Japanese actor Susumu Fukasaku appeared on the recent episode of Nippon TV's "MeshiDora: Kanekichi & Shinnosuke's Gourmet Drive," sharing memorable anecdotes from his early career and paying tribute to his idol, the late Hiroki Matsukata. The 61-year-old actor, who has been in the industry for 38 years, reflected on his experiences and the respect he holds for iconic figures within the acting community.
During the show, which aired on December 28, Fukasaku was joined by comedians Kanekichi Daiki and Mitsushima Shinnosuke as they drove through Kamakura City. Their conversation naturally drifted to Fukasaku's illustrious career beginnings. When asked by Mitsushima if he was always passionate about movies, Fukasaku candidly replied, "I'm not really attached to movies." This surprising admission sparked curiosity among the hosts about his initial steps toward acting.
Unpacking his entry to the acting world, Fukasaku recalls joining the Kenyuukai, where sword-fighting classes were led by dance teachers during his early 20s. He mentioned the absence of video rental stores back then, leading him to frequent niche movie theaters to watch classics like "Tsubaki Sanjuro," which starred Toshiro Mifune. Fukasaku stated, "Once I started watching movies, I realized how interesting they were," marking the beginning of his love for cinema.
A gallant moment occurred on the show when Fukasaku was asked about who inspired him starting out. He immediately cited Matsukata, recalling how, as a rookie, he had the privilege to work with him on the film "A Homance," directed and starred by Matsukata. He shared, "Even with hardly any lines, being told 'that's good' by him gave me confidence. Hearing such praise from someone like Matsukata was significant. It was the start line for me as an actor."
Throughout the show, humor unfolded among the trio, especially when Fukasaku humorously noted the misinformation about names, addressing the infamous mix-up when Kanekichi and Mitsushima continually referred to Fukasaku as “Terashima” instead of the correct “Terajima.” Fukasaku deftly played along, showcasing the light-hearted nature of their interactions as they both apologized profusely, saying, “We are terribly sorry.”
The comic relief continued when Mitsushima encouraged the use of the correct name, leading to amusing banter. Kanekichi laughed and suggested, “Let’s always put more emphasis on the right name next time!” to which Fukasaku smiled, embracing the humor of the situation.
Later, they discussed the deep respect established actors command, with Fukasaku underlining how much he appreciates the legacy of figures like Matsukata and the importance of treating their accolades and names with the utmost respect. He expounded on the sense of responsibility young actors hold as they navigate their careers, mentioning the collective atmosphere of admiration for veterans during his formative years.
The show captured not only the essence of Fukasaku's experiences and respect for his peers but also offered viewers insights on the richness and camaraderie within the entertainment industry. His stories of Matsukata added depth to their conversation, blending nostalgia with humor.
Fukasaku's light-hearted demeanor, embedded with both tribute and jest, conveyed how gratitude and mutual respect play pivotal roles as actors evolve within the industry. This portrayal leaves the audience with both entertainment and appreciation for the craftsmanship involved behind the scenes of the celebrity world.
