One lucky winner will receive an autographed copy of the play! If it's a play, you can't lose! Interview with Kenjiro Tsuda, former Gokudo Ryu in the new Netflix original anime series "Gokushudo

The anime "Kyokushudo" (original story by Ono Kosuke, published in "Kurage Bunch" (Shinchosha)) started its worldwide exclusive distribution on Netflix on April 8, 2021. The main character, Ryu, who was feared as an "immortal dragon," has washed his hands of the world of the Buddhist priesthood and married Miku, a career-minded woman. He is now a househusband, and he is doing his daily household chores to perfection.

Kenjiro Tsuda, who voices Ryu in the anime following the commercial commemorating the comic book release and the live-action commercial he directed and starred in, talked a lot about the highlights of the work, the appeal of Ryu, the story behind the recording sessions, and the response to the PV of the live-action version.

Tatsuhiro: I heard that you were offered the role of Ryu.

Tsuda: I've been playing the role for a long time, starting with the commercial for the release of the comic book, so I think that's how I was offered the part, but I was afraid to ask "Why me? I was too scared to ask him "Why me?

What do you think was the deciding factor for you?

Tsuda: I think it was my voice, which has a strong, dusky quality to it. Also, I think the fact that I can speak in the Kansai dialect was a key point. I don't know... (laughs).

Tatsu: What do you think is attractive about Ryu from your point of view as an actor?

Tsuda: I think he is gentle and cool. He is a very kind man, not only to his wife Miku and people close to him, but also to anyone who is "polite" and kind. He must have had enemies and had his fair share of fights during his days as a mobster, but he was very kind even to those opponents. However, I feel that he was very kind even to those people. The coolness comes from the way he tries to master the way of a househusband. He has a straight and straight line, and I find that very attractive.

TM: You are well-liked by your fellow housewives in the neighborhood, aren't you?

Tsuda: I think it is because I treat them with kindness and care. She is also kind to children, and I feel that she is a wonderful character.

Tada: There is a big gap between your appearance and your background as a former Buddhist priest. Do you have any gaps that surprise people?

Tsuda: It seems like there is (laughs). (Laughs.) I am often told that I am more straightforward than I thought I would be. People tend to think that I am a bit nervous or precise, but I am very straightforward and go at my own pace. I am often told that I am unexpected. I also have a very high voice (laughs).

What is your impression of the story and the world?

Tsuda: I think it is a very good comedy, surreal and funny. It's simply funny, and that's what I find attractive about it. I got the impression that the animation is very faithful to the original work and very important. I feel that it has become a wonderful work that is close to the original work. I hope that fans of the original work will also enjoy it, and that they will enjoy watching it while thinking, "I didn't know this character talked like this.

T : This is a Netflix original animation series, so it will be distributed all over the world. I'm curious to see the reactions from overseas.

Tsuda: I received many comments from overseas about the live-action commercial that I directed and starred in. It seems that the catchy depiction of Japaneseness that overflows throughout the commercials has been a big hit with many people. Words such as "tattoo," "Japanese YAKUZA," and "tatami" evoke a sense of Japaneseness, and the Japanese-style housework that takes place in a Japanese-style apartment. For example, unique Japanese culture such as bento lunch boxes and Japanese food are expressed in a catchy and interesting way that includes interesting gaps. I am very much looking forward to seeing what kind of reactions there will be to the anime. It is a work with a lot of word play, so it is very interesting for the person doing it, but I think it will be very difficult to translate. It will be very interesting to see how the unique expressions and Kansai dialect will be presented.

TM: Did you have any requests from the director on how to play the role of Ryu in the anime adaptation?

Tsuda: There was no particular request. I think the director may have thought that the work was almost complete. If there is one major difference between the manga, live-action, and animation, it is the way the "pauses" are created. This is especially important in comedies, so I think the director made a lot of calculations.

Tatsu: What was your favorite part of playing Ryu?

Tsuda: The dialogue itself is interesting in the manga, so I was very particular about making it more interesting without spoiling the goodness of the manga. I knew that it would be interesting if I could faithfully reproduce the original work, so I did not want to add any unnecessary impurities, but rather to enhance it. In the anime, I used more rolled-up tongues. I rolled my tongue more when I could (laughs).

Tada: Did you have a lot of ideas and try various things?

Tsuda: With that look and that apron, I felt I could do anything I wanted. I have the impression that people around me play with me more often than I try to play with myself.

Tada: I have the impression that you are in your body by playing the role of the dragon in the live-action commercial, so did you feel that your body moves on its own even though you are doing the voice-over?

Tsuda: I am the type of person who moves a lot during postrecording. I move as much as I can without any noise (laughs). (Laughs) I think I move a lot when I play Ryu.

Do you have any techniques that you think are great, or any household chores that you are good at that you can't be beaten in?

Tsuda: I am completely defeated in every aspect of housework. I am not good at housework at all. I don't think I have any talent at all (laughs). The dragon techniques you show in the laundry sessions are now detailed at the level of a scientist. Do you have to go through that much research? And the fact that he has memorized it is amazing. I am impressed once again that he is a man who has mastered the art of the househusband.

I am impressed again by his mastery of the househusband's way. is what Ryu always says. I guess he doesn't do anything too fancy (laughs). (Laughs.) Is there anything other than housework that you think you can beat Ryu at?

Tsuda: If it's acting, I'm sure I can beat him!

Tatsuya: Indeed!　Even in the fitness aerobics, he told me to laugh, and I wasn't laughing. ...... Tsuda: You win hands down.

Tsuda: I was like that in the role of a helper in the "Crime Catch Polycure☆" show. If it were a play, I would win! (Laughs)

(Interview and text by Shinobu Tanaka)

Outline of the present campaign

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One lucky winner will receive an autograph card signed by Kenjiro Tsuda, who plays Ryu, a former Kyokudo (master of Kyokudo) in the Netflix original anime "Kyokushudo"!

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