Fuku Suzuki moves on to the next phase of his career

It may come as a surprise to some people, but celebrated ‘child actor’ Fuku Suzuki is now 19 years old.

Today, Suzuki is a college student, but he continues to pursue his acting ambitions, most recently in the musical “Colorful,” which premiered on July 22.

Tokyo-born Suzuki made his acting debut at age 1, playing twins in the 2011 TV drama “Marumo no Okite,” from which the film “Maru Maru Mori Mori!” emerged. theme song hit.

This year, Suzuki appeared in the TV show ‘Kamen Rider Geats’, where he transforms into Kamen Rider Ziin, and has worked as an MC on the morning show ‘ZIP!’ from Nippon TV. on Thursdays.

“Colorful” is based on the novel of the same name by Eto Mori. The spirit of the main character, “Boku” – a generally masculine term meaning “I” or “me” in Japanese – is guided by an angel named Prapura into the body of Makoto, a high school student who recently committed suicide . Boku a second chance at life. As Makoto becomes more involved with his family and classmates, his worldview begins to change and Boku’s transgressions before death are gradually revealed.

“It’s difficult to play the role [of Boku]Suzuki said. “It’s hard to be sure whether I’m playing the role of Boku or Makoto, or the Boku who lives as Makoto. [As an actor] I have to be convincing when I go from one scene to another.”

Addressing the transition from a long-respected novel to musical theater, Suzuki opined, “I hope audiences will find the production joyful and heartfelt. If we are tied to the present, we cannot see the future. [‘Colorful’] teaches us to look at ourselves objectively and from multiple perspectives, while at the same time highlighting the importance of living simply.”

In the musical, the role of Prapura is played by Jay Kabira, and the script, lyrics and direction are by Caori Covayashi.

The show runs until August 6 at the Setagaya Public Theater in Tokyo. The show then moves to the Hyogo Performing Arts Center on August 12 and 13; Art Tower Mito ACM Theater on August 19-20; and the Kasugai Civic Auditorium in Aichi Prefecture on August 26 and 27.

The Yomiuri Shimbun asked Suzuki 20 questions, detailed below:

The Yomiuri Shimbun: What do you like about musicals?

Fuku Suzuki: I can empathize with the character I play; it is exciting.

Yomiuri: What do you find difficult about the musical theater format?

Suzuki: I have to sing, dance and act in time with the rhythm.

Yomiuri: “Colorful” features Jay Kabira, with whom you co-starred in “Big Fish” in 2017. What are Kabira’s strengths?

Suzuki: His acting, singing and dancing all excel. His presence alone enlivens scenes and he makes me feel at ease. He’s the kind of person I want to be.

Yomiuri: Which musical would you like to perform in?

Suzuki: When I was a kid, I really wanted to be in “The Lion King,” but now I’m more drawn to “Big Fish.” I would like to play an adult role.

Yomiuri: Was there a moment when you realized you were no longer a child actor?

Suzuki: When I was in high school, director Yoshihiro Nakamura said to me, “You are no longer a child actor.” Since then I have tried to work from the premise that I am a… [adult] actor. I need to improve the quality of my work.

Yomiuri: Who are your influences?

Suzuki: I’m a big fan of Mr. Kazuya Kamenashi. I feel the care, kindness and love [in his art]. When I worked with Mr. Seishiro Kato, I was impressed by the way he said, “That’s nice,” and I realized that I had to cherish that feeling. My main influences are Ms. Mana Ashida and Mr. Sadawo Abe, as well as my parents and Mr. Nakamura. Also, Mr. Hideo Tsuchida, who directed the play I performed last year, taught me a lot about exercise. I use his advice a lot in ‘Colorful’.

Yomiuri: What was your most challenging work?

Suzuki: The movie “Yokai Ningen Bem” (humanoid monster Bem) was tough. I was always on the go.

Yomiuri: What has been your favorite role so far?

Suzuki: “Kamen Rider Geats” and the movie “Saber + Zenkaiger: Superhero Senki.” I was so happy to be involved in something I love. One day I hope to make a film about an idea I’ve called “Kamen Rider Pizza.”

Yomiuri: What do you take into account when you perform?

Suzuki: I’m always aware of who I’m working with. It is important to be aware of the roles of others.

Yomiuri: What role would you like to play?

Suzuki: I’m happy to do anything, but if forced to make a choice, I would like to do more action roles.

Yomiuri: What has changed in your life since you became a university student?

Suzuki: I’m always super short on time when it comes to completing my assignments.

Yomiuri: What do you hope to learn during your studies?

Suzuki: I like to study different forms of communication from different perspectives. I have an idea that I would like to try out as it could be useful in the production of plays, dramas and films. So I want to see through it.

Yomiuri: Do you like your name? (Fuku means ‘happiness’ in Japanese.)

Suzuki: I like it a lot. It is very easy for people to remember.

Yomiuri: You have three younger siblings. What kind of older brother are you?

Suzuki: I think I’m a pretty good big brother. When I’m out of town, I buy souvenirs for my siblings. I play with them, and we even take baths together.

Yomiuri: How would you describe your personality?

Suzuki: A person who wants to enjoy everything.

Yomiuri: Are you still singing “Maru Maru Mori Mori!”?

Suzuki: Not anymore, but I’m always happy when my friends do that.

Yomiuri: What is your favorite food or drink?

Suzuki: I like matcha. I’m currently in about the ninth wave of my matcha obsession.

Yomiuri: What scares you?

Suzuki: It is not possible to obtain the required credits.

Yomiuri: Which person would you most like to meet?

Suzuki: Mr. Shohei Ohtani.

Yomiuri: What’s been bothering you lately?

Suzuki: I don’t have enough time to do everything.