Japan Music Idol Nakajima Yuto Sees ‘#Manhole’ as Alternative to Present His Maturity as an Actor —Berlinale Particular

The Berlinale Particular part of the Berlin Movie Pageant is a showcase for motion pictures which are clever, however much less arty than these in the principle competitors or competition sidebars. And in showcasing mainstream non-English-language movies the part can also be a springboard for performers who could also be large information at residence, however who’re little-known exterior their core markets.

Japan’s Nakajima Yuto matches that description completely. He has a twin profession as a singer with boy band Hey! Say! Leap! and greater than a decade as an actor. His performing credit together with the Mike Ross function within the Japanese remake of hit U.S. collection “Fits.” In his place as a music idol interesting to a risky, youthful demographic, signifies that choosing performing roles is — usually — one thing requiring cautious consideration.

But, Nakajima advised Selection, he leaped on the likelihood to star in “#Manhole,” the place the male lead has to each carry your entire movie and reveal an unexpectedly destructive facet to his character.

Why did you join “#Manhole”?

After 15 years of taking part in youthful males, it was time to play a destructive character, with actually darkish feelings. I first heard about it from the producer of the movie. And after I learn the script, I used to be blown away. The title “#Manhole” says all of it. It’s mainly one setup and in a slender area. It knew it was going to be robust, however that’s why it was value doing.

Your character is on digital camera in nearly each scene of the film and is by far probably the most dominant individual within the movie. That’s fairly a stretch for somebody who doesn’t appear to do quite a lot of motion pictures. How did you put together for such a meaty function?

Truly I didn’t have as a lot time as I needed to organize for this function as I used to be busy taking pictures a TV drama. So I actually leaned in to try to concentrate on the character’s feelings earlier than and after he falls into the manhole, the distinction between his regular life and the occasions afterwards.

This film expresses tons of destructive feelings of the type that we attempt to not expertise in our actual lives. I discovered them fairly troublesome. It takes place nearly completely within the slender area of the upkeep shaft, it’s darkish and [tells the story over] a restricted time-frame. I don’t normally watch this type of film and I don’t see many prefer it being made in Japan.

You joined the Johnny & Associates expertise company in 2004 and made your debut as a singer in 2008. When did you resolve that performing was one thing that was essential for you?

Truly I had quite a lot of roles from age 10 or 11. However I didn’t actually take into consideration what I used to be doing with them as I used to be additionally nonetheless in class. It solely actually modified for me after I performed in [recurring NTV series] “The Ideally suited Son” [from 2012]. Later, with the “Fits” function, as a faux, clever, lawyer, I made positive to observe each episode of the unique present [in order to be up to the task].

Are you continue to ready to slot in each performing and singing?

They’re very completely different. However they steadiness one another out. On stage, in entrance of followers, my function is to shine like a star. Whereas with an performing function like “#Manhole” I’ve to focus a lot nearer to residence.

With music so centered on younger followers, is performing one thing that you’ll do extra of as you become older?

That’s true. I like to do each nonetheless. However I undoubtedly sit up for larger performing roles, whereas retaining the singing as enjoyable. I’m not allowed but to debate the subsequent function I’m making ready. However I can say that I’d like to play one thing just like the “Joker” function or a psychopath.

Aren’t you fearful about affecting the followers of your music with one thing like that?

Now that I’ve skilled a task just like the one in “#Manhole,” I need extra selection. To have the ability to present extra sides of myself to my followers. And present that I can do something.

What pursuits you about touring to Berlin with this movie?

I’m desirous about experiencing the completely different viewers reactions. In Europe, folks might not be so acquainted with the Japanese music scene or know that I’m an idol. As a substitute, they’ll see me from this destructive and darkish movie function. I’m actually excited.