| Q: "You have appeared on TV and on the stage but it seems that you have always given films the top priority. We hear that it takes quite a lot of time to finish filming. And moreover, some of your films have been low budget films. What is the main reason that you have become so involved with films?" A: "I surely made a debut on TV; and I still appear on TV and on the stage, but I would rather like to work with films for a while. And that it is surely a hard job. But when I come to think that those films in which I have appeared are now being shown in distant foreign countries, I feel very happy. One of the pleasures of appearing in films is that after the filming sessions are over, the films start 'walking by themselves' in various countries." "And when I go to foreign film festivals, I am really happy to have strangers come up and speak to me, saying gI have seen your such-and-such a film." To think that people in various countries really enjoy my films is great fun. Moreover, thanks to my films, I have been given a number of film prizes; and for the sake of such films I want to do my best. There is always a hope, in the case of films, that they may be shown in movie theaters in various foreign countries." "Ifm often asked which film character is very similar to my own, but there is not such a character, which is similar to mine. All the characters I have portrayed are different. However, when I am in the middle of shooting a film, I may feel that my role character is closest to my own." Q: "It is often said in regard to actors that when they concentrate on their acting, they tend to have the reflection of the characters they perform, even when they come home. You have appeared in such films as comedy, horror, suspense, and romance, I bet that your family must be having a tough time." A: "I try to change my mood at work and at home, but I may be influenced by my film role character even when I am at home. My family donft mention but they may think, 'Oh, a different person has come back from work today." When Koji is off duty, it is his routine to take his dog, Petite (a nine-year-old female) for a walk. Q: "Isnft there a possibility that some fans may recognize you-being such a famous actor-while you are out walking your dog?" A: "Never! While I am out walking my dog, I am merely an 'Ossan', that is to say, a very ordinary working man." Incidentally, I leave it to my wife to decide what I am to wear at home. Sometimes I spend all day in my pyjamas when there is nothing special to do." "My interests? Actually I donft have any special interests that I am enthusiastic about, but I do like woodwork. I like tools for woodwork so I collect knives for woodwork, made in various foreign countries and make boxes. When I am free, I engage in making various kind of stuff, but I canft say that I have any special hobbies." Q: "Then your chief interest is your work?" A: "Well,you may be right about that. |
 |
| A Magazine Interview: Extracts from the "My 40's" April issue |
|
 |