Actor Fuku Suzuki

"My prime is in the future" - 20-year-old's determination to continue taking on challenges

Actor Fuku Suzuki

■ Profile
Born in Tokyo. Appeared in the TV drama "Marumo no Okite" (CX) and participated in the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen at the age of 7 in the same year. Major appearances include the TV series "Yokai Ningen Bem" (NTV), "Kodomo Keisatsu" (TBS), and "Settlement! Chushingura." In recent years, he has appeared in "Kamen Rider Geets" (EX) and the musical "Hakanaki Hikari no Rhapsody" (Chikyu Gorgeous).

Fuku Suzuki entered the entertainment industry at the age of one and reached the milestone of turning 20 this year. He has appeared in numerous films and has captivated many people with his cuteness and solid acting skills."Rose of the Wild Island"He will be appearing as a voice actor in the role of Kirari the wild goose in "The Wild Geese." We spoke to him about his thoughts as he pursues his future while balancing his student life and his work in the entertainment industry.

Looking back on my school days, I think I always valued the attitude of "doing everything I had to do with all my might." I loved baseball since elementary school and was a member of a local baseball team. However, there were days when I couldn't go because of work, which was frustrating. However, the valuable experience I gained from my entertainment activities has become a great asset.
When my friends would say things like "I saw you on TV," it was a big encouragement for me, and it became my daily motivation and driving force. It was hard, but not doing it was not an option for me.

■ Pursuing growth as an actor

My mindset towards work has changed little by little throughout my career in the entertainment industry. When I was a child actor, I approached my work with the simple thought that "I do it because it's fun," but when I was in the second year of junior high school, I decided that I wanted to make a living as an actor, and from that point on, I began to become aware of my role as an actor and have continued to work hard.
My motivation for work is probably at its highest right now. I believe that my best years are always in the future, so every time I work on a new production as an actor, I discover a new side of myself and look forward to each challenge.

■映画"Rose of the Wild Island"　Challenges and new discoveries as a voice actor

This movie"Rose of the Wild Island"I played the role of Kirari, a migratory wild goose. I had to express the character's youth and cuteness, as well as her process of growing into an adult, using only my voice, and it was very difficult to convey the character's changes and emotions. Since it's different from acting as an actor, it was a valuable opportunity to re-learn how to enunciate and create a voice.
I've had some experience as a voice actor before, but this time I was reminded of the depth of the role. I feel like I've broadened my horizons as an actor by expressing the cuteness and inner changes of the characters.
When I saw the finished product, I truly felt glad to have been able to take part in such a wonderful production.
I believe that the character I played this time, Kirari, plays an important role in the work, which deals with the themes of parent-child bonds and the coexistence of nature and humans, so I would be happy if I could convey the charm and message of the work to everyone through this character.

■ Cherish your individuality

As I transitioned from a child actor to an actor, I became keenly aware of the importance of titles. Previously, I enjoyed working as a "child actor," but once I started working as an "actor," I had more opportunities to compare myself to actors of my generation and older actors, and to think about what I could do. Since I decided to "call myself an actor" in my second year of junior high school, I have aimed to be seen as "Actor Suzuki Fuku" in all situations.
I don't want to be an "extension of my childhood," but rather I want to be someone who "shines as who I am now," so I would like to continue to take on many challenges and expand my possibilities.
As for my future as an actor, although my goal is vague, I am aiming to become an actor that people want to watch when I'm in a movie. This leads to my desire to be someone that people look forward to in any genre of work.

■ Time to cherish connections with people

I love being with people, and talking with close friends and sharing fun times is a source of energy for me. For me, everyday life is an important time to get myself in order.
movies"Rose of the Wild Island"The themes depicted in the film, such as parent-child love, friendship, and the coexistence of humans and nature, overlap with the things I personally value. I would be happy if these messages can be conveyed to everyone through the film. I would also like people to pay attention to the adorable behavior of the animals and the characters' stories of growth.

■Message to university students

This film depicts characters who struggle with being different from those around them, but the same is true for each of us. I believe that it is because we are different that our individuality shines. I hope that this film will give you courage and a new perspective.
As a university student myself, I am currently working hard to grow while balancing my work and studies. I think it is important to devote all your energy to your interests and passions during your student life. Continuing to take on new challenges without fear of failure will surely lead to a brighter future. I will continue to take on challenges, so let's both do our best!

Student Newspaper Online, June 12, 2024, Interview by Tsuda University 2rd year student, Karin Ishimatsu

Yurie Watanabe, first-year student at Josai International University; Karin Ishimatsu, second-year student at Tsuda University; Rinno Koshiyama, second-year student at Toyo University