Yuta Hayashi
Born November 2, 2000, in Tokyo. He made his acting debut in 2020 and won the Best Actor Award at the 30th Busan International Film Festival for this film. He has also won Newcomer Awards at several other film awards in Japan, making him one of the most notable young actors today for his outstanding acting skills and presence. He will also appear in the NHK morning drama "Kaze, Kaoru" which will begin airing on March 30th, and Nippon Television's "Oretachi no Hakone Ekiden" which is scheduled to begin airing in October.

--It's been about a year and a half since filming, but when you think back to that summer in Kabukicho, is there anything that still sticks in your mind?
Hayashi Yuta (hereinafter Hayashi): As Mamoru, a young man living a free-spirited life in Kabukicho, this is the scenery of Kabukicho that I walked around with my older brother Takuya (played by Kitamura Takumi).
The feeling is completely different when you look at it from the outside and when you stand there in the city as if it were your own place. It's chaotic and noisy, but that actually makes it feel comfortable, which was a strange feeling.

-What was the most important thing to you when playing Mamoru?
Hayashi: It was about being fully aware of what Mamoru was lacking. He grew up without receiving much love from others, and it was Takuya who filled that emotional wound. As his daily life with Takuya, the first person he could trust, became precarious, I kept thinking about Mamoru's future: what he would do from now on, what choices he would make in life.

--The last scene was also impressive, but I'm curious about Mamoru's future.
Hayashi: What do you think he's doing? The original novel by Jun Nishio has a sequel to "The Fool's Status," called "The Fool's Sprint," so please give it a read (laughs). I was really captivated by it and it made sense to me.

-What kind of inspiration did you get from acting with Kitamura Takumi?
Hayashi: Takumi-kun is truly "someone who acts for others." He's not the type to say what he wants, but I feel reassured that no matter what kind of acting I do, he accepts it all and then gives me back what I need to improve.
He's not just concerned with how to present himself or express himself, but also with acting for the benefit of others - he's a truly generous actor. I want to continue to work hard to become like him.

--It somehow reminds me of the relationship between Mamoru and Takuya.
Hayashi: That's right. The relationship between the two of us when we're not together as Mamoru and Takuya has become a little more like our characters. Thanks to that, I feel like it's become more seamless when we get into and out of character.

-Were there any words of advice you received from Ayano Go?
Hayashi: I didn't have much time to talk with Ayano on set, but during the first read-through he told me, "It's fine the way it is," and when I was having trouble on set he told me, "You'll be okay," which was very reassuring.

--Now that distribution has started, have you received any positive feedback?
Hayashi: So many people have seen it. It makes me especially happy and proud when actors of my generation say things like, "I was inspired by it," or "I can't afford to be complacent anymore."

--Even while watching, I thought it was a role that actors of the same generation would be jealous of. So what kind of work was this for you, Mr. Hayashi?
Hayashi: Without a doubt, this is my masterpiece. Until now, I've often been given roles that are neither good nor evil, neither a child nor an adult, and are torn between these two extremes, but I feel that Mamoru is the culmination of all of that.
This film has been to various film festivals both in Japan and abroad, including today's Mainichi Film Awards. I'm very grateful for this, but it doesn't mean that my acting has improved. What I need to do remains the same: I just need to continue to steadily face the role.

-Please tell us how you feel about winning the Mainichi Film Awards.
Hayashi: This award has a history of 80 years, and all the previous recipients are renowned predecessors. I am honored to have my name listed among them, and I will continue to work hard so as not to bring shame to this honor.

-What are your future plans as an actor?
Hayashi: I want to cherish acting that is uniquely Japanese. For example, being able to tell that a character's emotions are fluctuating without them having to make over-the-top reactions. This kind of expression that conveys strength within stillness is uniquely Japanese, and I think that kind of acting should be more highly regarded in other countries.

--Today's interview is for COREDO Magazine, but did you know about COREDO Muromachi in the first place?
Hayashi: Actually, my parents' house is quite close by, so I often go to see a movie at TOHO CINEMAS Nihonbashi and then buy some sweet potato chips at Nihonbashi Imoya Kinjiro before going home (laughs).

--I see. By the way, do you ever bring gifts to the filming location?
Hayashi: Not that much yet, but sometimes I bring things that I can buy myself. I like sweet things, so I usually bring sweet things.

--As you become more and more active in the future, I think you will have more opportunities to give gifts, so this time I would like to suggest some recommended souvenirs from each of the three stores in COREDO Muromachi.
Hayashi: Of course. I'd be happy!

--First, let's start with the "Freshly Fried Imo Kenpi in Olive Oil" and "Freshly Baked Sweet Potato" from "Nihonbashi Imoya Kinjiro," which Hayashi-san is also familiar with.
Hayashi: Imokenpi is easy to eat and just the right size. The packaging is stylish and the size is just right, so it's perfect for displaying as a gift.

--The fact that this can only be purchased at COREDO Muromachi is also a plus. Please be sure to try the sweet potato treats.
Hayashi: Wow! The potato flavor is so strong.

--It's made by blending two types of potato paste.
Hayashi: I thought it had a great richness, and it turns out it contains Calpis butter. It's very moist, which is great for someone with a sweet tooth.

--Next up is the Saku Langue de Chat from ISHIYA NIHONBASHI, a cafe run by ISHIYA, the company famous for Shiroi Koibito.
Hayashi: The box is really cute. I'm familiar with Shiroi Koibito, of course, but this is the first time I've seen a flavor like this.

--Six types of chocolate are sandwiched between colorful langue de chat cookies.
Hayashi: I can't imagine what it tastes like, so I'll have the "Hokkaido Wine"... It's delicious! It's more delicate and elegant than Shiroi Koibito. I'll definitely use it as a gift. There are so many flavors to choose from, so it's fun, and I think people would be happy if I gave them the whole box.

Finally, we have six types of candy available from Eitaro Sohonpo, which has been in business since the Edo period, including Umeboshi Ame, which originated in the Edo period. These can be purchased at the NIHONBASHI INFORMATION on B1 of COREDO Muromachi 1.
Hayashi: I thought "Umeboshi Ame" would taste like pickled plum, but it's not (laughs). It has a simple, earthy, and gentle sweetness. They're colorful when lined up, and they look lovely.

-Do you ever lick candy on set?
Hayashi: Yes. When I'm waiting, I get hungry and end up eating too much of the sweets that are brought in, so I often distract myself with candy. At times like that, having a cute candy like this really lifts my spirits!