Masaki Okada: It's important to live your life as you are, especially in a society where stepping outside the box is rejected.

An actor　Masaki Okada(Masaki Okada)

■ Profile
Born August 15, 1989. Made his acting debut in 2006. Recent notable appearances include the films "Drive My Car" (2021), "The Night Outside the Tricornered Window" (2021), and "The Boy Next Door" (2023), as well as the dramas "Towako Mameda and Her Three Ex-Husbands" (2021) and "The Travel Nurse" (2022).

◆Please tell us what you value in your work

I try to respond honestly to what is asked of me. On top of that, being true to myself means making the most of my individuality. It may be difficult to live in a society where being unique is hard, but as an artist, I want people to know the importance of individuality, so I choose to play unique roles.

◆『Yutorimasen but what's wrong with that? International"Please tell us your thoughts on the film adaptation.

I've finally been able to gather together with the best staff and cast after seven years, so to me, adapting it into a film feels like a reward. Now in my 30s, I feel the weight of responsibility and my work. However, I approached this film with the feeling that I wanted to work hard and without any pressure.
When adapting the film, I reviewed the script and footage. As it is a sequel, Sakama Masakazu's family environment changes, but I tried to keep the changes as small as possible. People don't change that much, after all. I think that people who watched the drama will go to the cinema to meet Masakazu, Yamaji, and Maribu, so I acted in the film while remembering Masakazu from the time of the drama.
The inseparable relationship between these three is my ideal. Family and friends help each other as much as they can, and I think you'll definitely find something you can empathize with in Masakazu, so please pay attention to that.

◆Please give us a message for the students.

I'm sure there are many people who are worried and anxious about what their future holds. However, people have many possibilities, and I believe that by believing in those possibilities and experiencing new things, your future will expand. Cherish your four years and enjoy them!

■After the interview　
I was completely captivated by Okada's ability to play any role with a natural air. I learned that the memorable performances he delivers to audiences come from his sincere efforts to make the most of his own personality, and I was also drawn to Okada's own personality. I'll be cheering on the three of them while sympathizing with Masakazu at the cinema.

Student Newspaper October 1, 2023 Issue Komazawa University 10th Year Mikamiyama Akari

Filming assistance: Photographer Seita Hirota