Koyuki Kousaka has left a significant mark since his debut, demonstrating versatility and depth throughout his career. Frequently reflecting on key moments, Kousaka points to his role in the NHK historical drama Shinsengumi! (2004) as transformative, marking a pivotal turning point.
"That was so tough. Until then, I had only experienced brief stints on dramas, so after three months, I was shocked by how much more there was to go," he said, recalling vividly the weight of his character, Kondo Isami. Stressed from the relentless pace of production, Kousaka vividly remembers one particularly overwhelming moment—a stark realization during downtime where he found himself utterly spent, collapsing back stage. "I’ll never forget the day I sat there, Kondo’s costume on, staring blankly, thinking 'how much longer can I endure this'"
The influence of his peers has also significantly shaped Kousaka's approach to his craft. His close friend, Takuya Kimura, and their mutual collaborator, director Kōki Mitani, are consistently named as major influences. He cherishes the dynamic nature of his relationship with Kimura, stating, "Every time I watch him perform, I feel like I’m losing my drive to act; it’s such inspiring work, it makes me think maybe I should just step away. But I recognize it’s all from admiration, from someone I respect so deeply." Kousaka also recounts thorough discussions about performance with Kimura, sharing insights on emotional resonance and the feeling of acting, often revolving around those precious moments when their performances reach unprecedented depths.
Revisiting the fundamentals of acting, Kousaka explains he often draws on specific memories and experiences with fellow actors like Kunie Tanaka. “He always called me ‘big brother’ and found ways to not feel the burden of our heavy work. After late-night shoots, instead of complaining about exhaustion, he would quip, ‘Didn’t we have fun today?’ It enlightened me on how to uplift others, regardless of how tired one might truly feel.”
While they have participated together before, this connection deepens the more Kousaka absorbs from mentors like Tanaka. Kousaka finds himself gradually realizing the importance of not just acting but the relationships one builds on set. This philosophy leads to him addressing shifts throughout his career, especially as he released his recent album, Circus Funk, which debuted last November. The album reflects not just his artistry but also his philosophy of living life without the weight of past regrets. "I prefer living moment by moment; the past is something I deliberately don’t dwell on," he said.
Adding to this sentiment, Kousaka remarked on the lead single, describing it, "We had this phrase about reflecting on the past but had to reshape it. I don’t really want to recall old times but through collaboration with [Yaffle], these lyrics came alive, and I realized, therein lies the meaning of growth.” His work transcends previous boundaries, subtly pushing viewers and listeners to think critically about their own histories.
Kousaka’s recent performances echo this narrative as he prepares for what he describes as his most intriguing role yet. He emphasizes the show's premise allows for unexpected twists, which have surprised even him. "Everyone thinks it’s just another family drama, but when people watch, they’ll see it delves deep, far beyond mere conversations—really hitting subjects we all grapple with," he urged, encouraging viewers to remain open-minded (though he admits, he finds himself equally surprised by the script, saying he’s often saying, ‘Wait, it didn’t go as I thought!’ during table reads).
Overall, Kousaka’s reflections are rooted not only within the parameters of performance but also embedded within collaborative experiences. It creates greater significance and offers personal growth reflective of many contemporary actors’ journeys. Kousaka’s career continues to be characterized by these relationships and his willingness to learn and grow through every new experience.