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odorekijinInterview with Kitagawa Naoya, playing as Kirishima Sora, by Animate.
Published on September 27th, 2022. (original article)
――What were your first impressions of Tokyo Color Sonic's world, characters, and overall setting? What appealed to you in it?
Kitagawa：When I looked through the background documents and setting, I noticed similarities to my usual work.
Many projects centered around music tend to focus on the vocalist only, but I like that Tokyo Color Sonic!! clearly depicts that it also takes the work of a composer, a lyricist and an arranger to produce a song.
I am looking forward to portraying Sora’s feelings as that of a music creator.
Also, for Arashi to sing his song, I need to convey Sora’s way of thinking, how he came up with it, and the message he intended for the listeners to best enjoy it—thus, I think it’s essential for the two of them to get to know each other through daily conversation.
I hope we will be able to deliver relatable songs that will move the hearts of many, that Arashi and Sora’s teamwork will convey the youthful spirit and power that they hold as students.
――Other than the one you play, who is your favorite character in Tokyo Color Sonic?
Kitagawa：I always come back to Arashi, so I’d say him? Acting as the center, his looks and aura left me with a very cool first impression of him. But as we will go through the script, and through our own rehearsals, I feel like my favorite character will change.
Since I will act as Sora, having a preference for Arashi is almost a given, though I feel like I may look at other buddy pairs, find their dynamic interesting, and immediately switch gears (laughs). Like everyone reading, I hope I’ll be able to find my favorite characters and songs from here on.
――Do you have a favorite song from Tokyo Color Sonic?
Kitagawa：Definitely Arashi’s song, NEW DEVIATION. The sound is dynamic, up-tempo, and I could deeply feel what Sora went through while writing the lyrics.
The creation process is a highlight of this series: since we will also depict this processus on stage, it can give me a hint on how to best play Sora. I hope I can incorporate what I felt from the lyrics and the script into my performance.
――How did you feel when you got cast for Tokyo Color Sonic the Stage?
Kitagawa：I have been in multiple productions that portrayed stories of idols and their link with music, but never have I seen the other side of the picture through the eyes of the composer. Moreover, it’s rare to see buddies competing against each other, which made me really impatient to perform already. Plus, I want everyone to feel that same fresh novelty, that deep excitement that I experienced.
In this story, each character has their cross to bear and various issues to solve, yet their devotion to music doesn’t waver.
As actors, we also have to keep a smile in front of our audience, no matter how painful or sad things may get. On the other hand, we also share buckets of tears when we’re happy or touched—that’s only because we had to go through blood, sweat and tears to even make it to the stage.
That’s why I wonder if the joy I feel when I successfully wrap up another production, make the most out of my role, is similar to Sora’s satisfaction when he finally finishes a song. I think I’ll find synergy with Sora in playing his role, and I hope everyone will be touched by Sora's unfiltered self, his wishes, and other expressions of his creativity.
――What were your first impressions of Sora? Did you find any differences or anything you could relate with him?
Kitagawa：Sora is described as a “natural airhead beyond human understanding” and, honestly, I’m very much of an airhead myself (laughs). Furthermore, Sora's family offers piano lessons, and both my older and younger sister have been learning piano with me since we were kids, so maybe we are similar in that respect.
That being said, I immediately related to Sora’s will to change the world with his music since I, too, aim to move hearts with my own acting.
Sora is clumsy with his tact, doesn’t read the room, and often makes the atmosphere pretty awkward: I can’t deny that my surroundings have also told me off because I may be mean with the way I word things, though I think the world needs such honest people that put into words what they truly feel.
Although it’s a bit early to say I’ve completely grasped his character yet, this is the first time I've played a character that bears such a striking resemblance to myself. Once I dig deeper into his character and finally make Sora my own, I think our audience would be delighted to see him step into the real world—that’s why I will do my utmost best.
――Some people find it easier to work with characters that are similar to themselves, while others find it more difficult. What do you think of this statement?
Kitagawa：It may not be easier, but it does have its advantages. For example, if we have an impromptu banter that goes off-script, it would sound very clumsy if Kitagawa Naoya answered instead of Sora himself. But since we are so similar and have a lot in common, having a little bit of Naoya coming out instead of Sora wouldn’t feel too out of place either.
On the other hand, I assume it’d be easier for me to play someone completely removed from who I am—although I still think that having a character that resembles me is far more convenient if we want to handle off-script troubles. (laughs)
――That means we should be on the lookout for your ad libs!
Kitagawa：Yes, or at least I hope I can. I think I will need someone to give me the line to bounce back on script. (laughs)
If the staff is reading this interview: the script may require a lot of room for improvisation. (laughs) I’d be happy if our audience could attend the show many times and catch all the subtle changes in each performance.
――What is your first impression of your buddy, Arashi?
Kitagawa：He looked crude from his looks, which only made sense since he had a bad reputation in high-school as a rowdy delinquent. (laughs) But they also call him a "diamond in the rough", which means that he hides charms I have yet to see: I want to know him better as we go through the rehearsals.
――Have you ever worked with Arashi’s actor, Kishimoto Yuta-san, for private or professional means?
Kitagawa：This is the first time we both work on the same production. We managed to talk a little during our paired photoshoot, and, despite how short that moment was, I felt a connection between the two of us.
I am a shy person and don’t naturally go out of my way to initiate a conversation with people I have never met before, but for some reason Kishimoto-san and I clicked instantly: I felt like myself around him. With Kishimoto-san as my buddy, I feel like I can be at ease and freely practice without reserve. My first impression of Kishimoto-san was very nice.
――What do you two talk about?
Kitagawa：We found out that we have many common friends in the acting industry, like “Do you know X and Y?”, “I have been in a play with them, actually”. The mere fact that we had so many mutual friends only proved that he was someone I could trust: that instantly got us closer.
From the rehearsals onwards, I want to talk lots and lots with him, and I hope that we can make use of our new bond in our banters and harmony on stage.
――A message to Kishimoto-san?
Kitagawa：I'm warning you in advance, I can be a brat and I'm sure I'll be all over the place. (laughs) I am the youngest in this entire cast, and such an opportunity rarely comes around for me: while I’ll make everyone feel and live my youthfulness, I’ll also let myself be spoiled by my seniors—and that includes you as well, Kishimoto-san. (laughs)
Let's create a wonderful stage, showcase our harmony, and win over the hearts of our audience with all we’ve got! I look forward to working with you!
――This project has a music battle as its core. In that regard, what is a song that you like the most, one that left a strong impact on you?
Kitagawa：I love Road of Major’s “Kokoroe”. I used to play baseball when I was younger, so I ended up watching the anime "Major".
I like the lyrics and the way this opening is sung. It struck a chord with me back then, and still inspires me to do my utmost best even now. Even though I usually listen to a variety of songs, I feel something mysterious and empowering rising within me whenever I listen to this one.
Nowadays, more and more people listen to music through subscription services, thus I find it harder to appreciate each song’s value despite the time and effort that went into their production, the spirit that went into it. That’s why I try to listen to a variation of styles without sticking to any specific artist. I expect to find such a song that will sweep me off my feet through this stage as well.
――Have you ever been to a music festival before?
Kitagawa：Never: crowds aren’t my cup of tea so I’ve never attended concerts. I prefer to watch live performances that interest me on DVD or YouTube.
――What if you were offered to participate in a music festival?
Kitagawa：Probably, yes. I like acting and being on stage, and I’d rather be a performer than a spectator—I guess that also applies to sports. If Tokyo Color Sonic!! ever organizes a real festival, please tell me. (laughs)
――Do you have any manga or anime you like or are currently into?
Kitagawa：Obviously, my favorite has to be “Major”: I watched it since I was in elementary school, and it followed me up until I graduated from high school. On the other hand, I’m really into “Golden Kamuy”: since the story is set in Hokkaido, the region I’m from, I immediately got interested, so I gave it a try and now I’m hooked.
You can learn about Hokkaido’s history, and even though the story is pretty dark and serious, the few jokes thrown here and there are a nice break to the pace. It’s a type of story that had yet to be tackled, but if you can use it in your own textbooks, then I bet you’ll love studying history. I wish more people would give it a try.
――To you, what’s the appeal of 2.5 dimension stages?
Kitagawa：In 2.5 theater, we get to realistically portray the original works of a manga or an anime. On that very stage, you get to witness a whole: how conversations would go, how characters emote, even when they wouldn’t usually interact, and all the details around.
In my opinion, the real appeal lies not only in the actors' true-to-life performances, but also in the details, such as the costumes and the sets.
Being on stage is more than worth the effort, as we can feel in our flesh and bones our audience’s emotions, and almost their own breath: the mood completely changes according to the tension in the air—it truly puts the “live” in “live performances”.
No two performances are alike, and never can they be exactly reproduced down to their every breath and steps: that’s what I find the most interesting in performing arts, and what makes me feel that I’m truly alive.
――Is there any memorable role or stage you can tell us about?
Kitagawa：Honestly, I can’t pick one. Of course, every production I have been in has left me with strong memories, but the plays I felt good about and the ones the audience preferred were often different as well.
For me, the size of the production or the amount of lines I had aren’t criteria for me to find a preference. If everyone who attended the play enjoyed their time, found it interesting, or inspired them, I’m happy to have accomplished my task. That’s why I ask you to not make me pick one. (laugh)
――A message to the audience?
Kitagawa：First of all, I am very honored to have been cast for this play. Since I got very invested in Tokyo Color Sonic!!, I would like to deliver this stage to both fans and curious newcomers, and show how wonderful of a series it is.
Through Tokyo Color Sonic!! I wish to convey that, through hard work, one can find hope and light, that there will always be someone around to support you—a message deeply embedded within its story. Additionally, I shall deliver an exciting performance, playing as Kirishima Sora to the best of my ability: I hope our audience will find the music just as wonderful. Please look forward to the first performances.
