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Kubota Hidetoshi and Sasaki Yoshihide will clash swords and create "a new legend" in "Musical Hakuouki - Hijikata Toshizou hen"

This interview was originally published on 22/03/2024 and translated by me. Please check the original website for the rest of the photoshoot. Source

In April 2023, "Musical Hakuouki Shinkai - Sannan Keisuke hen" became the culmination of the hard work under Nishida Daisuke, and was well received. One year later, Mouri Nobuhiro has accepted the torch from Nishida and will once again be involved with "Musical Hakuouki". The series is making its comeback in April with the newest instalment "Musical Hakuouki Shinkai – Hijikata Toshizou hen". Under this new system, "Shinkai Hijikata Toshizou hen" will see Hijikata Toshizou, played by Kubota Hidetoshi, and Kazama Chikage, played by Sasaki Yoshihide, clash blades and make sparks fly.

We ask both Kubota, who's fired up plenty to take the lead of this work on his shoulders, and Sasaki, who played Hijikata during the 2015 performance of "Musical Hakuouki - Reimeiroku" and is currently cast as Kazama, about their thoughts about "Shinkai Hijikata hen".

(Interview and text: Okino Shiori, Photography: Yasushi Yoshida, Hair & Make-up: Furuhashi Kanako (LaRME), stylist: MASAYA (PLY))

Hijikata Toshizou is a stoic person who cares too much.

--Kubota-san, you have been acting as the Shinsengumi’s Vice Commander Hijikata Toshizou since “Musical Hakuouki Shinkai – Souma Kazue hen” (2021) and will now be tasked with the lead role in “Musical Hakuouki Shinkai - Hijikata Toshizou hen”.

Kubota Hidetoshi: "I have had the privilege to stand in the centre for other works as well, but even amongst those, “Musical Hakuouki” is special. I feel like Hijikata Toshizou's character must be at the heart of the story, no matter which route "Musical Hakuouki" takes. That won't change in the Hijikata focused route "Shinkai Hijikata Toshizou hen", and I want to stand firmly in the centre. In addition, I would like to study the changes in Hijikata's heart even more in depth, and express those even more so than in the other routes."

--Sasaki-san, you play the head of the demons, Kazama Chikage. He's a key figure in "Musical Hakuouki", just like Hijikata.

Sasaki Yoshihide: "Although I've played Kazama thus far in “Musical Hakuouki – Harada Sanosuke hen” (2017), “Musical Hakuouki – HAKU-MYU LIVE 3” (2022) and “Musical Hakuouki Shinkai – Sannan Keisuke hen” (2023), I didn't play the role of the so-called final boss in the two routes. I think that now, in "Shinkai Hijikata Toshizou hen", it will be the most important high-level position thus far. The number of songs and battles is without a doubt the most substantial since I've started playing Kazama, so I'll be careful."

Kubota: "Really! You've only played Kazama in two routes so far? I felt like you’ve done way more.”

Sasaki: “I haven’t done a lot of routes, right? (laughs) But I’ve acted as Hijikata in the prequel “Musical Hakuouki – Reimeiroku” (2015), which depicts the Shinsengumi until they meet (Yukimura) Chizuru, so I’ve been involved with “Musical Hakuouki” for a long time.”

Kubota: “That’s almost a decade! It’s amazing how you got to play two completely different roles in a single series. Is “Musical Hakuouki” the only time you experienced this?”

Sasaki: “Yup. Just “Musical Hakuouki”. Of course Kazama’s role is important to me, but “Reimeiroku” is a work that left a deep impression on me, so I feel I can't forget about that in the future either.”

--As you’re more and more involved with “Musical Hakuouki”, what do both of you think is the charming point of your respective character that you have carefully nurtured?

Kubota: “Hijikata is a caring person, and I feel he cares too much about his surroundings, in the end.” (laughs)

Sasaki: “Hahahaha”

Kubota: “Although he takes on a dauntless attitude in front of everyone as the “Demon Vice Commander”, he has a tender side within his heart, and I feel like he’s been able to live because he was supported by the people around him. It’s exactly because he possesses that tender heart, that you can catch a glimpse of his masculinity the moment he’s faced with important situations. That might be what makes him incredibly fascinating. I think that Hijikata’s stoic side is something that we in the current time can relate to.”

--What do you mean?

Kubota: “I guess that even though things would go smoother if some things could be conveyed more directly and to the point, there are a lot of things we can’t say even though we want to, and all we can do is bear with it.”

Sasaki: “As head of the demon clan, Kazama is chasing Chizuru to prevent the pure-blooded demons from going extinct, but in both “Harada Sanosuke hen” and “Shinkai Sannan Keisuke hen” he gives up his chase in the end. However, in “Shinkai Hijikata hen”, he’ll finally be able to confront Hijikata directly. And yet, I feel like I will be able to learn about a lot of aspects of Kazama that I didn’t know about yet. Although Kazama is a demon, I’m thinking I would like to create a role that brings out a sense of human weakness.”

Hijikata Toshizou and Kazama Chikage, the experience of acting out two opposites

–I think one of the highlights of “Shinkai Hijikata Toshizou hen” is that it captures the direct confrontation between Hijikata and Kazama. What kind of person do each of you see when looking at the other’s character?

Kubota: "I think Kazama’s image gives the impression he only says reasonable things. Even the audience would agree with him and say he’s right, so I think he’s a character that’s easy to sympathise with. In addition, there’s also that sense that, as a man, he just cannot lose, so I guess he’s a character that even guys can be drawn to. Although Kazama is set up as the antagonist in “Hakuouki”, he, in his own way, is giving fair arguments, and Hijikata's way of thinking isn’t wrong either. It’s because both of them hold on to their own beliefs, that they can truly clash with each other.”

Sasaki: “Speaking of, I sure act out a lot of roles that are villain coded…” (laughs)

Kubota: “Hahaha! Now that you mention it, you sure do!” (laughs)

Sasaki: “Although Kazama takes the position of a villain, he fights to stick to his own conviction, just like Hijikata. Because the scene where Hijikata is told by Serizawa to become a demon is featured in the middle of “Reimeiroku”, I experienced first hand the process of Hijikata Toshizou becoming the “Demon Vice Commander”. It gives me a very strange feeling to now stand opposite Kubohide (Kubota) playing Hijikata who has already established his position as Vice Commander. I understand how Hijikata feels, but I also understand how Kazama feels. It’s a conflict between two convictions that cannot be defeated, and it doesn’t mean that either is bad.”

Kubota: “Exactly because Hide-kun (Sasaki) has experience with Hijikata’s role, he is able to hurl words that set Hijikata’s fighting spirit on fire. He understands what actions and movements of Kazama will light a fire in Hijikata’s soul. I feel that very clearly while acting as Hijikata. When I get pulled in by Hide-kun’s thoughts, even more zealous emotions start welling up inside of me. Now that it’s Hijikata’s route, I would like to express with Hide-kun the going back and forth of the emotions of Hijikata, burning brightly like a flame, and Kazama.”

The joy of catching the blade for the first time

—Mouri Nobuhiro-san was in charge of the script, directing and song lyrics from the beginning in 2012 until “Harada Sanosuke hen” (2018). In “Shinkai Hijikata hen”, he has received the torch from Nishida Daisuke-san and will once again make a comeback as scriptwriter and director. Mouri-san's version detailed the subtleties of a character’s heart and the love between the soldiers and Chizuru. Nishida-san developed a passionate story with the soldiers of the Shinsengumi at its centre.

Kubota: “Shinkai Souma Kazue hen”, the musical I first participated in as part of “Musical Hakuouki”, suddenly saw Nishida-san in charge of the script and direction, so this will be the first time I’m appearing in a “Musical Hakuouki” that Mouri-san is in charge of. There are a few lines in the script of “Shinkai Hijikata Toshizou hen” that make me feel a bit embarrassed, and it took me some time to get used to them. But as I gradually grew familiar with them, a new image of Hijikata was born inside of me, and I got incredibly excited. Exactly because there is the aspect of love, I feel like the clash between Hijikata’s and Kazama’s burning souls stands out more, and that the heart of the person Kubota Hidetoshi in particular will be clearly reflected in the Hijikata of this work. If I manage to do that well, I feel like I’ll be able to express the love between Hijikata and Chizuru.”

–Kubota-san, at the time when “HAKU-MYU LIVE 3” was held, I remember how you said in an interview that you only started to understand the joy of being an actor once you turned 30. When looking at you standing on stage, I feel like you are building your career while drawing on the experiences and various roles you have acted thus far.

Kubota: “That’s true. I feel, as a man, that the way Hijikata lived by sticking to his own principles, carving out a new era, and in the end falling gracefully, is simply cool. It might have some influence on the way I live my own life. That’s why I want to pour all of my heart and soul into acting the role of Hijikata, and I always end up feeling empty for several weeks after finishing “Musical Hakuouki”. (laughs) But, as an actor, I’m really happy to have found this work that I can devote my life to. I don’t think I’ll have the opportunity to do this very often in the future.”

Sasaki: “Outside of Hijikata’s route, Kazama never gets hit by a sword and he’s always fighting with a nonchalant air, but this time he will be hit by Hijikata’s blade for the first time. I’m looking forward to that a lot! Since I started playing Kazama in “Harada Sanosuke’s hen”, I’ll finally be able to receive a hit. Also, speaking of “Musical Hakuouki”, it undeniably is a combination of wonderful songs. I especially like “Yaisa! Yaisa! Yaisa!”, but I’m looking forward to what kind of songs might make an appearance this time.”

I will lead this work.

–Even outside Mouri-san’s return, I feel like “Musical Hakuouki” is a rare series that’s always undergoing a continuous “renewal” with a focus on the future in order to update the production, like cast members who once left the group returning once again.

Kubota: “It is the fate of a series that both the audience and the cast end up being stuck with the image of the first generation. If you get stuck there, however, you can’t move forward. To borrow some famous words, I guess it means “let’s stop admiring them”.” (laughs)

Sasaki: “Hahaha! Although I think it happens often in 2.5D works that once the story is complete, the cast changes so they can start all over. “Musical Hakuouki” is special in that regard because the cast comes back, and there are those like me who play roles on both sides. That’s something that rarely happens, and I think it is unique that “Musical Hakuouki” continues to evolve without being afraid of change. Even when I will one day graduate from “Musical Hakuouki” and come watch it as a member of the audience, I think I’ll still make new discoveries, and as long as the series continues, I will always be looking forward to it.”

Kubota: “Man, I would like to see “Musical Hakuouki” one day as part of the audience.”

–You will most likely keep focusing on the actor that plays Hijikata during that time?

Kubota: “I’m sure that’s exactly what will happen. When I play any role, not just Hijikata, I want to master it to the point where people think “I can’t keep up with him” or “I never want to play this role after he plays it”. If that doesn’t happen, I feel like I failed as an actor.”

–Sasaki-san, besides your experience of changing from Hijikata to Kazama, you acted as Kazama in the same period as Suzuki Shogo-san and Nakagauchi Masataka-san.

Sasaki: “Just like Kubohide was saying earlier, I also felt an incredible amount of pressure after inheriting Kazama's role after Shogo. I asked how I could change the image of Kazama that Shogo had created. I was uneasy about how the audience would accept that, but I knew I had to go beyond that. This is my 9th year of being involved with “Musical Hakuouki”, and I feel like I’ve been given a tremendous opportunity. I will let the emotions that I’ve hidden within thus far come to an explosion in the clash with Hijikata, and convey my thoughts while dripping with sweat every performance. Please look forward to it by all means.”

Kubota: “I think the time has come for “Musical Hakuouki” to create a “new legend”, to use the words of the first cast. In the time I’ve been acting as Hijikata, and not just this time during “Shinkai Hijikata Toshizou hen”, I’ve felt like “I will lead this work”, so please come to watch us with peace of mind! At any rate, I hope that I can deliver something passionate to everyone’s hearts through “Shinkai Hijikata Toshizou hen”.”

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hakuouki-rules · 19 days

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Interview with Yazaki Hiroshi and Kubota Hidetoshi

What follows is an attempt at translating of the interview between Yazaki Hiroshi (1st Hijikata) and Kubota Hidetoshi (6th and current Hijikata) that was published on March 27th, 2024 on the Stage Natalie website. Please visit the original website for the photos. The first half of the article is a report of the special program with 5 Hijikata actors, which I did not translate. The first half of the program will be distributed April 13th, the second one May 11th.

The first generation and the current generation, two Hijikata Toshizou, speak passionately.

--Yazaki-san, Kubota-san, Izawa Yuuki-san, Sasaki Yoshihide-san and Matsuda Gaku-san all play Hijikata Toshizou in "Musical Hakuouki", and now make an appearance in "Gather even more! Hijikata Toshizou PARTY!". Wada Masanari-san will address everyone in a letter. Everyone has been talking quite friendly with each other, no?

Kubota Hidetoshi: Everyone was messing around, you mean. (laughs) I think they managed to record the good atmosphere. I'm really glad that I was able to meet up with all the actors that previously played Hijikata before the performances of "Musical Hakuouki Shinkai - Hijikata Toshizou hen" begin. You have to adopt this dignified posture when playing Hijikata, but I managed to return to my original self.

Yazaki Hiroshi: It honestly makes me feel happy to know that the role of Hijikata I played still continued to live. Although all of us acted as the Demon Vice Commander Hijikata in "Musical Hakuouki", I think this "Gather even more! Hijikata Toshizou PARTY!" showed a side that was different from the role (laughs). I would like you to pay attention to how each of us take turns as the MC. I think fans will enjoy being able to see how each of us take the lead when we have all played our own version of the Vice Commander.

--As the first actor to play Hijikata, Yazaki-san appeared from the first "Musical Hakuouki - Saitou Hajime hen" (2012) until "Musical Hakuouki - Kazama Chikage hen" (2014). Since "Musical Hakuouki Shinkai - Kazue Souma hen" (2021) until the most recent "Shinkai Hijikata Toshizou hen", Kubota-san has taken the role. What are both of you especially conscious of with regard to getting into Hijikata's character?

Yazaki: When we started in 2012, Kondou Isami had yet to make an appearance. And yet, I remember feeling that I took on a similar role as Hijikata in the "Musical Hakuouki" company, and couldn't help but lead everyone. As part of studying for the role back then, I went on a trip to Hijikata-san's grave and the former site of the Shieikan, the dojo where the members of the Shinsengumi practised their swordsmanship. I wanted to feel the atmosphere of the time the Shinsengumi lived in. Rather than aiming to be cool in the 2.5D adaptation because "Musical Hakuouki" is based on an otome game, we actually studied for our roles to be the opposite. I remember how everyone in the cast at the time, shared that feeling of "let's get dirty!".

Kubota: Everyone really does go on a trip to places related to Hijikata, don't they? Not too long ago, I also went to the former Maekawa house, the Shinsengumi's headquarters in Kyoto, and was given a special tour of the main building. I listened to the stories of the family currently residing in the former Maekawa house, and was shown a sword mark that was left behind in one of the pillars. Although I really do love the franchise "Hakuouki", I have liked the Shinsengumi from before. I want to experience with my own skin how they lived and in what kind of environment, what kind of scenery they saw while burning through their life. I think that has been a very valuable experience in regard to playing Hijikata. Just like Yazaki-kun mentioned, the cast of "Musical Hakuouki" only consists of passionate people, so they all carry "the souls of soldiers who struggled to change the era" at their core. I feel like that's exactly why "Musical Hakuouki" has continued for such a long period of time, and why the audience has kept following it.

Yazaki: I agree. "Musical Hakuouki" is a work that makes you want to follow it wherever it goes. I think it's truly amazing how, regardless of what performance, that performance will see the completion of a different flavoured Shinsengumi. Yuuki, who played Hijikata after me, was the first Hijikata replacement. He carried all the thoughts and feelings with put into "Musical Hakuouki" on his back, and took them on stage. I'm incredibly grateful for that. Hide-kun (Sasaki) played Hijikata's episode zero in "Musical Hakuouki - Reimeiroku" (2015) and created a new kind of Hijikata. I'm sure that Gaku loves all the Hijikatas the others played, took mental notes, and created a Hijikata that has all sorts of aspects to him. I think Wada-kun has become the representation of Nishida (Daisuke)-san's Hijikata. He really has that strong fighting spirit of wanting to create their own new "Musical Hakuouki", doesn't he? And Kubota-kun is someone who deserves to carry the torch as Hijikata that we have passed on to him. I strongly feel like he wants to try to succeed the intentions of the cast who has appeared in "Musical Hakuouki" thus far. I would rather he forgot about the "Sincerity" so far, though, and that he and the others would create a new kind of "Sincerity". I have incredibly high hopes for the upcoming "Shinkai Hijikata Toshizou hen"!

Kubota: To hear the first Hijikata say something like that.... Although I did watch footage of everyone's acting when I was to appear in "Musical Hakuouki", I would have retained some of how the others acted out Hijikata if I had watched them too much. So, I kept watching the videos to a minimum. I'm hoping to create a new image of Hijikata without letting go of the "Sincerity" that everyone has passed down through the generations, and at the same time updating it to match the times. As Hijikata, I'm resigned to the point where I would be okay with collapsing on stage, so I'll see how far I can get with rehearsals as we head towards the performances of "Shinkai Hijikata Toshizou hen". It will be a battle with myself after that, I guess.

Yazaki: While listening to Kubota-kun, I remember how I harboured similar thoughts when acting as Hijikata. I wonder how to say it. It's incredibly difficult to put into words, but... I stood on stage thinking: "More so than Hakuouki, this is the story of the Shinsengumi!". Of course, we wanted to show the audience the wonderful original work that is Hakuouki, but also the Shinsengumi's dirty and passionate way of life.

--For the Jidaigeki pay channel's project named "Musical Hakuouki - Hijikata Toshizou party!", the channel will broadcast and distribute the "Musical Hakuouki" series, where various members of the Shinsengumi will fight with all their might, as well as a program especially recorded for the occasion, "Gather even more! Hijikata Toshizou PARTY!", for three consecutive months.

Yazaki: Thinking about it again, it's already been about ten years since I last acted in "Musical Hakuouki". Since graduating, I have the honour of being allowed to participate in "Musical Hakuouki" like this. I'm incredibly happy that the wish I made back then for "Musical Hakuouki" to become a series that will be loved for a long time, came true. I don't know how much I will be able to be involved with "Musical Hakuouki" in the future, but it won't change that it is something I would like to support forever. I would feel blessed if everyone would continue to love "Musical Hakuouki" as well.

Kubota: We will stand on stage embodying the thoughts and feelings of both the soldiers of the Shinsengumi, and those of Yazaki-kun and the rest of the previous cast members. By putting our souls into each and every word of our lines, we will deliver those to the audience. We have no intention of letting "Musical Hakuouki" end yet! A new legend will start with "Shinkai Hijikata Toshizou hen". We would be happy if you could enjoy the broadcast and distribution of the "Musical Hakuouki" series, but also come see the new one!

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