( interview yuuki & tomoru for messiah - confetti january 2017 )

[devilism]

We're a great pair, the importance and fighting spirit of becoming "senpai"

The Messiah series that people are filled with enthusiasm and suspense over, which has spanned stage plays, movies and TV drama. It's a popular work that depicts the firm bonds of public safety spies that are called "Sakura," actors overflowing with charm and spectacular action. We talked with Akazawa Tomoru, who plays Shirasaki Mamoru, and Izawa Yuuki, who plays Ariga Ryo from the same group*, about their enthusiasm for the new series.


Akazawa: In the last installment, Hagane no Shou, it felt like everything suddenly got really exciting and then it was over. That's why in the new series this time we have to go even better than that. Both the audience and we must have those kind of big expectations."
Izawa: Since we've gotten to the kind of position where we're called senpai in this installment, I'll do my best so I can pull things along well.

When asked about each of their roles,

Akazawa: Shirasaki is honest and straightforward, a firm kind of person. Even though I play him, I think it's cool. I personally am not like that.
Izawa: Well...
Akazawa: Don't "well" me. (laughs) There are a lot of characters who are damaged or lacking in some way in Messiah, while Shirasaki thinks that in order to become a Sakura, he can't lack anything. I like that very human conflict a lot.
Izawa: Ariga doesn't have a lot of human sense. Like Tomoru said, he lacks the kind of feeling that makes people express their love towards each other. Although these two are the exact opposite, they still manage to fit together. Actually, I contact him the most when it comes to our private life.
Akazawa: It's well balanced, right? I'm glad that it was mutual this time around.
Izawa: Well, I actually dislike it though.
Akazawa: I really dislike it too! (laughs)

You can feel their unity from their striking exchange. There must be a harmonious atmosphere during the real thrill of the action in the practice hall as well.

Izawa: Although it's tiring, it's worth seeing, right? I can't show anything uncool as a senpai this time around.
Akazawa: It's tough, but when we're going it with all our energy even when everyone is worn out, the strong company makes it a good scene. I want to connect with the new members like that as well.
Izawa: Since it's a production that keeps being loved so much by everyone, I'll get myself fired up to work together with both the new and old members with confidence.
Akazawa: While succeeding the good things that our senpai have made, I'll do my best so you'll be able to say that the new series is nice as well.


notes:
* note: the word used here is more like someone who started out at a job at the same time or a classmate, not that they're really called an official group.

( link to the original )