The most straightforward confession in Chou Eiyuusai 2025
I wrote about them first because how straightforward it went and I was impressed.
From Boonboomger appreciation comment baton relay session.
'GENBA-SAN!"
"Yes?"
"YOU'RE SO STRONG, SO KIND AND RELIABLE!"
"I LOVE YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!"
Awwwwww... As I expected from puppy #2 of the group. So straightforward. (I usually call Mira and Jou as puppies pair because I can see the puppy vibes from them. Affectionate)
Booster pair is such a cute combination and pretty popular in JP communities too. Even though we didn't see their interaction that much in main series. But they still gave us nice moment outside.
Uchusen Vol.186 (Autumn 2024)
Bakuage Sentai Boonboomger | Detail of Super Sentai
ft. Main Cast Interviews
(translation below)
Publication: October 1, 2024 (between episode 31-32)
Iuchi Haruhi x Hayama Yuki x Suzuki Miu
Saito Ryu x Soma Satoru x Miyazawa Yu
"Filming will start to move into the endgame, so do you feel that your teamwork is now fully established?"
Iuchi: If we're talking about team work……to be honest, yesterday, including Hashiyasume-san, the seven of us went out to eat for the first time (laughs).
Suzuki: She'd been talking about "wanting to go" for awhile, and it just so happened that we all finished filming together, so when we invited her she said, "Definitely, let's go!" We all ate yakitori together and had alot of fun!
Soma: It was an exciting time.
Suzuki: It was fun, wasn't it? We saw new sides of each other.
Iuchi: We're often split up when we go out to eat, but this was the first time we were all together with Hashiyasume-san included.
Suzuki: Still, since there's always someone who can't make it, that might've also been the first time all six of us were together.
Hayama: That may be true. However, when we went out to eat, Hashiyasume-san said, "I know this is alittle late, but I don't know you guys very well," and so we introduced ourselves again. We started with basic info, such as our ages and the agencies we belong to (laughs).
Suzuki: When I came back to my seat after leaving for abit, Hashiyasume-san was saying things like, "Everyone's doing their best!," but what were you guys talking about?
Soma: I think it was about our auditions for Boonboomger. Hashiyasume-san asked us, "How'd you all get in?" and when we said, "We had to do countless auditions……" she was like "That must've been tough!"
Suzuki: Ah, I didn't know that.
"Was that the first time you spoke about private matters?"
Miyazawa: Outside of filming, yeah.
Suzuki: When we're filming, we don't have that much time to talk. That's why it's been alot of fun talking about so many different things!
"In the first place, when you're filming every day, you don't have much time for your private lives."
Hayama: Also, on the topic of food……in the curry shop run by the Hashiriyans, the four of them - Ishiro, Jou, Sakito and Byun Diesel, finish eating curry in one bite (episode 31), but those scenes were filmed with us eating normally and then being sped up in the broadcast. However, when filming, Miyazawa-kun was eating so slowly……Ryu and I kept acting as if we were scooping at curry that was already gone so that the timing for the end of the meal would match. It was already really late, and when I glanced over halfway through, his still hadn't decreased at all (laughs).
Miyazawa: Ideally, the four of us should've finished eating at the same time. That's why before filming, when everyone was nervous and said, "Will we be able to eat all of it?," I said stuff like, "Don't worry, in fact, if you're nervous, you won't be able to eat, so it's best not to tense up." However…….once we started and I looked up at Ryu in front of me, by the time I had eaten about a third of mine, he was already halfway done with his, and I thought to myself, "This ain't good"……
Suzuki: I'd be in a hurry (laughs).
Miyazawa: It's good because you guys are young, but once you get older, you won't be able to take it all in. I did my best to shovel it in my mouth in one go, but I just can't swallow it at all.
Hayama: When I had about three bites left, Ryu had already finished eating, but even though he was told, "Keep acting like you're eating," for some reason, he just waited patiently, which was also funny (laughs). Furthermore, when I saw Byundi in front of me, he couldn't eat because he was wearing a mask, so he had to continue to pretend to eat. More than that, Sakito, who was across from me, looked like he was in pain while eating, and it was really hard to hold back my laughter in that moment (laughs).
Miyazawa: I'm often teased because of my age. You guys oughta have alittle more respect for your elders! (laughs).
Hayama: We're always screwing with him (laughs).
Suzuki: It's proof that we're good friends, don't you think? (laughs).
"The story is also becoming more and more interesting."
Miyazawa: Recently, I think Genba's withdrawal (episode 27) is definitely worth watching. Satoru made the atmosphere serious, and I got the feeling that "we also had to do our best."
Suzuki: Normally, he really screws around (laughs), but when it comes to work, his face changes. I also think it's amazing that he always observes and studies the performance of Ono-san, his Suit Actor.
Iuchi: Is it just me, or does his acting seem to have gotten even more colorful recently?
Hayama: For some reason, I feel like Satoru-kun's expressions have changed recently.
"Does this mean that the role has become your own?"
Soma: No, no, I am honored though (laughs). Still, since the focus is on Genba due to his withdrawal, I feel that I have to work harder, and there are parts of his past that'll be revealed and foreshadowing resolved, so I have to make sure that I clearly convey them. I feel that this awareness is stronger than ever before.
"Is it also challenging to do the makeup when you change into his Bureki form?"
Soma: On its own, the makeup only takes about an hour, but I think the challenging part is for the makeup artist rather than myself (laughs). First I'm filmed as Genba, become Bureki after that, and then was filmed as Genba once more, so that was abit challenging. As for some behind the scenes stories……my skin is fairly tan, but when you combine that with the long white hair, it ends up giving me an unintended "gyaruo" look (laughs), so I use foundation to whiten my skin abit.
Saito: I think the contacts are also pretty challenging, no?
Soma: I wear colored contacts when I'm Bureki, but the pupils are vertical just like a cat's. However, when I blink, the pupils can't help but spin around and the angle becomes misaligned, so we have to reangle them every time.
Suzuki: Because of that, you try not to blink as much as possible during filming. Even though your eyes are drier than usual when you have contacts in, it's alot of trouble since you can't blink.
Soma: Still, there are some eye performances where you deliberately blink, right? That's why when we were filming in dry places, there were times when my contacts would fall out.
"Nevertheless, Genba's withdrawal was a shocking and abrupt development."
Soma: It was a huge development, I didn't expect that I'd be leaving.
Miyazawa: The scene where Genba walks away was good.
Hayama: It was good, wasn't it? It was abit dark on set that day of that shoot.
Soma: The mood was pretty rough.
Iuchi: On the way home too, everyone was silent.
Suzuki: Everyone was depressed……
Saito: Furthermore, the following week, Genba was removed from the opening. In addition, it starts from the end of the previous episode and leads into the opening, and Zawa-nii and I were saying, "This definitely isn't gonna be good for the people watching!"
Suzuki: You know about the picture of that girl who cried "Don't quit!" that was sent to Satorun on SNS, right?
Soma: I thought, "Yeah, I'm sorry"……but, well, it's my job.
Suzuki: To shatter her dreams even further?! (laughs).
Miyazawa: I wanted to tell her, "Just hold out alittle longer!"
Soma: Seeing photos like that still breaks my heart. Unlike in the past, we can now see direct reactions on SNS, but I have mixed feelings about this, as it's both gratifying and saddening (laughs).
"The untransformed action scenes seem to have increased, but what do you think about filming action?"
Hayama: I really don't have much confidence in myself. I'm just trying to get by with the power of editing.
Miyazawa: Episodes like the boxing one (episode 29) were really cool.
Hayama: That was through the power of editing (laughs).
Saito: Still, didn't BoonBlue's Suit Actor Yone-san (Yoneoka Takahiro) say, "I was very impressed with Yuki-kun's action skills"?
Suzuki: I guess you "leveled up" without even realizing it, huh?
Hayama: No, I've done nothing but work on my body. Around the beginning, I talked to Takahiro-kun about how I was, "Curious about the difference in our body shape before and after transforming." Takahiro seemed to also be concerned about that.
Suzuki: Yone-san's build is pretty amazing, isn't it? (laughs).
Hayama: I was really slender at the time, and we wanted to create a stronger link between us, so we decided on it with, "Alright, Takahiro-kun will lose weight and I'll get bulkier."
Suzuki: You were like, "Let's just meet in the middle" (laughs).
Hayama: Right, we decided to compromise with each other, so maybe that's why I started going to the gym. I was never the exercising type, but I feel like I have alot more stamina now.
Suzuki: Did Yone-san ever get thin?
Hayama: Takahiro-kun is actually fairly thin. The last time I saw him in his BoonBlue suit, it was wrinkled and had alittle extra room.
Suzuki: Eh, amazing!
Hayama: That really surprised me.
Miyazawa: Yuki was happy too.
Hayama: I was very happy (laughs).
"What other action scenes impressed you the most?"
Iuchi: While in his Bureki form, Satoru-kun did some wire action, and it was amazing.
Soma: I was able to do it because I had practiced in advance, but it was still more difficult than I had imagined. You have to balance in the air, so you've got to have a strong core.
Saito: When I looked at you after it was over, you had marks all over your body from the wire rubbing against you.
Soma: I didn't realize it while I was doing it.
Hayama: The action reminded me of the scene in the episode where Sakito first appears (episode 16), where he and Taiya fight in the parking garage. That was really cool, and Haruhi's athletic ability……I was surprised it wasn't terrible (laughs). Well, it's not that Haruhi's ability isn't good, it's just my own biased opinion.
Suzuki: Haruhi-kun's hobbies include reading and playing the guitar, so you can't help but get the impression that he's an indoor person. And yet, when he does action, he's actually very lively.
Miyazawa: Surprisingly, he likes exercising and action, and when we play futsal together, he has more fun than anyone else.
Iuchi: Personally, I'm really jealous that Genba takes on an alien form. That's why I've been appealing to the Directors and Producers with, "How about a development where Taiya also becomes an alien?" When I become an alien, I'd like to do some wire action, cause some explosions with napalm shooting out of my hands, and in the end, fall into some water and vanish.
Soma: In other words, you just want to do all the actions that only tokusatsu can offer, so it's basically just an "assortment of things you wanna do" (laughs).
Miyazawa: Seems like a happy meal of tokusatsu actions (laughs).
"What developments are you looking forward to in the future?"
Iuchi: What I'm most concerned about now is Sakito. When I watch, I feel that he still hasn't become a member of Boonboomger, or rather, he's become one of them, but his position is alittle different from the other members. He's always with Byundi, and they tend to act separately from us.
"You're not wrong, they give off the vibes that make them seem like a separate team."
Iuchi: Right. So, as the story progresses, and we all move toward our dream of the BBG, will Sakito move forward with us, or will he go off somewhere else?……
Miyazawa: It's true that Taiya and the others have big dreams, but Sakito's goals haven't been revealed in the main story yet. Previously he said, "My dream is to watch the fireworks with you guys."
Suzuki: That was an easily achievable goal (laughs). Still, that scene turned out cool.
Miyazawa: We may find out about it in the future, or maybe it just hasn't been made clear yet.
Suzuki: That being said, while each of them is depicted as growing, Taiya's still one step behind, and there's something mysterious about him. I'm pretty curious to see how he'll grow from here.
Miyazawa: Regarding Taiya, although his growth is depicted through things like his battles with Madrex, I get the impression that there's still alot that hasn't been revealed about him. Other than that, the only other story that focused on him was the episode of his first love (episode 24).
Suzuki: That's right.
"As we reach the climax, will this be discussed together along with the situation regarding Naito Raita-san?"
Iuchi: Yes, a disturbing topic will be brought up (laughs). Depending on how things unfold, I might cry for real.
Suzuki: We also don't know anything yet.
Hayama: Taiya and Naito-san are old acquaintances.
Iuchi: There may even be an episode where Taiya withdraws……?
Saito: Is that because all you want to do is use napalm and fall into water?
Iuchi: I've been caught (laughs).
Hayama: I also wonder how Tokoyari Eiichiro-san, the ISA Director, will interact with us in the future. He has a connection with Ishiro, but it hasn't been depicted in detail yet, so he's almost certainly going to be an enemy.
Suzuki: Well, that's how he's been portrayed (laughs).
Hayama: I'm really curious to see how he'll clash with us in the future.
Iuchi: I'm saying this as a viewer, but I'm also curious to see what'll happen to the Sanseaters. There are alot of fans of the Voice Actors, and while they're villains, they're characters that you just can't hate.
Hayama: In that sense, this job is a dream come true for an anime lover like me. Like, there's Morikubo Showtaro-san who plays Disrace……
Suzuki: In any case, the Voice Actors are just too extravagant.
Hayama: I had the chance to talk with Madrex's Kamiya-san the other day, and his natural voice was just like the soldier captain in that one anime. I thought, "I'm talking to my idol right now!," and my excitement was steadily cranking up (laughs).
"This is a benefit only Sentai can offer."
Suzuki: When I observe the Voice Actors recording, I can tell that the way they use their voices are completely different. It's not so much the volume of their voice, but the tone, like the way it resonates even if they don't speak loudly.
Hayama: When I observe Voice Actors recording, they're on such a different level, that I honestly wonder, "How do I even learn what to do?" (laughs).
Suzuki: Still, when I spoke with Bundorio's Matsumoto Rika-san, she told me, "We Voice Actors play the characters, but since everyone acts out the characters themselves and then provide their own voices after they transform, I think it's better if you do it in your natural voice for realism." That's definitely something I agree with.
"And now finally, please give a message to the fans."
Miyazawa: I think the story is gradually reaching its climax, but I wonder how everyone in Boonboomger will grow and develop from now on…..the same is true for Genba, but I'm sure we'll be able to see each person's own vision, including their relationship with Sakito and the Sanseaters, who tend to act alone, so I hope that you'll pay attention to this area and enjoy the story to the very end as it reaches the most interesting part.
Soma: Lately, I think each and every episode has been pretty intense, including what Genba's been doing since he left, but I wonder how the Boonboomgers will reunite from here. In the future, I think there'll be a boss to fight towards the end, and there's really alot left that's yet to be revealed. Even with that in mind, you'll still be able to enjoy it, and I think it's an interesting enough show that you could watch again from the beginning to check for the foreshadowing!
Hayama: Including the six of us, each character and their backgrounds are being depicted more and more intensely as of late. Especially now that Taiya and the others dreams of the BBG are being discussed in more detail, I'm also looking forward to seeing what'll happen. Then of course, there's Champion Boonboomger. I hope you'll enjoy the new evolution of the Boonboomgers.
Suzuki: Boonboomger is a group of professionals known by "-ers" and I think they're strong because it's a group of six people who each have their own strengths. However, with Genba's departure, I'm sure that it's not only us, but also the viewers who have been able to realize how significant it is when one person is missing. I hope you'll look forward to the drama of whether Genba will come back and what his friends will do.
Saito: The ultimate goal of Boonboomgers story is the BBG, but I think there are many more details to be explored, including Genba's story, so please look forward to that first. Also, please pay attention to the guest appearance of ToQger! This is the most recent appearance of a senior Sentai following Go-Onger, so I hope you'll look forward to future developments and seeing what kind of "spice" they'll add to Boonboomger.
Iuchi: When Genba left in episode 27, there was alot of reactions like, "He'll come back soon, right?," but even after a few weeks, he still hasn't come back. Including the appearance of Champion Boonboomger, I hope you'll pay attention to how everyone in Boonboomger grows by overcoming this predicament. Also, this was a personal request and something to look forward to, but although there was a story about Taiya's first love during his childhood, the very core of his past, such as "I can't sit still when I hear a scream," hasn't been explored yet. That's why I think It'd be good if we could delve deeper into Taiya's roots, along with his relationship with Naito-san. I'm really looking forward to it myself, and I hope that the fans will enjoy it too!
Uchusen Vol.184 (Spring 2024)
Bakuage Sentai Boonboomger | Detail of Super Sentai
ft. Main Cast & Staff Interviews
(translations below)
Publication: April 1, 2024
Iuchi Haruhi x Hayama Yuki x Suzuki Miu
"First, regarding the three of you, we'd like to ask, what motivated you to pursue the entertainment industry and acting in the first place?"
Iuchi: When I was in my second year of middle school, I saw the TV drama "Death Note" starring Kubota Masataka-san, which motivated me to become an actor. When I was in elementary school, I was really lacking confidence and always wanted to be someone other than myself, so when I saw Death Note, I felt that I could become someone else if I was an actor.
Hayama: I joined my current agency at 16 after being contacted in Osaka. At the time, I wanted to become a hairstylist, and at first I was thinking of turning down their offer, but the agency contacted me for over six months, and my mother said, "Since they're going this far, why don't you take atleast one audition?" And so, I took it and passed, and now I'm sitting here (laughs). I can say this now, but I did my first job without knowing what I was doing……But as I did it, I learned to enjoy the work, and from there I decided to become an actor.
Suzuki: When I was little, I was a regular reader of "Nicola," a fashion magazine for middle schoolers, and I'd carry it with me everywhere I went every day. It started when my sister recommended that I audition as an exclusive model. I applied when I was in my fifth year of elementary school and made it to the final round, but was rejected there. I was so disappointed, that I applied on my own the following year and was accepted.
"Why did you decide to also pursue acting after joining as a model?"
Suzuki: It started when I took acting lessons at my agency. At first, I wasn't very good at the lessons, but after 2-3 years, I had a moment where I felt that acting was fun. It all started with something trivial during a lesson, but from there I wanted to become better, and now I'm working hard at acting.
"Have you watched any of the previous Super Sentai or other tokusatsu productions?"
Hayama: I loved "Kamen Rider Kabuto," and had the transformation items for all the Kabuto Riders and I used to play with them with my younger brother.
Iuchi: I also watched alot of them. My house was full of Kamen Rider toys and my cousin's house was full of Super Sentai toys, so we used to play with them at each other's houses. I remember "Kamen Rider Wizard" being my favorite.
Suzuki: My older sister liked Super Sentai, so because of her, we used to watch "Mahou Sentai Magiranger" together. The other day, when Director Watanabe Katsuya asked me, "Have you seen any of the older tokusatsu shows?" I said, "I watched Magiranger!" and he said, "I used to film that too." I was deeply moved and happy to think that I'm now creating new heroes together with the people who created heroes for me to admire when I was a kid.
Hayama: Someday, we'll also become the ones who people admire.
Suzuki: I want to become one!
Iuchi: There's no doubt.
"What were your first impressions of Boonboomger?"
Iuchi: When I saw the materials for Boonboomger at our meeting, I felt that the designs and naming were back to the "taste" of the old days compared to the recent Super Sentai (laughs).
Hayama: When I read the script, my impression was that Boonboomger would be a cheerful and easy to understand show that both parents and children could enjoy together.
Suzuki: When I first saw the visuals, I thought it was quite original (laughs). It's like it was etched into my mind at first sight. The tires being slapped onto their faces leaves an unprecedented impact.
"How do you feel about the characters you're playing?"
Hayama: I had heard that he was a really cool character, and that's what I thought when I read the script, but as the story progressed I couldn't help but wonder……Is Ishiro really that cool? (laughs). My impression of him changed.
Suzuki: Mira is an innocent, energetic and cheerful mood maker, and I get the impression that she's similar to me. I think it's very easy to play, and that I'm able to project what I have into the role.
Iuchi: My first impression of Taiya was that he was interesting but difficult. When I read a script, to form my first impression, I often think about how the character's personality is similar to that in an anime or movie, but that didn't come out at all with Taiya. Gradually, I'm trying to find my own version of Taiya.
"What were your first impressions of each other?"
Iuchi: I've been together with Yuki-kun since the audition. I was Red and Yuki-kun was Blue, which is a common combination, and while everyone at the audition was nervous, my first impression of Yuki-kun was that he was sharp, cool, and very much Blue. It's completely different now (laughs).
Hayama: Hey?! (laughs).
Iuchi: Once I got to know him, there wasn't a hint of coolness (laughs).
"What about Suzuki-san?"
Iuchi: My first impression at the meeting was that she's someone who pays close attention to her surroundings, and she gives off the image of treating each person in the way they'd like to be treated.
Suzuki: That was your first impression?! I'm glad (laughs).
Iuchi: My impression of Suzuki-san hasn't changed (laughs).
"Hayama-san, what about you?"
Hayama: As Haruhi mentioned, I often worked with him from the early stages of the audition. I wasn't aware of it at first, but Haruhi had also passed the audition, and I was happy that the partner I was competing with for so long was there. My first impression of Haruhi was that he was a quiet person. But when it comes to acting, his voice changes, or rather, the way he speaks changes. His on and off switch is amazing. Now that I can see more of Haruhi's natural side, the image I get is that he acts appropriately for his age (laughs).
"What about your impressions of Suzuki-san?"
Hayama: The four male members of Boonboomger are surprisingly shy, and when we're unsure of what to say, Miu-chan will talk to us and bring the four of us together, so I have the image that she's a caring person. Now, she's surprisingly outspoken and is showing new sides of herself.
"Suzuki-san, what are your impressions of these two?"
Suzuki: Haruhi-kun has a very distinct voice. I got the impression that he was someone who spoke in a very calm and comfortable tone. Also, at the first costume fitting, when they asked if anyone had any problems with their costume, Haruhi-kun raised his hand and said, "I don't know how to walk in these sneakers." The heels on Taiya's sneakers are about 6cm high, and I was really impressed by the way he walked in a very unusual way, without bending his knees, he looked like a penguin (laughs).
Iuchi: They had a high bottom like heels. I've never worn heels before, so I didn't know how to walk in them (laughs). I ended up having the insoles lowered so I could walk safely.
"What about Hayama-san?"
Suzuki: My first impression was that he was a cool person. It's different now (laughs). He's very silly, very meddling, and an interesting Kansai person.
Hayama: How strange (laughs).
"Filming has progressed and we think you've gotten a feel for your characters, but what parts of your performance are you mindful of?"
Iuchi: As mentioned earlier, I still haven't fully grasped Taiya himself yet, but I decided to create Taiya not by thinking about him, but by thinking about the kind of character he is when he's with "this person." I'm getting to know Taiya through his relationships with the people around him, such as the sense of distance between him and Ishiro, and between him and Mira.
Hayama: There are many things about Boonboomger and our character's pasts that I can't talk about yet, but I've had the opportunity to learn more deeply about Ishiro's relationships and the way he interacts with people, and thanks to that, I feel I have a better grasp on my performance as Ishiro.
Suzuki: It's a small detail, but when I speak with a loud voice, my voice tends to come from higher up. However, Mira is an aggressive kid who's always moving forward on her own, so I try to act with the image of putting her voice forward as much as possible. When I saw the broadcast of the first episode, I felt that my voice came out too high, so now I'm trying to express Mira's momentum by bringing my voice forward.
"Did you two get any feedback on your performance from watching the finished footage?"
Iuchi: Taiya's a character who isn't overly emotional, but the Director pointed out that I was too conscious of this and that there was little intonation in my line delivery. When I watched the first episode again, I realized that when the sound effects and BGM were added, my dialogue was drowned out and lost. My voice is loud during battle scenes, but I thought it sounded kind of monotonous in other scenes. I felt that alittle more inflection and speed could be added from the time I'm Taiya before transforming into BoonRed.
Hayama: For me, it was more a reflection than a new discovery. At first, there were parts where I didn't fully understand what the Director was saying, but after watching the footage, I finally realized what it was he was trying to say. I'd like to make the most of it in future shoots.
"After watching the footage, It seems that everyone's performance may change in future episodes. So, is there anything you'd like to challenge yourself with in Boonboomger?"
Iuchi: I'd like to act with more emotion. Like Mira, she's happy, angry, or sad to the fullest, Taiya hasn't had a scene like that yet, so I'd like to try it.
Suzuki: I'd like to try the so called "swapping episode." The other day, we all practiced for a possible situation where our roles have been swapped. For example, I tried predicting what Ishiro would be like in Mira by saying certain lines. So, if there was a swap, I think everyone would be able to do it at a pretty high level (laughs).
Hayama: For me it's action. The first time I practiced action, it was so difficult that I couldn't imagine what it would be like to film it while acting and saying lines. But, I think I can learn alot from it, so I want to give it a try.
"And finally, please tell us some key points to watch out for to make Boonboomger even more enjoyable."
Hayama: Some may feel that Ishiro is a cold person based on his attitude toward Mira at first, but he's a character kinder than anyone else. He doesn't view things with a biased perspective, and is a man who treats people with respect. So, as the story progresses, please pay attention to the relationships between Ishiro and the people around him. I especially hope people look forward to his relationship with Mira.
Suzuki: The five of us are all unique, and if we were in the same class, we would never belong to the same clique. What will happen to these five going forward? I think we may clash with each other when we're together, but how will we change and "become one color"? I'd like you to pay attention to that.
Iuchi: I'd also like you to pay attention to the battle scenes. The staff told me that they place importance not only on coolness, but on how to incorporate a comical touch to the coolness. The voice actors adlibs are also amazing, for example, in the first episode, Mizuki Nana-san, who plays Ittasha, adlibbed "Ka-click" before saying "Ignition," and Matsumoto Rica-san, who plays Bundorio, also adlibs, which is always fun. Because I've read the scripts, I can see that there are alot of lines that aren't in them, and I think you can especially see that in the battle scenes. I'd be very happy if you could pay attention to the comical side within the coolness.
Saito Ryu x Soma Satoru
"First, please tell us how you both became interested in the entertainment industry and acting."
Saito: When I was in my second year of high school, I won the Grand Prix in the Junon Superboy Contest, and that's when I entered the entertainment industry. When I was in middle school, I had the opportunity to think about my career path, but at that time I couldn't find what I wanted to do. However, I admired heroes and wanted to do something to help others, and after that I studied to become a high school teacher. Still, since we only have one life, I wanted to do something even bigger, so I applied to Junon, and that's when I decided to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.
"Does that mean you admired (super) heroes? Did you watch tokusatsu shows?"
Saito: I watched Super Sentai and Kamen Rider. Heroes who purely fight for the sake of others are cool, I admired them. Boys like that kind of thing even after they grow up, don't they? I thought that I wanted to get a job where I could protect people, like a firefighter, policeman, or a school teacher who leads people.
"BoonBlack, who's also a police officer, is a perfect role for Saito-san."
Saito: This character is the very embodiment of my dream!
"Soma-san, what about you?"
Soma: When I was in high school, I was thinking about what I wanted to do, but nothing came to mind. I thought that I might be able to change if I came to Tokyo, so I moved to Tokyo, found employment, and worked in sales for four years. I had alot of connections during that time, and as I worked at my current agency, and was given the opportunity to do things like model, my desire to do acting grew stronger……and that's how it all started.
"What kind of roles do you want to play?"
Soma: I'd like to play characters who are psychopaths (laughs). Genba Bureki isn't a psychopath, but he's a mysterious person whose true identity is unknown, so I think there are some similarities. I've always wanted to take on a role like that, so I'm really looking forward to discovering many new things about myself by playing the role of Genba.
"Saito-san, you said you admired heroes, so can you tell us about the tokusatsu shows you watched during your childhood?"
Saito: I'm from the generation of "Engine Sentai Go-onger," but I was really into "Kamen Rider Ghost." I love historical stories, especially "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," so I was waiting to see if any generals from the Three Kingdoms would appear in Ghost.
Soma: I used to watch "Kamen Rider 555" and "Kamen Rider W," and for Super Sentai, I still have the "Ninpu Sentai Hurricanger" book that I got in preschool at my parents house.
"Soma-san later made an appearance in Avataro Sentai Donbrothers……"
Soma: After playing the role of a playboy (the one who tried to pick up Sononi in episode 8), I finally became a hero this time (laughs). The first filming location for Boonboomger was the same for me in Donbrothers, so I thought, "This is where I was picking up women!" It's kind of inappropriate to say though (laughs).
"When it was announced that the two of you would be appearing in the next Super Sentai production, including your family, what was the reaction from those around you?"
Saito: I didn't tell my family until the very last moment before the production announcement. On the day of the announcement, I told them in a video call that, "I'm going to be playing the role of Black in the next Super Sentai." My father, mother and older sister froze for a moment and then burst out laughing for some reason (laughs). They congratulated me, but then my mother immediately said, "More importantly, there's no snow in Akita, so we can't make snow huts (kamakura)." I thought, "What do you mean more importantly?!" (laughs). No matter how hard I tried to explain it to her, my mother kept talking about snow huts. Especially since I don't come from a family that makes a living off building them (laughs). Still, rather than them expecting too much, I think I preferred it being this easy, so I didn't feel any pressure.
Soma: I think my mother was particularly pleased. Also, my older sister has a 3 year old child, so I'm hoping that when they're older, they'll watch Boonboomger. I want to tell them that their uncle is a Boonboomger.
Saito: If my nephew asked me to "Henshin!" I think I'd do it immediately (laughs).
Soma: I'd call Ono Yukimasa-san (BoonOrange's Suit Actor) to transform for me (laughs).
"What were your initial impressions of Boonboomger during the auditions?"
Soma: At the time of the audition, I didn't even know the name "Boonboomger" yet. However, when I read the script, I felt that the atmosphere would be alittle different compared to recent Sentai.
Saito: I went into the audition thinking that I wanted to be Red, but my image of Red was that from older productions……I imagined Red as a super hot blooded and serious character, but Taiya isn't like that at all. Rather, I'm more like Jou, and as a result, I perfectly fit into his character (laughs).
Soma: Since I'm 27, I didn't aim for Red. I have the impression that recent Sentai casts include older members among the younger ones, so I was auditioning with a pinpoint aim for that position.
"Did you two meet each other at the audition?"
Soma: We met in the third or fourth round of the audition, right?
Saito: I remember my impression at that time. Satoru-kun was really mysterious and I didn't know what he was thinking. Because it was an audition, everyone was very intense, but for better or for worse, only Satoru-kun was just mysterious. He was so laid back, but he had such a strong presence that I thought, "Who is this guy?" That's why I was scared of him at first. But when I talked to him, I found out that he wasn't like that at all (laughs).
Soma: He spoke clearly and had a fresh feel to him, and I felt at ease knowing that he wouldn't be playing the same role as me.
"What are your impressions of Red, Blue and Pink?"
Saito: To be honest, from the beginning of the audition, I felt that Haruhi and Yuki-kun were Red and Blue.
Soma: That's for sure.
Saito: Haruhi's voice and way of speaking are truly Red. The moment I heard his voice at the audition, I immediately "shifted gears" that Haruhi was already Red (laughs). It's not good to focus solely on Red, as Yuki-kun's way of speaking and personality are also Blue. Then I thought about what I could do and gave it a try.
"What about Suzuki-san?"
Saito: I'm not very good at remembering women's faces and names, and I don't really remember much about Miu-chan from the audition……However, I was impressed by a girl who gave me a fist bump, and later I found out that that girl was Miu-chan (laughs).
"Now, please tell us about the characters you're playing."
Saito: Jou's a character with a high amount of freedom, and I'm often asked to adlib or "try something" on set. It's a really incredible role, but it's difficult. The other three male members are cool or mysterious and don't show much emotion. Jou shows his emotions, so I try to express them through my face and body, but it's still difficult. I'm learning how difficult it is to express myself, because I sometimes feel that I'm not expressing myself well, or that it's unnatural. I hope to bring out more of the pitiful and clumsy, yet still lovable character of Jou.
Soma: Up to the current episode that's aired, there are many aspects of Genba that even I don't understand. However, he's the kind of character who will reach out to you when you need him, so I hope I can express both his sketchiness and kindness. He's a character I've never played before, so it'll be difficult.
"What are you mindful of when playing your roles?"
Soma: I'm the oldest of the Boonboomger members, and Genba is also older than the other characters, so I'm conscious of giving off a sense of seniority by speaking in a calm manner. And then there's being suspicious (laughs).
Saito: I feel that Jou's a character that's as close to me as possible, and I think it'd be good if I could bring him closer to me. However, when I try to express Jou's straightforward feelings, I find it difficult to do so. Because the character is so close to me, it's difficult to express the parts of him that are different from me.
"Was there anything that the Director told you during filming that left an impression on you?"
Saito: Director Watanabe Katsuya told me, "You're a rugged and passionate guy like the old Reds, give it your all." I was happy and could feel the Director's passion.
Soma: Genba's hair is orange and permed, so the Director's first order to me was, "I don't want him to come off as a player." I was conscious of the way I spoke and the tone of my voice, keeping my voice low so it doesn't sound too loud.
"Have you spoken with the post transformation Suit Actors?"
Saito: At the beginning of the story, when Jou doesn't appear much and doesn't transform, I didn't have much of a chance to talk to Shige-san (Ito Shigeki). However, I had alot of performances where I was suspended by wires, and Shige-san gave me advice on how to move.
Soma: I can't talk about BoonOrange in detail yet, but I'm trying to make him look more mature while talking with the Suit Actor Ono Yukimasa-san and the Directors. Other than my own role, I'm paying attention to the performance of the Nejiretta. Within Boonboomger, I like the Nejiretta the most!
Saito: Satoru-kun imitates the Nejiretta any chance he can get (laughs).
"Going forward, is there anything you'd like to do in an episode of Boonboomger, or is there anything you'd like to try as an actor?"
Soma: I'd like to do a swapping episode, which may become an annual thing. I'd like to play a character that I'd never play, someone like Mira.
"In our interview with Suzuki-san, she also mentioned that she'd like to do a swapping episode. However, she predicted that Ishiro would be in Mira (laughs)."
Soma: She's been taken (laughs). But, it'd be fun to swap characters with anyone.
Saito: You love the Nejiretta so much, that you'd swap with one of them (laughs).
Soma: I'll go all out when the time comes! (laughs).
"Saito-san, what about you?"
Saito: I'd like to do a battle scene before the transformation. Of course, I want you to see Black's battle after his transformation, but I also want to fight myself. I've been taking action lessons and I think I can do some basic things, so I'd like to do some pure action scenes. I hope the time will come when I can show you the results of my daily muscle training (laughs).
Soma: When changing clothes, everyone else changes in the dressing room, but he changes his clothes on set and shows off his muscles (laughs).
Saito: I'll pull myself together and make sure I'm ready for you all to see me without being embarrassed (laughs).
"And finally, could you tell us about some key points to watch out for to make Boonboomger even more enjoyable?"
Saito: I think Super Sentai in recent years has had many heroic action scenes, and the Robo battles are also very powerful. I hope you'll enjoy the real thrill of tokusatsu. And then there are the Sanseaters. They're not just villains, but rather, lovable characters who are somewhat clumsy, so I think you'll enjoy it even more if you pay attention not only to us Boonboomgers, but also to the enemy characters.
Soma: Don't forget the Sanseaters and Nejiretta (laughs). The members of Boonboomger have distinctly different colors and personalities, so I think you'll be able to discover new aspects of each character every time. I'd be happy if you enjoy discovering these new aspects of every character each time you watch.
Producer Kuji Yoshito x Main Writer Tomioka Atsuhiro
"Kuji-san has been involved in the production of many Super Sentai series, but this is his first interview with this magazine. May we ask about your background?"
Kuji: I joined Toei in 2011, and was one of the rare new employees at Toei who loved tokusatsu (laughs). I was involved with "Space Sheriff Gavan The Movie," and for Super Sentai, "Zyuden Sentai Kyoryuger" and later "Shuriken Sentai Ninninger," but after that, I was transferred to the Educational Video Department and was separated from tokusatsu. Last year, I heard about the use of LED walls in King-Ohger and was very interested, so I gathered information within the company and visited the filming location. I don't think this had anything to do with it, but I was later transferred to the Drama Planning and Production Department and joined the team as a Producer for King-Ohger. As a tokusatsu enjoyer, this was something I couldn't have hoped for, but on top of that, as I was entrusted with the job, I was told that, "You'll also be the Chief Producer of the next Sentai…"
"In addition to the production currently being aired, he'd soon take charge on a new one…! Did you have an idea who the Main Writer would be at that point?"
Kuji: I originally loved "Battle Spirits," which Tomioka-san wrote for. Because of that impression, I was hoping to work with him someday. So, as soon as I started thinking about the new project, I consulted with Tsukada Hideaki, who had worked with Tomioka-san on the anime "Fuuto PI" as Chief Director, and said, "I'd like to meet Tomioka-san! Please introduce me!"
Tomioka: Suddenly, I received an e-mail from Toei, so I assumed it was a request from Toei Animation.
"Tomioka-san has participated in many productions by Toei Animation, such as ONE PIECE and Dragon Ball Super."
Tomioka: When I read it carefully, I was so happy that I jumped up and down because it was a request for a live action production, which I had longed to do. However, there was no mention of the "to" character for "tokusatsu" in the e-mail, so when it was decided that we would meet……I wondered if I'd be able to write about "Kasouken no Onna." After hearing about the Super Sentai series, I wanted to write a live action drama, which is why I originally entered this industry, and furthermore, I wanted to write a tokusatsu hero story, so I said, "I'll do it!"
Kuji: He was very enthusiastic. I was also very happy because we were taking a chance. Joining in on Tomioka-san's high motivation, the conversation proceeded at a rapid pace from there.
"What was the reason you originally wanted to write tokusatsu?"
Tomioka: I love toys! Even when I was working on my debut work in anime "Brave Exkaiser," I was collecting toys of the Gattai Robos. I always wanted to write a tokusatsu show that's closely intertwined with the toys, but I could never find the right opportunity to do so. And then, Kuji-san approached me. I had written stories for various productions in the past while keeping pace with the toy release schedule, so there was no trouble in creating the story. When I heard that the motif this time was cars, I was excited and thought, "I can do car action!" but then I calmed down and realized that you can't really do car crashes in the city nowadays. Nagahara Hideichi-san, my Scriptwriting mentor, wrote "Seibu Keisatsu" in which they drive an armored car through Ginza and had car action, so I'd like to create a world like that someday (laughs).
"It was decided from the beginning that cars would be one of the motifs, right?"
Kuji: Although the keyword was ultimately decided after discussions with TV Asahi and Bandai, I originally wanted to use "creative" as a keyword. Of course, there are many Sentai productions that use cars as a motif, but if we were to upgrade them to modern values, I thought it would be possible to incorporate the "manufacturing" that children are familiar with from videos and games. For example, in the past, the super machines would be given to them by a large organization or an unknown entity like, "We'll give this to you guys!" So instead of that, I thought that building and riding machines from their own hands would be an easier choice for admiration in the modern day. From there, I expressed to Tomioka-san this desire to portray a team doing something creative while gathering together for a mission.
Tomioka: In other words, it's like "Fast & Furious" (laughs). In addition, it's tempting to make cars talk as a way to appeal to younger viewers, but if you're really conscious of the fact that they're cars, it's better not to make them talk. I wanted to express that a machine is the best it can be because of the awesome power of the human driver. Also, in addition to the Boonboom Cars, the five of them would've had a car (through production), and I suggested that their occupations be car related, but that didn't work out……As you can imagine, we can't send out five cars all at once.
"At the same time as Tomioka-san, was pilot Director Nakazawa Shojiro also sent an offer?"
Kuji: When I was thinking about the image of the heroes I wanted to create, I wanted a Director who would take the direction I had created with Tomioka-san and push it even further beyond our imaginations. I think that Nakazawa-san is a Director who adds twists to the story, not just pure coolness. I asked Nakazawa-san to direct the pilot because I wanted him to take Boonboomger to a place where my sensibilities couldn't go. Besides, Tomioka Atsuhiro x Nakazawa Shojiro was the combination I most wanted to see. This combination is "alchemy" at its finest.
"Because of the use of LED walls in the previous work King-Ohger, we think there was more filming on set than on location. On the other hand, in this production, there's alot of filming on location due to driving cars. What were your guidelines for filming?"
Kuji: They really pushed King-Ohger to the limits to see how far they could go with their technological capabilities. This allowed the staff to share the work "calories" for each process. As Tomioka-san mentioned earlier, it's difficult to produce five regular theatrical cars. However, I had alot of discussions with the staff about the possibility of producing many Boonboom Cars by using assets (3DCG model data). Live compositing is used to represent the Boonboom Cars cockpit, the highway space, and the maintenance room. While considering sustainable work calories, I thought about how to produce the best image in a timely manner.
"In the first episode, Mira joins the Boonboomger and the story begins with a three member team. How did you come up with the story?"
Tomioka: We were thinking of doing something that would be most pleasing for children, our main audience, in other words, the classic battle hobby for boys. Taiya and Ishiro, and even Bundorio were already a team, and were strong from the beginning. In my experience, this structure, where it's important to be strong from the beginning, and then add the newcomer Mira to further strengthen them, is something that children feel good getting into. When I heard Kuji-san's idea of each person being a car related professional, Shirakura Shinichiro-san, who happened to be present at the meeting, said, "It's like the Hissatsu series." Actually, I love the Hissatsu series, and Shirakura-san's words made me really excited, thinking, "I can do something that I've always wanted to do but haven't been able to do!" I hope I can portray adults that children will admire to become. The style that's often depicted in the Hissatsu series is that a newcomer (Mira) joins the professionals, and the pasts of the other members are slowly revealed. Then it naturally becomes a story about the bonds of the team. The story line of Boonboomger is moving in an increasingly interesting direction as we incorporate ideas from other Scriptwriters one after another.
"Looking back at the Super Sentai series over the past few years, Ohsama Sentai King-Ohger, Avataro Sentai Donbrothers and Kikai Sentai Zenkaiger have been written almost exclusively by a single Scriptwriter. Tomioka-san, you're working with multiple Scriptwriters to create Boonboomger, what's your goal?"
Tomioka: I believe that by incorporating ideas that come from other people, not just myself, the characters will be able to develop. I'd love to write all the episodes by myself, but I think it's more appropriate if this production is written by a team of multiple people. Besides, it'd be boring to keep the heroes I've always wanted to myself. The style I like is to call my friends and then we all go wild in this new world together. First, since I was approached for "Fuuto PI" by chance, I was sure that Higuchi Tatsuhito-kun, who was in charge of the composition for the Fuuto series would be invited. Additionally, I approached Yamaguchi Hiroshi-san, who worked with me on "K-tai Investigator 7," once the project had been decided to a certain extent. Yamaguchi-san also writes to the extreme at full power. When I came to the Toei Tokyo studio with Yamaguchi-san, he said, "You're always on the opposite side, right? (at Toei Animation)" (laughs). Also, we have a younger man named Morichi Natsumi-san participating. Higuchi-kun and I are inspired by each and every tokusatsu scene, and our members have a deep and reassuring love for the characters. I've also reached out to Konuta Kenji-san, a former Writer for "Uchusen," and I'm hoping to work with this team until the final episode. There's also the fact that each of us wants to write only for the characters we have a strong attachment to (laughs). Like the Sanseaters……
"We'd like to ask you about the enemy characters here, but the Sanseaters seem to have a formation that we've seen in a production that Tomioka-san has worked on…….?"
Tomioka: Team Rocket from "Pokemon," right? (laughs). This time, due to various restrictions, the enemy doesn't have a hideout, so I wondered what kind of enemy I should make…..When I thought about it, I suddenly remembered the Greeed from "Kamen Rider OOO" and Heart and the others from "Kamen Rider Drive." Every time they're in some unknown place, they're talking to each other. When I thought about if I could get any inspiration from that……I came up with Team Rocket. I thought, "Villains who sleep outdoors!" (laughs).
Kuji: It was Tomioka-san's idea. There was no reason to hit the brakes anymore. We all stepped on the gas during the meeting.
Tomioka: To begin with, Yamaguchi-san and I grew up watching "Himitsu Sentai Gorenger," so when we think of Sentai enemies, we got the impression that they're monsters who are abit stupid and do interesting things.
"Listening to his story, we can see that Tomioka-san, who is an authority in children's productions, is putting into full use what he's cultivated. However, you haven't worked on a tokusatsu show since K-tai Investigator 7, and this is your first time working on a Toei tokusatsu production. Did you feel at a loss in that respect?"
Tomioka: In "K-tai," the enemy wasn't monsters. The main focus was on fighting hackers, and the only thing "tokusatsu" was the cell phones (Phone Braver) moving. In contrast, in the Super Sentai series, there are monsters, they become giant, the heroes announce themselves, they transform, and…..alot of other things. I thought I knew what I was getting into, but when it came time to actually write the script, it was difficult.
"There's something you have to do each time."
Tomioka: That's right. On top of that, in order to create something interesting, we received a variety of ideas from tokusatsu Director Butsuda Hiroshi for the giant battles, as well as feedback on what to do with the regular sized battles from Directors with past experience. The interesting part is the drama part, where the Directors don't often express their opinions. Therefore, when thinking about the drama part, I prioritized what Kuji-san wanted to create. I think this is the biggest difference from anime.
"Do you mean that you put the Producer's opinion first?"
Tomioka: In my experience, it's rare for a Producer to lead a production by himself, because in the case of anime, the opinion of the author is important if it's an original story, and the opinion of the Director or series creator is important if it is an original production. However, when Toei's tokusatsu shows are first announced, fans are always wondering who the Chief Producer is, aren't they? It's refreshing to know that fans are also paying attention to who will lead the production.
Kuji: That's what Tomioka-san says, but from my point of view, I'm being too dependent on him. Normally, the Chief Producer of Toei tokusatsu productions usually leads the discussion in meetings, but Tomioka-san took my opinions into consideration and organized the discussion by saying, "This is what you want to do, isn't it?" By incorporating the opinions of other Writers, he makes it even more interesting by saying, "This one's more explosive!" I think this is reflected in the footage in a good way. Maybe this is a style that hasn't been used in the past 47 series.
Tomioka: Come to think of it, in anime, a series composition chart is created to show what happens from the first episode to the final episode, but it seems that they don't usually prepare one for the Super Sentai series.
Kuji: Even though we have a rough idea of what we want to do, it has a strong "live" feel, so there's a possibility that we'll have to adjust the story halfway through.
Tomioka: I couldn't help but be anxious about that……So, before writing episodes 3 and 4, I told Kuji-san, "I want to decide how the story will develop until the end." Of course, taking into consideration the scheduled release of items and Robos, I made a series composition chart, and decided to some extent how many episodes with Taiya would be depicted in the series. But basically, we hope that everyone will enjoy each week's explosive episodes. And then, I'd be very happy if you thought, "That was fun! Let's play with toys too!"
"Boonboomger is finally airing, and it's going to be a year of excitement. We'd like to ask you about some key points of interest that readers who are looking forward to Boonboomger can enjoy even more."
Kuji: Boonboomger is a show that'll cheer you up when you watch it. The staff has put together what they think is "cool," so whether you're an adult or child, there's sure to be a key point in each episode that'll stick with you. We're working diligently on this production, hoping that it'll be a show that'll allow people to absorb the exciting energy on Sunday mornings and look forward to the following week. We'll continue to rev our engines so that we can provide excitement to everyone of all ages and genders!
Tomioka: I see this production as a story of friendship between Taiya and the alien Bundorio, and a growth story depicting the relationship between the Boonboomgers. In addition, as a toy lover, I'm excited to write about how much I can make the Boonboom Changer and Gattai Robos more appealing. Of course, we'll do our best to bring out the charm of the untransformed actors and make this a production that'll make children want to play as Boonboomgers. Now that they've finally started running, where will they go from here? I'd be happy if you look forward to watching them all year long!
the people in the picture are silent dialogues
the tears fall when i think about you
i have to be separated from you for the rest of my life
the flower you sent me are still there
dailybridgerton
origamiaround
vaporwave
ellievsbear
tangentwithtanner
areudirty
