Tsukaji Taka of the comedy duo Drunk Dragon recently shared his experience as a backup dancer during the NHK New Year's Eve concert, known as Kōhaku Uta Gassen, where he performed alongside the renowned singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu.
During the performance, Yonezu sang his hit song "Sayōnara Mata Itsuka!" which was the theme song for the NHK drama series 'Tsubasa ni Tora'. The night was remarkable not only for the music but also for the appearances from various cast members of the drama. Among them was actress Sairi Ito, who played the lead role and participated as one of the backup dancers for Yonezu.
Tsukaji, who featured as a lawyer named Kumono in the same drama, shared with viewers the unique position he found himself in during the event. Despite his character appearing earlier in the drama segment, his role as a backup dancer required him to adapt to the performance seamlessly.
“I was called just for the dance block, so I had to make sure I stood out. I put extra effort to be as memorable as possible,” Tsukaji recounted during his appearance on NHK’s 'Dota Studio'. His statement reflects the pressures and expectations faced by performers on such prestigious platforms, where every moment counts.
The concert's format allowed for beautiful transitions between the drama and music, but for Tsukaji, it meant he had to think differently. The other cast members had seamlessly moved from their acting roles to the dance performance. “I wasn’t part of the drama block, so I had to work harder to catch the audience's eye during the dance block,” he explained. This adaptation is common among performers who must juggle multiple roles within the fast-paced world of live entertainment.
The event showcased not only Yonezu’s musical prowess but also the incredible synergy between performance art forms, combining drama and music to create memorable entertainment for viewers.
Tsukaji’s experience highlights the dedication and effort put forth by all performers involved, as they collectively brought joy to millions of viewers across Japan during the festive season.