Takashi Sorimachi: What should we tell our children at this important time?

Actor/Singer　反町 隆史(Takashi Sorimachi)

■ Profile
Born December 19, 1973, in Saitama Prefecture, he gained popularity through his appearances in popular dramas such as "Virgin Road" and "The Beach Boys" (theme song was the single "Forever"), both broadcast in 1997, and "GTO" (theme song was the single "POISON ~In this world where we can't even say what we want to say~"), both broadcast in 1998. As a singer, he won the Best New Artist of the Year award at the 12th Japan Gold Disc Awards in 1998. Since then, he has appeared in numerous productions, including the drama series "Aibou."

The drama series "GTO" starring Takashi Sorimachi, which was broadcast in the summer of 1998, will be broadcast for the first time in 26 years as a special drama to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the launch of Kansai TV and Fuji TV.GTO リバイバルThis popular drama, which represents the Heisei era, is being revived in the Reiwa era after 26 years. We asked him about his enthusiasm and thoughts on acting, his profession as a teacher, and his message to junior and senior high school students.

I have been asked several times before if I would like to appear in "GTO." However, at the time I was interested in different roles, wanted to explore new roles, and was also anxious about reviving a past work as an actor, so I was unable to take the opportunity in a positive way.
However, when I looked back at the lyrics of "POISON" after an interview, I felt that they were saying some pretty good things. I wondered what would happen if I applied them to today's society, and whether they might still be relevant in today's world.
In the midst of all this, when I saw the movie "Top Gun: Maverick" being revived after 35 years, I was moved by Tom Cruise's way of life as an actor, along with the feeling of "Why did they revive it?". And it clicked within me, "Now is the time to do it!" I felt that there are things I can convey as "Onizuka" now, and that it would be meaningful to revive it at this timing, so I took the initiative to reach out to him this time.
Also, the presence of the fans who have loved "GTO" from the bottom of their hearts and waited for it for 26 years was a big factor. I felt the meaning and responsibility of playing the role of Onizuka at my age, and I approached filming with the intention of not disappointing the expectations of the fans who support "GTO."

■Through the experience of raising children

I have two children myself, and I have come to realize that children have their own worlds. At the same time, I have come to realize that the influence that adults have on children is immeasurable.
That's why I continue to think every day, not just as a parent but as a person, about what I should tell and say to my children.
In this situation, I think it was a very valuable opportunity to play the role of Onizuka in "GTO," which overlaps with who I am now. Even as I get older, I want to continue to be a person who is flexible in the face of change and can accept new ways of thinking and values.

■What do you think is the ideal teacher?

With the revival of the drama, the thing I wanted to convey most was the "love" he has for his students. I have some doubts as to whether children today have teachers they respect, or whether they feel love from their teachers. I wanted to portray Onizuka, who sees things from the students' perspective, pours his love into his students, and gives his all in this Reiwa era.
I want teachers to be respected by their students. I feel like there's a bit more distance between teachers and students now than there was when I was a student. Regardless of the era, I think the most important thing in a teacher-student relationship is to treat them with love. Just as adults have their own worlds, children live in their own worlds, and we need to respect that. However, in an age of rapid change and many uncertainties, I'm sure there are many children who are anxious about what the future holds, how they will survive, and what kind of society they will live in when they become adults.
Adults can respect each other, exchange opinions, and make adjustments well, but it's a high hurdle for children. And while it's important to see things from a child's perspective, I think there will always be times when they make a mistake or cross a certain line and need adult support. We shouldn't turn a blind eye to this, and it would be a shame if they hesitated out of self-consciousness about their own position. I think Onizuka's ability to cross this line is one of his charms.

■Message to junior and senior high school students

I believe that student life is the most important period of one's life. Looking back at yourself, it was during your student days that you built the foundation of who you are, through club activities, studying, how you interact with seniors and juniors, and friendships. Think about how you will spend this time cultivating your human skills.
It's not all fun and games, and of course there will be tough times too. When that happens, try to remember these lines from Onizuka.
"If you're feeling down, laugh. Even if you force yourself to laugh, one day you'll be able to laugh from the bottom of your heart." If you get into the habit of feeling cheerful and positive, your mind will naturally become more positive and things will start to move in a good direction.

Junior and Senior High School Newspaper, April 1, 2024 Issue, Keio University, 4th Year, Miyu Ito

Photo by Tadayuki Minamoto

<Chinese article>

Sorimachi Takashi  Are there any other important times when children are in school?

Actor and singer Takashi Sorimachi

■ Introduction

Born on December 19, 1973, Saitama Yu, has appeared in 1997's ``Virgin Road'' and ``Beach Boys'' (main song: song ``Forever''), and since 1998's TV show ``GTO'' (main song: song ``POISON'') ~In a world like this, where you can't even say what you want to say~'' Best singer of the year, 1998 12th Japan Gold Singing Award Best New Artist of the Year. After this, he appeared in many works, including the comprehensive TV series ``Aibou''.

The TV screen ``GTO'' starring Takashi Yutanmachi was released in the summer of 1998, and the 65th anniversary commemorative special screen collection ``GTO Revival'' was released in the summer of 26. The department representative received the Heisei era's television program, and it was published in the Reiwa era after 26 years. I have listened to other people's appearances, and I have played a lot of hot emotions in Japanese, and other teacher training and other stories from my first junior high school and high school junior high school students.

``GTO'' starring Tatsuji Iso. ``GTO'' starring Tatsuji Iso. However, at this time, I have different ideas and ideas, try new ideas, and also write and perform, and I have a lot of previous works, so I can't accept them.

However, when I sang the song ``POISON'', I heard that it was not possible to hear the phrase. At the time I thought about it, how did I manage to replace it?The current social society is the current society, but at this time it is not suitable for use.

After 35 years of filming ``Top Gun Maverick'', I thought, ``What else do you want to see?'' Since the lifestyle of the actors who have been exposed to the TV series ``Top Gun Maverick'' “Is there anyone else who can buy it again?” is the impression of the movement. After that, I thought, “I am now able to function!” I felt that I had reached a kind of inner self. My opinion is that the truth is that it is currently possible to write about the story of ``Onizuka,'' which is the reason why it is currently possible.

Besides, it is also an important part of ``GTO'' that I have been waiting for for 26 years. Since I am currently the oldest cast member of ``Onizuka'', I have deep feelings for him, my responsibility is very important, and I hope that the fans of ``GTO'' will support him.

■After “schooling”

I also have children, and I know that children have other children in their own world. I understand that the influence that children and children have on reaching adulthood is unlimited.

因此，我一直在思考，不仅作为父母，而且作为一个人，我应该告诉孩子什么，我应该对他们说什么。

Under the current circumstances, I believe that the second role in ``GTO'', ``Onizuka'', is a particular color, currently self-polymerizing, and this is a very valuable opportunity. As soon as I arrived, I also hoped to develop my own skills and work as a person.

■Is your ideal old master ideal?

During the course of the play, my most vivid expression was my student's ``love''. My current child is a self-respecting old master, and the old master's love is a little suspicious. The idea of ​​expressing my thoughts is ``Onizuka'', other students have ideas, and the immediate mission is in the Reiwa era.

I want to be respected as a student. The distance between the teacher and the student has changed a little. At this time, I have no doubt that this is the most important part of my career. The image of an adult person is the world's most self-centered world, and the child's life is the world's most self-centered world. However, here we are in a moment of breathlessness, a full and uncertain qualitative time, many children are possible in the city, Shiranichi Future Society, how do we live, Shiranudou self-directed life, Shiranudo self-adult social society is Shirako.

Adults are allowed to exchange mutual respect and exchange, but this is a good place to visit, but there is one obstacle for children to come. Considering the perspective of children in the school is very important, but when there is a problem with other people in the world, there is a need for adult support. It is impossible for me to see this, but if there are other people, I will not be able to understand it when I am in my own position. I believe that ``Onizuka'''s charm exists across the border.

■Notes from junior high school students and high school junior high school students

As I understand it, my student years were actually the most important time in my life. Once again, I have completed my own foundation in terms of my own life, my time as a student, my social activities, my studies, my student's school, my friendships, etc. Thoughts and thoughts, where you are, how do you cultivate your own ability to interact with people.

This is an interesting game, and of course it is also a difficult time. At this time, I am reading this phrase about ``Onizuka''.

“It was a painful time, and I laughed and laughed. It was a very painful time, and this was a very strong and self-laughing time.

 As a result, the nature of the situation will change, the situation will change, and the direction of the morning will be better.

Translated by: Mio Nakayama