Kaji Yuuki takes on the role of the Grim Reaper! “I hope I can create a sense of discomfort in a good way”… Appearing in “Tales of the Unusual”.
Voice actor Kaji Yuuki will be playing the role of the "Grim Reaper" in the latest edition of the "Tales of the Unusual" series, "Tales of the Unusual '21 Summer Special Edition" (airing June 26, 2021) on Fuji Television Network. We have received a comment from Kaji-san about this.
“Tales of the Unusual" started airing as a regular drama in April 1990. Since then, it has been broadcasted twice a year in the form of special editions and has created a bizarre world of stories by crossing writers and scriptwriters who represent each era with gorgeous actors.
The latest series "Tales of the Unusual '21 Summer Special" features four "strange" episodes. Kaji-san will appear in one of them, "Dead in 15 Seconds”. This will be his first video appearance in a Fuji TV drama.
Kaji-san plays the role of the "Grim Reaper" in this drama. He appears to pick up Mikami Megumi (played by Kichise Michiko), a pharmacist who has died after being shot in the back, and tells her that she has 15 seconds left to live. Kaji-san wears special makeup to play this role. Watch out for the heated theatrical battle with Kichise-san.
Kaji-san also commented on his appearance in the "Tales of the Unusual '21 Summer Special Edition".
“Tales of the Unusual 21: Summer Special" will be broadcasted on June 26, 2021 from 9:00 p.m. on Fuji Television Network.
Comments from Kaji Yuuki
--How did you feel when you were asked to be in this movie?
I'm not a fan of so-called "scary stories", but when I was in elementary school, I plucked up the courage and came into contact with a horror/occult film for the very first time. I was shocked by the fact that the stories were not just "scary" but also "strange," and ever since then it has become my favorite series. I feel that this drama has a wide range of appeal, from stories that make you laugh to those that bring you to tears.
--Your impression after reading the script.
It was very interesting, and I was excited to read the script until the end. This is, as the title says, a "Tale of the Unusual".
--About the role of the "Grim Reaper" in this story.
I felt that it was a very playful character that would have a variety of images depending on the reader. I also felt that it was a very difficult role to play.
--What are your impressions of the role you actually played?
I played the role while thinking about the intention of casting myself as a voice actor and hoping that I could create a sense of "discomfort" in a good way with my voice and acting. After all, the very existence of the "Grim Reaper" itself is foreign to me (laughs). I really enjoyed the challenge of playing a role that I had never played before, even in voice acting.
--They put on special makeup for the play....
It was my first time to use special makeup, so I was simply happy. Moreover, I didn't know that JIRO-san, a top artist in this field, would do my makeup. I was impressed by his exquisite skill in taking the "cat" element of the original story and making it look somewhat human. It was an invaluable experience for me.
--What were your impressions of working with Kichise-san?
It was a two-people show from beginning to end. It was a very stimulating time to interact with Kichise-san, who is a very senior actor. I also learned a lot from her because of her wonderful behavior as a theater director. I was honored to be able to perform with her.
--Have you yourself had any strange experiences like this, which cannot be explained by modern society?
A few years ago, when I was climbing Mt. Fuji. In the middle of the night, weI witnessed several lights moving in a group, which were clearly different from airplanes... that was what my friend who was climbing with me said (laughs).
--Please give a message to the viewers.
It's a bit scary and mysterious, just like "Tales of the Unusual" should be. I hope that I was able to create a character that will leave a lasting impression on the viewers, so that they will be aware of the existence of the "Grim Reaper" at any moment in their lives. Please look forward to the broadcast!
(C) Fuji Television Network, Inc.
