Komoto is an actor and a skilled kendo practitioner who was selected to compete in the Okayama National Athletic Meet during his high school years. He regards his senior from his student days, Kyoto Prefectural Police Officer Hideaki Takahashi, as his spiritual mentor. During his student days, he was so absorbed in kendo that he can say with confidence that "kendo is everything to me."

He embodies the secret of kendo, "sutemi," in his daily life, and I couldn't help but feel happy during the interview.

This time, he shared some memorable stories from kendo and his daily way of thinking. This is a must-see interview for anyone who is worried about their future career path or their current job!

Interviewer and writer: BUSHIZO Uejima Go

Photography: BUSHIZO Kudo Yusuke

Profile

Masahiro Komoto

He joined the Tokyo Sunshine Boys in 1989. During his time there he was involved in the hits "12 Kind Japanese" and "Radio no Toki"

"Ma", "Hikoma Goes", "The Show Must Go On", "Trap" (written and directed by Mitani Koki) and others

Appeared in the film.

After the company disbanded in January 1995, he expanded his activities to TV, movies, and the stage.

He has appeared in almost all of the TV dramas and movies in the "Bayside Shakedown" series up until 2012.

In various works, when he plays the evil role, he reveals his hidden madness, and when he plays the good role, he draws the audience in too.

The realistic depiction of her memorable smile, which is present in everyday life, adds depth to the drama.

In the 2010 film "After the Flowers," based on a novel by Shuhei Fujisawa, she played the role of the protagonist's fiancee.

He brilliantly portrayed the deep, hidden love, and even the family of Shuhei Fujisawa said that Komoto was the only one who could play the role.

It was highly praised.

Her recent major appearances include the films "Everest: The Summit of the Gods" (16) and "Your Lie in April" (16).

"Tatara Samurai" (17), TV "Heisei Makioka Sisters" (18/NHK), "99.9 Criminal Lawyer II" (18/TBS), "Signal: Long-Term Unsolved Case Investigation Team" (18/Kantele), stage "The World is Made of Lies"

"(14, 17), "Reading Drama Winter Quartet 'Snow and Straw Hats'", etc.

He is currently appearing in the TV show "Iryu Sousa" which is being broadcast on the TV Asahi network.

Additionally, "The Real Culprit" will be broadcast on WOWOW from 10:00 PM on Sunday, September 23rd.

I started kendo by chance

Kohmoto"The truth is, I started kendo by chance. When I was in the first grade of elementary school, I wanted to play baseball, so I gave my parents a baseball pamphlet. Apparently, by mistake, the pamphlet was for kendo (laughs). When I went to practice for the first time, we gathered in the gymnasium, not on the field. We practiced swinging the bat, but it wasn't like baseball swings. I thought it was strange, but I continued, and before I knew it, I couldn't get away from kendo. I don't like to quit halfway through."

-It was truly a chance encounter (laughs). How was your kendo performance?

Kohmoto"When I was a student, we were always second in Okayama Prefecture. When I was in junior high school, I wanted to participate in the All-Japan Junior High School Championships, but we lost in the finals of the prefectural tournament. The team we lost to in the finals went on to win the All-Japan Junior High School Championships. It was really frustrating."

- Coming second in the prefectural tournament is an amazing achievement!

Kohmoto"Even when I was in high school, I lost in the final of the prefectural tournament and came in second place. Although I was a member of the National Athletic Meet team, my long-awaited dream of competing in the Inter-High School Championships was not fulfilled.

There is one episode that I still remember with great regret. Two days before the Inter-High School Championships preliminaries, I injured my ribs.

It's not that I'm upset about the injury itself. During the final, the thought crossed my mind: "I have a broken rib." Until the semi-final, I was able to concentrate on the match so much that it didn't cross my mind, but when it was really tough, I lost to myself.'

-So a gap has been created in your mind that allows you to make excuses...

Kohmoto"I made up an excuse for myself that made me think, 'It's no big deal if I lose.' It's so frustrating that I still dream about it."

My spiritual mentor is Senior Officer Hideaki Takahashi of the Kyoto Prefectural Police

Kohmoto"My life in kendo cannot be discussed without mentioning my senior, Hideaki Takahashi, currently a member of the Kyoto Prefectural Police.Although he was my senior in high school and university, Takahashi Hideaki is still my spiritual mentor.We still have dinner together occasionally."

-So you're a junior of Professor Takahashi!

Kohmoto"Until junior high school, we were rivals and seniors from different dojos, but we ended up together in high school. I had no intention of going on to university, but with the guidance of my senior, I ended up going to Kyoto Sangyo University. We even shared rooms in the university dormitory."

-What do you particularly respect about Professor Takahashi?

Kohmoto"He is very kind. I have never seen him scold anyone. However, he is strict with himself.He was someone who led the team members by example. When I saw him, I felt a true sense of strength.Strength comes from kindnessThis is the type of person who exudes this.

Whenever I feel stuck or impatient, I remember Takahashi-senpai and he makes me think, 'I can't continue like this,' and I respect him."

-Even though your jobs are different, you have a big presence.

Kohmoto"The most memorable story about Takahashi-senpai is one thing he said when we competed in a tournament together. At the time, he was playing as the final match and if he won two matches he would advance to the national team. Before he faced off in the final match, he said to us, 'Thank you.' We didn't understand what he meant. Before we knew it, he had won two matches in the final match and had also taken the national team title.After the match, when I asked him what he really meant when he said "Thank you," he said, "Situations like that rarely come around. It's nice when it depends on you."Normally, I would feel pressured, but he is a really positive and innocent person. I was attracted to that kind of personality and enjoyed my time as a student."

I thought I would give up my most important interest, Kendo.

Kohmoto"Without fear of being misunderstood, I wanted to break away from the idea that 'kendo is everything to me.' I had been doing kendo so much that it was becoming too much, so I was worried about being in a state where 'kendo is all I have.'

If I had a goal in life, I think I would have been able to have a good relationship with kendo. But for me, kendo was all I had. Everything I enjoyed and everything I worried about was all about kendo."

-You were so absorbed in kendo that you couldn't see anything else.

Kohmoto"When I entered society, I thought about giving up kendo, which was the most important thing to me. Looking back, I feel like I wouldn't have been able to make that decision without kendo."

-Did you get a job after graduating from university?

Kohmoto"After graduating from university, I got a job and worked hard, but because I had quit kendo, I felt like I was hanging in the balance. I had nothing to rely on. I didn't have a clear idea of ​​what I wanted to do."

-What made you decide to pursue a career as an actor?

Kohmoto"At that time, I thought,I think I'm looking for something too certain.When I decided to quit kendo, I was looking for something certain, and when I'm trying to find something I want to do, I'm still looking for something certain.Based on my interest level, I thought I'd try something.'

-So even if you're just interested, you should give it a try!

Kohmoto"At that time, my favorite thing to do was watch movies.Since I had given up Kendo, which had been everything to me, to become a salaryman, I decided to take the plunge and pursue acting, which I was interested in. And so I came to Tokyo.

It was scary, sure, but think about it.You still go into a haunted house even if it scares you. If your fear and interest are on the same level, you can do it. If your interest level is low, you'll probably end up feeling anxious rather than scared. I think it's better not to go if it's something you're only half-hearted about.'

ーThis idea will be helpful to those who are currently struggling.

Every work site is like a human life, and it is packed with all the emotions of joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness.

Kohmoto"I started my career as a stage actor.Although I had no acting experience, I was lucky enough to get to know Koki Mitani before he became famous.

His stance was, "I won't give you any instructions, so please act freely." If it doesn't suit his taste, you'll be left out. In a way, I'm grateful to Mitani for letting me encounter something so uncertain. Since I started acting, Mitani has been my mentor. When I asked him if it would be okay if I had no acting experience,"You won't know until you try."He said to me,

-You've been blessed with great encounters with Professor Takahashi! What do you find rewarding about your current job?

Kohmoto"I find it rewarding wherever I work.Every time is both difficult and fun. The reason is that I approach each job as if it were a lifetime. I pack in all the emotions of life, from the beginning to the end.So I give it my all every time and then die. It's like a cicada. The period during which they sing is short, but I want to die crying my eyes out. That's the feeling I have when I go on set."

-Every episode is a drama.

Kohmoto"A human's life is only about 50 years long at most, so I'm always conscious of concentrating on this moment.For example, when you're listening to someone talk, you might find it boring halfway through. But if you persevere and listen, you might hear something that opens your eyes. Similarly, when watching a movie, if you persevere, you might get goosebumps at the end of the scene.I think it's beneficial to be 100% present in every moment."

-Even Mr. Komoto, have there been times when you weren't able to concentrate 100%?

Kohmoto"In the past, I would read too much into the intentions of the people I was cast in and control the role. Looking back, that was a mistake. It was a form of control that put too much faith in myself.Always put in all your energy. The necessary control should come naturally from past experiences.That's why I try to give it my all and not hold back. I only have this moment now."

-The words "I'm naturally in control" are encouraging.

Kohmoto"Actors are creatures who don't create anything on their own. If they're not cast, they're like floating spirits. They can't exist unless someone takes the picture for them.I thought it was a miracle that I was cast, and I just had to do my best. I used to be hesitant, but recently I've been working with that mindset.I'm not the kind of person who never hesitates. The way you live your life can change completely depending on your mindset."

-These words make me think...

If you think, "I can't be wrong," you can take action.

Kohmoto"I don't have a single word that I can say to others, 'Do this.' I'm simply putting my own thoughts into words. Even if it's not the correct answer, I tell myself, 'It can't be wrong!' (laughs)"

- You have to think in dualistic terms. It's similar to Zen thinking!

Kohmoto"If you search for the right answer, you won't be able to move forward.However, when I think, "I can't be wrong," I feel motivated to take action. Searching for the right answer takes time. It also has the disadvantage of not being able to express what you are thinking directly."

- Mr. Komoto, you've been successful by being creative with your mindset. I learned a lot from that!

Kohmoto"What I have said is not everything, so I hope you will keep it in the back of your mind. I am still a person who is only halfway through my journey."

Summary

- Evaluating yourself from a bird's-eye view and fine-tuning your mindset. I think this is the key to your success.

"Even if it's just an interest, it can't be wrong," he thought, and took action. There are few words more encouraging than this for those who are worried about their future career path or their current job. I got the impression that he embodies the secret of kendo, "sacrifice."

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today!