#ryusoulger interview

[my-yuujin]

Ryusoulger Solo Interview from Mynavi: Obara Yuito

――Five months has passed since the production announcement meeting of Ryusoulger in February 2019. It means, it has been about half a year since the start of filming. I would like to ask Obara-san who, while young, has changed by absorbing various things in such short period of time. What change exactly do you feel in this last half year?

I think it’s how I feel about the role I play. I start to be able to understand, what Towa would do in every situation. At first, the way I acted, was more like grooming myself to be “similar” to the character named Towa. But now, I kind of know in advance, what action that Towa would take. I can feel, the character I play has dyed me with his color. Also, everyone told me, that my face has changed. Though, I myself don’t know which part that has changed (laughs).

–Isn’t that mean, you gradually get stronger while working on Ryusoulger’s filming?

It may be so. Because they said that I now have refined expression.

–Kishida Tatsuya-san who portrays Towa’s older brother, Banba, did say that Obara-san’s current age right now was indeed the moment when people learn various things to change.

I see my face in the mirror every day, so I can’t objectively see how it has changed. As I don’t feel any big changes…, to my eating pattern, for example. I have to be careful so any changes that happened won’t change my daily life rhythm.

――You already have acting experience, as you also have appeared in some TV drama before. But, being your first time to portray a Tokusatsu hero, do you have any role model that you look up to as a hero?

For me, my “hero” is my older brother.

-So, just like Towa who admires Banba, Obara-san also in reality has an older brother of his own.

Yes. I’ve grown up admiring my older brother who is 2 years older than me. Since I was little, I think of my older brother as someone who is always loved by anyone. Or rather, his personality makes people naturally come close to him. His charm that always attracts people around, makes me think that it really is different from anything I possess. Now, as I get chance to play a hero, I want to be someone like my brother, who is loved by a lot of people. So I’ll keep trying hard.

–Towa’s brother, Banba, also deeply cares for his younger brother, as they have always been together for a long time. And Towa is an honest boy who respects his big brother. Towa’s characterization as “a little brother”, feels like Obara-san’s own personality being reflected as it is, doesn’t it?

It’s because my brothers are both refined men, even though one of them is being my brother because of his role (laughs). Kishida-san is also a really dependable person, and treats me like his little brother. I think that’s why we both can naturally bring out the “brotherly feel” of Towa and Banba pretty well. The brothers almost always take actions together, so we often have more dialogue just between us. “Let’s perform this act like real brothers would do!” That’s how Kishida-san and I feel when we head towards the shooting site.

-Towa and Banba made first appearance as Ryusoul Black and Ryusoul Green in “4 Weeks Special Super Sentai Strongest Battle!!” before Ryusoulger’s first episode broadcast. They only began to play active role in episode 3. They basically always took different way from the trio childhood friends; Kou, Melto, and Asuna; to find any clues about Druidon.

Yes. In those episodes when we just appeared, Kou and Towa always competed with each other, but there weren’t many scenes when Towa interacted with Melto or Asuna. Still, as fellow Ryusoulgers, I think there will be some episodes involving his interactions with other than Nii-san (Banba) or Kou. The sixth ranger, Ryusoul Gold/Kanaro also has made his appearance, so I want to get involved with everyone on the team. Because Towa had completely become friends with Kou, when I look at the pictures of our rivalry in the episode 3 and 4, I feel somewhat nostalgic (laughs).

–In episode 8, “Singing Voice of Miracle”, after Kou and Melto successfully deceived Wyzul, there was a scene when Towa smiled as he did a high five with Kou. It surely left the audiences with a strong impression.

That scene was “full of passion”, even for me. The high five happened after Kou and Towa’s sparking rivalry, after all. When shooting, I wasn’t directed to act friendly, or something like that, towards Kou. My body just naturally moved, following the story’s flow. I think it was a good scene that expressed how Towa has completely opened his heart to Kou, Melto, and Asuna.

――What is the most important part from Towa that can’t be removed when you’re playing him?

It’s his confidence thinking that he’s stronger than everyone, except Banba. He thinks that he already has more experience by fighting alongside Banba. I’m always aware to be careful at playing that part of Towa that sees everyone as below him. Specifically, it’s about showing enough cheekiness, instead of being too quiet.

――I heard that the five Ryusoulger all have different personalities compared to their actors. Do you also feel the same?

Yes! I was surprised when I first heard about Towa. Since I’m more a quiet type, I thought that there were no parts in me that were similar to Towa. Like being confident, cheeky…, I’m nothing like that. “Ahh, so he’s this kind of character?” so I thought. But that’s why it is fun to act as him. I’m also grateful that his position among his friends, makes him a good character.

-Even though the brothers, Towa and Banba, always moved separatedly from Kou, Melt, and Asuna at first, you seem to have already become friends with the other actors.

Because I am the youngest one, it made me worried when I first entered the circle, but I was glad that we got along very quickly.

–Is it the “Prohibition of using Keigo (polite speech)” that you have told us about at the production press conference, which gave you better opportunities to be closer to everyone?

I basically tend to speak in Keigo, both to older and younger people. When I entered Ryusoulger circle, I ended up doing the same, and a staff told me to quit using Keigo. After all, we’re all going to be companions in works for at least one year. Keigo is prohibited, in order to avoid being stiff and to make everything more understandable. Still, I was not certain whether “—kun” is part of Keigo or not. So when I talked to Tsuna-kun, I called him “Tsuna” without honorifics. Everyone was surprised and went “EEEEHHHH??”. They told me, “You could just call him ‘Tsuna-kun’ there. It’s okay.” (laughs)

――Because you are more settled when speaking politely, it’s difficult to suddenly talk with such straight-forwardness. I guess it is the reason why the older people regard Obara-san as “responsible”. For Obara-san who is thought that way, which one among these older actors, is the most different in term of personality compared to their role?

Maybe, it’s Ichinose (Hayate)-kun. He’s usually very cautious about everything, very serious, and thinks about lots of things in advance. But Kou is a character who makes decisions on the spot and acts immediately. I think that’s a very wide gap between them. And because of that, he seemed to be struggling playing as Kou at first, but he soon was able to catch the role and make it as his own.

-Do you sometimes call each other by nicknames?

We did decide beforehand, who to be called what. Kishida-san has always been “Tatsu-nii”, so we naturally go with that. For Ichinose-kun I call him “Haya-chan”. And then, Tsuna (Keito)-kun was like “Call me Kei-chan too!”. For Osaki (Ichika)-san, I always went with “Osaki-san” as it is. But she protested, “Too stiff!”. So I decided to go with “Icchan” lately. Calling everyone with nicknames sure can erase spaces between us, or rather, it makes easier to have talks with them.

――Ryusoulger has knighthood as its theme, so it shows great features such as beautiful swordplay performed by the actors. Do you do daily practice for each action scene? In some episodes under Director Sakamoto Koichi, who specializes in dynamic action, everyone has to perform some intense movements. What do you think about doing action scenes?

I only had practice once before shooting. Just doing some “rolling” or basic sword movement. In episode 7 and 8 under Director Sakamoto Kouichi, the suit actor came to the shooting site, and taught me action moves needed for that day’s shooting. It’s pretty much like: the Drunn Soldiers came attacking, and then I faced them and went “Ryusoul Change!”. I would try to do those movements I was just taught, right on the spot. Because the theme was “Knight”, and I also get chance to hold a sword, I want to show the coolness of swordplay. So I pretty much love doing those intense actions. Stlll, it’s very difficult to remember some complicated movements, and try them on the spot. When performing them myself, I realized again the greatness of those suit actors. They really are professionals.

–After episode 7 and 8 under Director Sakamoto, it seems that action scenes before transforming are increasing, doesn’t it?

It sure does. I heard there would be a lot of bare action scenes in the future. Even Kishida-san had to perform back flip using trampoline. I’m also having fun doing more actions that I’ve never done before, such as jumping over tables and chairs. Among Ryusoulger members, Towa moves the most and always flies around, so I would like to continue to learn and perform bare actions more.

―“Kishiryu Sentai Ryusoulger THE MOVIE: Time Slip! Dinosaur Panic!!” surely will show us how much Obara-san has grown up. Please tell us some highlights regarding Towa in this movie.

At the climax scene, there would be a part where Towa shows “emotions” that he doesn’t usually show. Red was separated from the other, so Ryusoul Blue, Pink, Black, and Green have to move on theirselves. As his friends begin to lose spirits, Towa gives a “push” to them. Towa has to bare emotions he has never shown in TV series. Director Kamihoriuchi (Kazuya) even told me, “Towa, just lose control of yourself!”. I think the highlight is how Towa’s “passionate side” being expressed in this movie. When I arrived at the shooting site, my resolution was “The way I convey my lines must be able to move my friends’ hearts!” So I want everyone to give attention to these lines.

The movie has a lot of contents. When I read the script, I was so surprised that there were so many elements even though the running time was only 30 minutes. The story itself is very touching, so I hope everyone can watch it as well.

-With the movie release, the story development of the TV series has also become something to look forward to. What kind of thing would Obara-san want to do as Towa in the future?

Because a strong new comrade, Ryusoul Gold/Kanaro (Hyoudou Katsumi) has appeared, I want Towa to show that he too, doesn’t want to be defeated by him.

Up until now, Towa always trusts his brother. They fight together against Druidon, with a strong bond that has formed between them. But what will happen if that once strong bond is strained…? I think, if there is a story like that, the relationship between these two could get even deeper than before. Also, I would be happy if Towa, as the youngest one, gets to pull everyone together. To show that part of him which can be dependable, even when he’s alone. I want to show Towa’s figure that still has lots to grow up. I want to earnestly keep playing as Towa, hoping he’d really be involved in such stories.

source: news.mynavi.jp/article/20190803-ryusoul/

[ryuunosenshi]

.

[firebirdsdaughter]

Just…

… Having a meeting. Standing here.

An extra two to three feet away and closest to my brother with my arms folded because we are not friends.

[matt0044]

“Cool, cool, coolio.”

If that’s not Zayto’s victory catchphrase, we are officially lesser as a species.

We start with our opening titles upgraded to have all five Rangers present and accounted for. There wasn’t even a cold opening so you know that it’s that kind of episode. I personally would’ve left out Izzy and Javier’s faces if only to keep some kind of surprise while featuring the new Black and Green Rangers in suit.

Void Knight’s been busy creating his new general out of robotic parts, bringing us the very “creatively named” Boomtower who needs the Nephrite Orb as a means of powering up. Mucus also returns to Area 62 with a new Sporix named Draknarok. I like how the villains are a motley crew under a lone knight’s command in a rather dingy hideout. It’s like with Evox forces but more... ragtag.

Zayto comes to BuzzBlast for to apply for a job as one of their reporters and trying out catchphrases to fit in with the modern day. Amelia and Ollie urging him to not even was exactly what I was thinking. It’s the sort of “out of touch” alien shenanigans I feel they missed out on with Brody way back in Ninja Steel.

Amelia and Ollie meet Javi playing his harmonica as our future Black Ranger turns out to be the artsy one of the team. He and Zayto are given assignments by Jane to assess their skills. Javi gets the Nephrite Orb story while Zayto’s assigned to get the scoop on Izzy Garcia as a athletic protege You know it’s Power Rangers if you don’t need thirty years experience for an entry level job.

Thus we meet our first genderbent Ranger in years at the local sports field practicing her javelin throws. Zayto is reminded of his Knighthood training and even gives Izzy pointers on how to improve her trajectory. I think having her as a well-built athlete works in favor with her Ranger form being... less than dainty.

Javi is getting dirt on the Nephrite Orb when Mucus, Boomtower and Draknarok zap on it. Mucus even goes, “...and scream!” as if she’s the director. Heck, she even sits by the sidelines in battles just to enjoy the show rather than retreat. Javi rings up the Ranger Hotline and interrupts Zayto’s interview with Izzy sadly.

Warden Garcia, in his infinite wisdom, rolls up in his dinky station wagon and tries to stop the villains in their tracks. It sadly slipped his mind that he’s not allowed any sidearm in a TV-Y7 show so he ends up flat on his back. Methinks he should apply for SPD with that gumption. They could do with a Gold Ranger.

The Rangers arrive on the scene to battle in original footage that’s honestly pretty damn good with how better the choreography’s improved. They each utilize the Boost Keys in a strategic takedown while Javi grabs the Nephrite Orb and drives off in Warden Garcia’s station wagon. Mucus gets all slimy and sticks to the car. Though “It’s Morphin’ Slime” should’ve work as well as it does.

The Rangers get Warden Garcia to a medical center before J-Borg comes along as BuzzBlast’s live news coverage. In this age of Social Media, who am I to question? Jane works the teleprompter only to mess it up by spilling her coffee all over the keyboard. Credit for being a hands on boss. I feel like J-Borg would’ve been funnier if she spoke out all the gibberish with a real straight face.

Izzy rushes over to her stepfather after he’s discharged and learns that her brother, Javi, is hiding out with the Nephrite Orb. She gives the Rangers a tip about a secret place her brother goes off to when he wants to play his music, something Warden Garcia’s no fan of. I sense a parent/child difference story. :P

Javi retreats into the forest but forgets about Mucus who gets Boomtower and Draknarok to teleport in. My favorite part has to be when Draknarok teleports once again to catch a running Javi rather than the one time they do it to enter and exit a battle. Thankfully, the Rangers arrive with Izzy to keep the orb away.

Javi decides to enter the fray by using his harmonica to deal an ear-piercing attack to the villains because... Sporix are sensitive to music apparently. He gets a far better idea by smashing the orb on a rock so nobody can use it. However, the jewel is revealed to contain the Green and Black Ranger keys that the Garcia siblings pick up as if by instinct before being instantly morphed.

And then comes the scene that droves me bonkers. Javi becomes the Black Ranger while Izzy becomes the Green Ranger... with a skirt. I thought that this meant they’d be digitally adding a skirt to the Ryusoulger footage for Green... but then Izzy rips it clean off because it’s “not really her thing.” They put in an explanation for why a female Ranger does not have a skirt while another does.

They top that showstopper of a scene with Izzy and Javi kicking major Hengemen butt. They even pull a Super Megaforce with her tossing him an extra saber to dual-wield with while she uses her javelin as a lance. Once again, this is a damn good Power Rangers exclusive battle. Izzy even uses some gymnastics to get the drop on Boomtower, sticking her spear in a tree.

“Vibing?! With a teenager?! No thanks!” So that’s why he’s called Boomtower.

Draknarok grows in time for all five to try out the Megazord together. It’s mostly Ryusoulger footage but once again, I’m loving how agile and less bulky the Megazord is currently. After getting another dormant Sporix, the Garcias are introduced to the command center and Solon as well as the prospect of new Zords. I hope the two of them can pilot their own Megazord as a duo ala RPM.

Javi gets the job at BuzzBlast with a new assignment to find the best burger in Pine Ridge for Jane. Hopefully, he gets a free meal for it. Meanwhile, our intrepid robotic reporter reenacts the infamous British “Play Safe” PSA complete with hair standing up. Again, I feel her shtick should be rolling with whatever mistakes she made since she’s a robot and thinks a bit more logically.

[reversemoon255]

1t's Never 0ver

Hot take: Brain is the first Reiwa Rider. Still, for the first Reiwa series, Kamen Rider Zero-One was a great start. I've seen a surprising amount of kids shows tackle the idea of treating robots like people, and this show handles it pretty decently.

The Good: Aruto was surprisingly funny and competent. I was optimistic when they presented him as an unfunny comedian turned CEO in the preview material, but I'm impressed by how well he turned out, with full credit to the actor for nailing most of his deliveries. One of my big problems with both Build and Zi-O was that I couldn't always get behind the characters, but Aruto was definitely a step up, being the first Rider since Drive to really grab me.

Considering we just came off Zi-O, with a large cast of stoic characters, it's amazing how much Izu, the emotionless robot, pulled it off better. (Actually, credit to all the Humagear actors for outstanding mono-emotional performances. They all did very well.) I think a big part of that was the fact that they allowed her to make jokes and do silly things with a straight face, instead of being purely dour. And it was an excellent payoff, seeing her slow progression from a very basic personality to a much more lively one as the series progressed.

I really liked Fuwa, and his was another character that underwent several shifts during the run of the story, those the moments where he started turning are more evident than Izu's (but he's also not portrayed as very bright, so that makes sense). His entire arc is him overcoming his hatred for Humagears, eventually reaching the point where he wants to help them, with the final expression of this being him declaring his will to carry on Naki's dream and using his Progrise Key to transform. And he was just pretty fun, being the serious character who likes bad jokes, and often ends up the butt of them himself.

Yua is a troublesome character. There was a lot of untapped potential there that I feel wasn't reached, but there was some good, too. Her arc was seeing Humagear as people rather than tools, which isn't as well executed as Izu or Fuwa as she took a back seat for about two show arcs, but is ultimately satisfying. Most of her development in this department seems to comes from her interactions with Izu, but her experiences during the Fire Fighter training were also a big push. And her resignation was amazing. I feel most of her issues could have been solved if they didn’t push her so hard in promotional material at the beginning.

I disliked Gai for most of this show, which I think was the point. He was a total butt for the majority of the runtime, but it's also amazing how quickly I 180'd on him after his dog showed up. He was very functional, and I wasn't really interested in him as a character until, again, Dog Thouser showed up.

Jin was definitely the villain I had the most investment in throughout the show, even if that started waning near the end when he was just sitting around and letting Horobi do whatever he wanted. Still, he was very similar to Izu, being a Humagear that we see slowly obtain his own singularity and ideals, but taken from a different perspective. He was also a lot of fun. I've found my favorite characters are usually the ones with positive attitudes and outlooks, even if he was aiming for mankind's extinction.

I know a lot of people like Horobi, but it took me a while to warm up to him, and even then I wasn't the biggest fan until his changes in the final episodes. When Gai replaced him as the main antagonist of the series, I wasn't sad to see him go, but I am glad he eventually came back because they did good things with him. It's also cool how he sparks Jin's first major development with his death, and Jin sparks his final changes with his own.

I found myself very invested in the story, especially since this series was very good at not letting a status quo settle for very long. As soon as the Aruto VS A.I.M.S dynamic was set up, he reveals himself to them. As soon as Metsuboujinrai.Net is defeated, Gai shows up. After 4 "nice" contests between humans and Humagear where the humans learn something through the competition, we get one where the villains win and Aruto is ousted as CEO. And I think that was to the show's benefit. A lot of Rider shows will wait half the show before a shakeup, but Zero-One was constantly keeping the viewer interested with new story lines and revelations.

Oh, and every belt chant was amazing.

The Bad: Going in the same order, Yua had a lot of unused potential. I remember how much hype her character had out the gate, being the first female Rider to start a series. She even got a form change, which is a first. However, she only got one form change, and as I mentioned when discussing LupinRanger and Ryusoulger, power-ups in Tokusatsu shows are often used as physical representations of a character's growth. Yua's second form showed up before episode 10. Yes, she also had Fighting Jackal later in the show, but that was a monster form; it's made to represent her fully giving in to Gai’s will, which is why we don't see it after she quits ZAIA. I would have loved if she had used Fighting Jackal in the ShotRiser and had gotten a new form as a representation of her moving on from those painful memories, or forgiving Gai. It sucks, because we got a ton of short-use Riders and forms in this series, so you'd think they could swing it. Just in the last few episodes, we got Arc-One, Arc-Scorpion, Vulcan Japanese Wolf, and Eden. At this point, I think Toei's just not sure what to do with a female Rider. At least they treated her better than Poppy and Nico.

I really didn't like Gai. And I know that's the point, but there's a difference between there being a character you're supposed to hate for the whole show and a character you're supposed to come around on. You can have a despicable character become a good guy, but there has to be something about them that makes you want them to become one in the first place, otherwise it's just jarring. Dan Kuroto is a great example of this. He was also a despicable character, but he had this humorous over-the-top attitude to him that made him fun to watch, and you want him to join the main cast to see how that persona bounces off everyone else. Gai didn't have anything like that; he was just dislikable. If they had hinted at all to his past, it would have worked, but they waited until the episode where he face turns to do it. And that just doesn't work.

This is also a personal nitpick, but when they were teasing stuff for the finalé, I thought Aruto was going to use Rocking Hopper, not Realizing Hopper. Thematically, that would have been awesome, but I'm ok with what we got.

There were also quite a few episodic plots I'd wished they'd covered in regards to the Humagears. We covered quite a broad range of topics with them, but there were a few big things they missed. One of them is about Humagear choosing new careers. It's cool that Humagear have dreams, but they're all in regard to their predisposed profession. The manga assistant wants to write a manga, the coaches want to teach the best athletes, etc. But no one wants to change jobs. We don't get a farmer Humagear that suddenly wants to become an artist or anything, and I would have liked to see how Aruto would handle that. And what about love? It was briefly brought up, but what happens when a Humagear falls in love with a human? Or when two Humagear fall in love? How did they have sentient robots and not talk about love!?

I also can't help but wonder what the show would have been like if we hadn't lost 4 episodes due to current events. I have a feeling we might have had a Gaim Finalé situation with Eden and that's why they had the costume on hand. Who knows; maybe we'll get some interviews down the road that will give us some insight.

And lastly, spoilers, I want top talk about the death of Izu, because that's the one thing I see the most that people disliked about the ending. It's not that she died at all, because we've had that before with characters like Ankh, but because Aruto created a new, identical Izu, with the same name, and proclaimed he was going to retrain her.

I had to think on this for quite a while, but I'm ok with this. Don't get me wrong, I would have preferred an ending where Izu was restored like Jin, or where Horobi becomes Aruto's new assistant, but the thing is this was foreshadowed. In the early episodes, every time Metsubojinrai.Net corrupts a Humagear, and Aruto or Fuwa or Yua has to destroy it, what happens? The owner gets a new Humagear of the same model and retrains it. Aruto is following his company’s policy. And yes, it’s painful. You can see him well up as he’s reminded of the first Izu, but he smiles and moves forward.

There is a form of Japanese pottery called kintsukuroi. In it, you take a piece of broken pottery, and along the cracks you piece everything back together with gold. It's not an easy process, it takes time, and the cracks are still there, but the end result is far more beautiful that what you started with. Aruto is always going to remember the first Izu, and living with the second Izu is going to be painful, but there’s the potential for this new relationship to be even greater than the one he started with. Or at least that’s me reading too much into it.

The Next: (At the time of writing this,) Saber premieres this weekend. Love the designs, as I'm big on the knight motif. I think the belt gimmick is cool, and might get it if they reveal some interesting power-up books. I think a story about story is very fun, very meta, could be great, but could also go horribly wrong if not given to the right writer. We'll have to see. After how well Zero-One was handled, I'm excited to see how the rest of Reiwa will go. They probably won't all be winners, but I enjoyed most of Neo Heisei, with only the last few entries being bad-to-ok in my book, so here's to hoping we'll get a repeat of that trend, without repeating their themes.

Overall, this was a good season. Not my favorite, but certainly in the upper half of the show's library. Looking forward to the movie, whenever that happens. Looking forward to Saber, too.

"A Rider Kick to the sky turns to take off toward a dream!"

[real-life-senshi]

It’s very interesting to be reading different sources and see when the Ryusoulger masters are mentioned, which of the 3 PGSM alumni will be mentioned for their PGSM connection, or in the case if it’s a interview or a blurb submission, which of those three will bring up their role.

In the case on the TV-Asahi website, Masaya (PGSM Furuhata Motoki) was the one who mentioned PGSM. He talked about how he exclaimed in surprise when he found out his Master co-stars are Miyuu and Jyoji, and thought about how this would be a 1st in 16 years to be working with them again. 

I find it really adorable! <3

Source: https://www.tv-asahi.co.jp/ryusoul/#/news03?category=anime

[aion-rsa]

The Challenges of Creating Power Rangers Dino Fury

https://ift.tt/3a3NwmS

The current season of Power Rangers isn’t done yet but fans are already looking to the future more so than usual. Why is that? It’s the 28th season of Power Rangers so it’s not an anniversary. The theme of the season is dinosaurs, which is a nice connection to the past, but not one that builds this much anticipation from hardcore fans.

The excitement actually comes from behind the scenes. Dino Fury has a new executive producer, Simon Bennett. Joining long time producer Chip Lynn, fans are eager to see what Bennett will bring to the table and how he may or may not change the formula of the long running franchise. Not only that but Bennett is shepherding the show as news of a new live-action movie, “non-kid” TV show, and animation are on the horizon. Will Dino Fury be a part of this new rebooted Power Rangers universe?

Bennett sat down with us over Zoom to discuss this, the unique casting process of the season amid COVID-19, gender flipping one of the Rangers from the Sentai, and much more!

DEN OF GEEK: You’ve been directing on the show for four years and now you’re an executive producer. How have you taken the lessons you learned as a director on the show and applied them to your new role as the executive producer?

SIMON BENNETT: I think having directed four seasons means that I understand how the jigsaw puzzle that is Power Rangers works. When I first came on board as a director, it was mindbogglingly difficult.

All the component pieces, how it all fits together, Japanese footage, second unit, main unit, stunts, action, who does what. Any one scene might be broken into three or four parts to different people who manage different aspects of their scene. Working out how they all fit together and communicating with all the various people who are responsible for all the various pieces, is a challenge as a director.

What I’m doing now as showrunner, it’s the same challenge, but writ large, because my purview also encompasses writing the stories, and at the other end of the shoot, post production, visual effects, music, all those elements. I’ve done this before on other shows and I really enjoy having that creative overview.

With Power Rangers, it is so complex and big, the machine, that it’s never dull. I’m constantly occupied from the moment I wake up, to the moment I go to sleep I’ve got questions coming at me about this bit of that episode, or that bit of this episode. I’m rushing into visual effects to approve a shot, or into writing to solve a question, or talking to the directors, or I’m on set helping out maybe with a performance scene that second unit find themselves directing.

So I’ve done a bit of directing on Dino Fury as well, which keeps my hand in. It’s incredibly busy and a lot of fun because at the heart of Power Rangers there’s a kind of joy, because the material is light, it’s silly, it’s fun, and it’s exciting. It brings out the inner kid in everyone working on it. Which is one of the things that makes it a pleasure to work on.

Are there any new focuses behind the scenes to keep all things consistent behind the scenes?

I can’t go into details, but I can say that a lot of thought has gone into the new season, and it is certainly a development that I think will excite and intrigue and hopefully delight the fans when they see it.

Many of the cast members of Dino Fury have significant social media followings. Was that intentional as part of the casting process or just a happy coincidence?

I think it’s a happy coincidence. We cast the people who have the skills necessary for the roles. We didn’t cast people because of their social media following. So I think that is a happy coincidence.

We’re well into the shoot now. We’re about to break for Christmas in a couple of weeks time. And I have seen, I think it’s safe to say, I have seen eight completed episodes, and I’m very, very excited with how it’s going. I think the cast is fantastic.

The decision was made to gender swap one of the Rangers from the Sentai, which hasn’t been done since the early 2000s. Were you a part of that decision or do you know why it happened finally?

I was part of that decision, and it was really about diversity. It was really about wanting the cast of the show to represent a little bit more of a balanced representation of people than Sentai delivered us. They had five men and one woman in Sentai, Ryusoulger, which we’ve adapted. We really wanted there to be at least one more female character. We’ve been very careful with all the guest characters as well, to ensure that there is a gender balance within the cast.

What was the casting process like amid all of the COVID restrictions? You were casting people over webcams and such. What were the challenges there?

It was tricky. It took longer than it would have taken normally. In an ideal world, I would have gone to the States for the final round of auditions. You start with maybe 4,000 people and then you narrow that down to maybe 30, and those final 30 we’ll get intensive auditions with the executive producers.

That would ideally be in person, but we couldn’t do it in person because of COVID. I know that Chip Lynn went back to the States, and he met at four-meter distance, in a tent, with open sides, in a park, the final candidates to have a meet and greet, and see what kind of people they were. But that wasn’t any type of audition because we actually weren’t able to do (traditional) auditions. The final auditions for the American cast were done by Zoom, basically.

They would play the scene, often they were at home, and often it was their mom or roommate who was reading the offlines. So the caliber of the audition was variable, trying to get them to set up their phone in a way that presented them in the most favorable light was a challenge.

And so they would play the scene and then I would give them some notes to see how flexible they were as actors. And they’d do it again. And we went through maybe three stages of this process with the final 30 odd actors. We would try them out on a new scene (as well.)

Finally, we narrowed it down to the people that we wanted. I was also running auditions in Australia and New Zealand. And Australia, because it looked in the early stages of COVID as if there was going to be some trans-Tasman bubble, so there would be free travel between Australia and New Zealand.

That turned out not to be the case, so we haven’t cast anyone in Australia. But we ran auditions in New Zealand, and because we’re very lucky here in that COVID is under control, basically our borders are closed. And the only cases that exist are people who are coming into the country, returning New Zealanders go in quarantine.

There’s no community transmission. So it’s strange, but we’re able to operate pretty much business as usual here. So I was able to do in-person auditions in New Zealand, which were very successful. We cast our secondary characters and our guest characters that way.

Hasbro CEO Brian Goldner stated in a recent interview that Jonathan Entwistle, who’s directing the new Power Rangers movie and overseeing the new shared universe, is handling “the kids-oriented TV show that’s in its 27th season.” Have you and Entwistle had any contact with each other?

No. I know as much as you do, because I read about it online as well. It’s completely news to me. I’ve had no contact with Mr. Entwistle.

Read more

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Power Rangers and How It Adapted From Super Sentai

By Shamus Kelley

So right now you’re just making your PR season, there’s no a “you’ve got to think about this movie. You’ve got to think about this animated show.” There’s none of that right now?

No, none of it. We’ve pretty much finished writing the entire season of Dino Fury, and we’re well underway with shooting, and we have interfaced with various executives within Hasbro and eOne and it’s going very smoothly. There’s been no external pressure on the show to make it something other than what it has always been going to be. If that makes sense. But things are going very smoothly.

What’s it like working with the cast? A lot of them have come from America, where we’ve very much had to be dealing with COVID. Now they’re able to live life normally in New Zealand.

Well, they don’t have a lot of time to live normally when they’re here, because they’re usually picked up at about five in the morning and driven to makeup, and on set. They have very long days because the actors playing the Power Rangers, when they’re not on main unit, they’re on second unit. So they will be working from 5:30 (in the morning) until 6:30 at night. Long days.

Then they’ve got to look at learning lines and material for the next day. And their weekends, I think they’re out and about exploring Auckland and enjoying the summer. I mean, what I would say about the cast is that they’ve got a huge amount of excitement, and enthusiasm to their work and maybe the anticipation in the States after they found they were cast and having to keep the secret. Then the two weeks quarantine that they had to go through when they arrived in New Zealand serves to heighten that anticipation, but they certainly haven’t lost the enthusiasm since they started shooting.

I’m aware that in previous seasons, the cast have been able to go home over the Christmas break and spend things like Christmas with their family. And we can’t do that because of COVID, and quarantine, and those kinds of issues.

So I think the cast during our Christmas hiatus, will be traveling around New Zealand and exploring the country and just enjoying the summer. We’re doing what we can to give them a Thanksgiving dinner, or a Christmas dinner, to give them a sense of family as much as we can. But they all get on very well with each other. I’ve heard no complaints, and they seem to be relishing being Power Rangers.

You had mentioned in our last interview that the start of production had to be delayed a little bit because of COVID. Has there been an attempt to catch up to where you would be, or is it just, “Okay, we’re just shooting it as we normally would.”?

Production can’t go any faster than it does because it is a fast show anyway, so that two months delay in starting shooting will have a ripple effect right through production. Post has been squeezed a little bit. We’re trying to actually complete the episodes a little earlier than we would if the two month delay had to trickle down through into the post production period. But beyond that, I can’t say much more because it’s commercially sensitive.

Can you comment on whether there’s going to be more than 20 or so episodes of Dino Fury?

No, I can’t. Because again, that hasn’t been announced, and it is commercially sensitive information.

Is there anything else you want to tell the Power Ranger fans that’ll be reading this?

cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "106e33c0-3911-473c-b599-b1426db57530", }).render("0270c398a82f44f49c23c16122516796"); });

Expect lots of surprises with Dino Fury and keep the faith.

Power Rangers Dino Fury will debut next year and Power Rangers Beast Morphers will wrap up its final season this Saturday.

Stay tuned for the second part of this interview coming soon where Bennett discusses directing the final episodes of Beast Morphers, including all those returning elements from previous seasons!

The post The Challenges of Creating Power Rangers Dino Fury appeared first on Den of Geek.

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[usasupersentai]

"(Epilogue-Requiem & Reflection) 1st Super Sentai Series=Himitsu Sentai ...

Is It U.S.A. Super Sentai Or Japan Power Rangers?!: https://twitter.com/risingphoenixNJ

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Mighty Morphin' Media: https://www.reddit.com/user/Nljj0719/

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Showa & Heisei Era=Himitsu Sentai Gorenger-Kishiryu Sentai Ryusoulger & Kamen Rider Ichigo-Kamen Rider Zi O (Saban, Disney, & Hasbro Of Power Rangers): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbNosmd7lPJLIfEFd-6PLEYeIEVqQf8nA

Between Showa Era & Heisei Era, Which is Your Favorite Era Of Kamen Rider? (Ichigo-Zi O Flash Animated Henshin Sequences & Roll Calls Video & Audio): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbNosmd7lPJL7KQ19lIeCi0XbnUS7xqgK

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Zordon (To Alpha 5): "Rita has escaped! Recruit a team of teenagers with attitude!" MMPR S1-S3: "It's Morphin' Time!": https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbNosmd7lPJJWbtgzgTyKww3mS0Y97ZyD

Rita Repulsa: "Ahhhh, after 5000 I'm finally free. It's time to conquer Earth!" Zordon: "Rita has escaped! Recruit a team of teenagers with attitude!": https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbNosmd7lPJKLgslU4y9BIPuyDnmwrzJA

Kamen Rider Franchise Versus Super Sentai Franchise Versus Power Rangers Franchise: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbNosmd7lPJIQe4QXNFdrA_gVrjT9D_KP

Kamen Rider, Super Sentai, & Power Rangers; Which franchise of these 3 is the best? CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE!: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbNosmd7lPJK1_xWrov_FGNe87bRNRbqd

What Does This YouTube Channel, "Go Mighty Morphin Henshin Super Kamen Sentai Rider," Like?: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbNosmd7lPJKkeyW3tgqbi5Lj5eSdPSsY

Is It American Sentai Or Japanese Power Rangers?: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbNosmd7lPJJfka5fj-jb0b1EQwag2FNC

Saban, Disney, & Hasbro's Tokusatsu Versus Toei's Tokusatsu?: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbNosmd7lPJJzRMXpxY5aMYO6QkFsuC6Z

Go Go Mighty Morphin Super Power Kamen Sentai Riders-Power MorphiCon Live Action Cast Interview Q&A Panels: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbNosmd7lPJLSARwrL5IhuLCUr7T25cp4

Japanese Power Rangers Openings Is Greater Than American Super Sentai Openings?: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbNosmd7lPJItNabMCYB6Q-sE6BRjXls-

American & Japanese Tokusatsu Never Before Seen Behind The Scenes-Cast & Crew Interviews, Q&As, & Panels!: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbNosmd7lPJJ7j6Wl4_eYMn_Qzir9hTjL

Japanese Tokusatsu-Kamen Rider & Super Sentai Franchises: Henshin (Live & Tv) Rolls Calls & Device Soundboards, With Animations (2D/3D): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbNosmd7lPJIgp8uNP1xEHDfK1E1Ivo_K

Let's Henshin, Showa & Heisei Era Kamen Riders-A History & Legacy Of Ichigo To Zi O: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbNosmd7lPJJe5c3tY89Di86OCGP-j9aQ

Japanese Tokusatsu-Toei's Kamen Rider Franchise: Cast & Crew Opening Theme Songs Live Action Concert Performances & Television Versions: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbNosmd7lPJL15KpgNEwnZx90RXj0tig1

American & Japanese Tokusatsu (Kamen Rider, Power Rangers, & Super Sentai) Miscellaneous Videos: Openings, Endings, Concerts, & Cast/Crew Panels: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbNosmd7lPJItG7mYFxP4UwaERtdiJ57V

18. Go Mighty Morphin Henshin Super Kamen Sentai Rider: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=LLs1c9QBEoznqyKW9rkhNVeQ

I want my YouTube Channel to become a Wikipedia, an online encyclopedia, of any and or all things Power Rangers, Super Sentai, & Kamen Rider! Potential viewers & or subscribers, please, don't hesitate to comment any & or all things the content of my YouTube Channel makes you think & feel. I'll strive to upload & deliver content y'all shall love & enjoy, based on your commented feedback on any & or all content on my YouTube channel.

I'll constantly and consistently upload content to achieve that goal. Said content can and will be videos of a wide array styles from top 10 lists & compilation videos to behind the scenes & cast/crew interviews also live action concerts! My YouTube Channel serves as a Media Catalog for the various openings of Power Rangers, Super Sentai, & Kamen Rider whether they be the tv or live, I upload both!

In addition, I also Upload/share various scene compilation videos of popular moments in Power Rangers, Super Sentai, & Kamen Rider with regards to fan favorite plot points! Also, I feature Live & behind the scenes concerts & filming of Power Rangers, Super Sentai, & Kamen openings, conventions, & cast/crew interviews!

[my-yuujin]

Tsuna Keito (Melto) and Obara Yuito (Towa) from Junon Magazine July 2019 Issue

Tsuna (T): I first met Yuito at the audition, if I'm not mistaken.

Obara (O): Yes, it was the audition for "Kishiryu Sentai Ryusoulger". I soon recognized Kei-chan (Tsuna Keito) because he was the winner for Junon Superboy Contest Grand Prix

T: Really?

O: You greeted everyone with such clear voice, and looked so mature too.

T: After I knew I would colaborate with Yuito, I began to look up his profile, and found out that he's a Junon Boy too. Moreover, he's from 28th contest, while I'm from the 30th. "Doesn't that make him my senpai, even though he's younger than me?" so I thought (laugh). Because I'm actually rather shy, I was glad that I had certain topic when we first met. Junon was the easiest topic to talk about.

O: You're right (laugh).

T: But Yuito and other cast members began to tease me a lot recently.

O: It's the proof that I adore you (laugh). Kei-chan is good at paying back people, it makes me want to get avenged too. He's also the closest to me in age, so I found he was easy to talk with.

T: We're 4 years apart, aren't we? But Yuito is really a responsible boy, I feel as if we were only 1 or 2 years apart. He also still has that cuteness of a seventeen year-old-boy, so it's actually fun to be teased by him. Stuffs like those help us getting closer. At first, he politely called me "Tsuna-kun", though.

O: At first, I called him "Tsuna-kun", then it changed to "Tsuna", but then I changed it back to "Tsuna-kun". Now, I feel comfortable by calling him "Kei-chan" (laugh).

T: When he first called me "Tsuna", I was so surprised, and was like "Huh? Why's that?" (laugh).

O: To make everyone feel closer, the producer forbade us to use Keigo (polite speech). That's why I ended up calling him "Tsuna" at that time. I thought "-kun" was also part of Keigo.

T: And then I told Yuito, "Don't call me 'Tsuna', just 'Kei-chan' is fine" (laugh). Even though I'm older, Yuito has been in entertainment industry longer than me. So I still look up to him as my senpai.

O: You really think so? (laugh)

T: I do, I do! Both as an actor and an entertainer, I regard you as the older one. Well, it's not shown in how I act toward you, but I truly feel so.

O: (laugh) As a Junon boy, he's my kouhai, but he's also older than me, so I don't know how to properly get along with him. That's why, I think of Kei-chan as my senpai in life, and look up to him too.

T: Well, let's say our relationship is about looking up to each other, then (laugh)

--

O: It's been three months and a half since we began the filming of Kishiryu Sentai Ryusoulger, but I even can say that I may not be able to find another cast members as fun as them. Everyone really does have very nice impression.

T: That's right. But...Yuito is the only one whose nice side I can't find.

O: Huh, really!? So I have none!?

T: I lied, I lied (laugh). Well, Yuito is, firstly, cute. He's also responsible and cool. Even though he's younger than me, everytime I talk to him about the filming, I can learn a lot from that. It can be said that I get daily motivation from Yuito.

O: So glad! I don't think I'll have another chance to hear that much being said about myself directly. Please more!

T: I can't say it frankly just like that (laugh)

O: No..., please say more! (laugh) Kei-chan is very good at treating people. He's always smiling at whatever we do to him. He's really a nice person. I don't think he can even be angry.

T: Well, of course I can be angry too, you know? (laugh)

O: But you always put relationships with people around you at first, right?

T: You're still young, but you can understand about it well (laugh) By the way, I have once visited Yuito's house before, how does it feel to live alone?

O: When I think about my health, I try to do cooking myself. But, I heard Kei-chan doesn't cook.

T: That's right. I have a rice cooker at home. But I haven't even taken it out from its box.

O: Eh, why's that?

T: While I do have intention to cook, I still think it's difficult to do.

O: It's not that hard. You just need to wash the rice, put it into the rice cooker, and switch it on. Even I can do it using a saucepan, too.

T: Wow! Do you also cook the side dishes yourself?

O: I usually buy the side dishes at the convenient store. I always end up cooking the side dishes too much for myself, but if I cook too much rice, I can always put it into refrigerator and warm it later. It can be served fast that way, so I recommend it.

T: Hmm..., should I try to cook too, then? (laugh) Can you teach me how to cook in a way that I can easily understand?(laugh)

O: (laugh) I will try.

--

T: At the current time, we're really full with the filming schedule. It would be nice if we could go somewhere together later.

O: I think we can easily get fired up by going to amusement park or something, right?

T: That's certainly true(laugh)

O: Do you like amusement park's attractions?

T: I love them! Especially the ones that can make you scream. You like them too, don't you, Yuito?

O: Yeah, I like them very much! I even prefer going to the amusement park just to ride all the thrilling stuffs and scream. (laugh)

T: Same goes for me! You did say before that you wanted to try bungee jumping, didn't you? How about taking trip with a car, doing the bungee jump, and then having a nice fancy dinner on the way home?

O: That sounds good! Though it somehow sounds like a thrill-loving couple's date (laugh) But I do want to experience it in reality.

T: Yeah. But for now, we just need to give our best for Kishiryu Sentai Ryusoulger. Aside from looking forward to the new team member, I also want everyone to watch over Kou, Melto, and Asuna's bond as childhood friends, and also Towa and Banba's as brothers. Since Melto's funny scene will also increase lately, I would be very happy if it can bring good mood for everyone too.

O: Yes, because I think we will be shown to be involved in various things in the future, I want everyone to watch over that too. Also, it's intriguing to think about how Towa's brother, Banba, will get involved among the other four. Of course, there will be the new warrior and equipments' debut to be looked forward too. Please don't miss it!

[my-yuujin]

​Ryusoulger Solo Interview from Mynavi: Osaki Ichika

-It has been more than half of a year since the filming of “Ryusoulger”, has there been any change in your daily life before and after that?

Because the shooting is always early in the morning, it also changes my life schedule. I used to sleep until evening (laughs), but recently I can sleep and wake up early, even when I don’t have any shooting schedule. My body is already used to it.

-Is there anything that changed a lot as you are now playing as Asuna?

Recently, people told me that I have become a cutesy girl (laughs). I can see that Asuna’s fluffy character is slightly absorbed inside me. When I play as Asuna, I tend to speak with a slightly higher voice tone, and because I spend a lot of time as Asuna, my voice is a little higher even when I’ve returned to Osaki Ichika (laughs). “I may end up letting out a little flirty personality?” sometimes I also ponder about that.

-While it doesn’t suit her appearance as a cute girl, Asuna actually has tremendous strength. She shows extreme monstrous power, such as lifting someone with one hand and throwing it away easily.

Asuna is a cheerful character. It’s very fun to make her involved in many funny scenes with Kou and Melto. “Strong, but reckless” is the impression of Asuna’s personality that we try to convey, as she has been showing a lot of power since the first episode.

However, what worries me when playing Asuna is “How far should her strength be shown?”. I often consult with the directors, “Since Asuna has monstrous power, should she touch things like this, or should she be careful not to touch anything?” I myself am not strong like her, so sometimes people forget about that and say, “Huh? Shouldn’t it feel much lighter?” when I lift something. Oppositely, when it’s a scene when I want to use Asuna’s strength, I usually remind everyone, “I will hit this with a “BOOM”, so you all must react exaggeratedly, alright?” They will actually help me out with that.

-In Episode 1, Kou who teases Asuna as “Monstrous Power”, gets pushed and crashed against a rock. While Melto who witnesses that, seems to be reminded how strong Asuna is. That scene sure has huge impact in introducing Asuna.

Actually, Kamihoriuchi (Kazuya)-san directed that scene with a little surprise. In its rehearsal, I was told that it should go like: Asuna got angry with Kou, pushed him, and Melto reacted “What a strength!”. But when we actually did it, after I pushed Kou, suddenly an explosion happened with a loud “BOOM!!”. I was so surprised, and went “EHHH??” inside my heart. But since I didn’t show it on my face, the recording was regarded as an OK. Director Kamihoriuchi laughed and asked, “How’s that? Are you surprised?”(laughs). And thanks to that little surprise, Melto’s startled expression went out very real.

–Director Kamihoriuchi directed Ryusoulger The Movie, and also was in charge of episode 1 and 2 from the TV series. It can be said that he was the one who built the foundation of Ryusoulger’s shooting environment. Osaki-san, what was your impression of Kamihoriuchi-san?

When I played my part, but didn’t know how I should act for the next scene, the director said to me, “Your acting back then, when you play it by yourself, it gives you bad feeling, doesn’t it?”. He totally saw through it right away. And when I replied, “Yes, it feels bad. I can’t properly digest it within myself.” Then, he told me, “At this part, how about you do it like this?” That side of him really helps us the actors. While he does sound strict, everything he says can be easily understood by us. Even though it’s an important shooting, he’s a director who can make the work environment feel relieving.

-Action scenes are things that can’t be separated from a hero show, and you are now being challenged to perform those. Are you also good at action?

Action scenes are fun, and I love them. But I myself don’t really have a good sense (laughs). I thought I was good at moving my body, but since everyone around is a boy, it’s still hard to keep up with their speed and range. After being shown how it goes, the boys could do it quickly. But for me, it usually takes longer. So when there is time, the suit actors will teach me how to move my body and how to use the sword. After all, it must be fun if you can do at least one technique, but if you can’t, it will not be fun (laughs). There are some parts in me that hate losing. Therefore, I’m practicing every day so that I won’t be defeated by the boys. Basically, the action scenes are always exciting, as it really feels that you are being challenged.

–Asuna is presented as a character who loves to eat. In episode 9 she was shown eating yakiniku. In episode 13, it’s potato chips. In episode 16, she’s holding two fried chickens with her both hands. It’s a simple question, but did you really eat those?

Yes, I did. I originally like to eat, and the staffs also always prepare some snacks for Asuna. Even for myself, when it is a scene that I don’t have to do anything, I usually ask if there is any snack, as I’m really conscious of Asuna’s personality who always wants to eat something.

–Surely when you look at Asuna who excitedly eats anything, it is as if giving you energy, too, isn’t?

Of course, I’m also careful not to eat too much. That being said, after one scene is cut, and I don’t have to take part in the next scene,  I will ask “Can I eat the leftover?”, and they let me (Laughs) Everyone else also takes part in eating them. The curry from episode 3 and yakiniku from episode 9 were delicious. I recently did a scene where we ate takoyaki. Every time Asuna eats something, I also always eat it, so I look forward to that because every food that has been prepared were so delicious.

-Ryusoulger ending song “Que Bom Dance” seems pretty popular on (T/N: Toei’s) Youtube official channel. Can you tell us some tips on how to dance “Que Bom Dance” well ?

The choreography for every dancer is the same, but when you dance, you may bring out your own  personality, too. I’m not that good at dancing, but I dance with a feeling to have fun. If you bring out that kind of feeling, anyone who see your dance would say that it’s energetic, or looking cute. I guess such simple stuff is what makes you dance well (laughs).

-In episode 12 “The Illusion of scorching flame”, Asuna grew huge, because of that illusion, along with Ui and Melto. I guess it’s rare to see a real character standing on the stage of miniature set where Kishiryu and giant Minusaur usually fight. How was your feeling when being huge around buildings?

Dime Volcano really gives cool impression. Its face is small and looks stylish. I was entering the shooting site, thinking that the scene would be filmed with (T/N: green screen) compositing. I felt glad to be able to stand among Tokusatsu’s miniature set.

-Using a green screen, it seems difficult to act in the absence of anything, doesn’t it?

It is difficult to play emotions in such situation, because it is important to receive emotions sending by seeing the other person’s eyes. Instead, I have to act against the green screen, so it’s hard to insert my feelings into my acting.

–Ichinose-san, who plays Kou/Ryusoul Red, said that all six members of Ryusoulger have slight difference between their roles and their real personalities. Do you feel that you are also different from Asuna?

It’s a little different … but I guess recently, it may not be as different as before. Among the six members, Asuna and I may be the most similar in term of personality. I’m usually a very talkative and energetic person, so I feel that those parts are naturally brought out as Asuna. It’s also the same with her fond of eating. If I have to say the difference, I think it’s Asuna’s habit of puffing out her cheeks when she’s angry.  I don’t do such cute expression (laughs). But, that part isn’t so difficult to act, and I can become Asuna very naturally.

-Asuna is always full of spirits, cheerful, and happily eats a lot. She is a very important character among the members, as their mood maker, isn’t she?

There are people who look forward to what expression Asuna will show, and what action she will take. Therefore, I’m working hard to enrich my expression, so that I can answer their expectations.

-On Twitter and such, we can find lots of Ryusoulger’s off-shot photos. Everyone always seems to have very much fun. Among the members, who is the most amusing when you are taking such pictures?

It’s none other than Melto’s actor, Tsuna (Keito)-kun, I think. He’s recently been bullied by everyone. It ‘s amusing because he’s a serious character. There are times when I tease that seriousness of Tsuna-kun (laughs). In episode 13, Asuna tells Melto her “real feelings”, and their friendship is broken. While it’s not realistic to reconcile that quickly later, but I guess it’s how the trio childhood friends are. I myself can be relaxed the most when there are Kou, Melto, and Asuna being at the same place, like they usually are.

-In “Kishiryu Sentai Ryusoulger THE MOVIE: Time Slip! Dinosaur Panic!!”, Kou, Melto and Asuna experience taking different moves among themselves. Is this a fresh sensation for Melto and Asuna?

Certainly, it was a great experience for us to not have Kou around. However, Melto works hard to pull everyone together, in place of Kou. And I think he’s done well in covering Kou’s absence.

-I would like to ask you some highlights in the movie. What was your impression when you were with Sano Shiro-san (Velma) as the the movie’s guest star?

In the scenes when I was co-starring with him, I felt overwhelmed by Sano-san’s aura. It’s not that it was scary, but when I was watching the scenes where he was playing, as expected, I goosebumped. But in usual situations, Sano-san was very kind, and he was even willing to start conversation with us.

-Please tell us Asuna’s important highlights in the movie.

Asuna on the TV series is always smiling and eating, so she makes lots of funny scenes. However, in the movie, the story itself is serious, and there are scenes where Asuna shows an explosion of emotions that exceeds the usual “emotions”. They’re not “anger” or “sadness”, those feelings filled my heart so much, that I didn’t even understand…. In one scene, the director (Kamihoriuchi) asked me, “Those lines, can you act them while laughing and crying?” I was worried for a brief, “What should I do?”, but I just tried to digest it within myself, and act it out by being myself. At that time, I left everything to the momentum, and the atmosphere that was created by the director and staffs. I acted while leaving my feelings going bare, so…, if I try to remember it now, the memories at that time were almost nothing. It almost felt like I was so high, like being suffocated. I was able to put out fierce expressions that may not be found on the TV series, so I would like you to check what kind of emotion Asuna expresses in the movie.

-Is there any trivia scene that you want the audiences to pay attention to in the movie?

Asuna is not only cheerful, as she also can sometimes act firm. There is a scene in the movie where she throws a peculiar gaze towards Banba, so please be sure to pay attention to it. I haven’t confirmed it (by seeing) the completed movie yet, so I’m sorry if it was ended up being cut out (laughs). Asuna is also expressive in the movie, and I hope you can support Asuna exploring those expressions.

-In the movie campaign, there should be more opportunities to meet children fans directly. Have you ever had any interaction with those children fans before?

Recently, we get talked to more often by the mothers who bring their children outside. There are a lot of girls who say they like Asuna, but boys who likes Asuna are quite a number too. Many children appeared in the movie as extras, but since my turn was in the afternoon, I couldn’t get involved with them. It seemed that one of the girls who had been filmed since morning cried, “If I don’t meet Asuna, I won’t go home!”, so I rushed immediately to meet her. I’m very grateful to her feeling, and the children’s support always become our energy. I would like to create an environment where I can interact with the children directly in various places, so please continue to support Ryusoulger and Asuna!

source: news.mynavi.jp/article/20190725-ryusoul/

[my-yuujin]

Ryusoulger Solo Interview from Mynavi: Kishida Tatsuya

Ryusoulger has been running for four months since the start of its broadcast in March 2019. How you are feeling about it?

When the Sixth Ranger Kanaro (Hyoudou Katsumi) finally appeared in episode 14, I thought, “Ah, we have come this far. Time sure flies.” Even so, the feeling that I’ve played my role as well as grasped that distance we’ve gotten through between every episode up until now, is still very strong.

- Banba used to have a harsh view such as “In order to save many human beings, (Minusaur’s host) one’s sacrifice is unavoidable.” But he met Kou and the others, and little by little was exposed to their kindness. So, there are a lot of episodes dedicated to this process. Surely for Kishida-san,  those episodes’ impressions are strong, aren’t they?

I’m now sticking to the part that “Banba’s atmosphere is different from everyone else”. At this stage, he doesn’t have any intention to become friends with Kou, so I’m always aware of the subtle sense of distance, such as standing alone even though everyone else is gathering.

-From now on, surely, we’re expecting that Banba will fully communicate with Kou and become friends.

I once had the opportunity to talk with the screenwriter Yamaoka (Junpei) and the producers, and at that time he said “Banba is the closest when it comes to human emotion.” You see, when humans have aged long enough, they won’t change easily in a year. That’s how I think about it. “Yesterday,he was gentle, but today, he is back to being grumpy again?” We discussed whether or not it was a good thing to have such character like that.

-In episode 8 “ Singing Voice of Miracle”, Ryusoulger successfully fools the enemy. After Kou and Towa happily do a high-five to each other, Banba only bumps fists with Kou, while his face facing the other side. Such a wonderful “Tsundere”. He’s not planning to get along, but he lets himself join their rhythm. That’s what makes Banba stand out. Am I right?

Actually, we were being let to do ad-libs at that time. I never thought it would be used (laughs). After the episode was broadcasted, I was surprised to hear a lot of feedback about that on Twitter. It was a casual scene and I played it without much thought. Because of the slow motion, I was shown moving in various ways, even though it was a quick filming. At first, I thought I didn’t have to do anything, but Kou and the others were so eager to do high-five with Banba. So in the end, I just did it without seeing his eyes.

-Even for the children who watches the TV series, Banba is strong but a little “scary”. That is the impression they may get from him.

I also think so. Like I said earlier, “Banba will not change”, but by meeting Kou and others, a slight change is unavoidable. At first, he called Kou “Omae” (T/N: means “You” but harsh), but he started to call him by his name. Although he consciously can’t forgive it, there is still a part in his heart where the intention to be friends is growing.

-It may be rude for me to say this but, Banba is unexpectedly quite popular among children. Kishida-san, is there any experience, like when you finally realized the popularity of Banba?

The thing that I feel grateful about is, I get talked to more often than usual when I walk outside. Originally, I thought Banba was intended to give appeal to the mothers and older Tokusatsu fans, but unexpectedly, I heard some young children said “I like Banba”. I was really happy about that. Not to mention that Banba also has some fans among girls. I once looked at Instagram, and found a kid wearing Banba’s costume that their mother likely has made by herself, and I thought, “Oh, it ’s pretty cool” (laughs).

- Banba dan Ryusoul Black’s costumes are based on the color black, thus giving very cool atmosphere. I can understand those children’s feeling who want to cosplay as him.

Wearing this outfit, you may feel a little restrained around your waist and look slim. On the other hand, as soon as you get a little fat, it would be very much noticeable, so I always pay attention to maintaining my body shape.

-Then, if there is a scene where Banba has to eat something delicious, it would be difficult, wouldn’t it?

The food that appeared in the show up until now, in the end, they were all eaten by everyone. Asuna (Osaki Ichika) is always shown eating something, after all (laughs). Banba is never shown to eat anything in the show, but the staffs always prepare delicious-looking food and make the studio filled with yummy smell. That’s why, even though I don’t want to, I always find myself want to eat. When the filming is over, I end up eating up a lot too (laughs).

- Who do you think has grown up the most, comparing to when you first met them?

That’s definitely Obara-kun. He is 17 years old now and it is his moments of growing up as a person. When I look at him by my side, I think “He’s doing amazing!” I’m impressed by how refined his expression now. We sometimes make pacts among ourselves, such as to arrive 10 minutes before meetings, and Obara-kun is the best when it comes to follow the rules. We have been together for a long time as brothers, and I would be very happy if Obara-kun could feel various things from me, and myself also could give him some good influence.

-Kishida-san, you seem to have so much fun being an elder brother who is proud of his little brother. I begin to think that you two are really like real brothers.

Well, aren’t we real brothers, though?(laughs) Looking closely at Obara-kun’s growth, makes me think I can’t lose to him. So, it feels like I’m being encouraged too.

Looking at Kishida-san’s Twitter, we can find two-shot photos with some actors who have appeared in the “Kamen Rider” and “Super Sentai”. Surely, these photos show us wonderful friendship between heroes, aren’t they?

Isomura Hayato and I have once appeared in “Kyou kara ore wa!”, but at that time I didn’t know that he also appeared in “Kamen Rider Ghost” (Kamen Rider Necrom/ Alan). When I was decided to appear in “Ryusoulger”, I looked up to various things about the past “Super Sentai”, and found out that I was acquainted with such amazing Kamen Rider and Tokusatsu heroes. “I should take pictures when I meet them next time,” so I thought (laughs). I get along with Inaba Yuu-kun (Kamen Rider Mach/Shijima Gou from “Kamen Rider Drive” ) , Tozuka Junki-kun (Nara Shunpei from “Kamen Rider Wizard”), and Suda Masaki-kun (Philip from “Kamen Rider W”). I took photos with them, hoping that it could make Tokusatsu fans happy.

-But now, you have joined those heroes whom the children look up to. What kind of feeling do you have when you strike your “transformation” pose that is unique to you as a hero?

It’s exciting, really. I myself used to be a child who played and imitated those heroes’ transformation poses, up to their details. I feel excited to think that there would be some children who imitate my transformation pose this time.

-Who is Tokusatsu hero Kishida-san admired as a child?

“Choriki Sentai Ohranger” (1995) and “Gekisou Sentai Carranger” (1996) were the oldest heroes in my memory. But the one that I felt most addicted was “Seijuu Sentai Gingaman” (1998). In fact, the memories of playing with Gingaman’s toys still remain vivid. Among the five warriors, red and blue rangers have different ways of transforming, and I was a child who cared for those trivial things like that. Therefore, as Banba, I’m strongly aware of things like, the movements that only Banba would do. Even in the ending Que Bom Dance, the dance actually shows the individuality of each Ryusoulger.

-Action scenes are also frequently shown, especially in the episodes when director Sakamoto Koichi was in charge, like in episode 7, 8 and 15, 16. Some scenes, such as doing Ryusoul Change while fighting against Drunn soldiers were really outstanding.

I originally love action, and Director Sakamoto is the person in charge who has spent time in various action scenes, so I feel we are very compatible. Episode 15 and 16 are more challenging than episode 7 and 8. I want to challenge more actions in the future.

-Even at press conferences and photo sessions, Kishida-san’s “commitment”, such as not showing “smile” at all as Banba, is very wonderful, in my opinion.

I always think that images are important for heroes, so I want to do my role firmly. However, it is troubling me when people greet me as Banba. Banba’s personality makes me seem to be a very cold person. Of course, I myself am different from Banba, so when I naturally tried to act gentle, the mothers reacted like “Huh? Is Banba actually such a person?” It made me rethink that he really is such difficult role! (Laughs) However, they also pointed out those as the “unexpected” sides of Banba, so it still settles me much or less when creating a solid image of Banba. I myself like children, so I want to give them a gentle approach, but about how I should do it … I just can’t find the answer. I think I have to ask those who are already seniors at being heroes.

–Banba had never smiled until now, but at the end of the episode “The Prisoned Mosa”, he cracked a little smile, and it had positive reception on Twitter. I guess, it’s enough to make more children come to Banba deliberately now.

Until now, the children never come to me by themselves. Therefore, I myself try to go closer when I have eye contacts with children.

-In the 13th episode “The Prime Minister is Ryusoul tribe!?”, the existence of Banba and Towa’s master was implied. But Kishida-san and Obara-san, were you two actually aware of such story development and the mysteries behind it?

-To be honest, until we get our new script, we’ve been acting without knowing what will happen next. There were times when I acted while thinking “So, it was actually this kind of story!?” It is my first experience to act under such condition, so it’s very difficult (laughs). As an actor, playing without knowing the future is anxious, but fun. However, I don’t want to regret, saying such things like “I should have done it like this” when looking back at the past after I find out about the mysterious part. For now, acting while deciding what is the best to do in various subtle situations, becomes a great lesson for me as an actor.

-Ryusoulger cast give a very good impression as a team. Do you think that good relationship with them as friends affects your acting as Banba?

Looking at these recent scene photos, it seems Banba’s expressions are somewhat gentler than at the start of filming. This also happens to everyone else, and I guess it is because of the length of time we’ve spent together. I want to be an actor who rather than becomes the source, I prefer to be “the receiver” of those plays from various people. And I think my expressions get mellowed due to having received those feelings. It is now a completely different atmosphere compared to the beginning. If I was let to say one thing, it would end up divided into 5 or 6, as we actually share the same feelings among ourselves.

-Kishida-san, as the oldest member, you also have longer experience as an actor, to the extent that everyone else admires you as their “big brother”.

-Whenever there is something they don’t understand, it’s nice to hear them calling me out “Tatsu-nii! Tatsu-nii!”. I feel to be in a position that has to warn them if they do something sloppy. But rather than saying it directly, it’d be better if I act in advance and put myself as an example. They are all honest and nice guys, and the new member Hyoudou (Katsumi)-kun is also very polite when playing baseball. He’s such a pleasant man to be involved with.

-As we know, the long-awaited movie “Kishiryu Sentai Ryusoulger THE MOVIE Time Slip! Dinosaur Panic!!” has been released on July 26. Is there any experience that particularly impressed you when shooting this movie?

I still remember, after shooting all day long, there was a time when I couldn’t do (acting) at all. After episode 17, Banba’s attitude to his friends has much or less changed, but according to the script, the episode has not happened yet in the movie. So I had to enter the movie setting while being aware of that. Up until now, the change of Banba’s emotion has accumulated according to the order of TV episodes. I had to act while throwing away some parts of those changes that shouldn’t have happened in the movie. It’s quite difficult.

There was also things like when I was troubled during the shooting, it suddenly went raining. I’d heard that weather in the location might change easily…, but because of raining, I became impatient to fix and catch up … Things that I thought world be worked out…, the confidence just immediately flew away from my head. That’s why, I would be happy if you can check on the theater, those changes in Banba’s expressions that have troubled me so much.

-In episode 1 and 2, Banba and Towa have not yet appeared, so Kishida-san and Obara-san met Director Kamihoriuchi for the first time in the movie version. Kamihoriuchi-san once said in an interview that he always acted strictly towards all the actors, but how exactly does Kishida-san see Kamihoriuchi-san as a person?

When a scene isn’t played well, he will immediately go “Cut!”, and make us repeat it until it is good enough to be used. Rather than strictness, I think that it is more like Kamihoriuchi-san’s “kindness”. Because in order to meet the expectations of the directors, we indeed must continue to improve ourselves as actors.

-Please tell us about the highlights of Banba that are unique to this movie.

In this movie, because Kou has to move alone, there are many scenes where Melto, Asuna, Towa and Banba are working together. Melto and Asuna whom Kou usually works together with, are trying their best until Kou returns. Their growth and how they build their bond are presented intriguingly in this movie. I myself dedicatedly played Banba as the one who supports and watches over them. Though, Banba only gets a little chance to act between intervals (laughs). I realized the hard feeling when my role is not supposed to stand out, instead of being at front and doing something. Sentai usually consists 5 warriors. With Kanaro, we become 6 members. Naturally, it’s not good to make only one person speak lines while the others are only watching from behind. Even though I still don’t know how, I want to make everyone comment on a silent scene, that “It should be Banba who speaks there.” From now on too, I always look forward to your support for Banba and Ryusoulger!

Source: https://news.mynavi.jp/article/20190729-ryusoul/

[ryuunosenshi]

Ichinose Hayate interview by thetv.jp

[usasupersentai]

43rd Super Sentai Kishiryu Sentai Ryusoulger-Opening Theme Song: Ohranger To Ryusoulger Title Cards!

https://youtu.be/67OFjGz2xkA

43rd Super Sentai Kishiryu Sentai Ryusoulger-Opening Theme Song: Ohranger To Ryusoulger Title Cards!

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[my-yuujin]

Ryusoulger Solo Interview from Mynavi: Ichinose Hayate

――“Ryusoulger” started broadcasting in March, so it has been three month since then. Do you feel something in yourself have changed, compared to that time?

Because “Ryusoulger” is my debut as an actor, I think it’s my “approach to acting” that has changed little by little. I originally was really interested in acting, even before the debut, so it was just the right timing when I was scouted at my university entrance ceremony. Actually, after managed to enter university, I intended to try auditioning to be an actor.

When the shooting for “Ryusoulger” started, my body really enjoyed the process, and I kept smiling even when there was nothing (laughs). Recently, it feels like “Which mouth would speak? (T/N:“Between speaking with literal lines, or his other body parts/body language”, I think?)”, or rather, I make a “space”, so not only when I have to speak lines, I also began to be able to pay attention to my surrounding and properly act according to that, even when I don’t have any lines.

Also, the chance to have my idea being consulted and implemented by the directors, has gradually increased. In the movie, I proposed the idea “to have this kind of interaction with Tsuna-kun (Ryusoul Blue/Melto)” to Director Kamihoriuchi (Kazuya). And he actually received the idea and made us do it. I think this is also a kind of “progress” for myself.

――I heard that Kou and Ichinose-san have very different personalities. As the filming process is progressing, do you feel like Kou and yourself begin to assimilate with each other?

After all, since the time I spend as Kou is quite long, I can feel that the effects have appeared in me. Sometimes, in a flash moment, I think to myself, “Wow, this sure feels like something Kou would do”.  Whenever I feel like hitting a wall, I used to feel bad before. But after certain moments, I started to think that “Feeling bad alone would get you nowhere. Just move forward! Move!”. It’s like as if I started to develop some positive attitude. I think that Kou’s character is gradually changing me. I want to show that part of me more and more, and do my best there.

――How do you feel about acting with Fukikoshi Mitsuru-san, who potrays Tatsui Naohisa? Which part do you learn by acting with a veteran actor like Fukikoshi-san?

Fukikoshi-san is really great at doing ad-libs. When the camera rolls, he puts out performances that are completely different from testing, and we will end up laughing (laughs). We were involved in testing several times, and I thought it was really amazing that he would never do the same things as planned. I want to make several “surprise” acting like Fukikoshi-san does, but it turns out to be very difficult. He is really someone whom I very much respect. Being able to see his performance nearby, I get surprised everytime, while at the same time I also learn a lot from him.

Sometimes, I was wondering if Fukikoshi-san had already prepared a number of patterns for his surprise acting in advance, but it doesn’t seem to be that way. Fukikoshi-san really is amazing. That is the only thing I can say about him.  Currently, I’m striving to be able to make Kou’s personality more appealing by doing more surprise acting.

――How about the teamwork among the fellow Ryusoulger cast? It seems that everyone has been good friends since the beginning of the filming and created a tight bond. But how is exactly the current situation?

We’re always together and it feels like a family.  I was usually the one who started the conversation with the others and made friends with them. Before I knew it, I turned into a shameless person like that (laughs). The old me was actually very shy, and couldn’t speak well in front of people. I used to be the type who wanted to live as quietly as possible, but somehow, I turned into like this.

――Did the teamwork change due to the addition of Ryusoul Gold/Kanaro of Sea Ryusoul Tribe who appeared since episode 14 “The Golden Knight”?

Hyoudou-kun is very friendly, and seems to be able to get along quick with everyone. At first, I was worried about who would come (as the new warrior). The atmosphere among the five Ryusoulgers so far was very good. What if the new warrior ended up changing the air among us? But I was really grateful because he’s just the same type as the other five (laughs). He is relatively easy to be talked to. And when he’s the one who started the conversation, it feels smooth and easy to understand. The first time we got to work together is the shooting for the movie in Fukui. Even though I only talked a little with him at that time, but when the shooting was over and I said that I wanted to go to the hotel’s bathhouse with the four boys of our team, Hyoudou-kun who had already taken bath, was willing to take another bath to be able to join us(laughs). He’s really a nice person who can get along with everyone..

――How does it usually feel when Ryusoulger members are together?

We always have great time when traveling by the bus going to the shooting site. We will talk whatever topics that come out in minds. Hyoudou-kun is also intimate with the surroundings, as if he was already a part of us since beginning. It feels so much relaxed and enjoyable. As for now, we six still don’t get a chance to go out eating. But I intend to make promise to go out and eat together with everyone.

――Have you experienced when you walk outside in private, and get called “It’s Kou!” by the children?

When I don’t wear Kou’s outfits, no one seem to realize and call me out like that. But when it’s near the studio, or when I go out to watch Ryusoulger Show at Theatre G-Rosso, sometimes, there are people who notice as I walk around Tokyo Dome CIty.

――We would like to ask you about the movie “Kishiryu Sentai Ryusoulger THE MOVIE: Time Slip! Dinosaur Panic!!”. In the film shooting, it seems that some ordinary children have appeared as extras. What is your impression when you interacted with the children who always eagerly watch you on TV, in such situation like shooting for the movie?

The children appeared as the visitors at “Dinosaur Museum” in Fukui. At the end of the filming, we had chance to shake hands with them as commemoration. Since the TV series had already broadcasted, we met the children when they had already known us as Ryusoulgers. It’s the first time for me to meet the children in such situation, so I felt very glad.

When I looked at those children, I got the impression of how honest they were. We shook hands with the children when I had returned to my “original” state, as we were already done with the shooting. But, I was worried, if it would make the children confused. Because “this Kou” had different impression compared to the Kou they knew. So, I left some Kou’s character in me when shaking hands with the children, and tried to have some talk with them.

――Director Kamihoriuchi Kazuya who built the essence of “Ryusoulger” in the pilot episodes (1 and 2), was also in charge to lead the movie shooting. At the press conference, all Ryusoulger cast mentioned that you were all “strictly trained” by him. Could you tell us how exactly Director Kamihoriuchi strictly trained you?

In the last part of the movie, there is a certain scene when Kou is like… experiencing a tremendous scale of event, which had to get re-shooted again and again. At that time, I couldn’t imagine what kind of expression Kou should put up, so it was difficult even to express. The director only kept telling me “One more time”. So, it’s important to be honest to say that you don’t know: what is wrong with your acting, how you should change it so that you could get an “OK” from him, or whether changing how you act will take you to a better course. Moreover, because I was told to redo the scene over and over, my expression gradually became stiff…, it was very frustrating. But next time, I will be striving to being able to understand the director’s lead in an instant, and if it’s possible, getting an “OK” from him in first take.

――As the story development of “going back to the era of 65 millions years ago”, is there any certain thing that you had to be aware of?

When I read the script, at one point, I already imagined a video in my mind about how the movie would be made. But in reality, Director Kamihoriuchi would expand the scale for the movie, and add some part that didn’t exist in the script. As for myself, “What would it be like if the dinosaurs were really here?” was the thing I kept in mind, by reviving my younger self’s sense of imagination while entering the world and playing my role.

――How was your impression of the guest stars, Sano Shirou-san and Kitahara Rie-san?

As for Sano-san, there were a lot of scenes when, instead of being taken close up, I interacted with him through raising our voice to each other while we’re both at different places. If the other party is far away, it will be difficult to see their expressions. Even if you shout, you will likely sound monotonous. But Sano-san didn’t feel like that at all. He really showed us a great acting. Even though it was just a voice-only acting, he was able to express his character’s emotion. He led me and influenced my acting to follow him.

I acted with Kitahara-san more closely than any other cast, and I could feel how strong her ability to express in those scenes when she showed her feelings. I think even I can improve myself just by interacting with Kitahara-san’s acting. It was a great experience to see Kitahara-san’s acting nearby.

――The movie story is about “Gaisorg” who also has appeared in “4 Weeks Special Super Sentai Strongest Battle”. It seems that he would confront RyusoulRed as a very strong enemy.

That’s right. In a sense, Ryusoulger ended up only being played by Gaisorg. The first time I fought him, I felt desperate about how I could win (laughs). Even though the enemy is so strong, I hope that everyone who comes to watch the movie, will see how Kou doesn’t want to give up.

――Last but not least, Ichinose-san, please tell us about the highlights of the movie “Kishiryu Sentai Ryusoulger THE MOVIE: Time Slip! Dinosaur Panic!!”

It’s an epic scale story depicting Dinosaur Era 65 million years ago, so it’s very much different from the usual TV series. Battle scenes that match the sense of that epic scale are depicted beautifully. Ryusoulgers would be cornered, in a way that never happened to them before.  I hope everyone can watch over their figures when they passionately fight against those hardships. “Something” was also added to each character of Ryusoulger as they are being pushed to the brink of despair. Thus their new faces that are different from their characters in the TV series, would be drawn out in the movie. It is a very exciting and passionate work, so please watch and come to the theater!

[my-yuujin]

Ryusoulger Solo Interview from Mynavi: Hyoudou Katsumi

―First of all, could you tell us the story from the time when Hyoudou-san got Ryusoul Gold/Kanaro role?

I was chosen through the audition, but at first I didn’t think it was the audition for the Sixth Ranger. I went to the audition, thinking that I was trying for the Red Ranger role. So when I searched for “Ryusoulger” in the train heading to the audition venue, I found out that the five main cast had been announced. “Huh? It was already decided?” I was surprised, and didn’t know what I should do next. However, I finally knew that I was actually auditioning for an important role, as the Sixth Ranger.

My role, Kanaro is from Sea Ryusoul Tribe, and my name also contains the letter “sea” (Katsumi/功海: “功”(honor), and “海”(sea)). So when it was decided, I felt as if it was already fated (laughs). Also, it’s a great honor for Ryusoulger to straddle between two eras, and its Sixth Ranger, Kanaro, is the first Senshi who appeared in Reiwa era. Ryusoul Gold would be recorded as the first hero of Reiwa era. So, I kind of, in a good meaning, put a pressure on myself, to play the role with responsibility.

―Which was the scene you acted as Kanaro for the first time?

It was the first part of the movie, at Fukui Dinosaur Museum. When filming, it had not been announced that I would appear as the Sixth Ranger, so the children who gathered as extras did not know who I was. They gave no reaction, when I went to meet them (laughs). Ichinose-kun and others were immediately surrounded and got their names called by the children. But at that time, I myself hadn’t really felt like a hero yet. After that, on May 20th, Ryusoul Gold’s debut got announced. For the first time, I could finally feel the sensation of being a hero. I got to stand on the stage along with everyone at the Ryusoulger movie press conference (May 22). I was able to talk in front of a lot of people. My heart was full of emotions, and I decided I had to give my best from the beginning again.

-Immediately, after the information was announced, there were a lot of responses on your Twitter and Instagram, such as “I’m looking forward to it” and “I’m supporting you”.

The great amount of responses when it was announced that I would appear in “Ryusoulger”, was something I had never experienced before. At first, I was bewildered, to the point I couldn’t keep up to read the comments, but I managed to read them all. Not only from Super Sentai fans, I also received comments from close friends, and even friends whom I hadn’t seen for a long time. At that time, I could felt the strong effect for being able to appear in Super Sentai, a long running series with also such long history.

–How did you finally tell your family about you to be appear as main character in Ryusoulger?

I didn’t tell my family anything until it was announced. My mother has loved and watched Super Sentai since she was little. So, when it was announced, she texted me her surprise through LINE, “Why didn’t you tell us earlier?!” Well, as for myself, I did want to surprise them all, by not telling them myself. I think it was like me trying to show gratitude to my parents as a child.

–What Super Sentai did Hyoudou-san love as a child?

I watched a lot of series, but the one I thought as the coolest was Samurai Sentai Shinkenger (2009). At that time, I was 10 years old, and I was watching it with my younger brothers and sister. I was the eldest among four siblings.

―As you also have younger siblings, it is surely amazing to find that Ryusoul Gold is an older brother character too.

I have a brother who’s two years younger, a sister who’s nine years younger, and another brother who’s 12 years younger. I hope my youngest brother who was still in elementary school would enjoy the series.

–How was your impression when you wore Kanaro’s outfit for the first time?

I love the noble design that mirrors Kanaro as the descendant of Sea Ryusoul Tribe. It makes me feel like a prince. When I tried it for the first time, in the room where I was standing, there were also people in charge gathering inside. We talked about Kanaro’s outfit and how I should wear it. Then, I realized that even just one character could only be born through many people’s hard works. I realized how big the work I was involved in, and thus felt a sense of responsibility that I had to do my best to meet everyone’s expectations.

–Kanaro’s unique background is how he is portrayed as currently looking for a wife. He would immediately approach a young woman whenever he sees one. But because it usually doesn’t work, so his seriousness as a man stands out more than his playfulness as a player.

He has a heavy mission to propagate the descendants of Sea Ryusoul Tribe, after all. So, I don’t really think that  “marriage hunting” words would suit him. I think it would be good if we could actually understand Kanaro'’s feelings in the TV series. Kanaro is a man who tries his best to do whatever he must do. No matter how people would think, no matter how much he would get laughed at, he’s always able to draw a straight line to his purpose, and follow it. I admire that side of him.

Still, he does have some parts in him that’s worried about how people would think of him. If there were 100 people, and 99 of them said that he wouldn’t make it, but one person was still willing to push his back, Kanaro would perhaps ignore those 99 people, and advance with that one person’s support. When I first read the script, I felt confused to find words such as, “marriage hunting” and “flirting with women”. The more I read about him, the more I realized his straight-forwardness, which I think of as “cool”. When I’m finally able to shallow this kind of personality, which I think I also have that deep inside myself, I feel glad to be able to portray his character. I hope those good sides of Kanaro could be conveyed to the audiences who watch over him.

―Kanaro has been demonstrating a strong presence since his first debut, but when did Hyoudou-san finally feel to be completely involved in Ryusoulger team?

At the first day of shooting. Originally I’m a shy type and don’t make friends easily. But the five main Ryusoulger were very friendly and created a welcoming atmosphere, so I felt like I was able to immediately join as a friend. When we did shooting for the movie, we all took bath together at our hotel’s public bath, and after that, we gathered in (Ichinose) Hayate’s room to practice (T/N: Que Bom) Dancing…, something like that. Since then, it has become natural for everyone to go out to eat together after shooting for the TV series. Sometimes, we go with all six, sometimes it’s only two or three of us. But I think we’ve already been friends without any sense of discomfort.

-How did you feel when you first transformed to Ryusoul Gold?

It was, of course, irresistible, if I would say. The excitement was unstoppable… Kanaro has different pose compared to the other five, and transforms by inserting Ryusoul into his Mosa Changer (a gun). The music that plays when he transforms is also different, so it bears some kind of special feel. I was also impressed when I saw Ryusoul Gold’s mask for the first time. It made me fall in love at the first sight.

―Please give us your impressions about the action and fighting scenes in this show.

For example, when punching an enemy, it is important not to just hit the opponent with your right hand, but also to express how your left hand would be positioned. I was taught that how you express your emotion in your face and your entire body when fighting, are also important. You have to be conscious of where the camera was, so the moment after you punch the enemy, you know how to show your expression. Action is just one part of “acting”, that’s how I was told. Since I started shooting much later than everyone else, I’d like to learn a lot about the action as soon as possible and work hard to catch up.

-What is your impression of Sora Tamaki, who plays Kanaro’s beloved sister, Oto?

Like how Kanaro feels for her, she is so cute to the point that you can’t win against her. Oto is 123 years old, but Sora-chan is 12 years old and is the same age as my sister. So I can understand the feelings of girls around that age somehow (laughs). She really feels like a younger sister.

――What do you want to do as Kanaro in the future?

If I can have a scene where I have to swim, I would like to try it. I used to swim since I was 3 years old until 6th grade in elementary school, so I’m quite confident in swimming! For the future story development, I expect episodes when each member would show their strong relationships with Kanaro. Everyone, from now on too, please take care of Ryusoul Gold and Kanaro!