《English translation: Interview with Ryunosuke Kamiki, who starred in the movie xxxHOLiC.》

This is an excerpt from FASHION PRESS interview with Ryunosuke Kamiki.
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This is the first time that dir.Mika Ninagawa and Mr. Kamiki have co-starred. What’s your frank impression when you received the offer?

I’ve been watching the wonderful work of director Ninagawa for a long time, so of course I was happy when I received her offer, but at the same time, I wondered "Why she chose me?"

As you all know, Director Ninagawa is the one who creates a one-of-a-kind view of the world. I’m a “normal type” who’s not particularly unique, so I didn't understand at all why I was chosen in such a "world of director Ninagawa".

I started to read the original comics for the first time after received the offer. I was absorbed in interesting story, but at the same time I felt anxiety and pressure that I’ll be a part of this CLAMP world. I was wondering if we could really visualize this story…and thinking about it round in round in my head.

How was your feeling after you actually started filming at shooting sites?

Director Ninagawa just said, "Yeah, Kamiki-kun, I bet you’ll be fine." and there was no specific instruction (laughs). I remember that I confused about “What's the reason she judge me as okay?!” From that point on, I thought if we keep up with Director Ninagawa, everything will work out! I reached that state of mind.

Unexpectedly, Director Ninagawa’s response is simple and casual(laughs). What kind of approach did you take from after that?

In common with other live-action works, I analyzed the characteristics and personality of the character after understanding the view of the world of original story. It's not good to imitate the original too much, but if there’s an animation works, I’ll check their habit of talking and reflect it in the role.

The reason why I’m so "respectful to the original" is as a matter of fact, I’m a person who loves comics and animation so much. Though I’m in a position to act character as an actor, I really understand the feelings of the fans who say, "Please don't make a live-action version of the original thoughtlessly!"

I’m sure there’s the fun we can only be found in the original story. That's why when I receive a live-action works offer like this, I want to put the finest possible detail settings into the role. I don't want to disappoint the original story’s fans with my acting.

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Please tell me the most important and non-negotiable thing for you, relating the story which offer "important things" to get compensation.

Maybe "my time", I think. Time never goes back, and we can't buy it with money. No matter what other people say, I definitely don't want to give my time over to anyone.
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You’re active in various roles these days, but are there any works that you’ve reached a turning point from a child actor to an adult actor?

Nothing is coming to my mind! At that time, I just enjoyed my job a lot, so I didn't even worry about "I still can't get rid of the image of a child actor..”. Instead of me, I think that I gave adults around me a lot of headaches(laughs).

You’ll turn 30 in 2023. Is there any role that you would like to challenge in 30s?

I think there’s an image for a man in thirties are matured, but ... I’ll try to behave more cheerful! (laughs). I want to have a good time in my 30's as much as people may think about me like “Does this guy still think himself as a kid ?"

Cause I played the role of a high school student in this movie, I wore a uniform for the first time in a while. I felt that it’s not easy to play teenagers at my age, but I'd like to challenge how long I can wear high school uniforms since I’ve done this far. (laughs).

You’re really enjoying your job. If you didn't choose an actor as a kid, what kind of profession would you like to take now?

I want to try to experience the sales staff of some company once. When I was little, I loved trains so much, so I also wanted to work for JR East. However, I think I like an actor the best as my job.

What’s the “acting as a job” that you’re fascinated so much?

I think it’s a profession that I can get points of view which I don’t have. In my career as an actor, I’ve played the lives of many people, but I’ve never experienced most of the experiences and emotions. Sometimes casted in a role like a murderer or even a non-human, so as of I read the script, I couldn’t play that role at all.

However, for acting, I feel that "trying to understand limitlessly" is the most important factor in any role, so I put myself in that role’s position and try to empathize thoroughly.

And I believe my own life will be more enriched by the new values ​​and ways of thinking I can meet through the role.