Actor and martial artist Hiroshi Fujioka,

2024.07.02

There is no manual for life. Humans survive through their sensibilities.

Actor Martial artist　Hiroshi Fujioka, (Hiroshi Fujioka,)

■ Profile

Fujioka debuted in 1965 and rose to popularity with "Kamen Rider" in 71. He also starred in the films "Japan Sinks" and "Wild Beasts Must Die," as well as the Hollywood film "SF Sword Kill." He is also an international martial artist, and engages in emotional exchange and support activities in conflict zones in dozens of countries around the world. In the film "Kamen Rider No. 1," released in 2016, Fujioka himself was involved in the planning stage, and Hongo Takeshi returned as the sole lead for the first time in 45 years, becoming a huge hit. In 2024, he celebrated his 60th year in the entertainment industry.

Now in his 60th year in the entertainment industry, Fujioka Hiroshi continues to expand his horizons as an actor and martial artist. He is also a volunteer activist who has visited nearly 100 countries around the world. As a martial artist, Fujioka is strong both physically and mentally, but he says he has been on the brink of death many times. We spoke to Fujioka, who has overcome many difficulties, and learned some life tips.

■My life has been a series of miracles

My life has been full of ups and downs, and I have not been born in any fortunate circumstances. My mother protects me during the war, even as she flees with a heavy belly, but it is no exaggeration to say that I am who I am today thanks to a series of miracles that have taken place since then.

My mother was initially admitted to a hospital in Matsuyama to give birth, but for some reason she decided to return to her parents' home that same day. The next day, she returned home despite the director's objections, but the hospital was completely destroyed in a massive air raid. The only ones who survived were the director and my mother. I was the baby in my mother's womb at that time. That's when my life began.

At the age of three, I suffered from pneumonia and was on the verge of death. Even the doctors at the hospital told me, "This child won't survive. It would be better to take a memorial portrait now." However, my mother nursed me, determined to cure me even if the doctors abandoned me. Around that time, my maternal grandfather, who had loved me dearly, fell critically ill. Wanting to see him one last time, my family decided to go and see him. My father drove to Saijo City in the middle of heavy snowfall in the middle of winter, risking his own life, and apparently it was extremely difficult. When we arrived, my grandfather was on the verge of death. He held my hand and said, "I'll take this child's illness with me, so please take good care of him," and passed away shortly thereafter. Strangely enough, my illness miraculously recovered after that. I am who I am today thanks to a series of miracles like these.

■ The importance of sensitivity learned from childhood experiences

I grew up in a poor family and was able to survive in the worst circumstances. I believe this was thanks to the love of my parents. My father was a martial artist and trained me, who was physically weak. Thanks to him, I learned all kinds of martial arts, became healthy, and became so physically strong that I was captain of the judo club in high school.

Later, when I was in elementary school, my father disappeared, saying he had something he had left undone during the war. I was forced to become independent in the midst of poverty, and it became necessary to constantly challenge myself to pave the way for my future. I worked over 60 part-time jobs. And while working part-time, I naturally acquired interpersonal skills. These skills later became a great asset, and have remained with me to this day.

In elementary school, those who couldn't pay for school lunches were called out by name, and I was the one who was called out every time. It was very painful and difficult. Because of this, I became a child who was sensitive to other people's sadness, suffering, and pain. Normally, humans only develop reason and intellect. But I believe that sensitivity plays a leading role, and that it is intellect and reason that support it. It's difficult to survive with just manuals and theories. I feel that humans survive through their sensitivity.

My decision to enter the entertainment industry was also instinctive. After the war, footage flooded in from overseas. Seeing an unknown world through footage, I felt a grand dream there that transcended borders and ethnicity. And where was that dream being created? Tokyo. And so I set out for Tokyo. After working part-time jobs desperately and taking an overnight train, I arrived in Tokyo with no destination in mind. I had no choice but to sleep on the lawn of Sophia University. There were many hardships, but the perseverance I had strengthened through martial arts meant I never lost hope.

■Don't calculate, be true to your heart

My father taught me the spirit of "Don't run away, don't lose, don't give in, don't give up, see it through." He told me to go through hardships and never run away, and that it would eventually become my strength and shine. I have visited nearly 100 countries and experienced many life-or-death situations during my various volunteer and other experiences. However, by following my father's teachings and facing challenges without giving up, I was able to survive.

The reason I started volunteering was influenced by the environment I grew up in. I was born in a police station for the pilgrims, a sacred place where pilgrims carrying various hardships and sorrows gather. There was a culture of hospitality, and my parents taught me to treat all kinds of people. We would serve pilgrims food from the village, and if there were children, we would play with them. From a young age, it was natural for me to act for the world and for people, so I naturally became a volunteer. I have traveled all over the world, supporting children and refugees, and I still get energy when I remember the happy faces on their faces.

People sometimes ask me, "Why would you spend your time and money to go on such dangerous volunteer work?" But I don't volunteer with any expectation of receiving something in return. I simply do what I feel is right in my heart. In short, there's no calculation involved. I'm driven by my instincts, not by calculation.

■The motivation behind my actions is "I want to see many people smile"

I feel a sense of accomplishment when I hear people say they are moved by what I have done. My father often told me to "become a person who is useful to others." When I see people feeling happy and hear such kind words, I feel like "this is what my father wanted to say." Even now, I receive a lot of fan mail from children. It's amazing how many young children are fans of Takeshi Hongo (Kamen Rider No. 1).

Back then, I couldn't have imagined Kamen Rider would last this long. It all changed after my serious motorcycle accident. I was also lucky that my leg recovered. After the accident, I was told that there were limitations to current medical technology and that it couldn't be cured. However, one doctor said there was one thing he wanted to try. It was medical technology developed during the Vietnam War, but even with this surgery, there was no guarantee that it would cure me. But I said, "Please try it." And, to my surprise, the surgery was a success. It's a miracle even to the medical community. After the surgery, I underwent rigorous rehabilitation to strengthen my leg, which had become nothing but skin and bone. I overcame it because of my determination to return to work and repay the kindness of those who helped me.

My children and I are working hard to inspire people with dreams, hope, and courage. My children's dream is to make a film as a family and leave memories of me behind. This dream unites our family and is our driving force.

■Message to university students

I believe that each and every human being born into this world is a great treasure with a mission to fulfill. Therefore, I urge you to embark on a journey of self-discovery to discover the wonderful individuality and potential that you possess. And keep challenging yourself on that journey of self-discovery. The real-life experiences you gain through challenges, combined with reason, intellect, and sensitivity, will surely become a source of strength. It's best to stop comparing yourself to others. If you have good points, acknowledge them and develop them. There are great talents among the underachievers. I, too, am a symbol of a underachiever. Being abandoned, forsaken, and tormented by feelings of inferiority gave me strength and helped me grow. Don't shut yourself in, and don't forget to love, respect, and be grateful to others. These are the things that will help you improve yourself.

And of course, it's about heart-to-heart communication. Stop calculating the pros and cons of interacting with others. Encounters are truly important. They can change your life, your fortune, and even history. Have big dreams, and work hard to achieve your goals with friends who share common goals and values.

Anything can happen in life. It's best to assume that risks are natural. Blaming the world or other people is out of the question. The problem is all yours. I've been betrayed, deceived, and had many horrible experiences that made me want to slash them with a Japanese sword, but looking back, nothing in my life has been wasted. Everything is a treasure. That's why I'm grateful to the people who deceived and betrayed me. It's like saying, "Thank you for training me."

At this age, the most important thing is time. There are so many things I want to do and accomplish, but time is running out. Sometimes by the time you realize it, it's too late, so I want you to cherish your time every day. I want you to pour your life into every moment and seriously face challenges, working towards your big dreams. My youth lasts until my heart stops. Live and live and survive. Life is eternal survival. I want to continue challenging myself, grateful for the life I've been given.

Student Newspaper Online March 19, 2024 Interview by Tsuda University 4th year student Satoshi Okawa