Omoshii Interview - Furukawa Yuta - TotC
Original article
“I approached [the musical] with the wish to show the audience my greatest accomplishment as Sebastian” ‘Musical “Black Butler”’ Interview with Mr. Furukawa Yuta.
Q: Mr. Furukawa, this is the third time you took up the role of Sebastian. What is the significance of playing Sebastian to you personally?
A: He taught me a lot. It was through Sebastian that I experienced being a troupe lead to a large group, as well as getting to feel the heavy responsibility that comes with such a popular franchise. Further, it sprouted awareness for leadership in me. It made me think about just how much energy [leadership] requires, and with what mind-set one is supposed to face the rehearsals. Until now, all I could do was think about myself only, but I came to believe that is not right. I’m 30 after all (laughs), it is an age where I need to look around myself carefully, and it was through this that I gained the experience of supporting others too for a change. The role of Sebastian is very charming on its own and inflames one’s imagination. Even when you think you have an answer, there will still be so much more to explore that remains. I have had some time to think about this role, and I managed to gain a lot of experience that I never could before I played Sebastian. I really learned so much through Sebastian.
Q: At present, there exist a lot of works known as ‘2.5D Musicals’. However, I think that the ‘Musical “Black Butler”’ series has distinguished itself splendidly from others. All while faithfully expressing the drama of the original works, the entertainment value is also very high. It is a production that deserves a place of its own in my opinion.
A: I am so happy to receive such praise. I think everyone involved [in this production] would be very glad to hear this too. It’s not about how one thing looks in comparison to another, but I am just so happy to receive such a feedback, I love this franchise so much.
Q: What is it like for you to look back at ‘Musical “Black Butler” – Tango on the Campania –’ that is now getting a DVD?
A: Well. The ‘Luxury Liner Arc’ is one that is something of a climax in the original comics. [The musical] was filled with extravagant and excitable scenes, and to me personally, with my third time, I approached it with the wish to show the audience my greatest accomplishment as Sebastian.
Q: In portraying the luxury liner, all without depending on CG, the large ensemble-cast managed to inflame one’s imagination at creating a production worthy of theatre. It sure was a splendid performance, wasn’t it?
A: It sure was. The stage set was gorgeous, and Grell (Mr. Uehara Takuya), Druitt (Mr. Sasaki Yoshihide) and the Undertaker (Mr. Izumi Shuhei) all made their extravagant entrances. The cast, ensemble members and the staff were all specialists in my opinion. Everyone worked so hard, so seriously. They were so reliable.
Q: The current work had the scene of the Cinematic Record which disclosed Sebastian’s past that was not disclosed before. Surely this was a production that was very important to you as Sebastian?
A: More than that the story that goes deeply into Sebastian, it felt more like he is a lead role of the shadows. This time round however, he is involved in a mystery case, has highlight scenes as well as getting his past disclosed. He finally became ‘Black Butler’s’ main character, did he not?
Q: By the third year.
A: Yes (laughs)
Q: Mr. Uchikawa Reo reprised his role as Ciel, the master Sebastian serves as butler. Did anything change between you and Mr. Uchikawa’s relationship?
A: Yes. I am very close with Reo, and he is still so very cute. However, we came to be able to talk about work more deeply. We do not fight or anything, but there were times I thought: ‘Ah, he’s rebelling against me,” even when he did not say so. By that, I mean that he does not act exactly as I tell him to, but that he thinks about stuff and acts accordingly. That is something absolutely vital in my opinion. That is why I found it very important to discuss things with him. I think our relationship deepened since last time, and that was probably well reflected in our Sebastian and Ciel.
Q: Then, what is it like for you looking back at the three productions you have been part of, Mr. Furukawa? First of all, you were first starred in 2015. What is ‘The Lycoris that Blazes the Earth 2015’ to you, which portrayed the Jack the Ripper case?
A: It was awfully trying…… (laughs). Of course all three were awfully trying to me, but Lycoris was by far the worst. Be it on the physical aspect, or the everyday-life at the rehearsals, pained by having to shoulder such a heavy burden for the first time. Every day I struggled and struggled, just to get by. I also got some food-culture-shock from the overseas-performances.
Q: Was Chinese cuisine very different?
A: It was. I was able to try all sorts of dishes, and all were very refreshing. “Eat well and give it your all” is something my mother told me again and again, which is why I made sure to eat lots and faced the performances. I realised anew just how important this message was my mother gave me.
Q: What a splendid mother you have. Thus, the first time for you to star in a new production was ‘NOAH’S ARK CIRCUS’. It tells the story of Sebastian and Ciel infiltrating the mysterious travelling circus troupe. Dark themed stories such as the ‘Circus Arc’ are especially popular within ‘Black Butler’. What was it like to you?
A: The atmosphere was quite different from the previous work, Lycoris, and the suffocating finale makes one think “this is ‘Black Butler’ for you, after all”. Aspects of pop and various characters make their entrances in Circus, but the theme portrayed was especially heavy. The music for the ‘Circus Arc’ was done by JPOP composer Mr. Wada Shunsuke, I thought that the extravaganza that is characteristic of a circus was well expressed through the music’s pop-ness.
Q: And finally, the current production, the ‘Luxury Liner Arc’, adds perfectly to the line-up of the three works, doesn’t it?
A: It sure does. Seeing what they have read in the comics on stage is probably exactly what the fans of the original comics want. I think the main pleasure of 2.5D is that one can see the world of ‘Black Butler’ faithfully represented right in front of their eyes. I feel so blessed that I am allowed to play these three arcs of the comics.
Q: What would you say is the charm of ‘Black Butler’ that you have come to understand after playing [herein].
A: I think it’s the aspect that [‘Black Butler’] portrays both human good and evil. It is Sebastian who, from above, objectively looks at [this good and evil], and Ciel who crawls up from the very bottom. The human strength of struggling and rising up from their destiny is the foundation of this series in my opinion. It really has a story that invites all, regardless of age and gender.
Q: What is the thing you wish for the fans who have bought the Blu-ray & DVD of ‘Musical “Black Butler” – Tango on the Campania –’ to enjoy most?
A: For the spectators who will be seeing the [musical] for the first time, I think they will be able to experience the charm that is similar to the live experience. The DVD staff has poured in all their love, and the camera work and the editing are very well done as well. When I was watching the footage, I really felt that they managed to capture what I tried to express. As for the fans who have already seen [the musical] live, I think they will be able to enjoy are more realistic level of emotions and the details.
