
Publication: March 7, 2012
-Silent Relationship-
Miura: In the year and a half since I first met Shu, the more I got to know him, the more I liked him.
Watanabe: In what ways?
Miura: Shu's been an actor for 3 years, right? Just as anything can be mastered after 3 years, I think you're at the stage where you've established your "base."
Watanabe: During that time, I was able to work on "Kamen Rider OOO," something I had always dreamed of doing, and, I was also able to meet Ryon-kun
Miura: Shu was grateful for everything and didn't take anything for granted, so he was able to establish a proper base. It's become his strength, and now he can go anywhere and do anything. If we want to learn from our mistakes, we make them, if we want to succeed, we make it happen. He's only 20 years old, so he's got alot of potential. I've been an actor for 10 years, and I'm at the point where I'm thinking, "What should I be doing from now on?" There are many people who say that if you can't do something, you're not allowed to do it. At the 10 year turning point, I was able to be apart of OOO, a work that I could really devote myself to. I realized that because I had the opportunity to meet Shu, who had so much potential, I had the chance to reflect on myself.
Watanabe: I've noticed alot of things from Ryon-kun too. Ryon-kun must've been thinking alot about how to make Ankh a "beloved monster," and how to express "Ryosuke Miura" himself in his photobooks. Never wasting any energy or time. The clothes, makeup, facial expressions, and movements all convey the desire to create a theme or concept, and then accomplishing it. That's why I used to get so angry during the filming of OOO. Especially when the makeup artist didn't arrive at the right time or there was a delay on set.
Miura: There were many times when I'd "freeze" the scene with a single word I said…..But, that was because I thought, "This isn't the way work should be done," or "This isn't the way the workplace should be."
Watanabe: Yeah, I want to learn from Ryon-kun's professionalism. That's how I was taught to be aware in the field, with a straight forward attitude to straighten things out. Ryon-kun has his own principles, and he wants to make sure that they're properly carried out, right?
Miura: I don't like being taken advantage of like I used to. I don't want people to think, "This is good enough for a young actor." Shu and I would never suck up to someone in a higher position. That's not what we're about, we want to make ourselves recognized by growing on the set. That's why I didn't have any unnecessary conversations with Shu or anyone else before a real take. Being an actor is job where you have to keep fighting with yourself, and there are many times where you'll feel lonely. There are some sites where the cast members act casual in order to make up for it, but I don't like that.
Watanabe: When Ryon-kun was on standby, there was a sense of tension that spread through the set. I could hear him quietly saying, "No more playing around." It was then that I realized, "This isn't the place to be screwing around," and I think the rest of the cast and staff felt the same way.
Miura: Everyone in OOO was able to perform with a high level of professionalism. If someone as talkative as Shu was on the scene without thinking, I feel like he would've caused too much trouble.
Watanabe: The reason that didn't happen was because of Ryon-kun. He led us through his actions. I did many things to Ryon-kun though. Things like the "Cola Incident."
Miura: You're going to bring this up again?! (laughs)
Watanabe: While on location for filming of the second half, Ryon-kun said he, "Wanted to drink some cola", so I told him, "I'll buy some for you," but I couldn't find a vending machine. While on the location bus eating my boxed lunch and thinking, "I'll take care of it later," Ryon-kun came to me and said, "Why are you eating food instead of buying me a cola?" You were just messing around, but you were still angry, right?
Miura: I just wanted to eat together with you.
Watanabe: It didn't feel like that (laughs). It wasn't just the cola, you were frustrated by alot of other things, right? I tried to lighten the mood by saying, "Why don't you have lunch?," I was able to buy a cola on location after filming, so I left it on Ryon-kun's seat.
Miura: When Eitoku-san (Suit Actor who played Ankh) told me, "It's from Shu-kun," I remember being really happy. Doing things like that, Shu always fills the space in my heart.
-On an adventure together-
Miura: Since OOO is over, I think we should go on more adventures.
Watanabe: Adventures?
Miura: To use a styling analogy, Shu often says, "Ryon-kun, what are you going to wear today? What should I do?" But, it doesn't matter what I answer. I know that you're always looking for the answer that's inside of you. I know this because I usually have an answer in my mind, even though you ask for opinions from others.
Watanabe: That's right. I'm impatient and want to know the answer right away, so I'll ask, "What do you mean?," and sometimes I'll say, "That's what it means, right?," responding before the other person can answer.
Miura: When it comes to clothing, Shu would say, "This isn't my style, so I won't wear it." I used to think, "I can't do this," but wearing different clothes changes you, and sometimes you like them even better. I've come to believe that these things are like anything else.
Watanabe: It's easy to understand if you compare it with clothes. Ryon-kun's visual sense of adventure is incredible. Are you still exploring things? Or have you decided that this is your style?
Miura: I don't decide. It's not that I think, "I'm the one who wears leopard print," I just think, "I'm the coolest" or "I'm definitely cuter than other people." Coolness and cuteness differs depending on the person, but I want to do everything I can and can only do now, fully utilizing both my own ideals and the appeal of the Ryosuke Miura that others desire.
Watanabe: Hmmm~ (is impressed). When I saw Ryon-kun's paisley patterned setup with a blue background, I thought, "So cute!~" (From Miura-kun's blog, February 20, 2011). When I saw it, I thought, "People can do so many things!" But since it's Ryon-kun, it'll probably take some time before I can pull it off myself~.
Miura: Wanna do it? (laughs). You've got an adventurous spirit.
Watanabe: Ryon-kun is slim, so he looks good in both cool and cute styles.
Miura: I used to avoid leather jackets because they didn't fit my body type, but after I was allowed to wear a biker's jacket as part of Ankh's costume, I began to think, "They're cool." Then I started to wear them in my private life, and now I wear them alot. You should try wearing them too.
Watanabe: Isn't it boring to settle on an idea?
Miura: No matter what Shu wears or what he does, he's still Shu. But it's definitely fun to be particular. Now, let's try wearing skinny jeans in our private lives.
Watanabe: Can I really wear them~?
Miura:: It doesn't matter if the zipper doesn't close. Just think that skinny is the only thing in this world!
Watanabe: That's an interesting concept! (laughs).
-We want to be "special" to each other-
Watanabe: In contrast to his fashion, Ryon-kun keeps his own problems to himself.
Miura: I just don't tell Shu about them.
Watanabe: What?! I should be the first one you tell!
Miura: Shu doesn't listen to other people. When he speaks, he looks the other person in the eye and leans forward, but when the other person begins to speak, he lowers his tone and says, "Hmm, hmm…."
Watanabe: My goal this year will be to listen!
Miura: Shu wants to be the center of attention. It's cute how visibly flustered he gets when someone other than himself is being focused on (laughs).
Watanabe: I don't like it when Ryon-kun hangs out with someone else, talks to someone else without me, or talks about something I don't understand even though we're together. I think, "What? Is Ryon-kun that type of person?," it's similar to the jealousy of accusing someone of cheating.
Miura: !!! (he burst out laughing). It's fine when he interrupts the conversation or tries to compete with me by saying, "I'm better than you," but it's a problem when he stays quiet. Shu doesn't talk when he's angry. When I say something, I have to say it all…..
Watanabe: That anger may be because he thought of me, or it may be about something that isn't negotiable at work. While I was happy, I was also worried about Ryon-kun himself.
Miura: At times like that, he'd ask, "Ryon-kun, what's wrong?" Whenever he's in a bad mood, I always try to calm him down, and I'm lucky if I also don't get stuck in a bad mood.
Watanabe: I overdid it sometimes (laughs). However, many things happened during our time together. I had alot of happy times and alot of frustrating times. I don't want to talk about it because it might distort my position and my feelings about the show……but, I thought it was great that Ankh was loved by so many people.
Miura: I think so too. Every time I saw Shu acting brave as the main character, and seeing him being loved by the staff, I thought it was something I couldn't do. Humans are always begging for something they don't have. We have different positions and characters, so it's not like we want to change for the other person (bitter smile).
Watanabe: Thanks to that, I was able to become more attached to my role and love it even more. What may seem like a negative thing can end up improving each other. Because I'm like that, no matter how close Ryon-kun is to other actors in his private life, he always comes back to me in the end. I'm number one among Ryon-kun.
Miura: Where does that confidence come from?
Watanabe: It's my desire for it to be that way.
Miura: (laughs). It's true that Shu is special to me. I've been surrounded by older people since I was little. There are people who pampered me and people who took good care of me, but somehow I couldn't trust them enough, and I always thought, "I have to get my act together." Especially on set, there's no place to relax….
Watanabe: That's true….
Miura: But, Shu's special. Only Shu can be spoiled. Shu's the first one where I think I can do anything with this person. Whether it's a photo shoot or an event, when Shu says, "Ryon-kun, it's okay," I can trust him with everything. Shu changed me from my very core.
Watanabe: Ehhh? Am I spoiled?
Miura: Shu was given special treatment during the photo shoot, right? When we all went to a donut shop to celebrate the makeup artist's birthday, I only bought grape juice for Shu (laughs).
Watanabe: That's right! I was the only one! (is happy).
Miura: I remember things like that every now and then. "We were together every day when we co starred together, so now it's fine if we don't see each other for a few months," I don't know why I ever said that……
Watanabe: Did you realize how much I meant to you after you left? Perhaps you got stuck in the "Watanabe Spiral?"
Miura: What does that mean?! (laughs).
Watanabe: It's the same for me. When I entered the set of OOO, I realized how blessed I was to be there. I felt like everyone loved me so much. At such times, I want to meet Ryon-kun and to confirm that, "I'm not alone."
Miura: Ahahaha!! (he bursts out laughing).
Watanabe: Well, after all, it's lonely, and we have to say "bye bye" now that we've finished filming.
Miura: I thought it was fine up until now, but I want to continue working with Shu and the others…..But, Shu doesn't think I'm special. To Shu, everyone is special.
Watanabe: What are you talking about?! Ryon-kun is the only one who keeps in touch with me this much.
Miura: I don't contact you as much as you say.
Watanabe: Is this because of the "email incident?"
Miura: When we first met, I said, "I don't feel comfortable messaging men."
Watanabe: I don't even message my friends to say, "See you tomorrow." The only emails I send are things like reminding my parents to send me contact lenses, or business matters like saying "I understand" to my manager (laughs). And yet, even though I send them to Ryon-kun myself, I can't?
Miura: You attach heart marks too.
Watanabe: That's right. Because you're really special to me.
Miura: I see (is satisfied). I'm a person who wants "Love" to exist in everything, including people, things, and work. I expect the same from others, can be jealous, and am abit troublesome.
Watanabe: Really? What if I want love too?
Miura: Then we're the same (is satisfied again).
Watanabe: I also rely on Ryon-kun. If I'm at a loss for materials at an event, if I'm talking too much, or if I feel like I'm going to make things worse, I'll say, "Hey, Ryon-kun?" and wave at him. When Ryon-kun replies, "Yeah?" or "What is it~," I respond with, "Miura-san, can I ask you something?," and then we end it with a joke.
Miura: Ah, that interaction, it really saved you (laughs). I'm glad~.
-The complete opposite path-
Miura: I feel at ease knowing that I'll be able to meet Shu again in the future, whether it's for interviews or at someone's birthday party. But, I'd like to keep in touch with Shu more easily. Even if it's, "I'm hungry, let's get something to eat even though we only have an hour."
Watanabe: Let's do it, let's do it!
Miura: And yet, for some reason, Shu can't do that……
Watanabe: Me being underage was probably a big part of it, huh? I also found myself wanting to meet Ryon-kun. Well, I already told you today, I'll change our relationship.
Miura: Please, by all means.
Watanabe: But, I'm short of money, and lately I've been eating alot of foods with a combination of bean sprouts (laughs). I don't like it when Ryon-kun takes care of me.
Miura: It'd be fun to have a "tasty bean sprout eating contest" at Shu's house.
Watanabe: Sounds good! I'm the best when it comes to bean sprouts, right?
Miura: Save some for me (laughs). Even if you say, "I can't do it because I don't have enough money," I'll say, "Okay, let's do it next time," or "It's okay, let's go together." Shu is serious about things like this. He seems to live freely, but he always tightens up where he needs to. It was the same with OOO.
Watanabe: That's because, as much as I was happy to be able to appear in a production that I admired, I also felt anxious and pressured. When it came to my acting, my responsibilities as the lead role, and communicating with Ryon-kun and the others…..I had alot of worries. When I saw Ryon-kun worrying, I had an optimistic attitude and said, "That's not something to worry about, right?," and it was because I didn't want to show everyone that I myself was worried and depressed.
Miura: Ah…I see…..
Watanabe: For me, I wanted to be everyone's "sunshine" on set. I felt that it was required of me, and I really wanted to make my dreams come true in a better way by being that way. That's why I wanted to challenge myself to do things that were beyond my capacity.
Miura: You overdid things.
Watanabe: I feel so too. There were times when I held in what I wanted to say because I didn't want to get into a fight with Ryon-kun. I instinctively avoided him because I was afraid that if my relationship with Ryon-kun deteriorated, it would become even more difficult to stand firm.
Miura: Why can we talk like this now?
Watanabe: I guess it's because I started seeing things from a different perspective. Just because I talked to someone about my troubles doesn't mean that the tension on set goes down. I don't think I needed to hold myself back so much, and I probably should have talked to Ryon-kun about it. I had too many assumptions about how things should be.
Miura: But, everyone was at ease saying, "Shu-kun doesn't change every day," and they respected Shu for that. This work was possible only because Shu was able to suppress his "insecurity" and "impossibility" and stand firm. By letting me out, the both of us survived together.
Watanabe: I see……We were complete opposites, but we faced the same direction as well.
Miura: That's why my feelings for Shu are actually very simple. At first I was surprised and thought, "Such a person exists!," then I thought, "He's amazing," "He's wonderful," and "I love him." I'm so grateful for him.
Watanabe: It feel the same. For me, this year and a half was because of Ryon-kun.
Miura: Now that our environments are changing, I think it's okay to feel down and talk to others when things get tough. You may run into conflicts when you ask for someone's opinion, and they may not tell you how to solve them, but it is much better than worrying about them alone. I don't want to run into the same problems again, so I think about them until the very last moment, and if it still doesn't work, I vent about it to someone else.
Watanabe: I see…..that sounds fine. Ryon-kun will listen to me now, right?
Miura: Of course, go ahead.
Watanabe: Thank you. Hah~……Today was the first time I've heard or talked about many things. I didn't have as much time as I thought I did while we were performing together (bitter smile). I think there are still alot of things I haven't talked about with Ryon-kun.
Miura: Let's talk whenever you want. It's sad to see the show end, but it was a year and a half of many encounters. I'm very happy that the people who came to know us through these encounters are supporting both of us together. I hope everyone will continue to watch over and support us as husband and wife for many years to come.
Watanabe: (laughs). It's been over a year and a half since me and Ryon-kun became a pair….I believe that together we were able to bring dreams and smiles to many people. We want you to support us forever, and let's grow even more so that we can live up to that.
Miura: Right!
_
Japanese Alphabet with Shu and Ryosuke (+ other page details)
Go to Hakone (page 65)
A: "The moment I'm in love" (Ai o kanjiru toki)
Shu: It's constant……Like the other day, when Ryon-kun gave me the bracelet that he'd been wearing for such a long time. Why'd you do that?
Ryosuke: I've been wearing it for many years now, and I wanted someone I cherish to have something that I cared about. I wonder if Shu writes about me on his blog or talks about me at events.
Shu: I wrote about Ryon-kun in my first blog of the year!
E: "The important part" (Erai tokoro)
Shu: It's strange for me to say this, but he's extremely professional. However, when he messes up, he really messes up.
Ryosuke: The organizers do a better job (laughs).
Shu: I was the organizer of my 20th birthday party and the New Year's party during OOO (laughs). Because it was a party with Ryon-kun and the others, I took the initiative.
Ryosuke: Everyone gets together because it's Shu, and even if they can't make it, they'll definitely let him know.
I: "Want to hold an event?" (Ibento o yarunara)
Ryosuke: A comedy act. At the request of one of my fans at a live event, they said I should be
the funny man and Shu should be the straight man (laughs).
Shu: I like singing with Ryon-kun, so it'd be a concert.
O: "What happens when you're mad?" (Okoruto dounaru)
Shu: Ryon-kun stops talking to me and drags me through the day. He's never honest, even if he's sorry during the middle of the day, he won't talk to me until the next day.
Ryosuke: Shu is more flustered than mad. He always wants to be the center of attention, so when I'm talking to someone else, he wants to get between us (laughs).
U: "The jealous part" (Urayamashii tokoro)
Shu: Your visuals and the way you present yourself to the media. The way that you know what's expected of you and can express it.
Ryosuke: That you're full of potential.
_
Arrives in Hakone Yumoto (page 66)
(top right)
"Although the Romancecar (express train) had some trouble and had to stop at Odawara, it arrived safely at Hakone Yumoto without incident! "We have to take a picture that we've arrived!," and Watanabe-kun and Miura-kun went together to stand in front of the signboard."
KU: "A frustrated heart" (Kuyashii kokoro)
Ryosuke: There are alot of things. He bought an iPhone before I did, he built the cool and stylish house he lives in now, and he's a really strong drinker (laughs).
Shu: His fashion sense. Even if it's a single bag, it's an expensive high brand item!
KE: "Your ideal marriage partner" (Kekkon aite ni osusume ha)
Ryosuke: Definitely Shu. I think he'd be a good dad. He'd take us to various places to have fun, find amazing things for us to do during Summer vacation, and make delicious food to eat.
Shu: Definitely Ryon-kun. He can cook and do housework like a wife. Just being together with him is healing.
KO: "Love" (Koi)
Shu: When it comes to love, I want an answer immediately, so all I want to know is, "I like you or I don't like you." I don't think I could play around.
Ryosuke: I can't do it either. And I'm pretty jealous, so I'm sure I'll weigh them down.
Shu: There are some people who feel more loved the more they're bound!
Ryosuke: I guess so…..I wonder if it has to do with compatibility….
KA: "The cute parts" (Kawaii tokoro)
Ryosuke: His smile and dimples!
Shu: He's surprisingly innocent. I'm the same way, but when he's moved by something, he becomes all, "Uwa~ah!! (with sparkling eyes)"
KI: "Areas of concern" (Ki ni naru tokoro)
Shu: Sometimes, at our events, we'd speak using a fake Kansai dialect (laughs). Saying things like, "Why's that?" and "Is that so?"
Ryosuke: Even though neither of us are from the Kansai region (laughs).
Shu: It did make me feel closer to the guests though.
_
Hatsuhana (page 67)
(top center)
"When walking in front of Hakone Yumoto Station,"
Shu: I'll say it here. I got a Bluray recorder from Ryon-kun as a present for my 20th birthday!
Ryosuke: It's too late to say it! People think I didn't give it to you (laughs).
Shu: I missed the opportunity. So here it is now.
Ryosuke: In a good way, my impression of Shu hasn't changed since I met him. Also, I was really surprised at how well he eats (laughs).
SHI: "Horror story" (Shippaidan)
Shu: I don't mean to offend, but I often end up hurting people with my words…..
Ryosuke: If it were me who had done it, I wouldn't think, "That's terrible"….(laughs).
SU: "My favorite part" (Sukina tokoro)
Shu: There are alot of things, but if I had to pick one, I'd be that he's devoted to me.
Ryosuke: The part where he's always pulling me along, whether it's out of excitement or just to talk.
SE: "World view" (Sekaikan)
Shu: Recently, when we're together, we sometimes spend quiet time together.
Ryosuke: During the stage greeting for the film, "Kamen Rider x Kamen Rider Fourze & OOO: Movie War Mega Max," when I saw Shu sitting at the very back of the location bus, silently admiring the scenery outside the window, I thought to myself, "He's become more sexy since turning 20" (laughs).
Shu: I was probably just trying to appear cool (laughs).
SO: "When you need me by your side" (Soba ni ite hoshii toki)
Ryosuke: Now that Kamen Rider OOO is over, I hate that I'm not next to you.
Shu: I currently feel the same way. I've never been loved so much on a set, so I want to meet up with him once in awhile and spoil him, and I want to confirm that, "Ah, I have friends, and I can do my best going towards tomorrow."
TO: "Times where I make him feel special" (Tokubetsuda to omou toki)
Ryosuke: Always. In front of the other OOO members, I've always shown that, "Shu is the best."
Shu: I rarely send emails outside of business, but I only send emails with hearts attached to Ryon-kun.
TE: "The appropriate part" (Tekitona tokoro)
Shu: When I'm messing around. Sometimes I respond with, "I'm too busy to bother you" (laughs).
Ryosuke: Shu basically relaxes when he doesn't have to do something for himself or others (laughs).
TSU: "The cold (hearted) part" (Tsumetai tokoro)
Ryosuke: It wasn't towards me, but Shu's face was cold during a pre event meeting with the MC. I immediately asked, "What's this all about?," as it was a face you don't want to show to the visitors.
Shu: When I talked to Ryon-kun after the "Cola Incident", usually he'd laugh and say, "I see~," but he instead responded with, "No, I don't understand" in a cold way……It was scary.
CHI: "The part that's different" (Chigau tokoro)
Shu: Our personalities are the exact opposite. We're like the S and N on a magnet, so we fit together perfectly and can't be separated.
Ryosuke: Yeah, I'm interested because we're different, and I like seeing how things play out.
Shu: We look completely different too! A Japanese face and a Western face!
TA: "Fun memories" (Tanoshi katta omoide)
Ryosuke: During filming for OOO, we had our first date in Ueno! (May 22, 2011)
Shu: After filming, we went to Fuji Q Highland (interview done by Tokyo News Mook: Good Come, November 16 issue). But, you know, I always enjoyed those moments when we had off time, whether it was having a meal during a break or just sitting on the location bus.
_
In the Corridor (page 68-69)
NA: "What would you name it?" (Namae wo tsukerunara?)
Shu: E&A, since it's Eiji & Ankh….."EA!"
(pronounced ia = ear)
Ryosuke: Hey, are you sure that's okay? (giving a dirty look).
Shu: Eh~? (unhappy). Then, what about Miura-san?
Ryosuke: I want to be on "Team (blank)"
Shu: Since it's the year of the Dragon, how about "Ryuseikai?"
Ryosuke: Sounds good! Our goal is also to get more male fans, so it doesn't matter how grand it is!
NU: "The part I want to leave out" (Nukitai tokoro)
Shu: Dance! And also, professionalism!
Ryosuke: I have none. In the first place, I can't beat Shu, so I have no desire to lose to Shu, or to destroy Shu.
NI: "Similar parts" (Ni teru tokoro)
Ryosuke: That we value our family. Shu loves his family too, doesn't he?
Shu: Yeah, I love them. The similarity with Ryon-kun is……(thinking hard)……I can't think of any! I always see him as my complete opposite.
NE: "Sleeping face" (Negao)
Shu: Ryon-kun's sleeping face is beautiful.
Ryosuke: Shu's is cute. He's like a baby. He must feel comfortable, because he drools down to his collarbone (laughs).
Shu: That's how "Lake Watanabe" will be created.
Ryosuke: That's so gross! (he bursts out laughing).
NO: "Drinking" (Nomi)
Ryosuke: I want to drink at a kushikatsu (skewer) restaurant or some place with a counter.
Shu: I'd rather go to a dirty restaurant than a fancy one and share my true feelings with him.
_
Hakone Glass Forest Art Museum (page 70)
HA: "Embarrassing things" (Hazukashii koto)
Ryosuke: I didn't want anyone to see the moments where I went into water, stood on high places, or anything I don't like, but I showed them all to Shu during the filming of OOO. I have nothing left to hide from Shu.
Shu: I'm lazy at home. I watch TV with just a towel wrapped around me after a bath, and my laundry is sometimes left in the washing machine, where it becomes stiff and crumpled…..
HI: "Secrets" (Himitsu)
Ryosuke: There's none. We're generally talkative, and when Shu acts stranger than usual, I get curious and ask what's up. Shu will often ask me, "Ryon-kun, did anything happen today?," so there are no secrets (laughs).
Shu: I have none either!
FU: "Dissatisfaction" (Fuman)
Ryosuke: When I'm having trouble with something I don't want to talk about, he asks me in front of everyone, "Ryon-kun, did something happen yesterday?" I'd like it to be just between the two of us.
Shu: Sometimes he says things that are impossible. Like, "Come to my concert in Osaka."
Ryosuke: Why's that? I'm requesting for Shu to show off his cute performance.
Shu: But, I also have plans…..
Ryosuke: I'll be in a bad mood if you don't come, okay?
Shu: Yeah, I'm not dissatisfied. This isn't dissatisfaction (laughs).
HE: "Disguise" (Hensou)
Ryosuke: I want to act cool like you always do.
Shu: Me too. I'm going to be cool like you always are.
Ryosuke: Can I pull it off?
Shu: Ryon-kun's coolness might be too difficult for me right now (laughs).
HO: "A serious moment" (Honki no shunkan)
Shu: The look in your eyes the moment you start your performance. It's completely different from usual.
Ryosuke: As expected, it's times during the performance.
(middle right)
Fusing Experience
"While wearing matching friendship bracelets, Miura-kun gave Watanabe-kun the handmade bracelet as a gift, and the two have a close relationship when it comes to accessories. They both made accessories by melting glass and presented them to each other."
Shu: Since it's the year of the Dragon, I think I'll choose something with a dragon motif for Ryon-kun~.
Ryosuke: Eh~? (unhappy).
Shu: No good? Well then, let's do something cute then.
Ryosuke: Hmmm, as I thought, Shu should get a "mask."
"And with that, they start with a complete showdown!"
(middle left)
"They also created a gift for the readers."
Ryosuke: Don't move everything I just put down~ (laughs).
Shu: Ah, sorry.
"Watanabe-kun said, shifting the glass beads while curling, so we couldn't see the finished product."
Shu: The one I placed (a glass bead in the bottom center) doesn't make too much of an impression, huh? (laughs). Ryon-kun, please do something about it~
"In the end, Miura-kun arranged and completed it by hand."
(bottom left)
Their collaborative "Heart Spoon" will be given away to 1 person!
(bottom middle)
From Ryosuke to Shu: A mask necklace
From Shu to Ryosuke: A sparkling key holder
_
Onsen (page 71)
MU: "Defenseless moments" (Mubobi na shunkan)
Ryosuke: The times when Shu is sleeping, right? (laughs). I personally think I'm flawless.
Shu: That's a lie~. He already said he's revealed alot of things to me.
Ryosuke: Hmmm, the truth is, the more I like someone, the more conscious I am about how I'm perceived. I just don't do it well with Shu (laughs).
Shu: Ah, I see!
MA: "Things I'm serious about" (Majimeda to omou tokoro)
Shu & Ryosuke: Things relatings to work.
MI: Miura Ryosuke
Shu: The kanji that make up bewitching, "Mysterious" and "Gorgeous," and even "Beautiful" suits him. His appearance, expressions, and everything about him is erotic and cool. Anyway, he's very sexy.
Ryosuke: Are you serious? That makes me happy! I think the eternal theme for me is to have "Love" in everything.
ME: "Meal" (Meshi)
Ryosuke: I'd like to pound real mochi using a mortar and pestle. I'll do the pounding and Shu will do the kneading. And, I want to try different flavors, like chocolate.
Shu: I want to have dinner at a fancy French restaurant in Ginza that costs 30,000 yen per person. I wonder what'll happen to us there.
Ryosuke: We'd probably panic? (laughs)
MO: "The popular parts" (Moteru tokoro)
Ryosuke: You have vitality, and the confidence to do so for whatever reason (laughs).
Shu: I think it's because I want to lead. I'm recommend by younger people (?). But, I'm not looked up to by people my age or those older than me……Ryon-kun is devoted. I can feel that he thinks of me as the center of his life.
Ryosuke: I still think that's heavy to say.
Shu: That's because there are some people in this world that want to be bound.
_
Kiritani Hakoneso (page 72-73)
RU: "The parts of his looks that I like" (Rukkusu de sukina yo koro)
Shu: His small, well defined face and slim legs (he slaps Miura-kun's thighs). And, he has a flexible body.
Ryosuke: Actually I'm pretty stiff (his fingers can't reach the floor when he bends forward). I'm like Shu, I've got a firm face.
Shu: We both want things the other has.
RI: Request (Rikuesuto)
Shu: I want Ryon-kun to hurry up and invite me to his house!
Ryosuke: I don't want to because it's a mess right now. I'm planning to move, so wait until I'm in my new home.
Shu: Of course!
Ryosuke: My request would be to go out to eat a meal casually, not just for birthdays or New Year's parties, but also on days when there's nothing going on.
RA: "The lucky things" (Rakki na koto)
Ryosuke: After I met Shu, we started eating alot more food, and we started talking alot. I'm a much more positive person than before.
Shu: I learned alot about the rules of how things should be in the field and how things should be in this industry.
YO: "Weakness" (Yowami)
Ryosuke: It's no good to ignore Shu.
Shu: Loneliness and indifference are the worst. Ryon-kun is lonely too, isn't he?
Ryosuke: It's because I'm a Rabbit, as I was born in the year of the Rabbit.
Shu: I see, you're a Rabbit-chan~ (Does he even understand?)
YU: "How did you come up with your unit name?" (Yunitto mei o tsukerunara)
Shu: Ryosuke's R and Shu's S are taken to make "R&S." By the way, the "&" is taken away from "Earth." Earth also has it's meaning!
Ryosuke: I think it's nice to be big (laughs).
YA: "Being kind to me" (Yasashiku sa reta koto)
Ryosuke: Shu often asks, "Ryon-kun, are you eating your food properly? Are you hungry?" and "Ryon-kun, if there's any leftover, please give it to me."
Shu: In the end, it's my desires (laughs). When I call someone and they don't notice, Ryon-kun joins me and we call together.
Ryosuke: That?! (laughs)
Shu: It's too much that no one moves!
RE: "Means of contact" (Renraku shudan)
Shu: It's mainly emails. We send each other about the same amount. Ryon-kun often sends me messages when he's drunk, saying, "Shu-chan" or "To my beloved Shu."
Ryosuke: When I'm drunk and lonely, I want to meet Shu. It varies whether we respond to each other or not (laughs).
RO: "Lost (what they don't want to lose)" (Rosuto)
Shu: Our friendly relationship. The rest is my personality. As people often say, "I hope you don't change," and if there is a part of me that can support Ryon-kun now, I want to continue to do so.
Ryosuke: My job. I met Shu through work, and if it wasn't for this job, we might have never met.
WA: Watanabe Shu
Ryosuke: He's free…..the way I see it, he's not pretending about it.
Shu: I'm bright and positive. But, I may not be able to show my true self easily.
(bottom right)
Since the Hero Vision release date was close to Miura-kun's 25th birthday (February 16th), Watanabe-kun gave him a surprise after dinner. Watanabe-kun was enthusiastically singing "Happy Birthday dear Ryon-kun~" (with a hint of euphoria), and Miura-kun was surprised and said, "Eh? Eh? You're kidding, right?" Miura-kun, with some tears in his eyes, said "Thank you," and Watanabe-kun gave him the biggest smile in return.
_
Return to Tokyo (page 74)
(W)O: "The end" (Owari)
Shu: I heard that Hakone got the most snow this winter today. The snow must've been waiting for us to come. Maybe the snow said, "Ryon-kun, Shu-kun, why don't you come quickly? The scenery will be beautiful when it's all piled up."
Ryosuke: What's wrong with you? Saying such cute things (laughs).
Shu: It was alot of fun. The hot springs and the food were great, but I really enjoyed being with Ryon-kun! What about you Ryon-kun?
Ryosuke: It was fun. Since I was with Shu, I ate alot more food than usual (laughs).
_
See You! (page 75)
N: "From now on" (Kore kara)
Shu: Next time, we'll climb Mt. Fuji, and at the top we'll shout, "Waaah~!"
Ryosuke: I want to climb it. But, it's said that you're risking your life.
Shu: Is that so? Well then, let's go fishing instead.
Ryosuke: Let's go to a river. I want to eat river fish.
Shu: Then let's go camping! Decide on sweets up to 300 yen.
Ryosuke: Then it's a field trip (laughs). I don't mind if we go to Korea and enjoy fancy gourmet food, or if I pick up some bamboo and go to Shu's house to have Nagashi Somen.
Shu: That's a wide range. Also, are you planning on leaving my house drenched? (laughs)
Ryosuke: Anywhere is fine if I'm with Shu.
Shu: Eh? (is happy)
Ryosuke: It'd be interesting to have an interview where we're just eating (laughs).
Shu: Then you can visit anytime! (laughs)
(*no Japanese word starts with the singular "N" character)
when i caught cold, i decided to watch kr ooo 10th core medal of resurrection but couldn't do it to the half of the film because symptoms got so much worse that i almost called an ambulance and thought i was dying
my friend who were watching with me said later that ankheiji almost killed me. it's my favourite ship in the entire series.
it might be psychosomatic but everytime i think about them i feel like i'm gonna collapse and lose my consciousness. almost threw up when finished this art.
for those who interested in story ending: no, i didn't call an ambulance. took a pill, opened the window and got a little better. but later i got diagnozed with anemia and as a concequence high blood pressure. oh and also gastritis.
Hero Vision Vol.37 (2010/Summer)
ft. Kamen Rider OOO Cast Members
Watanabe Shu & Miura Ryosuke Interviews
(translations below)
Publication: September 7, 2010
Watanabe Shu (Eiji Hino)
"Playing the role of the main character Eiji Hino and Kamen Rider OOO in "Kamen Rider OOO," is Watanabe Shu-kun. He's always thought, "I've always wanted to become a Kamen Rider," and the passion he has for this production has only seemed to have intensified. Watanabe-kun has only just started to create the role, but what's the main appeal of OOO and Eiji? We present to you this hot interview."
-I'm going to become a Kamen Rider!-
Ever since my first year of elementary school, starting with "Kamen Rider Kuuga," I've watched all of the Heisei Kamen Rider series in real time. At first, seeing a Kamen Rider defeat a monster was just so cool, and I couldn't stop watching. Around the time of the third series, "Ryuki," and fourth series, "Faiz," I was able to better understand even the smallest of details, and I began to think, "I'm going to become a Kamen Rider!"
While I continued to think like this, the chance to audition for "Kamen Rider OOO" was presented to me. I was more determined than any of the other contestants to win the audition, and it's not an exaggeration to say that I was putting my life on the line. That's why when I was chosen, I was so happy that I burst into tears.
Out of all the Heisei Kamen Rider series, the one I like the most is Kamen Rider Faiz. When he transforms, this area (his face and the 5 sections of his body) beeps and lights up, and when he does a Rider Kick, there's a flash of red…..the transformation and battle scenes are really cool!
Not only Faiz, but I've been influenced by the previous works of my seniors in many ways. In particular, when the Producer told me that Eiji's character is similar to that of Ryuki's main character (Shinji Kido), I had a fresh new look on him.
However, I don't want to end up copying his character, rather, I want to make sure that Eiji's own character comes through. When I think, "The feeling of Eiji," it's…..that he doesn't sweat the small stuff, and that he doesn't care about looking cool. Still, he'll face anyone directly, and has a strong will to protect what he wants to protect at all costs. I think that Eiji's a very straightforward guy. I also think the fact that he carries around nothing but his underwear and some coins means that he doesn't worry about appearances. My personality is that I also don't sweat the small stuff (laughs), and I'm not shy, so I have many similarities with Eiji. I'd like to play the role of a reliable hero by incorporating the coolness of Eiji and OOO into my own personality.
-A carefully crafted transformation scene-
It's been about 3 weeks since filming began (this interview takes place in early July), but the scale of the show's production was beyond my imagination. From the number of people involved, the methods used for filming, and everything else was massive. I get really excited when I think about being in such a production. I'll never forget the excitement I felt when I filmed the transformation scene for the first time! In Kamen Rider W's film (Kamen Rider W Forever), there's a scene where OOO appears, and by saying, "Henshin!," I realized just how hard I'd been working to get here……and I almost started to cry without thinking.
OOO's transformation is so cool! There's lots of attention to detail, like with the 3 medals in the belt and the elaborate moves. The Action Director, (Tsuyoshi) Miyazaki, came up with the basics, and we worked together on the detailed hand movements and positions. I suggested that since my left hand was facing the camera, my palm should be facing towards it, and also thought up ways of saying, "Henshin!" It's an important scene throughout the show, and I want to create the image of Eiji and the hero that I envisioned, so I was very specific about it. In W's film, Eiji is supposed to have experienced transforming many times before, so I made sure he looked confident. But, the transformation in the first episode of our main story is Eiji's first transformation, so it gives off a fresh feeling. I hope you enjoy both!
On days where I was taught how to pose, I'd practice by myself at home until midnight. In my mind, I created the image of becoming OOO as if I were in CG (laughs). I can't wait to see it, as the end result will be even better than that. I definitely have to go to the preview screenings! (laughs).
Eiji's a guy who's on the move alot, so I'm looking forward to seeing more action scenes. We shot alot in episodes 1 and 2, with me being grabbed by the monsters, being thrown around, being blown up, and rolling around. I'm still abit awkward at it, but with the help of Director Miyazaki and Suit Actor (Seiji) Takaiwa-san, I hope that in the end, I'll be able to jump off a building.
Ah, I mean, I want to improve that badly, but whether I can really do it or not is another story! (laughs). My dream is to punch and kick the monsters untransformed, so I'd like to make that happen too. If I keep talking about it like this, it'll come true someday, right? (laughs).
-Teamwork is the best!-
Things are so much fun on set. Ankh's actor, (Miura) Ryosuke-kun, is currently 5 years older me, and Shintaro Goto's actor, (Asaya) Kimijima-kun is 3 years older, but once I started talking to them, we quickly became friends. Miura-kun is the person I interact with the most in my role, so we're often together on set, and we talk about things other than acting, like my favorite manga (laughs). You get to know Miura-kun as he performs during filming. When the cameras aren't rolling, we talk about different topics, and I'd to get to know Miura-kun better when we're not acting.
As for Kimijima-kun….I was already a fan (laughs). When I was in middle school, I saw Kimijima-kun as a model in a fashion magazine, and it made me happy. Both of them are like kind older brothers, so I think it'll be alot of fun for the 3 of us to be in the same dressing room together.
We're off to a good start, and I have a feeling that the teamwork on set will keep getting better. We'll create an interesting show together, so please look forward to it!
-Watanabe Shu's Body-
Head: I'm a super positive person, so I just get through everything with the attitude of, "Well, I'll just figure it out." Who do I take after…..maybe it's a mutation? (laughs).
Ear: I've been told that I have "Hell Ears," because I carefully listen and remember the various things people say (laughs). I don't have any piercings…..making a hole looks like it'd hurt.
Eyes: I used to play sports, so my eyesight is well developed. I can even dodge punches, which I think will help me with action scenes!
Nose: I'm sensitive to the smell of food, and can guess what kind of food it is without looking. By the way, I love the smell of meat. I'm like a cave man (laughs).
Hand: I like to draw, and got the highest scores in art. But, I was more involved with sports, so now I'm abit rusty. Women probably prefer slimmer fingers anyway (laughs).
Mouth: I'm not shy at all, so even if I just met someone, I'll talk to them as much as I can. In other words, I'm annoying (laughs).
Foot: I'm fast! I used to run short distance and hurdle races, but I'm especially good at 400 meters races, and once took 3rd place in a prefectural competition with a time of 51.24 seconds!
Mind: I don't get upset about things too much. Maybe it's because a girl called me "insensitive" when I was in elementary school. Now that I think about it, that word seems to carry a serious meaning (laughs).
OOO: The theme of OOO is "Desire," and my "Desire" was to become a Kamen Rider. I think it's because I kept that in mind that I was able to encounter this production. Now, OOO is "Desire" itself.
_
Miura Ryosuke (Ankh)
"Playing the double role of Shingo Izumi, a detective, and Ankh, the monster who possesses him in "Kamen Rider OOO," is Miura Ryosuke-kun. With the aim of, "Playing a beloved monster," he seems to be exploring for new ways to express himself everyday."
-Aiming to become a beloved monster-
I met with the Producer and Director through an interview, where I was given the opportunity to be apart of this production. The day before the interview, I was so nervous because my mind was racing (bitter smile). But, in order for people to understand you, you have to enjoy yourself, so that's what I did, and from the beginning, everyone talked to me in such a friendly manner…..I immediately felt relaxed and at ease.
When I was chosen for the role of Ankh, I thought to myself, "I'm grateful." I've been an actor for about 9 years now, and I was afraid that I'd only be doing on the spot performances. But, I now feel that it's because of my previous experience that I was able to get a role that'll last as long as a year. That's why I'm "grateful."
After filming began, the separation of the roles for Shingo Izumi and Ankh become a major point for me. Director (Ryuta) Tasaki, who shot episodes 1 and 2, asked me to, "Make some differences," for my tone of voice, facial expressions, and movements. Looking at the script, it's obviously different. But, when I tried playing the role, it was very difficult. Shingo becomes possessed by Ankh in the first episode, so we don't know much about his personality. His younger sister (Hina Izumi, played by Riho Takada-chan) is worried about him, so we know he's a good older brother, but, I think he's actually more of a troublesome brother, which is why his sister is so strong (laugh). I'm looking forward to finding out what kind of person Shingo is through Hina.
I'm still struggling with Ankh. The only thing I've clearly decided on, is to make him a "beloved monster." This was also brought up by Director Tasaki. Ankh's ideas and actions are pretty mischievous. One example is in episode 2, when he ate some popsicles, saying the reason was he wanted to, "Get some nourishment" (laughs). I'm sure that if I play the role without hesitating, my character will be loved by everyone. I wonder if Ankh will become more like a human by being with Eiji, or if a monster will always stay a monster…..I can't wait to see how things turn out.
Before we started filming, we had 2 rehearsals, but for the first one, time went by and I wasn't really grasping anything……I was certain that everyone was worried and wondering, "Is this guy gonna be okay?" I was so frustrated, that I would watch anime that reminded me of Ankh, I just couldn't stop thinking about him. I began to think that there was more to him than just being a right hand, and that there was a "heart" to him. Then, at the second rehearsal, I was able to get into being Ankh. The Director actually told me, "You're overdoing it" (laughs), but, those words helped me to get rid of any doubts, and I began to understand the "balance" of being Ankh.
-Creating Ankh together-
I'd like to draw your attention to the craftsmanship of Ankh's arm. It's been finely crafted down to the smallest details, and is very beautiful. It made me wonder how great it'd be to design the whole body. I can't tell you what material it's made of, as it's a trade secret (laughs), but, it's so light that I no longer feel uncomfortable wearing it. The index and middle fingers are my own fingers sticking through, so I can make detailed movements.
I've learned alot from Eitoku-san (Suit Actor), who moves Ankh's arm. Even though only his arm is shown in the show, he uses his whole body to express himself to the fullest. Just when I was thinking that I didn't want to be outdone, I had a very happy experience. The scene in the first episode where Ankh possesses Shingo was expressed through my own arm…..When I performed the moment when Ankh enters his arm and takes over, the camera man called Eitoku-san over and said, "Eitoku, this is how the acting should be done." The person who was filming was able to understand my performance. It made me incredibly happy. It made me think, "I can really do it as Ankh!" Through Eitoku-san and Ankh, I'm learning the importance of expressing my thoughts and feelings from the tips of my fingers, toes, and head.
The Director, makeup artists, costume designers, lighting crew……all of their hard work has been positive, and has helped me with becoming Ankh. I'd like to express myself as much as I can so that you can see it in a better way.
As of now, many of the actors are younger than me, but in the past, I'm often the youngest on set. I'd like to view this from the perspective of an older brother…….I want to, but it's abit difficult (laughs). The teen cast members are all so strong, that they often end up helping me out.
I think that (Watanabe) Shu is "free" in a good way. He says things like, "I want to express it in this way," without hesitation. In this world, people tend to hold back by saying, "I can't do this," or, "I can only do this much," but Shu doesn't have such an attitude. That's why I feel good and at ease when we're together. His presence in my life has grown so much, that I feel like we've already been together for a year. The only thing I wish he'd stop talking about, is his favorite manga. Every day when he comes to the set, he asks me, "Miura-kun, have you read this one?" I'm not really into reading manga, so one of my favorite things to say right now is, "Will I last a year….?" (laughs).
I'm grateful for being on such a set where we can have such innocent conversations. I'd like to build a relationship with Shu and all the cast members, so that we can motivate and support each other even during the hardest shoots. I'd like to work with everyone to grow not only within the work, but myself over the next year.
-Miura Ryosuke's Body-
Head: I'm someone that wants to have "fun." I want to take things in a fun direction, and for people to think, "He's smart." I don't want to show my efforts behind the scenes.
Eyes: I may have a hard time looking at people and other things. But, the feeling of taking in everything is always there. Because by doing so, I'll encounter something that'll move my heart.
Mouth: I like talking, but I'm not good at it. I'm often asked, "What was that last part?," because I tend to get carried away and say things too quickly…..
Nose: Like laundry fresh out of the dryer, I like scents that give off a warm feeling (laughs). Sleeping on them is ideal. Floral fabric softeners are the best.
Mind: I've always been stubborn, and I'm very consistent when it comes to my way of thinking. In order for people to understand that, I have to be firm with myself first.
Foot: I'm not slow, but I don't think I'm fast either. I do like to exercise and dance, and I like to just move my body. I'd be happy if I can make use of that in my action scenes.
Ear: I have really good ears. Even when I'm talking to someone, I can hear the conversations of those next to me, and I'll get angry and say, "What'd you say?!" (laughs).
OOO: This is the "start" for me. I'm confident that what I learn here will remain with me for the rest of my life, so I want to make this an important first step for me.
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