Interview with Tetsuaki Genda, actor playing Fukuzo Mokuro in the spring anime "Laughs and Smiles NEW"!

Today's people are stressed and burdened with various worries, big and small. A mysterious salesman, Moguro Fukuzo, fills the "emotional void" of such people. The "Laughshelter Suman," which features a black story spun by these salesmen, will return as a TV anime "Laughshelter Suman NEW" starting in April.

Laughcell Suman" is a manga by Fujiko Fujio A., the creator of "Kaibutsu-kun" and "Ninja Hattori-kun" and many other popular works that transcended generations. In 1989, it was adapted into an anime as "Gimia Buikku," a variety show. It became popular among children and adults alike for its black storyline and the distinctive characterization of the mysterious salesman, Moguro Fukuzo.
⇒ Spring Anime List

Voice actor Tetsuaki Genda, who plays Fukuzo Mokuro in this work, takes over the role of Fukuzo Mokuro from voice actor Toru Ohira, who passed away in April 2016. Before his death, Mr. Ohira had said that he wanted Mr. Genda to replace Fukuzo Mokuro, making him an unqualified choice.
He gave a great impression of his relationship with Mr. Ohira, his impressions of the role, and the highlights of the film. He also talked a lot about the highlights of the film.

The connection with the late Toru Ohira

───Please tell us how you felt when you were first offered the role.

Tetsuaki Genda (Genda): I thought it was a surprise (laughs). I had a connection with Mr. Toru Ohira, whom I met when I joined the studio for the "Science Ninja Team Gatchaman" (*Mr. Ohira played the main character Kozaburo Nanbu), and I had no idea that 40-odd years had passed and this would happen.

──I heard that before his death, Mr. Ohira said that he wanted Mr. Genda to take over the role of Fukuzo Mukuro.

Genda: I heard later that such a proposal had been made without my knowledge. I really liked Ohira-san as a person and respected the way he shined in the past characters that he played so beautifully. I just didn't think I would be able to do that (take over the role), so I am honored. This time around, I tried to keep the tone of his voice, his unique laugh, and the part where he says "boom! I want to be as close to Ohira's performance as possible.

I want to play a new "Fukuzo Mokuro" while preserving the image of my predecessor.

─ ─ What kind of image did you have of Fukuzo Mokuro?

Genda: He is scary when he comes up to you, because he is all black (laughs). He is a salesman, so he has the ability to talk his way into people's hearts, but I was always ready for what he was going to say to me. I was surprised that Fujiko FujioⒶA thought of the character so well.

───What did you think when you actually played the role?

Genda: Acting means setting traps and actively making moves on your own part. It is both difficult and pleasurable. I enjoyed watching the show as a viewer, but I think there is also pleasure to be had by acting. Now, I am feeling more and more that "if I am going to play the role of Fukuzo Mouryoukuro, I want to enjoy it. No matter how well I play the role, I think the audience will be disappointed if I lose that atmosphere (that Ohira-san used to play), so I hope that this "Laughshelf New" will be a good combination of old and new tastes. I haven't seen the finished film yet either, so I have some concerns, but I'm having fun with it.

─ ─ What did you pay attention to when creating the role?

Genda: Since my predecessors created the character and the film was a big hit, I wanted to keep the image of that character in mind. I want to give my own performance, my own flavor, while not destroying the image.

───What do you want people to pay attention to about Mouryou Fukuzo, the character you play?

Genda: I value the nuanced advice I give to each person I meet, such as, "Please keep your word," or "If you don't, you will be in big trouble. Dawn!" is also a decisive factor. is also a decisive factor. I also pay attention to the part where he says "......" with his last laugh, leaving an indescribable aftertaste. I am still playing the role with the help of the image that Mr. Ohira left behind, but I feel that if I continue to play this role for a longer time, I will be able to see "my Fukuzo Mourning". If I can become Mourukuro Fukuzo and live my life properly, then I think "my reaction" will come out for the first time. So, it's just the beginning. I will do my best to make it happen.

─ By the way, what is the atmosphere like working with the recording staff?

Genda: They say that it doesn't matter how freely I work as long as I stay within the bounds of the rails, but if I deviate a little, they will take me back to where I started. So I am allowed to work freely. I don't say anything in particular, and because he is so kind, I wonder if this is OK (laughs).

What is the "gap in your heart" that you are facing?

─ ─ What kind of "emotional gaps" do you see in this work that are unique to the modern world?

Genda: In the world of "NEW," there are episodes that focus on topics that are relevant today, such as so-called "black companies," and I think that there will be many stories that address issues that are different today than they were 20 or 30 years ago. I think that will be interesting, and there will also be stories about the squeamishness that people have, as usual, on the high street, so I am sure that everyone will be satisfied.

──There are many characters in this film who are in their prime working age. Do you have any comments for viewers of the same generation?

Genda: People in their 40s are in a really good age group. It is the best time in your life, when you can work and play to your heart's content. So, I would like you not to make any mistakes (laughs). Human beings are not perfect, and there are traps everywhere. I would like you to live your youth in such a way that you don't fall into those traps.

─ ─ What do you think is the charm of this work that will not fade away no matter how many years pass?

Genda: As you say, it never fades. There are many people who want to see this work again, and I often hear people say things like, "I'm looking forward to it! I am often told, "I'm looking forward to seeing it again! I feel like I am being crushed by this pressure, so many people are looking forward to it. But I don't get the impression that this work is old. It has a mysterious charm and character, and since each episode is not too long (this is a 30-minute program consisting of two 15-minute episodes), it is easy to watch. I think that's another good thing.

─ By the way, is there a "gap in your heart" that you would like to have filled?

Genda: For example, it is said that a celebrity's teeth are his/her life. Fukuzo Mokuro has white teeth. So I would like to have teeth like that, too, but I wonder how he would be thrown into hell from there. ...... (laughs).