[Translation] Mackenyu Arata Interview for Rurouni Kenshin: The Final at Animate Times

 

As a fan of the Rurouni Kenshin installment, Mackenyu Arata couldn't hide his surprise when offered to play Yukishiro Enishi. Looking back on the shooting, he talked about his thoughts on the upcoming release

—What was your honest reaction when they offered you to appear in the Rurouni Kenshin: The Final installment?

Mackenyu: My honest reaction was, “Eh?! You’re kidding right? No way! Really?! Is it okay for me to take this role?! I’m this young and I’m playing the last boss?!” I was really surprised.

—What was your impression about Yukishiro Enishi as a character?

Mackenyu:  He is described as the series’ most feared enemy. But seeing him from a different point of view, I think you can’t really tell which side is justice and which side is evil.

—How did you create this role?

Mackenyu: To match his physique of course I worked out, but I focused on his mentality. Things like whether he wants to reveal his identity to others or not. I was most consciou about understanding and performing this role properly.

—Did you read the original to understand this role?

Mackenyu: I didn’t read the manga. I think adaptations and manga are completely different thing, and basically I avoid reading original manga to all the live-action works that I have worked in so far.

—So the information you’ve obtained from the script is already enough?

Mackenyu: That’s right, I think everything is already included there.

—I know that each set has its own characteristics and atmosphere, but what did you feel when you came into this filming team?

Mackenyu: (looks at the movie pamphlet) it looks exactly like this. It felt like we were continuously filming in the midst of burning flame. Everyone is working really hard until they burn-out and tattered. That applies to me too.

—I got the chance to see the preview, but I get the impression that you really put your life on the line for this role.

Mackenyu: Yes. From the very beginning I have to give my everything.

—Did you shoot that first scene on the train during your first day?

Mackenyu: Yes. Actually, it’s been almost 3 years ago, but from the first day filming, I was already doing full action sequences.

—That train scene, which was also the introduction to Enishi. I was completely blown away by the intense action scenes inside the train.

Mackenyu: It’s a wonderful opening scene, right? I had fun shooting that. As an actor I’m really happy that I was able to be part of a set where I can fully showcase my abilities.

—Previously, action director Kenji Tanigaki talked to us in Animate Times. He said, “I knew right away that Mackenyu Arata is incredibly athletic.’ How did you feel when you actually performed action scenes under his direction?

Mackenyu: I’m honored to hear him say that. While performing the action scenes with Tanigaki-san and his team, sometimes I would suggest, “I want to do this kind of sequence” and he would include it in, he was a very flexible person. Moreover, I think he is a person with great imagination.

—Was there a time when his imagination moved you?

Mackenyu: There were times when I thought his ideas are amazing. Especially during the action scene inside the train where I fought using a kendama [T/N: a traditional Japanese skill toy]. Somehow, he came up with a sequence where a single kendama can beat dozens of people at once, it’s amazing.

—But your role is not just about the action skills. The whole idea about ‘Jinchuu’ is that when justice is not served by the heavens, then humans will make the judgement. The fight also involves complex emotions.

Mackenyu: It is essential to combine actions and emotions when playing Enishi. It was important for me to act with my whole body for this role.

—This work has so many interesting points, but is there any scene that particularly left an impression to you?

Mackenyu: Other than the action scenes with Kenshin, the scenes with Kaoru played by Takei Emi-san are highlights. I think we can see another side of Enishi. When they exchanged conversations, and also his actions around her—how he behave in a certain way, I think you might begin to see how he really feels inside.

—Did you have any particular difficulty?

Mackenyu: That would definitely be the action scenes. It’s very high level, and I’ve never had such a hard time filming anything before. It was fun at the beginning, but gradually everyone and myself starts wearing out. However, the sense of accomplishment is great.

—How did you feel when you finally cranked-up?

Mackenyu: We shoot this movie for about half a year, with a really tough schedule, so I was really happy it all ended.

—To continue playing Enishi for half a year, that must really push you to your limit

Mackenyu: That’s right. Because that role was such a role after all. It was pretty tough.

—There seems to be a lot of hardship involved, but is there anything you’ve accomplished from this work?

Mackenyu: What I’ve accomplished... honestly, I have no idea. What I know is that I always gain something from each work, but it took me years to really understand that. Everything that I have been through has made me what I am now.

—In that sense, everything about you will constantly be updated

Mackenyu: That’s right. There will always be something new, there will always be growth.

—What was your impression when you watch the movie at the preview?

Mackenyu: It was really tiring (laughs). My hands were sweating throughout the whole movie, my energy was drained, so by the end I just heave a long sigh. 

—The movie screening is just around the corner. How are you feeling now?

Mackenyu: As a big fan of Enishi, I’m really looking forward to it. I’m very happy that everyone can finally see the movie.

—As our name suggests, many Animate Times reader watches anime. Do you have any recommendation?

Mackenyu: For anime... I like ‘HUNTER x HUNTER’, I’ve been watching it. I really like the story.

—I see! Now please give your final message to those who wants to watch this movie and for the readers of Animate Times

Mackenyu: The most terrifying enemy that surpasses the previous movies will finally come out! And for those who believes that Makoto Shishio can never be surpassed, I want you to come and see it for yourself! Please look forward to the release!