A3! Spotlight

A3! Spotlight
A3! Spotlight
Released	January 27, 2020
Pages	40
Publisher	Liber Entertainment

A3! Spotlight is a special publication released for A3!'s 3rd anniversary. It was distributed in selected shops starting January 27, 2020. A free digital copy was made available on the same day on the A3! Third Anniversary website.

Interview

Spring

Itaru Chigasaki

Even the reactions of the audience are alive; this moved me.

——— Itaru Chigasaki

I hear you had no acting experience before you entered MANKAI Company. When did you realize acting was fun?
Itaru	Before I started acting myself, I didn't have experience watching plays either, soo I didn't truly understand that plays were different to dramas or movies. But when I actually stood on stage, I realized that the faces of the audience in front of us would change in real time in response to the live performance we gave. Even the reactions of the audience are alive; this moved me. Additionally, as someone who had been on the consumer side up until then, I found it refreshing to think that the play we were performing was giving something to the audience. Of course, this also added to the pressure......I think I might have gained more respect for the creators I'd personally looked up to before.
Has anything major changed since you started acting?
Itaru	At the very least, my fitness has improved. When you gain stamina, it makes a bit of difference to the fatigue you feel after pulling an all-nighter, too. I've begun to think I can't quite make fun of the muscle-brained members who work out all the time. ......Ah, I don't pull all-nighters for anything other than work, so don't worry about that.
What do you do when you're not acting?
Itaru	......That's top secret. Kidding. Please excuse me; I just wanted to try saying it. In general, I have a fulfilling private life and recharge my batteries in preparation for the start of the next play run. Something like having more bags under my eyes at the end of a holiday and getting scolded by (Izumida) Azami when getting my makeup done......It's never happened. Honestly.
What's an unforgettable play for you?
Itaru	That has to be our fifth play, "Knights of Round IC THE STAGE". It was my first time in a lead role, and I was even able to speak to the audience before the play started on the first day. The original work was one which held a lot of meaning to me personally, so I was instantly motivated. Being able to work with Hoshii-san from End Links (the company which released "Knights of Round IV") is one of the top-class memories of my life......If I told my past self, I wouldn't believe it. Also, in order not to destroy the image of the original character, I was entrusted with some directing too, which was also a big experience. It's really difficult to tell others the image in your head and give them clear advice on how to approach that image. Thanks to this, I gained a newfound respect for the Director and (Kashima) Yuzo-san, who always gives us advice. Knowing how to put things into words and communicate effectively - these are both essential skills for businessmen, so I think I was able to use the skills I had somewhat, but......I still have a long way to go.

krsh

Summer

Tenma Sumeragi

Every day, just as there's sleeping, waking, and eating, there is an 'act'.

——— Tenma Sumeragi

As someone who's been active in the industry since childhood, you have a long career history, but what does acting mean to you?
Tenma	Acting is me myself: "Tenma Sumeragi". I've been acting since I was born; I've lived my whole life acting. Every day, just as there's sleeping, waking, and eating, there is an 'act'. That's why I wouldn't be myself right now if I weren't acting, and I think this will be the case in the future as well. I wonder who I'll be when I stop acting......I can't even imagine it.
What's an unforgettable play for you?
Tenma	The Spring Troupe's debut play, "Romeo & Julius". Watching this play, I felt the charm of a play performed in theatre. It convinced me to challenge myself to theatre, which I'd always avoided previously. If RomiJuli hadn't existed......If that performance by (Sakuma) Sakuya and the Spring Troupe, I think I'd only ever be the "Tenma Sumeragi" in front of the camera. Also, I have to mention the Summer Troupe's debut play, "Water me!". The most important thing is to give your best performance; failure won't be tolerated; you're not a pro if you don't perfectly handle everything that's desired of you......That's how I thought. I caused trouble for the Director and the Summer Troupe, but thanks to this I was able to grow both as an actor and as an individual. Most importantly......You can't do it on your own, but if you're with friends, you can create something that's "the best", even if it's not "perfect". If I hadn't joined MANKAI Company and experienced this play, I wouldn't have understood it all my life. "Romeo & Julius" and "Water me!" are two plays which undeniably changed my life.
Have you had an unforgettable audience interaction?
Tenma	It'd be whenI was standing in the lobby saying farewell to the audience after my first performance. That day, I'd completely messed up my lines......It was okay because I ad-libbed and turned it into a joke, but personally, it wasn't a good thing at all, so I was a bit down. After that, several of the audience members came and told me, "That was the best". It really brought home the idea that you could create the "best" work without it being "perfect". Of course, a mistake is a mistake. I practiced the line I messed up over and over again so I wouldn't repeat that mistake.
Please tell us your outlook on the future.
Tenma	Whether on stage or on the screen, I want to receive a big award. In addition to giving you status as an actor, I think it's an accomplishment which demonstrates your presence, and it's proof that you've been acknowledged. Of course, I plan on earning individual awards, but......it might not be bad to earn one with friends, too.

krsh

Muku Sakisaka

”I love seeing the smiles of our guests from on top of the stage.”

——— Muku Sakisaka

ーIt seems that you started theatre after joining MANKAI Company, are there any especially unforgettable plays?
Muku	I have many memories with all of the plays so this is a difficult question, but… The first lead role I received, my role in our 6th play “The Floral Prince” as Prince Florence is special after all. The image of a prince has always been my role model, but It’s also a rather distant figure. The fact that I could stand on stage as Prince Florence was of course thanks to everyone in Summer Trope, everyone in the company who supported me, and the Director. Believing myself and holding my chest… I’d like to remember that, no matter what role I receive from now on. On another note, in our 5th play, “First Crush Baseball”, I got to stand in the same stage as Kyuu-chan (Hyodo Kumon) for the first time, and I’ll never forget it. Ever since our beloved Kyuu-chan joined the company, I’ve come to love Summer Trope even more!
As an actor, are there any habits you keep in mind?
Muku	I’ve been putting more attention on maintaining my personal appearance and posture more than before. MANKAI Company’s stage is rather small, and there aren't that many actors on stage at once. Regardless of the size of your role, you’re always in the customer’s sight when you’re on stage. The role (Minagi) Tsuzuru-kun gave me, the costume (Rurikawa) Yuki-kun made for me... it is also my duty to show the charm of their work. I realized that even a plain, childish, withered bulging weed like me is “seen by people”, and so I try to look nicer even for just a little bit.
Do you think you’re the type of actor to get immersed in your role?
Muku	I always try to “befriend” my role at the start. Going on adventures with Nora while playing with cat tails, or reading nautical charts with henry while eating snacks! ….A-as I thought I’m weird aren’t I? I understand that myself, but, delusion…. Or so you’d call it, I’m good at enjoying things using my imagination. Doing that, becoming friends with them, I’ll come to understand more about them and their charms, I’ll try imagining scenarios with them that aren’t written in the script and expand the role in myself. Supplementing with our imagination… you could say we gather our role like that, I suppose.
From above the stage in Sakisaka-san’s eyes, what kind of scenery do you see?
Muku	The truth is that from above the stage you can clearly see the guests’ faces! Even if the lighting falls dark, I can see our guests’ shining smiles.... Even though the lights are on me, I end up thinking “They’re so dazzling…” when I see it. I’m really glad that our plays can make such radiant smiles, and I love seeing the smile of our guests from on top of the stage.

Retiredstarmia

Autumn

Azami Izumida

By trying various things, you can assure the many potentials of a play.

——— Azami Izumida

It seems that you didn’t have any theatre experience. When was the moment you realized your had interest in plays?
Azami	When I first started, I thought that doing theatre means there’s lots of stuff you have to memorize, lots of stuff you have to do on stage, and that it’s such a headache, I was somewhat stubborn about it. But after the lines got in my head and when my body remembers my movement around the stage, I realize that being on stage is a breeze. Though I don’t got much experience yet, If I can make it easier, there are extra things I can add to theatre basics and approaches I can try changing in every performance. I realized that by trying various things, you can assure the many potentials of a play. From there the thoughts in my head increase, and the real thing could be much more fun than ever.
Now then. Ever since you started theatre, were there any big changes from before?
Azami	I’ve been doing a bunch of self-taught study of makeup from before, but after I started theatre I started doing hair arrange too, and I started studying lots about stage makeup. After all, I think doing makeup that can shine on stage is a special skill. When I see that each person has their own special way of mastering it, it becomes a really good reference to me. When I heard from someone in the trope that there was a show with interesting costume and makeup, I went to watch it with (Rurikawa) Yuki-san. It’s also pretty fun to chat about this and that on the way home, planning the next play’s makeup and outfit. With Yuki-san, rather, we both respect each other’s sense, everytime we do it together I end up thinking “As I thought person’s sense is amazing” a lot, so I’m glad we can team up. I can say I respect him.
ーAs an actor, are there any habits you keep in mind?
Azami	Dunno if it’s as an actor, but as the designated hairdresser, I think have to do skincare that can be an example to teach all the other guys in the company. Depending on how much you care for your skin daily, the makeup’s finish can get inconsistent. From now on I’m gonna watch all of those guys closely and strictly.
ーIzumida-san, what do you think is MANKAI Company’s charm and challenge point?
Azami	For skin, it’s like a severe test. Before I joined the trope I mostly used cosmetics on my own face, but everyone’s nature and moisture and personal color is different so it’s seriously a pain to think of makeup that suits each one of them when there’s so many of them. Even so, it really is interesting. Though thanks to that, I really realize that this is what I want to do in the future, and gained confidence in it. Well, I’m grateful to them for that. What I think isn’t enough is individual care. (Yukishiro) Azuma-san gets a perfect score, but there’s so many members that need to watch their lifestyle and diet. I intend to continue making everyone more aware of this.

Retiredstarmia

Winter

Hisoka Mikage

「何者でもなかったオレを、役者・御影密にしてくれた場所」
The place that took in someone who was less than a nobody, and made me into an actor

——— Hisoka Mikage

To start off, I’d like to ask, do you think of yourself as the type of actor who gets immersed in a role?
Hisoka	… I’ve never really thought about it as “acting” out a role. For example, with Liam from the Winter Troupe’s sixth play, all I thought about was “becoming Liam”. So usually, before I even memorize my lines, I have to bring Liam to life as a person inside me. His height, weight, vision, dominant hand, mannerisms… What’s written in the script is only the tiniest glimpse into Liam’s life, so I imagine things like his upbringing, how he became casino regular, how he met Catherine. If I do that, I can get into Liam’s head, easily memorize the lines, and the movements just come to me as well… I don’t know if this is a good method or not, but it’s the only one I know, so it’s what I’ve always done. But I think that it’s important to bring Liam to life as a real, existent person on stage, so I don’t think I’ll be changing my ways any time soon.
ーIf you had never met MANKAI Company, what do you think you’d be doing now?
Hisoka	… I’d be a nobody, just a human-shaped…. something. If I had never met the troupe, and never remembered what was precious to me, then I think I’d just be wandering around somewhere like a ghost. Since who knows when, I’d been empty, with nothing to me but my own name. But with Winter Troupe and the director, by acting with everyone in MANKAI, I’m being filled up more and more… Now, I have plenty of memories and recollections, a home I love, and a family that’s precious to me… I’m overflowing with so much. I’m not empty anymore… The place that took someone who was less than a nobody, and made me into an actor, Mikage Hisoka. That’s what MANKAI Company is to me.
Since it’s had such a huge impact on your life, what do you think is the appeal of MANKAI Company?
Hisoka	Everyone gets close to one another and accepts each other as they are… they’re all very kind people. I owe a lot to their kindness as well, and I think that kindness is what allows us to put on good plays, by making our audience emphathise with and feel close to our characters. But sometimes the people at MANKAI are so nice that it worries me a bit. The world isn’t just filled with kind, nice people like the ones at MANKAI Company… But, I think he worries a bit more about that than I do.
What do you do on your days off?
Hisoka	I work part-time jobs. Usually ones recommended by people from the troupe. I like working with animals, or jobs where I can just quietly work on my own, so I tend to have more of those. But working in hospitality or service lets you interact with lots of different people, which will inform my craft… or at least, that’s what I’ve been told. I’m not great at dealing with people, so it’s a bit annoying but… I’ve decided to live as an actor, so I’ll start trying more of those sorts of jobs. Right now, all my part-times are either day labor or temp work, so I’d like to settle at a single job soon. I’ve got rehearsals and performances, so it’d be nice if I could get a job with flexible shift schedules, where I can eat marshmallows while working, and I won’t get in trouble if I doze off sometimes. If you happen to know of any, please contact Mankai Company, thank you very much.

Carpfish

Guy

「これからも壁にぶつかり、もがきながら舞台に立っていく」
From now on, I’ll continue to hit against walls, struggle through challenges, and keep standing upon the stage

——— Guy

From what I understand, you had no prior experience in acting up until joining MANKAI company. Was there anything you found particularly challenging?
Guy	I've always had a hard time displaying my emotions... rather, I thought that I had no emotions at all. So during my first performance, Winter Troupe’s fourth play “Le Fantôme de l'Opéra”, when tasked with the Phantom’s quiet sadness, or his tumultuous hatred and rage… it took some time for me to be able to portray such intense emotions. But everyone in Winter Troupe patiently persevered along with me through this trial, and thanks to them, I was finally able to give a satisfactory performance as the Phantom.
Is there anything that you have discovered from all these trials and struggles leading up to performance?
Guy	A “friend” who’s always been with me… and by whose side I’ve sworn to remain now and going forward, as well as… the “warmth” that that friend had found here in this country, at MANKAI Company. This is the first time in my life that I’ve ever had either. To me, they have become irreplaceable treasures. From now on, I’ll continue to hit against walls, struggle through challenges, and keep standing upon the stage. But I believe that along with my friend, as well as all the comrades I’ve met here at MANKAI Company, there are still more fantastic things I’ve yet to discover.
Any particularly unforgettable interactions with your audience?
Guy	It was a few days after the opening of Winter Troupe’s fifth play, “Die By The Sword”… When reading fans’ letters about their feelings on the play, there were several letters with greetings written in Zahran. Not only is Zahran a relatively uncommon language, its characters can be rather complicated to write as well. It must have taken great study and effort, but it conveyed how earnestly the letters were written, and I remember they made me very happy. I’ve gotten more and more of those sorts of letters recently, and when I meet fans at the theater or Veludo Way there have been a few people that have spoken to me in Zahran as well. Never had I imagined that I would be able to hear the language of my homeland spoken here, in this country so far away, from the people of this country. Thank you. Zahra is a small but wonderful country. The food is delicious, and the crafts are beautiful. This may come as a surprise, but our technology is cutting-edge as well. Just like Citronia (Citron), I think from now on I will try to share the many charms of Zahra. If you happen to be interested, please feel free to speak to me about it at any time.
Lastly, tell us your thoughts on the future.
Guy	As an actor, I still have far to go. I may not catch up to the rest of Winter Troupe’s acting expertise any time soon, but so that I can stand proudly side by side with them, I won’t lose in terms of hard work or passion. Personally though… Actually, there is something I am working on right now. I can’t yet say exactly what, but once preparations have been made I will announce it on the troupe blog and such. I hope you will look forward to it, as well as the plays of course.

Carpfish

Spotlight Pick Up - Spring & Summer

Chikage Utsuki

Out of the roles you've played, which character do you think you'd get along best with?
Chikage	This sort of thing seems more up Chigasaki's alley, so I just asked him about it. He said that my personality is the complete opposite of Gawain's ("Knights of Round IV THE STAGE") hotblooded disposition, so we'd complement each other well, and might make an unexpectedly good duo. And after that he started going on about what weapons I'd use if I were in the KniRoun universe, what class I'd be, how to recruit me to the party... It got rather troublesome.
Please teach us how to tell if someone is lying!
Chikage	Haha. Even I can't always tell if someone is lying, you know. But one technique, is to stare hard at what the person thinks is their most charming feature for several seconds... Well, if you believed that so easily, then seeing through lies might be rather difficult for you.

Carpfish

Muku Sakisaka

You’ve acted a prince role in “The Floral Prince”, but what kind of role would you like to try next?
Muku	I think Itaru-san’s Lancelot role is great, so I want to try playing the role of a cool and honest knight! Also, I’ve said this to everyone but I find villain roles admirable as well. Especially Tsumugi-san, his villain act is always thrilling. There’s a charming method that’s different from being cool or beautiful, you could say. It would be nice If I could become someone who can do such act in the future to…
Please tell us a shoujo manga line that you think is lovely!
Muku	In page 45 of the latest ”Strawberry☆Drop Merciー！” issue, the broken hearted heroine visits Paris and meets a rich young man named Fabian-kun who said a line that goes, “Even if I don’t have money, even if I lose my dreams I can keep living. ...Because I have my love for you.” ! The situation is very nice too, please give it a read!

Retiredstarmia

Spotlight Pick Up - Autumn & Winter

Azami Izumida

Is there a role you want to try in the future?
Azami	Autumn Trope sells as an action packed and manly group, I think I might want to take on more roles with intense and violent sword-fights. Plus, I think rampaging with all our strength on stage is fun… Our 5th and 6th play had a lot of fist fighting characters, but I’m interested in fighting with props too. I wanna try flashy long props like katanas at least once.
Which member is the most worth doing makeup to?
Azami	If we’re talking about makeup shine, definitely Tsumugi-san. Even for the Ooku makeup, he was the one who turned out best. He’s the type that can change on a stage, so it was very rewarding and fun. On the contrary, people with faces that has strong impression like Guy-san and Citron-san might burn, in a different meaning. Mostly we do makeup that can let their face breathe, but maybe one day I’d like to try making them look like completely different people.

Retiredstarmia

Hisoka Mikage

Do you ever get sleepy or want to eat marshmallows in the middle of a performance?
Hisoka	Not really. I’m pretty in-character during performances. But as a result, once we’re done, I’ll sleep a lot and eat more marshmallows than usual… or at least that’s what Arisu and the rest of Winter Troupe tell me. Probably because I’m really tired after. Tasuku’s told me to build up my stamina and invited me to train with him, but I usually just pretend to be asleep when that happens.
Tell us about your latest napping spots.
Hisoka	Ever since the sixth Winter Troupe play, I’ve really liked the dorm attic. It gets good sunlight, and it’s quiet whenever the Manager isn’t in his room. Misumi or the cats sometimes get in there, and Masumi’s suddenly joined in on napping there too. Sleeping alone is fine, but whenever I sleep with someone else, it gets kind of warm…. Not that that’s too bad, I guess.

Carpfish

Guy

About how long does it take you to memorize your lines?
Guy	The lines themselves I can memorize after reading the script once. It seems that my memory is rather good. However, making sure that I can recite each word without mistake, adding emotion to those lines, timing them with movements… it takes quite a while before it is ready to be performed. Depending on the role, it can take about 3 to 4 weeks time, I think.
Are there any words, or four-word idioms in Japanese that you like?
Guy	”Tana kara botamochi” - red bean mochi from the flower trellis, meaning an unexpected stroke of good fortune. When I first heard the phrase, I had a rather surreal image in mind. I understood once I found out the meaning, but at the same time it reminded me of how I was able to meet MANKAI company. I never thought that I would have such an important encounter while chasing Citronia to Japan. Being together with everyone has now become my normal everyday, but this idiom is one that reminds me of the beginning, and reaffirms this joy and happiness that I have now.

Carpfish