It is my favorite entertainer who heals us who work hard to live every day. An interview with the My Navi Woman editorial department and writer who shines the spotlight on the "push men" who are interested now. We will deliver their cool appearance with photos.
Interview and text: Honami Sugita / My Navi Woman Editorial Department
Photography: Takuma Suda
Makeup: Naruho Yasukata
Stylist: Go Negishi
Kodai Asaka made his film debut in "Kirishima, Stop Club Activities" (2012) and gained a lot of attention. Since then, he has appeared in numerous films, playing a wide range of roles from serious to comedic roles.
Change the face you show depending on the work, blend naturally into the world view, and leave a strong presence. It is now indispensable in Japanese movies and dramas.
The midnight drama "Tonight is U-shaped Season 2" starring Asaka-san is a gourmet and romantic drama set in a "U-shaped bar". It is a story about Toshinori Yoshioka, an office worker played by Mr. Asaka, who meets at a “U-shaped bar” and moves forward after being healed by delicious alcohol and food.
"I didn't try to create a special role, but I was able to relax and take on the challenge," said Asaka, who is close to the real thing. In the interview, I took a look at Asaka's "real face" that she shows when she is off.
I was able to relax and take on the challenge of shooting
――It has been 2 years since the last broadcast, "Tonight is U-shaped Season 2", how was the shooting for the first time in a while?
The staff and cast have hardly changed since season 1, so it was a really good teamwork, and it was just a fun shoot this time. I think everyone was relaxed during the shoot!
――This work was filmed at an actual izakaya, and regular customers also appeared.
It's the same with the regulars, and the shop staff themselves are also cooperating. After all, there is a taste that can only be produced by that person, and each one shows a unique appearance.
So, I was able to relax and perform without straining myself.
――It’s a filming with a different atmosphere from the usual dramas. How did you come up with the role?
Of course, the character was completed in Season 1, but I didn't have any trouble creating the character during this shoot. Simply, it's best to enjoy "delicious sake, delicious snacks, and the atmosphere of the place."
I think you can see yourself very relaxed, so I think that's one of the highlights of this work.
I am happiest when I feel nature
――I heard that you usually like drinking alcohol, but how do you enjoy it?
Basically, it's become a habit to "turn off your feelings and drink" at home after work. It's a relaxing time in the day.
I often drink highballs and whiskey. Sometimes when I go out to drink, I ask for a nice whiskey, or I drink Japanese sake.――“A drink after work” is the best. When is the moment when Asaka-san feels the happiest?
My hobby is camping and I go there on my days off, but I'm happiest when I'm camping in nature. I love nature (laughs).
Besides, I recently bought a "tent sauna" where you can have a sauna at the campsite. That's why I enjoy doing things like taking a sauna and bringing a nice drink with me.
――When Yoshioka, played by Asaka-san, was tired from work or worried, he would go to the “U-shaped bar” and be healed by delicious sake and delicious food. Mr. Asaka, what do you do when you get tired of work or when you are worried?
I myself also have a regular izakaya, and when I'm worried or tired, I show up. If you go there casually and talk to the regulars you know, you can naturally refresh yourself.
Instead of drinking with people in the same industry, I try to put myself in a flat situation surrounded by people who have nothing to do with work. When I'm drinking at an izakaya, I don't think about work at all.
――Are you the type that doesn't talk to people much?
Of course, I consult with my manager about the work, but since I am the one acting, I have no choice but to resolve it within myself. So when I'm worried about my work, I try to think about what I did well and what I didn't do, rather than talking to others.
Tetsuya Takeda's words on the radio touch my heart
――One of the charms of the “U-shaped bar” is that it is easy to talk to people around you. The encounter with her regulars has also been the catalyst for Yoshioka to change.
I always listen to Mr. Tetsuya Takeda's radio, and on that radio, Mr. Takeda introduces the books he has read in his own words. One of the words he said there was that "a person's individuality is born only when they make a mistake."
This means that "doing normal things doesn't make you unique, so it's okay to go out of your way to make mistakes."
It's a job where individuality is valued, so when I heard those words, I thought, "If you take that as your individuality, even if you make mistakes, you can do whatever you want without fear."
――Up until now, was there a part of you that was afraid of taking on challenges?
No, it's not like I was afraid until now, but I tend to do things in an orthodox way. It's done.
――The readers of Mynavi Woman belong to a generation that never stops worrying about work, love, and marriage. If Asaka-san, who is in the same generation as you, gives you advice, what kind of words would you like to say?
Lately, I think that "laughing and having fun is the best".
I'm the type of person who easily worries, but I think the best thing is to have fun. Then everyone around you will be happy. I would like you to put yourself in a flat situation without thinking too much, think about fun things and laugh.
