[Animage] Interview with Nakada Hiroki, Takenaka Ryohei and Neeko for Katekyo Hitman Reborn the Stage ~episode of Future~

 

 The 5th stage of the Ribosute series, this time it will be the Future part adapted into a play!

 We interviewed Neeko and Takenaka Ryohei, who have been following this series since the first show came out, and Nakada Hiroki, who played Byakuran, Tsuna's biggest enemy in this work, about their thoughts of the final chapter of the series!

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 So grateful that we will be able to welcome the long-awaited "Future Part"!

---Please tell us know how you feel when the implementation of this work is decided.

Neeko: Although it was a bit vague, from the moment the first play was being on stage, I had a faint expectation that "I wish I could go all the way to the Future Part" and then the next plays were being on stage bit by bit, so I feel like "It's finally here" now. Also, since it's the final chapter, there have been so many things. My feeling is "Thank you everyone during that time!", thanks to everyone, we can look forward to "Future Part" like that.

Takenaka: I'm really so happy. Also, since "Varia Part" had a way of ending with a hint of "Future Part", I was relieved to be able to make "Future Part" a reality without sacrificing the expectations of all the fans. I feel a bit lonely since this is the last chapter, but it's still too early to feel that way, so I think I have to train myself and do my best to the end.

---And Nakada-san will also participate in this project

Nakada: Now that it's been almost 17 years after the first original manga series, I'm really happy to be a part of this still-loved work. Furthermore, I was able to participate in that "Future Part" too! Even it was just a joke, and everyone in the company is still very attached to each other, but I got the most delicious piece (lol).

Neeko: Ahaha! (lol)

Takenaka: Because you're the last boss (lol).

Nakada: It's a really important role. After all, I can't deny this responsibility because it's so delicious. Vongo Family has overcome many different challenges so far, and I have to become the biggest "wall" to challenge them that they have to overcome. I think I should try to do it while thinking about my position like that. 

---Is there any pressure to take the role of Byakuran?

Nakada: There's a lot (bitter smile)

Neeko: I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in the battle between Tsuna and Byakuran!

Takenaka: We'll keep flying to the sky, right. I wonder how it will happen.

Nakada: Can't imagine it. There are many types of battles in "REBORN!", and there are also many scenes where equipment is used to levitate. That's why I prepared for it to be very difficult.

Takenaka: There really are a lot. The battle with XANXUS also had to fly in the sky in the original manga. In the stage version, after first showing the projection mapping, the rest of the battle was left to the imagination of the audiences. 

Nakada: Have you ever floated while you kept doing the performance?

Takenaka: I wish I could do that! (lol)

Neeko: lol

Takenaka: But maybe I was floating about 3 cm without even knowing it.

Nakada: And, if you use it this time

Takenaka: I think I can fly!!

Neeko: (Looking at the conversation between they two) Great friendship ~!

Nakada: I already knew him so I was excited (lol). As for Neeko-san, this is the first time we've met.

Neeko: Yeah, today is really the first time.

Nakada: So now I'm just pretending to be cool, but inside my heart, I'm really so happy. The real one is appearing in front of my eyes, is there really such a luxurious chance to happen!? I think it would be great for my acting career if I could co-star with Neeko-san.

Neeko: Thank you so much. I'm also looking forward to the arrival of Las Boss-Byakuran, so I'm so excited to see you today too! That's why I definitely want to make my whole body cool today!

Nakada: Waa~ I'm so happy!

Takenaka: Since he always has that stereotype, it's so rare.

Neeko: Yes, it's respect for Byakuran!

The irregular performance format is an area that is unknown to everyone!

---This work has an unusual schedule as it does the first part in Tokyo and then the first and second parts in Osaka.

Takenaka: It's really great thing!

Neeko: The staff of "Ribosute" always "born" the exciting things. I'm always surprised. 

Takenaka: The cast worked hard, but I'm sure the staff would work hard too. However, I feel that the unity of the group is more likely to be created, because we can spend this long time together.

Neeko: From the audience's point of view, I'm someone who can't wait for the sequel, so I'm glad they did it all at once. However, it is too new for the implementer!

Nakada: This is my first time doing such a thing.

Neeko: Ah, so it's really a first for everyone!

---Now I will interview you one by one, starting with Takenaka. Has anything changed since you first played Tsuna in the first performance?

Takenaka: Partly thanks to the support from the audience when the first show was on stage, it seems that I have gradually gained more confidence when taking on the role of Tsuna. Even when I started working out, I think it was a big change that I didn't get lost too much. In the end, I received a lot of cheerful encouragement, which led to my confidence.

---Neeko has also been involved in anime production, but did you discover anything new through Reborn's stage?

Neeko: There are! Anime started about 15 years ago, at that time I myself was in my twenties and still young, so I enthusiastically accepted the role of Reborn. However, as the age increased and it was adapted into the stage, I noticed that the scenes that I could see became very large. Thanks to the stage, I once again understood the so-called "Until now, Reborn has been observing everything around him. And even so, he knows everyone very well".

 ---Nakada, please tell us your impression of Byakuran. How did you feel when you read the original work?

Nakada: The first impression is that he's always cheerful, but he's also creepy. I think he's both scary and not scary. It was a character that made me think "Is this person really the enemy?" If I had read it without knowing anything, I probably wouldn't have thought he was a mastermind. I'm sure that's one of his charms.

---Finally, please give a message to readers who are looking forward to the performance!

Nakada: Although I have only just joined the project starting from this show, but I will do my best to absorb what the companies have accumulated and deepen it so that we can give the audience a world just like the last chapter. Although it's such a time right now, I hope that the power of the stage brings some energy to everyone!

Takenaka: Since wearing a mask is a natural thing every day, I feel less emotional than before. However, I think that with this work, I can convey vitality and strong emotions to the audience through live acting, so I hope you will come to the theater to look forward to it.

Neeko: The scale of "Future Part" is just too big, and you might think "Can this really be made into a stage play!?" However, Tsuna and the others work together to make the impossible possible and return to the peaceful Namori Town. So I think our company has combined to create a great success that is only inferior to what Tsuna and the others did. Everyone's support is indispensable, so please support us to the end! 

Special Question: What would you like to do if you were transported back to 10 years ago by "10-Year-Bazooka"?

Nakada: The replacement time is 5 minutes, right? Then I can quickly jot down a memo. It says “Ten years from now you will become like this, so prepare carefully from now on!”.

Takenaka: Well, is it okay to leave the rules as strict?

Nakada: It's ok (lol)

Takenaka: I used to go to a private high school with very strict school rules, so I was envious when I saw people from other schools being free when they came to school. That's why I want to go to a public high school with light school rules. 

Nakada: In 5 minutes!?

Takenaka: No, no more than 5 minutes! I just want to start over (lol).

Neeko: I don't have anything to start over. Nothing.

Nakada: Uwaa, so cool!

Takenaka: If only I could say the same! My episode is really weak.

Nakada: On the contrary, it's fine to just be like Tsuna.

Neeko: Ahaha!

-Translated by Shiro-