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Details 

Deadline: July 20th, 10am JST For simple questions: message @chiisanakyojin on tumblr or dm @ makoyyann on twitter! If you’re just sending a message, you can send it to @chiisanakyojin on tumblr. For artwork and scans, please message me off anon and I will give you an email to send it to! (: 

Either: 

1) Send a short birthday message to Ino - max. 5 lines *Please include which country you’re from! ^^ - Japanese (if possible) - Simple English  - Native language + English/Japanese translation of that

2) Digital art work (graphic stuff is ok too!!)

3) Scans of handwritten messages or art work (For messages, please follow the same guidelines above!)

*Note: Maximum size of art work or scans is A6 (105 mm x 148 mm). If anything exceeds this size, I will resize it (without changing proportions) to make it fit.

I will handwrite the messages sent in (unless you scanned your message) and put them in an album for Ino. 

I will update this post again if there are any changes! :) 

I hope many people are interested!!! 

The characters in the drama each have their own personalities that stand out as an idol, so what sort of character is Eikura Hiroki?

“THE Average Boy”, I would say… Actually, it should be “THE Most Difficult!” (laughs) (T/N: idk how to translate this better, sorry haha.)

I see.

He’s an optimistic, simple-minded idiot who means well. In any case, he’s someone who works hard to make others smile. He cares about others more than himself, and whenever someone has problems, he wants to help them solve it. He’s someone who acts before he thinks. But because he only looks at what’s around him, he doesn’t understand anything about himself.

For example?

This drama is made to be like an otome-game and so the manager is the audience. For example his feelings towards the manager… When she holds hands with someone, he would think “For some reason, I don’t like this”, but he doesn’t know what that feeling is.

Is he dense? (Laughs)

He’d react like “Eh? I don’t like that. What is this?” And I’m like “Isn’t that love! Why can’t you see it?!” (Laughs) Also, when everyone is having fun, rather than joining them, we would just stand at the back and laugh along.

Standing at a distance and watching people have fun, seems like something you have said before about yourself in our previous interview.

Yeah. Hiroki and I have this in common too. Hiroki’s reason in wanting to become an idol is because he wants to make many people smile, even if he’s just one person.

And this relates to you.

Yes, I think I behave exactly like that. For example during my first event, and during curtain call when I see the audience’s smiles, I’d think “I’m glad I did this.” How I present myself, even if it’s just a few people, or a small matter, in what way am I able to change myself? This is something I’m always thinking about.

On the other hand, were there parts where you were like “I’m different from Hiroki!”

The one difference has to be “positivity”. I don’t have any confidence in myself. I’m a dark-natured pessimist (laughs).

Ehhh? (Laughs)

At my core, I’m a mellow person. Always. Hiroki is a naturally hyper person, so acting out his excited scenes were really difficult.

You said that you don’t have confidence in yourself, but this time, when it was decided that you would be the main character of the drama, did that give you confidence?

When this series ends, I wonder if I’ll become more confident, even if it’s just a little bit. Right now, the only thing I have in mind is doing this with all I’ve got. Hiroki and I are both “THE Average Boy” kind of people. We’re not that great at singing, dancing, or performing, and jumped into this world with just our feelings.

It seems like Ino-san is growing together with Hiroki.

It certainly does seem like that, doesn’t it? I have the exact same worry of “Is it really okay for someone as average as me to be here?” How is Hiroki going to move forward, what decisions is he going to make? Because I’m in the same position as him, reading the script was really nerve-wrecking.

How Hiroki is going to move forward, and what decisions he’s going to make... ? You probably can’t say more without giving away any spoilers, but could you tell us your feelings when reading the script?

“He’s so strong”. I thought, “Hiroki is strong, I like him.” When Starcon begun, many problems arose but is he able to overcome them? How is Hiroki going to change? I looked forward to how things were going to progress as I looked over him. It made me happy.

Practicing dance until 2am… Feeling the value of friendship

Since you were the main character, you definitely had thoughts like “I have to lift the mood when we’re filming.”

Yeah. But, that was pretty difficult… For stage practices, they usually start in the afternoon, but now I have to wake up at 5am to start filming. Before this being my first role as the main character, this is my first time being in a serialized drama, so I’m not used to the mornings, and at the beginning I was always very sleepy (laughs).

(Laughs).

I was able to lift my mood, but I’m not able to lift the mood of those around me. Rather, the person who can do that is Kenken-san.

Was Kamakari-san able to help you?

Before, I told him, “You’re seriously helping me out” (laughs). He really looks out for those around him. When Kenken-san was around, I feel like I can be myself.

Speaking of other members, you’ve acted with Kawasumi Bishin, who plays Hasegawa Shon, in Haikyuu!!.

Bishin-kun is someone who is extremely enthusiastic about performing. Even though we’re the same age, he has much more experience with performing than I do, and has many respectable qualities.

You’ve also acted in a few productions with Nagata Takato, who plays Hanamiya Minami, right?

Takato is the mood maker. From morning till night, he’s really energetic (laughs). The set is always really lively, but Takato is by far the noisiest (laughs). When I look at him, I think “Hiroki’s brightness is probably something like this huh.” But mostly, he gives me the feeling of someone who really loves performing. To be honest, each time we act together, it seems like he’s growing.

Something like this would inspire you right?

Exactly. Whatever Takato is thinking of, he would be straightforward and voice it. I think this courage comes from him being from Kyushu. Since I debuted, this is something I’m not able to do.

The film set seems wonderful.

While there’s the feeling of “In any case, let’s make this a good production,” everyone really is strong. Such as during the script reading, everyone helps me through the parts I’m not feeling good about, and of course, I will help the others too. During the dance scenes too, we’ll help each other out, and teach each other patiently until we can do it well.

The dance scenes are an important part of the show, aren’t they?

It was a really hard fight for me… The teacher taught us at the beginning, but I didn’t have much time to practice. They said “Remember what I’m doing”, and after one or two times, I was to do it on my own. But I wasn’t able to remember something as easy as that…

During that time, did the other actors teach you?

Bishin-kun has experience in dance, so he memorized the dances really quickly. And so, Bishin-sensei taught the rest of us.

Teamwork!

Before, something happened that made me really happy. During a dance practice, I wasn’t able to remember the steps like how it was shown. After practice ended, it was about 10pm but I couldn’t stop feeling anxious, so I told the producer “I want to practice alone.” They replied with “Then I’ll book a place where you can practice till the morning,” and lent me a studio. After our practice ended, I said “I’m gonna go to another studio to practice so I’ll go home from there” and everyone followed me.

Even though everyone had an early day tomorrow as well. 

Exactly. In spite of that, they said “We’re feeling uneasy too, so we’ll accompany you.” And so, Bishin-kun said “If that’s the case, I’ll teach you.” We practiced until about 2.30am. At that time, whoa, I was extremely happy. I’m so grateful to have friends around, I thought.

Secrets behind filming scenes that make the view’s heart race 

In this drama, there are sparkly scenes such as “kabe-don” scenes, and “close-up scenes”, that make the viewer’s heart race.

Fufufu, that’s right (laughs). The screen looks like it’s from an otome-game, and we act towards the person in the camera.

You’re pretty close to the camera, right? 

That’s right. Well, the cameraman is a guy though… (laughs).

During the filming of these scenes, was it embarrassing? Or were you excited? 

Excited… definitely not (laughs). At the beginning I was definitely embarrassed and wanted to hide. I wasn’t able to look at the camera and do it. I got used to it while I acted (laughs).

During the start of the first episode, when Hiroki bumped into the manager and pushed her down, my heart was racing (laughs).

Really?! Did the viewer’s heart race too?! (laughs) I was uncomfortably close, it felt like you could see my pores (laughs).

After doing a scene like this, did you have the realization of “So this is what makes girls’ hearts race”?

A long time ago, I did otome game production stage plays, but I still don’t understand it, girls’s hearts… Takamatsu Kouichi-san who plays Tanaka Riichirou, his sparkly scenes are such a mystery to me (laugh). His character is established to be like a dad… I mean a mom, so his sparkly scenes show that characteristic. If everyone’s hearts were racing from those scenes, I think for the rest of my life, I won’t understand girls’ hearts (laughs).

On the contrary, what are some things girls do that make your heart skip a beat?

Hmm… For people with long hair, it’s when they tie their hair backs. And if the person has a bob-cut, (using his right hand to tuck hair that’s covering the left side of face behind his ear) when they tuck their hair behind their ears.

Why does this make your heart skip a beat?

It feels like you’re seeing a crop circle (laughs). With long hair, parts from the shoulder up such as the nape is usually hidden right? The ears too. Seeing these parts that are usually hidden in that sudden moment makes your heart skip a beat.

The method he resorts to for relaxation… zen meditation!?

From here on, I’ll ask you about your personal life. In our last interview, you said that during your day offs you would take your road bike and travel far out, or bring your camera out. What do you do recently?

Recently… I’ve been going shopping a lot.

And what about exercising and such?

Recently, huh. Actually last year, after the Engeki Haikyuu!! Regional performances ended, we went to Spocha. But after playing basketball for 3 minutes, I was already out of breath (laughs).

(T/N: Spocha is a game center where you can play sports and stuff.)

You guys went right after a stage performance…?

Yeah, exactly. We completely forgot about how much we used our bodies in the stage (laughs). I thought about my high school days and wanted to try playing basketball, but I had a coughing fit and gulped down all my water. I couldn’t do it (laughs). Since then, I’ve dedicated my breaks to shopping.

Do you go shopping for clothes?

Yes. Before, I used to go shopping with Hashimoto Shouhei and often buy whatever he tells me to (laughs), but recently I go shopping alone more often.

You know what stores and brands you like, right?

まわる店は決まってますね。スタイリングとしては、チェスターコートを羽織ったり、ワイドパンツをはいたりして、シュッとしてる感じよりダボッとした感じの格好が多いかな。以前はストリート系だったけど、最近はキレイめだけどちょっとゆるっとした感じにハズすスタイルが多いです。 (T/N: Sorry I have no idea how to translate this. A lot of fashion terms I don’t understand lol.)

In the midst of your busy schedule, do you have time every day to relax and take a breather?

I’ve always liked soaking in the bath for a long time. Just that, while we’re filming the drama, I would read the next day’s script while soaking in the tub. So even though my body is resting, my mind probably isn’t (laughs).

I see... that’s tough.

Another thing I thought about, is zen meditation.

Zen meditation!?

First, play some relaxation music. And for the meditation posture, you can do it however you like. As long as you feel relaxed. I would sit upright in a chair, and put my fingers like this (making a circle with his thumb and index finger).

Even though no one can see you, you still did the pose genuinely.

I’m the type to start with looks* (laughs). After that, to get into the mood, I’d light some aroma candles and imagine being in nature. Please imagine being in a big, wide open meadow that makes you think “The sun is so warm~!” 

Hmm………

I’m sitting in a meadow, and in front of there are mountains, from the left sunrays are shining down, and butterflies are fluttering around. Once in awhile, a ferocious bear would appear and I would feel like I have to think about removing it. But when you accept its presence, it would slowly go away. That’s the secret to zen meditation, or rather, daydreaming.

But it’s not daydreaming, it’s meditation (laughs).

E-Eh? (laughs) It feels bad if it’s daydreaming, huh (laughs). It’s meditation. My head used to be really tense, but since I started meditating, I’ve begun to feel more refreshed in the mornings.

Even though you’ve had a lot of experience with stage plays, it must be difficult being in your first screen production.

That’s right…… But I think this experience would be useful in the future.

When I meet you again after this drama is over, I hope you will be brimming with confidence……!

Ahahaha. It’ll be funny when I become really confident and eloquent. Please look forward to how I’d change as a person (laughs).

The camera fades out and the door opens. PERFECT HUMAN plays in the background and the both of them appear in the same suits they wore in the video. (Are they wearing sunglasses too? Idk lol.)

I think they walk down the aisles and high five the guests along the way. Ino goes to sit down at an area that's less crowded.

I: Iyaiyaiyaiya, can I stay here? I can't calm down.

They get on stage and dance to PERFECT HUMAN. They also do some running man thing, which was probably a misunderstanding lol.

I: Ehhh... So.. Let's do a self-introduction! I'm Ino Hiroki, born in Kanagawa Prefecture, from Tokyo. About the video earlier, the comments were really crappy, but I'm glad it made everyone excited.

S: Hai. Ehh- *PERFECT HUMAN PLAYS* The timing of the music was so good that they both fell over laughing. The guy in charge of music really supports me! (laughs) Ehhh, once again.. I'm Sakurai Keito from Toyko. I'm 23 years old. Everyone, are you readyyyy!? *cheering* I can't hear you! Are you readyyy!? *louder cheering* Thank you very much. (grinning)

I: What the... that's good..

S: You wanna do it? (laughs)

I: I wanna do it. (laughs) Everyone, do you love Ino Hirokiiii?!??! *cheering* Do you love Sakurai Keitooo!?!?!? *cheering* Do you love Japannn?!?!?! *cheering*

S: What was that last part?! (laughs)

I: Eh, Japan. During the afternoon show, we said this at the beginning, but for this event, we've been planning to do it since 3 years ago? Since we acted together...

Suddenly a photo of the both of them from Hanayaka appears on the screen

I/S: UWAAAAAAA--- OMG!! EMBARRASSING!!! Don't we look young? Have our faces changed?

I: Keito was my half-sibling. He called me a commoner for his role.

S: Ah, that felt good! (smiling)

I: Waaaaa, it's too embarrassing so let's move on to the next one!

The photo changes to a picture of both of them from Clock Zero.

I/S: Uwaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!

I: Keito, doesn't your face look fat here? LOL

S: It's because of the wig! Hiroki too, aren't your pants terrible!

I: Yeah! The costume pants were suuuupper skinny. I wondered if I could fit into them. But when I put them on, my butt would stick out! (laughing) I also had a hard time moving around in them.

The photo changes to a picture of the both of them in Toki no Kizuna

I/S: Waaaaaa!!!!

I: Keito, you have honest eyes here (points to picture)

S: (Trying to make the same face) Hmmm. Something isn't quite right. It's only during that time. I've been tainted. (laughs)

S: How's it been recently?!

I: This again! (laughs) ... Recently? Recently huh... I've already talked about going on drives during the afternoon show but... I went to renew my license...But about that, when I went, they said I don't update it yet.

S: Eh?!

I: Has anyone here renewed their license before?

*about half the people in the audience raise their hands*

I: Ah. There's quite a lot of you. So, you guys know it? The period from a month before your birthday.

*audience nods*

S: ????

I: I went to the counter excited but they told me, "Because it's before the deadline, you can't go through the legal procedures." Ehhh?!?! I said, I didn't know about that, and I came all the way here! I can't come here again, so is there anything you can do? I asked. But they told me "The time period is written on your card." Eh... Such fine print... Eh, card? Ah, it's really written there! Che-... So I ended up going there just to drive for an hour.

S: Hehhhh...

Ino: That's why, even though I said "Do you love Japannn!?" earlier, right now I kind of hate it. (laughs)

S: What?! Getting your license on your birthday? You can't go there on the day itself?

I: No, no. It's from a month before your birthday.

(OP: people in the audience started talking during this talk so it got noisy... lol)

S: So it’s been decided? Then that’s not good. That’s Hiroki’s fault.

I: You’re blaming me?!?!?! Ah well, I know it’s my fault! (laughs)

S: Well, earlier-

I: No no, I’m not angry at you! Damn it!!! (stops his feet) I’m not okay? Che-... (puts his hands behinds his back and pretends to kick a stone) Okay… che…. (OP said this was rly cute…) (T/N: che! Is like a “tsk” if that was confusing)

S: After your birthday, any time is good?

Crowd: The period is a month from one month before your birthday

S: Eh, is that so! Eh. And if you can't go then?

Crowd: It expires!

I: Your license expires.

S: ...Eh!!!!?!?! It expires?!?!!!

I: Yeah.. That's why, I'm thinking of going again tomorrow or the day after.

S: Uwaaaa!!?!? So that's how it is huh. Amazing. Ehhhh!!! It's amazing to do so well in society! Having a license. I want to get one now! (Really intrigued now)

Ino: There's one person who seems lonely, so should I call for him?! (laughs)

S: Then, let's call for him.

I: (clears his throat) (in English:) LADIES AND GENTLEMAN!!! BOYS AND GIRLS!!! WELCOME, INOSAKU!!!!

R: Ahh, I didn't know when to come out! (laughs)

Since they played against each other during the afternoon show, for the night show they will have to work together to clear the game "Buddy Check." If they can't clear it, there will be a punishment game.

Association Game

Questions will be asked, and if the both of them answer the same thing, they clear the game! They have to get 3 out of 5 questions right.

I: Ahh. This will be easy right? I can see it in his eyes.

R: It's a hurdle to overcome huh. Then, please look into each others’ eyes!

Question: An example of a summer dessert

S: Shaved Ice

I: Almond Jelly

--> Wrong

I: Shaved ice is a dessert!!?!?!?! Ah yeah... sorry... My bad... Almond jelly will melt in the summer...

Question: An example of a summer flower

S: Flower?! Ehhhhh... flower?! Flower... (Thinking very hard) Ah, I don't know, so is it okay if I say a flower that I like?

I: No no no. C'mon, you can get power from the audience.

S: (staring at the audience) Mmmmm.. Ok.

S: Lavender

I: Sunflower

--> Wrong

I: We aren't on the same wavelength!!! (laughs)

Question: A place to go during summer vacation

S: In the summer... I didn't go anywhere so... uhmmm... Mm. Mm. (thinking hard again)

R: What about a place that the both of you would go?

I: That was a good hint!

S: Hakone

I: Onsen

R: (To the audience) Was that okay? Yeah? Then, OK!

Question: A bug in the summer

Both: CICADAS!!!

--> OK!!!

Question: A song in the summer

I: I can't remember the title...! Uuuuu…. (moving both his arms)

S: Natsu Matsuri

I: Natsu Matsuri

(- Summer Festival)

Both: Did we get it? Did we get it? Yaaayyy!!!!!!!! (They hugged)

→ Total: CLEAR!

This segment finished, and Sakurai gets water to drink.

I: Earlier, ~someone~ spilled water at the event, so be careful ok? (grin) (Sakurai fell in the afternoon show I think lol)

Balloon Bursting Game  

The both of them have to work together and burst 7 balloons in 30 seconds, but they can’t use their feet or the floor. They have to use their body, so they passed their mics and the things in their pockets to Ryo.

R: Unexpectedly, I received a lot of things huh… And why did you bring your cellphone?!

I: I thought about taking a picture afterwards~ (OP said this was rly cute)

R: Ehhh- since I have all your stuff, you guys can’t look at your scripts now (laughs) Do your best working together, alright? Then, start!

OP: From this point, time became a blur hahaha They put a balloon between their bodies and hugged tightly, trying to burst the balloon. But they couldn’t even burst one within 30 seconds. Since they were using their stomachs before, they decided to change tactics and use their chest instead. But even though they cried once (?) they couldn’t burst it at all. The entire audience was laughing so hard they had to hold their tummies as they watched Ino and Sakurai try so hard and so desperately but not being able to burst a single balloon hahahaha.

Ryo-kun tried it by himself too but couldn’t burst it. It was terrible lol.

Eventually they cleared by making one person put a balloon by the other’s butt and bursting it. Cleared through forced cooperation!!

After the game ended, There was a piece of blue balloon stuck to the middle of Sakurai’s butt… As expected of the Miracle Boys lol lol (T/N: idk what this is referring to)

Charades

They have to change every 30 seconds, and they win if they answer 10 within a minute.

Sakurai had to act like he was playing on a swing, and his voice got increasing high (and strange) as he went “Hyyaaa~”

Ino had to act as a cat washing its face with its paw. (OP: It was unbelievably cute //// I’m left with that image)

They only guessed 2 or 3 so they didn’t clear this game!

→ Penalty Game: A performance from the both of them

S: Is a short skit okay?

R: Aren’t you making this difficult for yourself? (laughs)

(The both of them couldn’t think of anything, so they asked the audience for a topic.)

R: Ah, for the sake of the venue, please don’t jump repeatedly!

S/I: OK!! We have a good feeling about this. We’re gonna do it.

Topic: Fireworks

I: Fuu. This season’s come again this year huh. Well now, it’s good this year too isn’t it?  Yoisho! Yoisho! (carries Sakurai who was squatting to the middle of the stage) Yosh! Kacha! (Looks like he’s lighting a flame)

S: ...HIIII----UUUUUUUUUU….. DOOOOOONNNN!! (Does a star jump of sorts)

(T/N: specifically, watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfdqzvSqA1E )

Audience: Ah!

S: Ah, I forgot and I jumped… Sorry…

I: The staff had scared looks on their faces when they saw it… lol.

R: Ah well, we’ll have a talk later backstage.

S: Oh man…. Your face when you said that…

R: That’s all for the Buddy Check corner!!!

While they were changing positions for the next section, Ino kicked a bottle and spilled water. I: Aaaa… even though I was the one who said it…..

Question Corner

Question: What is something about your room you are particular about/unwilling to change?

S: I have lots of posters pinned up on my wall.

R/I: You have posters pinned up?

S: I do! Eh…? Wait, no. I don’t have any up now. I took them all down.

I: Then that’s not something you’re particular about anymore! (laughs)

R: What kind of posters did you have up?

S: Posters of bands (metal) I like and such.

I: I have old car plates on my wall, about 2 or 3 I think.

S: Didn’t you use to collect bottles? We would go out and eat, and you’d say “Did you bring it?” and when I’d ask what are you going to do with it? You replied “It’s to decorate my room.”

I: Ahhh.. I did. But I quit after two weeks. I thought it would be dangerous if the bottles dropped.

R: The thing about boys, is that they have a habit to collect things.

Question: Methods to get rid of stress?

櫻「俺はねー、部屋で、1人の空間を作る。

こう…部屋の空気をスン！（手振り）として、コーヒー入れて、『あたしンち』見るの。」

猪「スン？笑」

櫻「そう。空気をこう、スン！（手振り）って作るの。」

猪「スン…」

櫻「俺くらいになるとね、空気作れるの（笑）！ 1人の時間作って『あたしンち』すごく良いよ！オススメ！」

猪「闇を感じますねー」

(no idea what this means…… something about making his own space… and sucking in air… making coffee… i don’t know….)

I: For me, I go to the park. Whether it’s day or night. Even during practice when it gets too overwhelming, I’ll want to go outside. Whenever I’m troubled, to the park!!!

S: Me too! The outdoors and indoors is different right! Surely, Hiroki wants to receive power from the earth right? Whatever Hiroki’s lacking now, he just hasn’t found it yet!

I: What’s that all of a sudden?! (laughs)

Question: Each other’s charm points

Sakurai → Ino

S: Hiroki’s smile! (smiles)

I: That’s an important place!!! (laughs) *** (T/N: literal translation, not sure…)

S: It’s like the sun, isn’t it? Like a young boy…

I: Your impression of me earlier, are you making fun of me?! (laughs)

S: No, no. Your smiling face is great. I really think it’s great!

I: Since you’ve said that now I can’t stop smiling. (Smiles brightly)

Ino → Sakurai

I: Keito’s eyes! I’ve said this earlier about that photo, but his eyes are really honest. Keito’s entire personality is unique, but just his eyes are really honest.

S: Just my eyes… (laughs)

I: That’s not what I meant. I can sense your ambition through your eyes. It’s really always been upright/honest. Just your eyes are really honest. (laughs)

Question: How do you prepare for a role? What do you need?

I: Paper and pen I guess. I write! Until the first day of practice, I’ll make a list of what I have to do. I’ll write earnestly! There’s a lot of vocabulary regarding the role. So I’ll write those down and connect them afterwards. (Mindmap) I’ll earnestly write it like buwaaahh~ and after I finish writingI can review it.

S: During the time we acted together, didn’t you write about 60 pages of notes in your mother’s notebook?! ***

I: Yeah, I really wrote a lot then. By the way, even now you still remember the matter about my mom? *** (T/N: I’m not sure whose mom they’re talking about… lol)

S: Nah, I thought that was cute. (laughs)

櫻「俺は、出来るだけ役と同じように過ごす。」

猪「だからさっき、裏でずっとパンイチだったの！？」

櫻「いや、さっきはただ暑かっただけ。笑」

I: What about Ryo-kun?

大「その役柄に近い恰好をするかなぁ。最近はヤクザ（だったかな？）とホストの役ばっかで。

今日も（この恰好で）大丈夫かなぁと思って来たんだけど。笑」

I: Everyone has their own way of doing things huh. How interesting!

Question: What’s a challenge you want to try in the future?

I: Acrobatics! It will be good for stages too.

S: I want to get a license! Hearing about only being able to renew your license within a month  before your birthday and such got me really interested, so I want to get a license!

I: You got influenced too easily! (laughs) There’s a written test. It’s okay.

S: Is it difficult?

I: Uhmm. If you study properly, it’s okay. But if you don’t score 90%...

S: Did you get it?

I: I can’t memorize well but I did it to pass. My dad told me, “It’s bad if you failed this!”

S: It’s impossible!!! ;;;;

I: There’s a difference between auto and manual too…

S: What’s the difference?

I: Uhhhhmmm. It’s hard to explain… Basically, manual is for old cards, and auto is for new cars.

S: Eh!? Really! Amazing! Doesn’t it feel like Mario Kart!?

I: No, it’s different from Mario Kart! Isn’t that auto? You can turn at the bends freely!

I: Manual has a clutch too..

(After this, an explanation course about the difference between auto and manual cars from Ino-sensei.)

S: Okay. I’ll work hard.

(OP lost track of time at this part but so no dialogue)

Ino and Sakurai talked about how they’re afraid of haunted houses. But they want to try one that has small CCD cameras installed.

Ino immediately leaves from the first exit in the Shock Labyrinth (a super scary haunted house in Fujikyu Highlands)

Sakurai is bad at roller coasters too. (“ I mean, doesn’t it seem like your heart is being left behind at the peak?!”)

→ If you’re scared of haunted houses, and roller coasters too, what rides do you go on when you go to theme parks? S: The teacups! From afar it makes you dizzy, but when you’re riding it and stare at the handle, it’s okay!

Image Questionnaire

Continuing from the afternoon show, in the questionnaire, the audience can choose either Ino or Sakurai. The more votes they get, they win. The loser has to do a punishment game.

Question: Who seems like the type who would stand in line with you when ordering ramen?

S: Ah, I can get this one, right!

I: Because you love ramen, right?!

R: Ah, then do you two talk about ramen and stuff online? (Their blogs, and stuff I guess?)

I/S: Noo, not at all (shaking their heads)

R: What the heck! (laughs)

→ By a narrow margin, Ino wins!

Who do you want to be your senpai?

S: Ahhh, I can’t!!! (laughs)

R: Aren’t you reliable?

I: You expect this person to be reliable?!

S: Ah, but, I’m reliable during times of emergency! I can unleash my hidden strength! If the earth only had 3 days left, I’ll be more reliable than anyone else!

(For some reason, the other two agreed. “We get it. We get it.”)

→ In the end, Ino won with 70% of the votes! (unexpectedly)

Someone wrote in Ino’s section: “[I voted for him] because during the handshake session earlier, he shook my hand very gently as if I was younger than him. But we are the same age.”

I: For that, I apologize! (90 degree bow)

R: But how is it like, actually.

I: I don’t think I’ve seen Keito be a senpai before.

S: That’s because I’m not thought of as a senpai right? But I’m well-liked by children!

R: Isn’t that good!

I: Since we’re at it, we might as well do an interview! (Whispers something into Sakurai’s ear)

S: Coming to help us today, it’s my kouhai from the office, Matsuda Masaki-kun!

I: So, what is it like actually?

Matsuda: Ehh… Having got to know Sakurai, he is very friendly, and is a great senpai.

S: Thank youuu!!! (cry)

Whenever Ino wins, he runs through the audience and shakes their hands, saying “Thank you, thank you!” And he’ll say to the people at the back: “To the people at the back, for coming all the way here, sorry!” So kind ;;;;

Question:Who seems to be liked by animals?

(In the afternoon show, they just talked about Ino being hated by Sakurai’s dog so the audience burst out laughing)

I: Uwaaahh!!! That’s unfair!! I’m done.. I’m done. This is mean!!

R: Ah, I don’t understand what’s going on! (to the audience) Who’s went to the afternoon show too? How many of you?

*About half the audience raised their hands*

I: Uwaaaah!!!! (collapsing)

R: Okay, but I still don’t understand what’s going on! (laughs) So, the results!

→ Winning 90% of the votes, Sakurai is the clear winner!

S: Yay!!!! (laughs)

Ino is still collapsed.

R: Come on, Hiroki, there are people who voted for you too! I’ll present the reasons now. Ehhh.. (looking through the stack of questionnaires) Eeeeeehh (looking through another stack of questionnaires)

I: There isn’t any, is there…!!!

R: No, there should be! (laughs) Because there are people who voted for you! (mumbling as he reads the questionnaires) Ah! There is! See, there is! Ehh. “I think if it’s cats, Ino will be liked by them.” (laughs)

I: Uwaaaaahhhh!!! (crying)

R: Then, would you all like the see the many reasons for Sakurai?

S: Yes please!

Reasons why Sakurai seems to be liked by animals

It seems like animals would gather around him, like in a Ghibli-movie

Keito-kun himself seems cute like an animal

He seems like a Disney prince that’s well-liked by animals

R: Then, Hiroki. It’s time for your punishment game. Do an impersonation.

I: Ehhhh, yes. Ok. But I only know one. Also I think there are people who already know it.

Impersonation → He impersonated President Takata of Japanet and talked about Medama no Oyaji. (T/N: … I think.. It’s an eyeball monster or something, you can google it.) (OP: It looked exactly like the video he posted!!!)

R: It seems like you’re experienced in this.

I: It’s become my trademark gag. If there’s any occasion, I’ll do it.

S: Hiroki, do that thing!!! (Whispers)

I: Eeeehhh!!!! No way!

R: Keito did 3 gags earlier! (laughs) So if you do this it will be even.

I: ...I got it… Just to tie it up perfectly!

S: Please do your best!

One-liner gag

“♪ Don guri koro koro, don, guriko!” Ino sang while hugging his knee and swaying, and at the guriko! (glico!) part, he did the Glico Pose. (T/N: don guri koro koro song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3cPq5vmXng. And u can google the glico man pose haha)

R/S: Okay. Thank you very much!

I: Now it’s even! (laughs)

At the end, they took a photo for an interview.

I: Come on. We’re going to take a photo. Everyone, touch up your face with powder! (pats his own face)

Then they took a photo with Ino’s phone.

I: Everyone looks great, so it’s ok! (smiles)

Wrap-up

Ryo-kun left the stage so it was left with the both of them. They each said their closing remarks. OP doesn’t really remember Sakurai’s closing speech ;;; It was something along the lines of “Everyone smiled for me and so tomorrow will be bright too!”

I: I’ve said this earlier but, since Keito and I acted together, we’ve talked about wanting to have an event together someday. Being able to have this event today, it’s not just from our own strength, but also from the staff behind the scenes and through our connection with Ryo-kun who came here to help us as the MC, but more than anything, with these many fans who came here today for us, and seeing everyone’s smiling faces, it’s thanks to everyone that our dreams have come true. 今回大切にしたのは”素の2人”で。While being ourselves, I wondered if everyone would smile and return home…”

S: … Hiroki, aren’t you tearing up?

I: No!!! During Bleach this time, everyone was crying, but I decided not to cry on stage… but… today… for coming…

S: Are you okay? (Leans in to look at Hiroki’s face)

I: … yeah.

S: You’re twitching here. Are you okay??

I: Yeah, I’m okay. But, the more you ask if I’m okay, the more I won’t be okay.

S: Eh. Are you okay? Are you okay?

I: I’ve calmed down thanks to that. (laughs) Okay. I’ve calmed down. (laughs) Uhm.. with the fans who got to know us through stage plays, and with Keito who I became good friends with, standing here with these people through these relationships makes me happy. Thinking that we’re able to create such a warm environment, if it’s possible, I want to do an event again.With the power that everyone gave me today, I want to improve more and more as an actor and return these feelings, as I stand before everyone, and think about what I have to do, I want to convey these thoughts. Thank you so much for today!!!!

I: Haahh… That’s great. Wasn’t it fun?

S: Yeah! (smiling)

I: But wait. We still have the high touch session.

S: Yeah. It’s not over yet!

I: Since it’s the end, please express your true feelings with a bang! Since it’s the end, let’s smile wholeheartedly! (smiles) And so once again to wrap up.

S/I: For today, thank you very much!!!

High Touch Session

Similar to the afternoon session, the fans will meet Ino first then Sakurai.

T/N: Since this part of the report is OP’s own words, I’m not going to translate it. But she talks about how Ino gave lots of attention to the fans sitting at the back which was very nice of him.

-

I see…

I really liked Ichihara Hayato. And since it couldn’t be helped that I wanted to meet him, so I sent an application for the role of an extra of [ROOKIES], the drama being aired then, and took part in the shoot.

So, you wanted to become an actor because you were a fan of Ichihara?

Yes, exactly (laughs). Although I was the only student gathered in the gymnasium [of the shoot], when I saw the actors in person, I went “Uwaaa~! It’s Ichihara Hayato~! It’s Satou Ryuuta~! So cool~!!” (laughs)

It’s exciting seeing your favourite actors right in front of your eyes, huh (laughs)

Yes (laughs).  Back to the story, with the excitement lingering, I called my parents and told them, “I’m going to Harajuku. If I don’t get scouted there, I won’t talk about wanting to join the entertainment industry anymore. But if I get scouted, I want you to let me do it.” Then, I walked with my friend down Takeshita Street and got scouted by the company I’m with now.

What…! On top of being scouted, you got scouted by the same company as Ichihara-san. It really is fate.

Isn’t it? I grabbed fate and went with it (laughs).

And then, last March, you got to act together with Ichihara-san in the stage [The Last Samurai] where he was the main role too.

Ahh.. I was nervous since the introduction and I couldn’t speak properly… I got scared because the person I looked up to was so close to me, and became anxious as I wondered, is it okay for someone like me to be acting alongside him? I had lots of emotions like that.

Did you get any advice regarding stage plays from Ichihara-san?

I think Ichihara-san is a man of few words but is great in the way he carries himself. Usually, he will always be concentrating on reading the script.  When I saw that form, I thought “He’s amazing and cool―”

By the way, did you tell him that you were a fan?

Yes. “Oohh, thank you!” he replied happily. When I told him about the time I was an extra in the drama, we laughed a lot. And even though I was really nervous to be acting together with him, I was very happy.

Towards the path of performing and finding a job. The day of deciding.

Until you graduated from university in 2015, you studied and worked at the same time right? What did you study in university?

I studied intercultural communication. I also went on exchange to Boston.

So you’re good at languages too… After graduating, did you struggle with deciding on an acting job?

Honestly, I was really troubled. I wanted to become an actor, but I’m not talented so finding a full-time job would be better, I thought. During the period of finding employment in my third year, I chanced upon a stage play job. But when I went back to school during the off-days, everyone was wearing a suit and carrying a business bag. “What the heck, during the time I was away, this became the common outfit,” I first thought and laughed, but gradually it became difficult to deal with.

As soon as the time to find employment came, everyone became eager huh…

That’s why at the time, my mental state was affected. And once, my manager said to me, “Stop with this job and find a full-time job.”

Ehhh!? Why did your manager..?

当時のマネージャーさんはもともとお芝居をやっていた方で、僕くらいの歳に夢を諦めて、マネージャーとして役者を支えようと裏方にまわったそうなんですけど、お芝居を辞めたことを後悔していたそうです。(T/N: I really can’t understand this part, sorry..) They said to me “I want to make you popular, so let’s work harder”.

What nice words…!

Yes… I cried hearing it. Let’s work hard, I thought.

At the beginning your parents opposed to this career right? How did you manage to persuade them after you graduated?

I didn’t speak to them when I was troubled. After I had decided on my own to pursue an acting career, I said “I’m going to die at the end, so I want to die honourably doing what I want to do” Then they said “Live freely, and in return, take responsibility over yourself.”

So that’s how it was. Did they come watch the plays and such you performed in?

Yes, even now they support me a lot. Now they say “Next time we’re going to watch the play, so help us get tickets ok?” (laughs).

Thinking, and thinking, and thinking. Acting is difficult.

Firstly about Hyper Projection Engeki Haikyuu!!, you’ve appeared in many 2.5D stage plays right?

Honestly speaking, I’m not very good at 2.5D stage plays…

Oh really?

How do I put it… The things I’ve come to study from plays, and the skills I have now don’t apply to many things. There are quite a few things I am unsure of in the process of the making of the play. My problem now is how to apply my acting skills. Although straight plays are like that too, I think it’s especially difficult in 2.5D plays.

I see…

For me, because I’m the type to thoroughly think about the character then act it out, without a foundation I’ve first built for the character, I can’t act freely. I mean, isn’t it unstable? (laughs) Although I want to take on this challenge, it’s difficult.

You’re the type to think before you act then.

I think, and think, and think. I will also write out the character’s lines.

Do you confide in your co-actors and the staff about your thoughts and worries regarding the play?

I do want to say it, but…

By the way, you’re shy… so asking these things would be…

Ah, yes… that’s right. However, acting together and not being able to properly say what I want, I think I have to change that about me.

You mean, on the site of the Haikyuu stage play…

The company is great. Among the Karasuno High members, there are many out-spoken people. Mainly, Kageyama Tobio’s actor Kimura Tatsunari (laughs).  He would ask the introverted me, “What do you think about this?” I’m very grateful.

Director Worry Kinoshita-san too, wants to know the actors’ opinions right?

Yeah. Of course Worry-san, the sound crew, the stage crew, and everyone in the staff, their carefreeness is impressive. Also, I’m glad I’m with together with Hinata and Kageyama.

How would you describe your moments with them?

While Tatsunari-kun firmly voices his opinions, he is really strong-willed. Kenta-kun (Hinata Shouyou) handles this really well. Kenta-kun is really considerate of the people around him. As expected of the chairman. Suga Kenta-san is amazing!

Strong, cool, and a sadist…? Suga-san’s charm.

Moving on, about the Haikyuu Stage Play, you will appear in this fall’s the long-awaited new series “Karasuno, reborn!”

Yes! The new series was decided thanks to everyone who came to watch, and the staff who supported us from behind. I’m really grateful. Honestly, until the very first show, I was afraid. I thought, “What if I’m not accepted by the fans?”

So it was like that, huh.

Performing in a 2.5D stage play, I wondered what everyone’s thoughts were, but everyone had these worries and we inspired and supported each other. But after the performances begun, I don’t want this to end~ I thought. It was really fun.

After the first run, you could play Sugawara Koushi again. Being a third year at Karasuno High, until Kageyama joined, you were the official setter.

Even after the talented setter Kageyama joined, Sugawara didn’t give up.

Usually, when there is a kouhai that’s more talented than you, you would be jealous right?

I’ll be jealous! If it were me, I’ll definitely be jealous! (Laughs). Of course, Sugawara didn’t accept it easily and I think he kept it in his heart. Because he’s not one to express his true feelings, to his team members he acts like his normal bright self. Even so, the third years noticed that Sugawara was hiding his feelings.

I see.

That’s why, I think Sugawara’s strong heart is amazing. He took the negative feelings towards Kageyama and used it as motivation to change and become stronger. He’s cool. I really respect him. Those feelings are associated with being a “sadist”. In the next play, I will try to emphasize on that sadistic side.

Since the beginning, your approach has changed slightly I see.

Yes. While performing in the first stage, I wondered if Sugawara kind of has a sadistic side. In the new stage play, I thought about that and made Sugawara’s character darker. Because it is an important episode for Sugawara, I want to carefully act it out. (T/N: I’m not too sure what he means by sadistic side… Does he mean hitting people more? LOL)

Previously, you talked about Suga-san and Kimura-san voicing their opinions and how everyone in the cast gets along well. The Karasuno team seems friendly and welcoming!

It’s good that it’s welcoming, right? There are lots of idiots, you know, the good kind of idiots (laughs). I will take a step back and look at them. While thinking “What are they doing~” and watching them from afar, “What are you doing!” I would say and join them anyway (laughs).

It seems fun (laughs). Who are you closest to in the cast?

(Nishinoya Yuu’s actor) Hashimoto Shouhei, because I’ve worked with him in other productions too. After practice, we would go home together often, and go out for meals too.

You two get along well and click well right?

That’s right. Well, it’s also because I like Shouhei-kun (laughs). According to him, when I’m together with him, the way I talk becomes more lively. Also, because I am more passive, I think the balance is good. I’m always getting caught up in his pace (laugh).

When the two of you go out and eat together, what topics are brought up?

Hmm… Things like, “Ino-chan, aren’t your clothes lame?” “Eh, no way!” (laughs)

How harsh! (Laughs)

That’s why, I go clothes shopping with Shouhei-kun often. Something like “How is this?” “It doesn’t suit you, this one is better.” “Then I’ll get this one.” I’ll usually do what he tells me (laughs).

Now then, please tell us about what you anticipate regarding the stage play in fall!

Although Karasuno did the most important parts of the play, in the next stage play, Nekoma, Datekou, Tokonami and Aoba Jousai will appear and the number of cast members will increase. One by one, each school is planning to take control over the stage play with their strength and power. As such, the audience can step into the world of Haikyuu in an instant. Please look forward to the improved Karasuno!

In reality… full of inferiority

From here, we’ll talk about your personal life. How do you spend your day-offs?

I wake up at around 11am, and I go out to the veranda to bask in the sun. I don’t do that on rainy days (laughs). I don’t eat breakfast once I wake up, so I drink a cup of water.

And after that you go out?

Yeah. Because of Suga Kenta-san’s influence, I’m crazy about film cameras. I’ll bring my film camera out and go for a walk, and if I have more time, I’ll ride my road bike and go far, or I would go swimming to train my muscles.

How active!

I love nature. I’ll bring a picnic mat to the park, and with a speaker under my arm, I’ll listen to music while basking in the sun. Alone. Eh, isn’t this kind of sad? (Laughs.)

(Laughs) Do you do a lot of things alone?

Yeah, there are a lot of things I do alone. I want to hang out with my friends, but our schedules don’t match up…!

Actors all have difficult schedules huh… What do you do on your off-days when you stay home?

I watch DVDs often. I would watch the productions I’ve appeared in so far and reflect. “It’s really no good,” I’ll think. Also, I watch movies, and videos of official dress rehearsals on YouTube, and study from these productions…

Even on your off days you think about work huh.

Even on off days I think about it. Because I’m not very skilled.

Hearing this, it seems like you have a low self –estem …? Your results are excellent, you’re athletic, you’re really really cool. It’ll be good if you have more confidence in yourself I think…

Ehhh! I don’t have an inferiority complex!!

When would you feel like that?

When I can’t do something at one shot. Like with choreography and with action scenes.

Aren’t you being too hard on yourself? Not being able to do it at the beginning is okay.

But there are people who can do it. “These people are at this age and can do it. It would be good if I can be able to do it at this age too. But the way I am now, I’m not good enough,” I’ll think and become impatient. I’ll lose confidence in myself and become anxious and think “Am I able to perform well?”

There are times when you get rid of this anxiety too right?

At times like when the director says “That’s it”, or when it makes sense in my head. At times when it makes sense, I feel like I’m floating, like I’m submerged in water. When I appeared in Poseidon’s Fang, it felt exactly like that.

When you feel depressed, or when you have no self-confidence, in those moments, you still can continue to perform…?