Renowned actor Kento Watanabe made a memorable appearance on the program "Sunday's First-Year Student" where he opened up about his cherished friendships and unique experiences in Hollywood.
On December 15, Watanabe featured prominently during his interview, engaging with viewers by sharing personal stories and insightful reflections drawn from his extensive career. Known for receiving the Japan Academy Prize for Best Actor twice and nominated for both the American Academy Awards and Tony Awards, he has captivated audiences worldwide, especially with his breakout role in the film "The Last Samurai".
Reflecting on his fascinating Hollywood experiences, Watanabe candidly stated, "I still don’t have contracts. I sign them after work is done." This intriguing comment about his contract dealings gave viewers rare insights about the nuanced workings of Hollywood contracts.
Watanabe also revealed remarkable stories from his life, including the time he heroically saved actor Leonardo DiCaprio during filming. He encouraged audience engagement by showcasing his humor and charm, seamlessly blending personal anecdotes with career highlights.
Another highlight of his appearance was his heartfelt tribute to Sanada Hiroyuki, his companion through the tough times of American film markets. Watanabe expressed his admiration for Sanada, stating it was the first time he revealed his thoughts about him on television, reflecting on the challenges they faced as they pursued their careers abroad.
During the program, Watanabe's deep reflections included pivotal moments from his early career days. He recounted his significant breakthrough under the mentorship of Yukio Ninagawa, moving swiftly from struggling to prominent roles. He reminisced about his role as the lead in the NHK historical drama "Dokuganryu Masamune," recalling the legendary first scene with Toshiro Mifune, with whom he performed live without rehearsal.
Health struggles, including battling acute myeloid leukemia at age 29 and later stomach cancer, deeply affected Watanabe's personal and professional outlook. He shared how these experiences shaped his perspective on life and work, indicating, "After those illnesses, I developed the mindset of living my 'bonus life' and significantly changed my views on work and life after recovery." His willingness to embrace change and growth has inspired many, showing just how resilient he has been through adversity.
Adding to the emotional depth of the episode, Watanabe’s daughter, Anne, made a surprise appearance via video. She spoke about her father’s inspiring life and work, sharing, "I thought he was truly remarkable from the bottom of my heart," bringing warm family dynamics to the forefront of his narrative.
Watanabe’s personality shone through as he shared his love for baseball and his fervent support for the Hanshin Tigers. He also revealed his affection for music, declaring his enthusiasm for attending live concerts by his favorite artist Aimyon. Demonstratively playful, he even recreated scenes from Studio Ghibli films for his grandchildren, showcasing the loving, gentle side he cultivates beyond his public persona as Kento Watanabe.
His candidness about his private life described him as not just the talented, acclaimed actor but also as the kind-hearted man and devoted grandfather. "The more I enjoy my private life, the more it influences my guiding principles as an actor," he expressed thoughtfully.
Overall, Watanabe's episode on "Sunday's First-Year Student" provided audiences with insightful anecdotes, heartwarming family stories, and motivations behind his artistic endeavors. His reflections on friendship, perseverance, and the arts illustrated the man behind the roles, leaving viewers with much to ponder and admire.
Don't miss Watanabe's heartfelt stories and heartfelt moments on "Sunday's First-Year Student," airing on December 15 at 10 PM on the MBS/TBS national network.
