Actor Ryo Aoki

As an actor, I value one pillar and always try new things.

An actor　Akira Aoki(Ryo Aoki)

■ Profile
He is affiliated with Avex AY Factory. In 2018, he was selected to play the main character Tezuka, a role previously played by popular actors such as Yu Shirota, in the third season of the musical "The Prince of Tennis."
In the 2020-2021 TV Asahi series "Kamen Rider Saber," he played the role of Tomikamiya Kento/Kamen Rider Espada/Kamen Rider Calibur.
Currently, she is also active as a reporter for "Kiterune!" on "ZIP!" (Nippon TV).
Twitter:@Aoki_Ryo
Instagram:@aoki_ryo

He entered the entertainment industry after taking an audition through a friend's introduction.
3/24 Personal Book"Nice to meet you, I'm Aoki Ryo."Release and Saturday drama"Dr. Chocolate"His success shows no signs of slowing down, with appearances in such films as "The Last Samurai" and "The Last Samurai."
We spoke to him about the source of his appeal, the highlights of his books, and behind-the-scenes stories from filming the drama.

■If my friend hadn't invited me, I might have worked as a salesman.

I became an actor after a friend introduced me to an audition, where I won an award and entered the acting world.
Originally, I was working as a salaryman in sales, and without this introduction, I think I would still be working as a salaryman somewhere.
At the time, I simply found fulfillment in making money and selling products, but after starting acting, I found a clear sense of fulfillment in wanting to play more diverse roles, and I became drawn to this world.
At first glance, my previous job and my current job may not seem to be compatible, but the experience I gained back then has actually been extremely useful. I need the ability to communicate in a variety of settings, including on-set, and the ability to act in a way that speaks to people's hearts through the screen, and these skills were cultivated during my time as a salaryman.
I am where I am today because of the connections I have made with people, and I feel like this job is irreplaceable, so I think that's why I'm able to give my all to my work every day.

■What is rewarding about being an actor?

First of all, I think it's important for people to know about me. With the rise of social media, which allows for visualization, I'm happy to receive feedback. I also find it rewarding to be influenced by the acting of others.
There is no right answer in acting, so I don't think of it as hard work, but it is difficult. There is a lot to learn every day. When acting, you first have to read the script carefully, understand the story, and be aware of how you feel at that moment.
It's difficult to express emotions, so I try to take notes of my gestures, actions and emotions, even the smallest of things, and write them down. For example, when I'm in trouble, I touch my lips or look around, and I think that by knowing my own emotions and actions, I'll be able to communicate them more naturally.
Since there is no correct answer, I often look back and think, "I should have done this at that time," or "There were some areas where I could have improved a little more."

■Saturday Drama"Dr. Chocolate"　　

My role is that of a rookie detective, a bit absent-minded but hardworking. I think there are some similarities between me and him in the sense that we both have a single goal and we both move forward, but the role is fundamentally different from me in terms of both our professions and the way we work hard, so I put more effort into creating the character than usual.
There are many scenes with Hirako-san from Arco & Peace on set, and thanks to him the atmosphere on set is gentle, so it's a lot of fun filming.
The lead actor, Kentaro Sakaguchi, is as bright as the sun, but once the show starts, he completely immerses himself in his role, so you can't help but be drawn in. One of the highlights will be seeing how I interact with the main cast as we solve cases as part of the detective department, so please look forward to it!

■First personal book"Nice to meet you, I'm Aoki Ryo."　　

This personal book reprints all 26 installments of the series that appeared in the television information magazine "TV LIFE."
I tried out a variety of projects for the series, but the one that left the biggest impression on me was the sword-drawing technique. I remember the teacher was very strict when it came to assessing my manners and personality.
The dog walking project was the most enjoyable. It was the first time I interacted with a dog since my own dog passed away, so it was a very emotional experience. There were a variety of other projects, but none of the experiences were wasted and I think they have influenced my acting.
As I write in the interview section at the end of the book, there have been times in the past when I have thought about retiring. Even though I said retirement, I didn't think of it as a negative thing, but rather as a positive one. However, it was my encounter with "The Prince of Tennis" that made me overcome that and decide to continue acting. I think it was a turning point in my life because it gave me the opportunity to get to know many people and allowed me to challenge myself in a new genre of acting, where I became a character rather than a person. Each and every job, from "The Prince of Tennis" to "Kamen Rider" and "True Culprit Flag," has led to a turning point, experience, and fertilization of my art.
It's packed with Aoki Ryo, including interactive projects and his first attempts at various things, and is full of things you can only see here, so be sure to pick it up.

■What are your future goals and dreams?

I'd like to appear on a variety show. I want people to know more about the "Aoki Ryo" that can't be conveyed through acting. I'd like comedians to tease me and bring out a new side of me. (laughs)
During interviews, I'm often asked, "Is there an actor you look up to?", but there isn't. If I try to be conscious of someone, I'll end up imitating them. I try to work with the mindset of "being myself."
Up until now, the thought of retiring has crossed my mind, and sometimes I have had vague feelings such as wanting to become famous quickly, but as I have gained more experience as an actor, I have now come to think that I want to dedicate my life to this job.

■Message to university students

I have one core principle: "Let's live a life that I won't be ashamed of in front of others." For example, it's important to think about not treating others the way you wouldn't want others to treat you.
During your first and second years of university, you'll make new friends and have more opportunities to have fun. However, if you let your guard down, you'll be swept away by the easy path. Become a sensible adult who has a strong sense of purpose and enjoys life. I hope you use this time to find out what you want to do and your dreams so that you can move on to the next thing after having fun.
Don't give up, challenge yourself to do what you want to do, and spend your limited time meaningfully.

Interviewed by Student Newspaper Online on October 18, 2023 by Chuo University third-year student Renpo Maeda