The route from idol group member to TV and film acting is a well-trodden one for multiple Japanese performers as they mature and attempt to broaden and extend their career.
Few, however, can have received the plaudits of SixTonES member Matsumura Hokuto, who flies in to the Berlin Film Festival for the international premiere of two handed drama feature “All the Long Nights.”
Derived from a novel by Seo Maiko and directed by Miyake Sho, the narrative features a woman (portrayed by Kamishiraishi Mone) whose pre-menstrual tension is so intense that it changes her character and disrupts her career. She is befriended by a younger, somewhat solitary man who, in turn, suffers from panic attacks.
The film’s narrative describes their ever closer, but non-romantic, relationship as these two tender souls support each other through a stressful and clamorous world. And the Berlin organizers’ normally dry catalog write-up called the performances simply “fantastic.”
PvNew caught up with Matsumura on the eve of his arrival in Berlin.
Could you describe the character, Yamazoe, that you play in ‘All the Long Nights’?
As a younger man, everything in his life was smooth and easy. He was popular, got good grades, a job at a dream company that allowed him room to grow and become successful. He worked hard, challenged himself, accomplishing everything he thought he ever dreamed of. Then, in the middle of all that, a panic attack changed everything. His entire world was turned upside down and turned the page on everything he’d ever known. This new chapter not only brought him to new and confusing situations, but also new, and confusing people.
This includes Fujisawa, a woman with extreme PMS. Together, they start to take control, writing their own story and, through this, Yamazoe realizes that in this new world, he’s not alone.
It’s a story very much about humanity. My character shows how our lives are not only changed by the choices we make, but also the people we let into them.
How did you prepare for a role dealing with mental health?
I wanted to understand it as fully as I could, especially since it is not a disorder that I (myself) suffer from. I wanted to portray it honestly and respectfully.
Social media played a big part in my research. On YouTube, there is an unimaginable amount of people who are not only suffering from panic disorders but also documenting their journeys, in order to help others. I also met with paramedics and spoke with them about what they experienced when helping people through these situations.
How did you receive this offer? What made you interested in participating in the film?
My manager was approached by the producers directly as apparently, they really wanted me for the film. After I read the treatment, I thought it was a very interesting role and so bought the novel the film is based on. It is one of the most interesting books I have ever read.
I especially love how time is depicted. Like, a minute within the world of the story is a minute within your own world as the reader. It’s fascinating. I think that this story has the power to reach a lot of people. To help reveal a very real issue, but one that is often hushed up.
And your relationship with the director?
When I saw director Miyake’s name, I was very excited. I’m a huge fan of his 2018 film “And your bird can sing” (aka “Kimi no Tori wa Utaeru”) [a love triangle and a nother book to film adaptation]. I was nervous, but also very excited.
After meeting him, I was impressed by how warm and welcoming he was,at a personal level, but also how strict he was professionally. He was wonderful to work with. I really enjoyed this project.
Who is you favorite Japanese director now?
The reason why I originally fell in love with movies was the work of director Iwai Shunji [“Love Letter,” “Hana and Alice,” “All about Lily Chou-Chou”]. I love the charm of the younger directors like Miyake, too, but Iwai remains my favorite.
What about your career from here? Do you plan on focusing more on acting?
I have this kind of two-pronged career. On the one hand, I’m getting a lot of local and even international attention as an actor. Not as someone who does music.
Whereas in Japan I’m known as an idol, which means, not only am I known for acting, but music, modeling, and a plethora of other activities.
While I love acting, I’m not ready to make it my sole focus. The music I do with my group SixTonES is also very important to me. I want to continue down both paths for as long as I can. I love all the activities that I am doing now, the songs. the plays. I like the balance of everything now and hope it continues for a long time.
Do you have anything else lined up right now?
I have some really great projects on the horizon. Not ones I can talk about just yet, but it’s a “happy” line-up and I’m very excited.
What are you looking forward to about your trip to the Berlin Film Festival?
I am looking forward to it as a new and exciting experience! To share this story of small-town Japan. I hope that people watching it might get a sense of peace despite the apparent chaos of the world around us.
