Mackenyu Archives

Translations of Mackenyu Arata (by philazora)

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the strawhats & their dreams

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MACKENYU practicing stunts for his role as RORONOA ZORO in Netflix's ONE PIECE

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Mr. Bushido

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Mackenyu Arata interview in Cinema★Cinema for Saint Seiya: The Beginning

Before I got the role of Seiya, I have to go through auditions. When it was decided that I would be leading a Hollywood production, I was shocked but very happy. But that time I would never imagine it to be such a massive production and a wonderful work. If I had known how it would turn out, I would've been even more excited (laughs). I don't know the feedback I would get from auditions, but when I go through one, I go in while thinking and convincing people "This role is for me!" This is the first time that I heard from the director, "I want Mackenyu Arata to play this role." I was really happy to be part of this project, and I think everyone else [working on this production] also felt the same way.

To tell you the truth, I didn't know much about the original manga. I asked the production team, "Should I read them before filming?" they told me not to. With this live-action film, they wanted to create a new story that respects the original without being too attached [to the original]. So I read the script with the thought of touching something new. But the scale is just so massive. There was a car chase, there were battles, and it was hard to imagine what kind of movie it'll turn out to be. Those scenes felt like a Fast & Furious or an Avengers movie, and that's exactly what it turns out to be (laughs). So I guess this is Hollywood. I was really excited just reading the script, I was really looking forward to filming.

Seiya is a boy with his own goal, but he has to overcome a certain test. He won't grow unless he overcomes it. Under such circumstances, he had to grow while having conflicts within. Hopefully, I can portray the part of Seiya who is very straightforward with an unwavering heart, at the mercy of all kinds of situations well. The scenes that portrayed Seiya's conflicts, and the scenes where he had to overcome a certain trauma were especially inspiring. If what Seiya has to go through happened to me in real life, I think my heart would break. No, I think my bones will break first (laughs). But it would be terrible if I actually broke any bones during filming, so I started working on my body early on. There is also a scene in the latter half where I had to strip (laughs). I made sure to prepare an unbreakable body with all my might.

All of the action scenes are quite difficult, so I started practicing a month before filming.  It was great to have that kind of time. The filming went smoothly, we were able to run through without anyone getting injured. However, the practice period was really hard. I practiced five days a week from morning to evening. At the same time, I went to the gym every day to build my body. But thanks to that, I was able to do various action stunts. It may be the first time I was caught on video spinning round & round. I even went skydiving! I'm bad with high places, so I don't do bungee jumping or skydiving, but I had to jump from 10,000 meters above ground without a parachute… Kidding. That scene was made with the latest filming technology (laughs). Instead of the stunts, I think the heat was the hardest! The location for Seiya's training scenes was really hot. The altitude was high and the weather was always sunny, so I got sunburns. There was no shade, so I couldn't escape it. I think there's a natural connection I felt with Seiya's situation, who trains hard with the thought "I can't give up!"

All of my co-stars were wonderful people, and that was very encouraging for me. Sean Bean and Famke Janssen have been active in the Hollywood scene for many years, so it was an honor to be able to act with them in the same space. Sean Bean is actually an ordinary uncle (laughs).  He seems super dandy and cool on screen, but off-screen he's cute, easy to talk to, and I love him. When I offered him, "Do you want to drink boba tea?" he responded curiously, "What is this?" His wife also came to set, and he was sort of spoiled by her (laughs). She was like, "You can't drink that!" and scolded him. The others also had their family members on set, I guess that's what's unique about Hollywood production. Also, Sean Bean played a lot of roles that die in the middle of the story right? I wonder how it will be for Alman Kido. It was hilarious that the person himself also said to me, "I die a lot in movies, don't I?"

The filming set is really like a boy's gathering, and I was so happy to meet new friends and have that much fun creating this work together. There are a lot of scenes that look dangerous on video, but I never felt tense during filming at all. I think it's because there's a lot of room in my heart. When there's not enough time and money, I tend to get nervous more and more, but here we had plenty of time and money (laughs).  The people working on this are doing their best together for this movie, all working towards the same goal while enjoying their time.  That's how it felt. At the forefront is Tomek Baginski, our director who is usually very quiet and soft-spoken, but when he gets a good shot, he starts dancing. It seems that he refrained from drinking alcohol during filming, but I wonder if he dances around when he does (laughs). When I saw him dance, I thought, "Ah, we shot a good scene," that made me very happy. 

From the first day, I was amazed by the filming scale. The shooting was mainly in Hungary, but the area used for filming is huge. We shot in places often used for filming Hollywood movies, but they even let us use areas that seemed like a street or residential areas. The country cooperates in movie making. This allows wider shots, the world can be created on a wider scale, so you can see everything without restrictions. I was able to act in that environment which is ideal for an actor. We can enter the movie world easier. The four months of filming were also the perfect schedule to shoot a movie. Since I'm the main character, I didn't have much time off, but the staff and I were able to sleep properly (laughs). I was able to concentrate on the work without the pain of leaving the house all the time. However, in Hungary, the white fish is catfish... That's what surprised me the most. The taste was... catfish (laughs). If you ever go there, please try it out.

The set is always full of enthusiasm from the first day to the last, but I think the staff's enthusiasm peaked when Seiya put on the Saint Cloth. I felt great and so did the staff. They said, "It's the sacred cloth~! It suits you~!" I took a bunch of pictures of myself too (laughs). It weighed about 80 kg, but... I'm joking. But for Seiya, the cloth represents a lot of weight. Because he overcame the harsh training and finally got it. I could feel the weight of that, and I felt like I could endure any kind of challenge just by wearing the cloth. I thought it would be difficult to perform actions while wearing the suit, but they prepared a high-quality suit that took all things into consideration including ease of movement. Sturdy and easy to move in. It's in a size that only I can wear. My body has gotten a little bigger than during filming, so I might not fit in it now (laughs).  If there is a sequel, then I have to slim down again... Well, what do you think? I might portray a more grown-up Seiya, so his arms and chest will get thicker.  If I can come back as a strong-looking Seiya, I'll be very happy.

From his words, Arata seems to have a very fulfilling filming experience. "I want to see more of people's reactions, I want to travel to different countries with the movies I make!" Including global promotional tour? Please charm the world with that smile!

The theme of the interview was The Beginning. Chihayafuru was the Beginning for Mackenyu Arata

The work that became my starting point was Chihayafuru. It wasn't long after I just started acting, so I stepped into an unfamiliar filming scene with tremendous pressure. 

I learned a lot on set and it was a very fulfilling experience. You can say it's the beginning for Mackenyu Arata. It was at this time that I realized the joy I felt with acting. However, instead of having fun, I was mostly terrified. I didn't understand anything then.  I think I kept going because I just hate losing.

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GQ Japan Interview: Mackenyu Arata x HUBLOT

(05/12/2022)

“Right now I am having the most fun and at my happiest. I’m living my dream,” Mackenyu Arata, a man who continues to challenge himself.

"If the world around you doesn't change, then it's better to change yourself," actor Mackenyu Arata who left Japan with that mindset, resonates with HUBLOT, a brand that continues to challenge. What kind of scenery does the 26-year-old who had challenged the world see now?

“I’m the kind of person who doesn’t mind eating curry every day,” Mackenyu said of himself. He doesn't have a lot of material desires, and says that as long as he likes something, that's enough. The watch he has been using for the past two years is the Hublot Classic Fusion Black Magic.

"It's the first watch that I thought was cool and I wanted it. It's not really flashy or big, it's elegant but it has a presence. My father was always wearing a watch, so growing up, I thought it was natural to wear a wristwatch. I always wear it when I'm not working as my 'buddy' I spend my precious time with."

In 2020 Mackenyu decided to be active overseas. He had been challenging the world a year later.

"The impact of the coronavirus was a big factor in giving me time to think for myself. Since my teenage years my work schedule has always been packed, so I didn't really have time to reflect on myself. I would be filming a movie in the morning, and a drama series in the afternoon. At the same time I would also attend interviews for publicity. I was living a life where I could only sleep on the move. During the pandemic, I spent time with my family and friends, and also with myself. As I engage in my hobbies, I realized that I enjoy this kind of time, and I think its important to have them. Up until that point I've always had this anxiety, that if I'm not constantly working, I would disappear. But really there's no need to feel that way. That time made me think that I want to enjoy myself more, both at work and in life. I reflected on this and it had influenced me in the way I work and how I make decisions. I've realized that I should be doing what I want to do and just do what I want to do."

Born and raised in the US, he has the "weapon" of English. Temporarily stopping his activities in Japan to challenge himself overseas, what awaits him were the Hollywood's adaptation of Saint Seiya "Knights of the Zodiac" and the Netflix series "One Piece" (both scheduled to be released in 2023).

"I wonder if I was scared when I accepted the role back then... I don't remember (laughs). Anyway, working abroad was fun. The scale of the work is different from Japan. A huge number of people risk their lives to make a series with a budget that is 100 times bigger than that in Japan, and the degree of their commitment is just incredible. I'm already happy just being there among those people. Moreover, the working environment is set in order, the cast and staff have time to rest properly. So when work begins, everyone is in good spirit and they work wholeheartedly. To be honest, this is completely different than in Japan. In Japan, even when I take care of my health properly, it wasn't easy to get rid of my fatigues from work. But I'm really healthy now though (laughs). I realized that there's a world where I can be an actor under those circumstances."

In Knights of the Zodiac, he was chosen as the lead. His overseas career took off with a smooth start.

"It feels like I'm living my dream. Right now I am having the most fun and at my happiest. I had the opportunity to check the finished movie footage. I was taken aback. When a team of first class professionals work together, we can achieve this quality. I couldn't be any happier to be the lead in this movie. I can't wait to see the final movie, and I'd like everyone to watch it too. I'd like people to feel inspired when they see me in that movie. That I represent Japan, and challenge the world as a Japanese actor. I don't plan to convey big messages like encouraging people to revitalize Japan or anything, but if we could break out of our shells and jump out of it, there's this incredible world that awaits you. To instill that kind of mindset alone already makes me happy."

Source: https://www.gqjapan.jp/feature/20221205/hublot-mackenyu-arata

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Cinematoday: Mackenyu's excitement to introduce Japanese works to the world

(19/05/2022)

"It use to seem impossible to adapt ONE PIECE to live action, but now Hollywood is adapting many popular mangas. It would've been impossible 10 years ago.  "The fact that many japanese works are being visualized more (internationally) is also a great opportunity for the japanese movie industry to attract the world. I hope through Fullmetal Alchemist I can help convey to more people that Japan also has many interesting works."

ーAbout Scar 

 "The fact that he's not simply evil is attractive. He's burdened by responsibility, hurt by the past, which have ignited vengeance in him. People may question his methods, but they can also sympathize with him. It's important to deliver all those sides clearly."

ーWhat it means to play a villain

"Villains exist to make heroes stand. Depending on the content, basically, we shouldn't stand out. But the stronger they are, the more hateful they become, the more the protagonist shines. It's difficult to balance that. It's an important role."

There was a scene where Mackenyu decided to do on his own at the filming location that was supposed to be done in CGI. "I want to do it myself whenever I can." It was also because the director's clear description that he can instantly judge whether he can do it or not.

Source: https://www.cinematoday.jp/news/N0127274

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Oricon: Mackenyu is Scar in "Fullmetal Alchemist"

(08/06/2022)

Speaking of live-action adaptations, we would think of Mackenyu. He portrayed Okuyasu Nijimura in "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Diamond is Unbreakable Chapter 1" (2017), Enishi in "Rurouni Kenshin Final Chapter The Final", he will star in the Hollywood adaptation of Saint Seiya "Knights of the Zodiac”, and has also been appointed as Zoro in the Netflix series “ONE PIECE”. In the live-action movie "Fullmetal Alchemist: The Final Avenger Scar/The Final Training" starring Ryosuke Yamada (released on June 24), he will portray the character, Scar.

"Whenever there's a chance, I want to try various works and meet the expectations required for those roles. I don't want to waste those opportunities. Those thoughts motivates me to keep doing my best."

"Communication with other actors and staff in all filming departments is extremely important. In English it's called being 'On the same page.' We all have to come to a common understanding and share the same image of what we are creating when crafting a work."

"When I'm off camera, I'm actually pretty carefree. I remember one time during filming break, Yamada-kun drew a portrait of Scar. I suck at drawing so I didn't draw anything, lol."

Source: https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2235684/full/

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Mackenyu's Aspirations to Step out to Hollywood

(21/05/2022)

"The world has taken interest in Japanese content. The success of Shang-Chi proves that an Asian star could lead a big hit movie, which was unprecedented before. Now is the best time to be part of Japanese manga adaptations. Whether I can ride that wave or not, I don't have any specific actor/work to aim for. I'm only thinking about how far I can go. My new goal is to become the person I will aim for decades from now."

This interview was conducted before Arata went abroad to start his overseas activities. After Fullmetal Alchemist, the release & distribution order of his next projects will be as the lead in the Knights of the Zodiac movie and as Roronoa Zoro in the One Piece Netflix series.

"Speaking of US comic books, I love the Umbrella Academy. I do want to be part of a US comic adaptation someday, playing characters with supernatural powers. I'm also attracted to settings like Stranger Things, where a child with supernatural ability is isolated from the world."

After his enthusiastic performance as Enishi in Rurouni Kenshin The Final, Mackenyu is entrusted to bring Scar in live action. 

 "I'm doing the best I can in every role, but portraying Scar's presence is difficult. I wanted to speak (to the audience) even when he's not doing anything. A cool villain always has a weakness & a painful past. It's similar to Enishi. That's why they're interesting. One facial expression can convey meanings because of their past. He may be a villain from the hero's side, but through his POV, there's a completely different story."

From the start, he & Yamada who plays Ed conveyed their thoughts and combined ideas.

"Since our first scene was an all out fight, we were able to get in right away. It takes time to build the relationship & feel, but it went smoothly because we fought it out from the start."

Scar's fighting style is rough, smashing enemy's face with his "right arm of destruction". To express it, VFX & body movements have to be fused. "I enjoyed consulting with the director. The CGI is on a scale I've never done before. It's difficult to act with only green screens."

Mackenyu sometimes requested to switch CGI sequences to wire action during filming day. "I don't want to rely on CGI if I can do it. Everyone will have a hard time putting the effects, so it'd be great if I could cover as much as I can. If I couldn't, then I wouldn't do it."

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[ELLE JAPAN 08/2021] Mackenyu Arata’s Exclusive Interview before his Overseas Expansion

When Mackenyu Arata received the offer to star in a Hollywood movie, he was told to leave Japan and expand his career overseas.

For actors, their film projects are considered as an “art”. But when it comes to genre, entertainment seems to be more fitting than art. Recently, Arata spent his day off by streaming some series.

“I have a lot of movies that I love. Recently I streamed several series of gunfight type of action, with drug syndicate themes. I wanted to watch Blacklist for a while now, but there’s too many episodes. I’m the type of person that likes to binge a series at once (laughs). For movies, recently I re-watched The Hangover series again, it’s still as interesting as ever. I’ve watched all The Maze Runner movies. I also love Interstellar. Those are the kind of movies that I want to act in, regardless whether it includes action or not.”

Last May, it was reported that he will star in a Hollywood movie, and the media said, “He will suspend all activities in Japan and advance to Hollywood.” He’s currently filming his work abroad, but unlike what was reported, he plans to return to Japan this fall to film a new work.

“I never said I was going to suspend my activities in Japan. But with this kind of profession [as an actor/public figure] sometimes people would assume and write whatever they want to. I will never stop working in Japan. This time, I happen to have a schedule decided, and I’m very happy that I can finally concentrate on one work. In the future, I’d like to do more projects in Japan and in the United States as well. I still don’t know how things will turn out, but for now, I can only work hard and give my all so that when people watch my work, they can say, “That was a great work!” or “It was an interesting movie!”

“It is a given for an actor to prepare for a role in order to live up to it. In Japan, we get high praise for doing that.”

When his Hollywood role was decided, he didn’t plan to expand to the US. However, what he continued to feel in Japan was that his truest nature as an actor can be a little out of place than what is perceived as normal in Japan. One of the examples is his extreme approach to prepare for his roles.

“I was never taught properly about the process of role-making. I started doing methods because I wanted to be more confident with myself. I can only be confident when I prepare myself thoroughly. I’ve taken that for granted, so I’m honestly confused when people praise it for being something extraordinary, or conversely, when people ask me, “Why would you go that far?!” There are many types of actors that can perform well without preparing their role to that extent, and I think that is also fine too. But for me, rather than always being viewed as “amazing” every time I went to a certain length to prepare for my role, I want to be in an environment where that would be seen as a natural thing to do as an actor.”

In Japan, sometimes he had to do 3 roles at once. However, to other actors, they consider it to be a natural thing. “If I could concentrate on one work, I would be able to give a higher quality performance,” he expressed his thoughts, but the conflict deepened when his performance was being evaluated.

“It was quiet sad. If I succumb to that situation, then my acting work will eventually become dull. The process of exploring and finding the core of our roles, which is essentially the core of human beings, is really fun. I think that good acting is created by following that process.”

From playing a young-lead in Japanese movies, to playing adult leads in Hollywood movies.

Just like the work he’s currently working on, he had auditioned for many Hollywood movies. I asked him, what was the success ratio? “1 in 2 bottles, around 50%” he answered. Naturally, I retorted with a surprised “Eh?!” I would think that it’s a waste of time to try, but that would be a selfish argument.

“When I work in Japan, I have to decided my schedule 2-3 years ahead. Of course, there are some interesting projects that I want to do in Japan. But for now, to stay connected with them, I can only face the casting personnel and say. “I’m sorry but I would have to refuse it for now.”

“There are many opportunities for young actors to star in Japanese movies, so I wanted to do as much as I can while in Japan,” said Arata. His reason for advancing to Hollywood was that Hollywood movies tend to appoint adult actors as lead.

“I will be in my 30s soon, and I think there’s a lot of opportunities for me in the States at this age. I want to star in movies where adults are the lead. Of course, I’d also like to explore more interesting works in Japan as well.”

translated by philazora

Source: https://www.elle.com/jp/culture/music-art-book/a36667828/mackenyu-arata-kaws-21-0702/

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[Translation] Director Otomo Praised Mackenyu’s Performance as Enishi

“Mackenyu Arata should be a World-Class Actor.”

―Tatsuya Fujiwara who played Makoto Shishio in the previous work had an overwhelming presence, but this time, the relationship portrayed by Mackenyu Arata leaves a strong impression. Please tell us the deciding factor for casting Mackenyu Arata. I met Macken around 2017, as soon as this project started to move. It was more than a year before shooting, but I was immediately infatuated by him at the first sight. Her eyes are clean and he has a strong core. He’s determined and effortful in his performance. Moreover, he is fresh. He has lived abroad and has acting talent. Right after we met, I told the producer, "He’s ‘the one’. I’ve made my mind," and we cast him instantly.

―How was Mackenyu Arata during filming? The action performance demanded by our team in Rurouni Kenshin is quite high, but he could follow it easily. He said this was the hardest shoot he ever did in his life (laughs). Moreover, he has the expressive power of a delicate acting ability. There are people who is good at one of them, but there are only few people who can do both (action and delicate acting).

Korean actors are popular all over the world these days because they can compete with Western actors with their physique. Macken also has a body comparable to that, is a brilliant actor, and has high physical ability. For the first time in a long while, I saw someone who could become a world-class actor.

―From the opening, Mackenyu Arata's action is fully displayed already.

This is to showcase the greatness of Macken. When we first met, I told Macken, "I'll prepare the stage for your first action debut, so don't show your abilities elsewhere yet before this movie comes out." He also chose this work as his first stage to show off his action, and until then he had waited and held himself back. However, since the release of this work has been postponed, "Brave: Gunjo Senki" was released first. He showed all his physical potential in this work.

―The decisive battle between Kenshin and Enishi was not only about action spectacle, but also the expression of an internal conflict, and it was spectacular. Kenshin never kills, even when people came to kill him. While accepting the thoughts of his opponent with the sakabato, which is his eternal vow to never kill, he have been fighting by swinging the sakabato to seek his own redemption. The greater the existence of Enishi played by Macken, the greater the swordsmanship that he has to accepts in proportion to it. In other words, the key man this time was Macken. Everyone knows that Takeru who played Kenshin is really amazing. So this time, I’m focusing on Macken. Macken was great not only in his action performance but also in acting.

Source: https://eiga-board.com/posts/9388?p=5

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[Translation] Mackenyu Arata Interview for Rurouni Kenshin: The Final at Animate Times

As a fan of the Rurouni Kenshin installment, Mackenyu Arata couldn't hide his surprise when offered to play Yukishiro Enishi. Looking back on the shooting, he talked about his thoughts on the upcoming release

—What was your honest reaction when they offered you to appear in the Rurouni Kenshin: The Final installment?

Mackenyu: My honest reaction was, “Eh?! You’re kidding right? No way! Really?! Is it okay for me to take this role?! I’m this young and I’m playing the last boss?!” I was really surprised.

—What was your impression about Yukishiro Enishi as a character?

Mackenyu:  He is described as the series’ most feared enemy. But seeing him from a different point of view, I think you can’t really tell which side is justice and which side is evil.

—How did you create this role?

Mackenyu: To match his physique of course I worked out, but I focused on his mentality. Things like whether he wants to reveal his identity to others or not. I was most consciou about understanding and performing this role properly.

—Did you read the original to understand this role?

Mackenyu: I didn’t read the manga. I think adaptations and manga are completely different thing, and basically I avoid reading original manga to all the live-action works that I have worked in so far.

—So the information you’ve obtained from the script is already enough?

Mackenyu: That’s right, I think everything is already included there.

—I know that each set has its own characteristics and atmosphere, but what did you feel when you came into this filming team?

Mackenyu: (looks at the movie pamphlet) it looks exactly like this. It felt like we were continuously filming in the midst of burning flame. Everyone is working really hard until they burn-out and tattered. That applies to me too.

—I got the chance to see the preview, but I get the impression that you really put your life on the line for this role.

Mackenyu: Yes. From the very beginning I have to give my everything.

—Did you shoot that first scene on the train during your first day?

Mackenyu: Yes. Actually, it’s been almost 3 years ago, but from the first day filming, I was already doing full action sequences.

—That train scene, which was also the introduction to Enishi. I was completely blown away by the intense action scenes inside the train.

Mackenyu: It’s a wonderful opening scene, right? I had fun shooting that. As an actor I’m really happy that I was able to be part of a set where I can fully showcase my abilities.

—Previously, action director Kenji Tanigaki talked to us in Animate Times. He said, “I knew right away that Mackenyu Arata is incredibly athletic.’ How did you feel when you actually performed action scenes under his direction?

Mackenyu: I’m honored to hear him say that. While performing the action scenes with Tanigaki-san and his team, sometimes I would suggest, “I want to do this kind of sequence” and he would include it in, he was a very flexible person. Moreover, I think he is a person with great imagination.

—Was there a time when his imagination moved you?

Mackenyu: There were times when I thought his ideas are amazing. Especially during the action scene inside the train where I fought using a kendama [T/N: a traditional Japanese skill toy]. Somehow, he came up with a sequence where a single kendama can beat dozens of people at once, it’s amazing.

—But your role is not just about the action skills. The whole idea about ‘Jinchuu’ is that when justice is not served by the heavens, then humans will make the judgement. The fight also involves complex emotions.

Mackenyu: It is essential to combine actions and emotions when playing Enishi. It was important for me to act with my whole body for this role.

—This work has so many interesting points, but is there any scene that particularly left an impression to you?

Mackenyu: Other than the action scenes with Kenshin, the scenes with Kaoru played by Takei Emi-san are highlights. I think we can see another side of Enishi. When they exchanged conversations, and also his actions around her—how he behave in a certain way, I think you might begin to see how he really feels inside.

—Did you have any particular difficulty?

Mackenyu: That would definitely be the action scenes. It’s very high level, and I’ve never had such a hard time filming anything before. It was fun at the beginning, but gradually everyone and myself starts wearing out. However, the sense of accomplishment is great.

—How did you feel when you finally cranked-up?

Mackenyu: We shoot this movie for about half a year, with a really tough schedule, so I was really happy it all ended.

—To continue playing Enishi for half a year, that must really push you to your limit

Mackenyu: That’s right. Because that role was such a role after all. It was pretty tough.

—There seems to be a lot of hardship involved, but is there anything you’ve accomplished from this work?

Mackenyu: What I’ve accomplished... honestly, I have no idea. What I know is that I always gain something from each work, but it took me years to really understand that. Everything that I have been through has made me what I am now.

—In that sense, everything about you will constantly be updated

Mackenyu: That’s right. There will always be something new, there will always be growth.

—What was your impression when you watch the movie at the preview?

Mackenyu: It was really tiring (laughs). My hands were sweating throughout the whole movie, my energy was drained, so by the end I just heave a long sigh. 

—The movie screening is just around the corner. How are you feeling now?

Mackenyu: As a big fan of Enishi, I’m really looking forward to it. I’m very happy that everyone can finally see the movie.

—As our name suggests, many Animate Times reader watches anime. Do you have any recommendation?

Mackenyu: For anime... I like ‘HUNTER x HUNTER’, I’ve been watching it. I really like the story.

—I see! Now please give your final message to those who wants to watch this movie and for the readers of Animate Times

Mackenyu: The most terrifying enemy that surpasses the previous movies will finally come out! And for those who believes that Makoto Shishio can never be surpassed, I want you to come and see it for yourself! Please look forward to the release!

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[Translation] Sato Takeru x Arata Mackenyu Interview: ‘Rurouni Kenshin: The Final’ as their break and a work they are proud to share to the world

For Takeru who just established a new agency in April & Mackenyu who announced his overseas expansion, where does this work stand?

— What was your impression of each other? 

Takeru: When I saw Macken dressed as a character that I’ve watched since I was a kid, he looked very convincing. He had prepared for the role, his costume and hairstyle looked great. Playing a manga character is not easy, but I can feel Enishi’s presence with his portrayal. 

Mackenyu: I was 14 years-old when the first movie came out, and since I am a fan of ‘Rurouni Kenshin’, the first time I confronted him, I thought, “The Kenshin that I watched in the movie is standing right in front of me!” My confrontation with Kenshin was the most difficult action that I ever did in my life, there were times where I couldn’t even walk properly. However, I am glad I was able to perform such a spectacular action sequence.

— I also visited the shooting site, the two of you were all over the place in the whole room

Mackenyu: Somehow the entire set end up being used for action. 

Takeru: Really, it was tough, because Enishi was on a rampage (laughs). Anyway, I keep avoiding him and that led to a long battle. In the second half, our feelings heightened, our emotions collided with each other. It became a scene where we communicated through our swords clashing. Macken mentioned that there was a time where he couldn’t walk, the two of us reached our limit, it was really difficult. When I was at that point, I felt, “It would’ve been great if our energies could also collide.” The whole scene was filmed with the same feelings from the two of us and the entire staff.

—What was your impression of each other during filming?

Mackenyu: I was secretly doing muscle training in a separate room before a take for Enishi, and Sato-san peeped on me (laughs). He said, “I want to do it too” and I was happy we could do muscle training together.

Takeru: Since I also do muscle training in the midst of filming, so I was happy we found each other (laughs). When we work hard together, I feel more motivated. It’s better than doing it alone.

—Although your roles were fighting each other, behind the scenes you prepared the role together to complete the action scene

Takeru: After all, an action scene won’t work out well without trust. Our close relationship allows us to hit each other without hesitation.

—Obviously, this is a huge work, but where does 'Rurouni Kenshin: The Final' stand for the two of you?

Mackenyu: I think ‘Rurouni Kenshin’ is definitely one of the best manga in the world that Japan can be proud of. I’m proud to be part of the live-action adaptation of that work. I’m happy that this work is finally releasing in Japan, as I am about to challenge myself overseas, I want to proudly say to the world that I was part of 'Rurouni Kenshin' in Japan. 

Takeru: I became who I am now because I encountered this work when I was 22 years old, and I have carried the image of ‘Ruroken’ since then, all the while I as doing other work, so it is a special existence for me. I am deeply moved that this work is finally completing after 10 years. If ‘Rurouni Kenshin’ 10 years ago was the beginning of a chapter for me as an actor, that chapter will end with this release. I think this marks the beginning of a new chapter. So, from now on, I need to meet other projects that will surpass this work, and roles that go beyond this role, and I will have to make it my own. I should aim for that, but I don’t think it will be easy. After all, it’s such a powerful work.

—The release of this work was postponed for a little less than a year from the July-August 2020, but did you have that same feeling even before it was postponed?

Takeru: Right. During filming, I entered my 30s, and it was right at the end of Heisei era, I felt like I was heading for a new era. Kenshin also fought through the end of the Edo era to open up the Meiji era, and he was doing his best to enter the new era. While performing, I relate myself with the world. I’m sure that after I completed this work, there will be a break for me, and from then on, I am expected to have a completely different work and way of life. It was something inevitable.

—Does Arata felt a new break after this work?

Mackenyu: I am going to challenge myself overseas after the release of 'Rurouni Kenshin' so in that sense, I think it’s a perfect timing. After the release of this movie in Japan, I’m going to do my best overseas. It’s definitely a breaking point for me.

—I’d like to reiterate, but could you tell us the highlight of this work?

Mackenyu: To me, I felt really strong throughout watching the entire movie, but by the time it ended, I was completely worn-out (laughs). It’s interesting that when you switch their point of views, you can’t tell which side is justice and which one is evil, and I think there will be a lot of different opinions. Even though I was Enishi, when I was watching it, I didn’t feel like I was playing him, and I enjoyed the entire movie as a movie viewer.

Source: https://news.mynavi.jp/article/20210421-satouarata/

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Rurouni Kenshin The Final Filming Report: Kenshin vs Enishi Fight Scene

Mackenyu Arata is known for his “method-acting”. During the filming of Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure he was fully commited to his role as Okuyasu Nijimura, he even surprised the press by responding as Okuyasu during the movie’s press coverage.

This time, at the filming location of Rurouni Kenshin: The Final in Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto, we witness how he would occasionally bit a towel in between his mouth and screamed his lungs out in order to crush his throat and produce a menacing voice for his role as Enishi. There were many other efforts he did that showed how deeply committed he is in his role.

Director Otomo Keishi commented on Mackenyu’s physicality. “Mackenyu’s action is big and accurate, it’s very attractive. Moreover, his mind-body connection is very strong. He may have an action background from the start, but even so, this not a role that only requires that, it also demands other difficult ability. In his case, he was able to enter his character correctly by always asking things like, ‘Does this look like Enishi?’ or ‘Am I fighting like Enishi?’ He is very humble in action scenes. He is as straightforward as his personality, and he performed beautiful action stunts. Although his character’s main arc is his overflowing hatred for Kenshin, we can also highlight his clean swordplay performance."

“I thought this role would demonstrate his sensational action skills and physicality, but he is also capable of delicate acting as well. In a scene where he stands alone and lost in his feelings for his sister, aside from his beautiful posture, he was able to fully embody the instability of Enishi as well.”

Kenshin/Sato is in a position to accept and stand against Enishi’s strength, that originated from his hatred. He is forced to confront his former self, by fighting Enishi in the present. Anger, sadness, suffering, regret, the emotions that were emitted in each scenes must be expressed accurately in order to convey the depth of those emotions to the viewers. Sato is challenged with the most difficult multi-layered performance in the 10-year history of Rurouni Kenshin.

“Takeru Sato/Kenshin was determined to accept Mackenyu Arata/Enishi’s sword attacks. You can feel that emotion with every movement and every word,” said Otomo Keishi.

“I exchanged ideas with Takeru until the last minute. We suggested what we think needs to be added to the dialogue. Then Mackenyu would also propose, ‘I want to move like this in this scene.’ We accept their ideas and their interpretation of their roles as much as possible and use them during shooting, we received comments from everyone that it was a good fight,” director Otomo said while smiling with confidence.

The cast ideas and passion were merged with the staff in completing an exceptional fighting scene.

Source: https://eiga.com/news/20210419/3/

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[RUMOR] Mackenyu to Lead Popular Japanese live-action Adaptation by Hollywood

On April 12th, Jisin released an article that revealed Mackenyu Arata was cast as a lead of a popular Japanese live action adaptation by Hollywood, scheduled to be shot from May next month. His casting was decided 2 years ago. His salary is rumored to exceed 100 million yen.

In comparison to Watanabe Ken's salary, which was reported to be 10 million yen at the time he star in The Last Samurai, this is a massive number. This work is said to be a full-scale production, that Mackenyu is welcomed with exceptional favorable treatment

Sonny Chiba further affirms this in his interview on April 22nd. He revealed that during the time Mackenyu star in Pacific Rim Uprising, he received 1 or 2 lead role offers from Hollywood.

"When Macken co-star with Eastwood's eldest son in Pacific Rim Uprising in 2018, I was told that he has one or two lead roles lined up after that. Of course, I hope more Japanese actors can make it to Hollywood, not just Macken. I only gave him advice what to do in Japan & how to go there (when he asked for it). Well, Macken seems to know about both Japan & the US (ent industry). I don't tell him what to do everytime something comes up. I just told him to do what he wants & I'll back him up if needed."

Sources:  https://jisin.jp/entertainment/entertainment-news/1970317/?rf=2

[RUMOR] It was revealed that Mackenyu Arata was cast as a lead of a popular Japanese live action adaptation by Hollywood, scheduled to be shot from May next month. His casting was decided 2 years ago. His salary is rumored to exceed 100 million yenhttps://t.co/1xXBrNm9a5

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Brave Gunjyou Senki Stage Greeting: Mackenyu Pays Tribute to Miura Haruma

"I've been active in Japan for a while, however this is the end of my 1st chapter. Haruma-san's dream was to expand his career overseas. From now on I want to connect to that dream of his by challenging myself overseas. I'll definitely return with results. This is my new dream."

https://mdpr.jp/cinema/detail/2502814

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Rurouni Kenshin the Final Shooting Report: Enishi Opening Fight Scene

Two years ago, on December 2018, was the filming of Rurouni Kenshin: The Final, the introduction scene of Enishi, Kenshin's most powerful enemy, portrayed by Mackenyu Arata. Set in an old station in Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto, the shooting included 170 extras.

During filming, Mackenyu performed dangerous stunts on his own, including running above the train and leaping above the platform. 

Director Otomo Keishi commented, "Watching him go, you can tell his incredible potential. He is very focused, and he is capable of releasing instantaneous power when needed, his explosive power is amazing. He's still young (22 during filming), and he has this foreign sensibility distinctive from Japanese. Moreover, Enishi is a very difficult role to portray. He has a particular strong manga-like nuance that is essential to be portrayed in his live-action counterpart, such as how we should design his costume. Macken focuses on portraying Enishi’s emotions realistically, and with that approach he played a very human Enishi."

Producer Hiroyoshi Koiwai also commented, "As you watch him, you can clearly see how athletic he is. He met with me and the director one year prior to filming, we saw that he has this similar presence to Enishi that is distinctive than most Japanese. Knowing that he is a hard-working actor, with an incredible physical ability, we decided to cast him right away. Furthermore, it’s not difficult for him to build his body for Enishi. He had grown twice bigger for the filming since the last time we met. Rising young Japanese actors like him are very busy, and I think it’s amazing how he could still consistently do the de Niro approach [T/N: the harsh and thorough role-making method popularized by Robert de Niro, in which he transform his physical appearance for a role]. It is such an excellent attitude.”

"Like how Takeru Satoh became a renowned star after Rurouni Kenshin, I want to introduce Mackenyu Arata to the world in this sensational role, though he had done many great works already. Mackenyu is amazing! I want people to witness his terrifying existence," said Ohtomo Keishi.

Source: https://www.cinematoday.jp/news/N0121719