odorekijin | Tokyo Color Sonic!! the Stage | Interview with Kitamura Kento, Sebumi Towa's actor

Interview with Kitamura Kento, playing as Sebumi Towa, by Animate.

Published on September 29th, 2022. (original article)

――What were your first impressions of Tokyo Color Sonic's world, characters, and overall setting? What appealed to you in it?

Kitamura：I got to listen to Towa and Mirai’s CD, and was pleasantly surprised with how carefully crafted their mutual emotional support was—listening to the title song after the drama tracks puts the song under a different light.

To study this new role, I listened to the song first, but when I gave it a listen again after the drama tracks, I had an entirely different outlook on the story. I found the lyrics wonderful as they seemed to hold a deeper meaning than expected.

What’s most interesting to me is how the competing buddy pairs are made to be the exact opposite of each other, both in their personalities and nature. I also like the character’s names: as they say, "names and natures do often agree".

As an actor, I am very much looking forward to facing this role and franchise, who’s far more than just pretty faces for the sake of it.

Furthermore, I could relate to the audition aspect, so to speak, taking place prior to the Tokyo Color Sonic’s festival, as I got into this entertainment world by participating in the "Junon Super Boy Contest” myself.

In a world where even the Arts are policed by the State, where there is a tendency to self-restrain due to compliance and other regulations, these eight artists and their stories try to upset the order right from the start. This play is intrinsically linked to our world, in my opinion, and I believe that performing it on stage holds deep significance in regards to our present.

――Other than the one you play, who is your favorite character in Tokyo Color Sonic?

Kitamura：I was ready to say Towa right off the bat (laughs). But on the other hand, I also like that scene when Arashi stood firm against the corrupt higher-ups, asserting his opinion, in the executives’ office. Tadokoro-sensei is also so cool, no matter what he says.

――Do you have a favorite song from Tokyo Color Sonic?

Kitamura：It’s Towa’s VOICE, for sure. Listening to the song after better knowing their relationship and their background stories, the lyrics resonate differently—especially since Towa and Mirai’s name appear in the lyrics. I think it’s a wonderful song, and I'd love for the audience to listen to the lyrics in a way that they can picture the characters on stage.

――How did you feel when you got cast for Tokyo Color Sonic the Stage?

Kitamura：When I was selected for the cast, I looked through the story again for study, and could only confirm its quality once more: it's filled with so many wonderful elements that I’ll honestly blame myself if this play doesn’t reach the heart of our audience. I hope they can relate to each character and elements of the story portrayed on stage.

In musicals, the heightened tension and emotion of a climactic scene are expressed through song and dance. However, I want to bring those nice scenes specifically to the theater, so I’m really looking forward to portraying those feelings in a way that is exclusive to stage plays.

――What were your first impressions of Towa? Did you find any differences or anything you could relate with him?

Kitamura：Although I didn’t live through moments as painful as Towa did, my own past and environment were probably harsher than most other families—and I take pride in that, that’s why I could relate to Towa the more I delved into his story.

That’s why I believe only I can play Sebumi Towa’s role, and I’m beyond thankful for this fortuitous meeting.

――Towa's is good at being spoiled but terrible at being independent, yet from your answer, you two seem completely different.

Kitamura：Because I’m only like that at work (laughs). I’m the middle brother in my family, so I can understand what it feels like to be both the older and younger sibling. On the other hand, I know where and when to let myself be spoiled, but also how to get things done simply by watching my older brother. My spoiled side may be unconscious, I suppose.

My private and professional life are different in that regard, since I have to show self-control at work. When I was still in school and living with my parents, I always had someone to look after me, but I’m an independent adult living on my own now so my private life is vastly different from the impression you may have had of me (laughs).

――I see (laughs). Towa’s favorite foods are “Wan-wan cookies” and “Nyan-nyan bread”, while his least favorite dish is “anything that requires both hands”—quite the unique taste! What about your own dish preferences?

Kitamura：That’s probably the only thing we don’t have in common: first of all, I can eat with my own two hands (laughs). Also, I do like sweets, but I eat plenty of different dishes, so there’s no real comparison to be made there.

――Thankfully, you have a proper diet. If you were to be a picky eater, I’m afraid you would be gifted animal-shaped cookies (laughs).

Kitamura：Actually, I really like those kinds of cookies (laughs). However, I have my preferences, like the ones with the white chocolate filling—if you ever want to give me something, now you’re warned (laughs).

――What was your first impression of your buddy, Mirai?

Kitamura：In my opinion, Mirai is one of the characters that manages to best hit an emotional chord in people: what moves them are characters who look cheerful but hide and carry their issues. That’s why I like Mirai, and I think they make for a captivating duo.

Though I relate and empathize with Towa on a lot of things, Mirai has traits that a lot of people adore too, it almost feels like cheating (laughs).

――Have you ever worked with Mirai’s actor, Higuchi Yuta-san, for private or professional means?

Kitamura：I think this is our fourth play together, if I’m not mistaken?　That being said, I find that Yuta and Mirai have a lot in common. I remember our very first meeting for our first show, at a buffet pre-launch party, before the coronavirus hit us: Yuta and I got placed at the same table, and because we both have a strong sweet-tooth we talked about wanting to get ice-cream (even though the buffet didn’t have any).

The party was coming to an end and I was about to leave when Yuta approached me, a freshly bought convenience store ice cream in hand. That sort of impromptu, spontaneous move is definitely something Mirai would do. I also remember eating that ice cream, yet feeling my body getting warmer.

Therefore, I'm really looking forward to working with Yuta, as my buddy, this time around.

――Higuchi-san's presence must be reassuring and a huge help to you, as you both know each other well.

Kitamura：That he is. Everyone tends to think pretty much inwardly in the first few rehearsals, trying to act according to a specific plan or image they have in mind. On the other hand, Yuta is the type of person who actively searches for eye contact, reaches out for help to the person in front of him, isn’t afraid to touch shoulders, and takes action: there’s room for creation by his side.

We recently performed in the musical "Hakuouki," and there was something in the way our eyes met on stage that made me feel good, like he had my back.

Apparently, he watched the VOD for our performances between Tokyo and Kyoto, because he sent me a LINE message in the middle of the night, saying: “I really like your Okita, Kento-kun”. So I said: “Thanks, I also like when our eyes meet on stage, you know?”, to which he replied “Me too”.

I know our bond will deepen even more, and I truly can’t wait to work with him again.

――A message to Higuchi-san?

Kitamura：I’m sure he’ll give me more than I even want, and I trust that, no matter where or what I get myself into, he’ll accept and answer my bursts. I may be older than him in age, Yuta helps me a whole lot regardless—probably a bit like Towa and Mirai’s relationship; that’s why I feel at ease.

――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?

Kitamura：Ever since I was in middle school, I have always liked UVERworld. Things didn't go so well when I moved to Tokyo and started my acting career: all my fellow acting friends were shining their brightest on stage, getting plenty of different roles, while I spent all my time at my part time job.

During those difficult times, listening to UVERworld’s song pushed me to use my frustration as motivation, to tell myself that I would definitely shine on stage, one day.

The last chorus in “NO.1” especially struck me, particularly the part that goes: “We can't let it end like this”, they’re words that resonate the most with me. I would often listen to this song during my daily jogging routine, to pick up the pace, or to empower myself before an audition.

UVERworld holds a prominent place in my life. In 2021, I got to star in a bonus short drama that was part of their album, “30”. They even invited me to one of their concerts, and I had the chance of meeting them after the live to personally greet them.

"Hakuouki" was also another franchise I wanted to be in for many years, and now that dream has finally come true. Thinking about it, I realize that UVERworld is a band that has supported me to achieve my dreams, pushed me to strive for a future I wanted to achieve through their music, so much so that it almost feels like fate’s work.

――Have you ever been to a music festival before?

Kitamura：Never. I know there’s a lot of them during summer—I’ve seen some videos about it—but honestly I'm not a fan of crowds. Isn’t it super hard to find someone in this profession who actually likes crowds? (laughs) Standing in a mosh pit scares me a little, that’s why I’ve only gone to one or two concerts at best.

――Do you have any manga or anime you like or are currently into?

Kitamura：We're a family of three boys, so ever since I was a kid my shelves were filled with more than a thousand comics, along with multiple video games, which I still play a lot today. Growing up, I regularly watched anime, but ever since I began my acting career, I watch a lot more of them.

The games I’m into these days are basically all RPGs, like “Genshin”, “Final Fantasy” or “Dragon Quest”; that being said, I’m not really good at shooting games.

――To you, what’s the appeal of 2.5 dimension stages?

Kitamura：The interesting thing in 2.5 stages is its conversion from two-dimensions to flesh-and-blood beings. For example, in a story centered around sports where the characters have to shoot with otherworldly powers, using super-powers and techniques, the audience is generally familiar with the series so they know the final outcome—Tokyo Color Sonic!! is a story closer to reality in that regard.

Naturally, they can only be moved and impressed by something that goes beyond their reasonable expectations.

Manga and anime characters easily show physical prowess that only the world's best spies would perform: for each show, we challenge ourselves to perform these moves as convincingly as we can, through a month to a month and a half worth of rigorous rehearsals and personal training.

I often play the story’s strongest character, that's why I got cast in that play that mixes acrobatics and running. There were many people around me who had prior experience in gymnastics or track and field from their own childhood, so it was tough for me to prove to the audience that I was the best of them all, but it was an amazing experience regardless.

――Is there any memorable role or stage you can tell us about?

Kitamura：It’s "Prince of Stride THE LIVE STAGE”, that extremely acrobatic play I just mentioned, which mixes parkour and relay racing.

I played the world’s fastest, strongest runner, Yagami Tomoe. At that time, I was given a year and a half to prepare how I would portray that “world-level strength”: instead of practicing acrobatics, I decided that I would make the amount of kilometers I ran speak for me.

I wanted to turn my result into confidence, to prove to myself that I was the best runner of the entire company: I began to run 5 to 10 kilometers a day, which was about 550 kilometers a year, and 100 kilometers during our month of rehearsing.

On our final rehearsal day, I took the results from the application and sent them to our producer and director, saying that I’d take on this show with that same level of fervor and dedication.

What I realized though was how top runners have no one to fight, besides themselves. This show taught me that if I slowed down even for a second, I would do nothing but fight backwards: even now, no matter how much praise I receive from directors and fellow actors, I’m doing this for the pristine reflection I want to see in the mirror.

I believe the charm of 2.5 stages is that it allows us to grow by going through unusual extremes, pushing us to our wits' end.

――A message to the audience?

Kitamura：I believe that Tokyo Color Sonic!! fans have high expectations and are eagerly looking forward to the first shows. I aim to play Sebumi Towa’s role thoroughly, to show that this franchise is beyond wonderful.

We have about 10 months of preparation and training before the show begins, during which I shall borrow your precious character to best portray him on stage.

Finally, to those who have yet to get into Tokyo Color Sonic: I’m convinced that this series will be a massive hit in the near future; I’m also persuaded that I’ll have a blast playing this role, so much so that I already can’t wait to work on this play.

Come, see with your own two eyes the lives of these eight characters as they overcome hardships with their music, continue to fight on against the pain and regrets that we all faced at least once.