Itou Kento on His First “BL” Rakugo, “Everyone was good looking, it was pleasing to the eye,” The New Show “BokuLaku” Cast Comments
The "BL" rakugo entertainment show, "Bokurateki ni wa Risou no Rakugo" (a.k.a. BokuLaku), cast members, including Nakajima Yoshiki and Itou Kento, commented on the show, in advance of the broadcast from January 6, 2021.
"BokuLaku" is a new-style BL rakugo entertainment in which male voice actors pair up and perform rakugo while interacting with each other.
*"rakugo" is a form of Japanese verbal entertainment in which a single performer depicts the difference between several characters through how they speak.
The cast members of the show are Nakajima Yoshiki, Itou Kento, Tsuchida Reo, Sakakibara Yuuki, TAISEI (G.U.M.), Tsuyuguchi Yuuto, Ayakiri Takuya, Terumi, Sugie Masahiro, and Yoshida Taiki.
"Bokurateki ni wa Risou no Rakugo" started on January 6, on TOKYO MX from 10:30 p.m.
Nakajima Yoshiki as Yoroshiki
Q. What was your first impression of this project?
I couldn't picture interacting with each other in a rakugo performance. And what's more, it's BL... There's so many elements, it's chaotic. I was certain that it will be something completely new, and as expected, it was an exciting project.
Q. Tell us about your impressions of the shoot of the rakugo part.
I had a hard time since I'm not used to wearing Japanese clothes. I was taught how to conduct my body for authentic rakugo, so I hope it has become something worth watching.
Q. Which performance was your favorite among the ones you performed?
I really let myself loose in "Kozou Ijiri" so it was fun to perform. It was my first performance and I thought that was the energy level to perform at, but the next "Neko Wazurai" was a serious rakugo... haha. I think the range of style makes this show more interesting.
Q. Tell us your impressions of each of the 3 voice actors you paired up with.
・Itou Kento-san
I remember him being very tensed up since it was his first rakugo performance. I think his skillful interactions with me made our performance more like a play.
・Tsuchida Reo-san
The rakugo with him was full of playfulness and mischief, haha. We were messing around in a good way. He let me throw many killer passes to him.
・Sakakibara Yuuki-san
He was my first partner for the recording, so I explored a lot about how to interact with him. I think I put him on the spot the most. Sakakibara-kun being worried during the practice was so cute.
Q. Tell us about your impressions of the shoot of the cafe part.
It's really basic, but I had trouble memorizing the lines. I had to use my brain in a different way than in rakugo. I realized again how amazing the actors who show their faces are.
Q. Is there anything you want to tell your fans looking forward to the show?
Yet again, a new thing has been created in this world. We ourselves are looking forward to how the show is going to turn out.
Also, the rakugo our performances were based on, are all classics, so I hope the show will get you interested in rakugo itself. Please enjoy rakugo that brings you laughter and excitement.
Itou Kento as Waon
Q. What was your first impression of this project?
It took some time for me to process it.
I was like, "Is it a CD?", "Oh, an event," "What? A TV show?!", haha.
Q. Tell us about your impressions of the shoot of the rakugo part.
Seiza was hard, but that's about it.
*"seiza" is a Japanese traditional sitting style
I'm a complete amateur at rakugo, so I wanted to absorb everything during the shoot.
Q. Which performance was your favorite among the ones you performed?
That would be "Sono Te wo Motsu". The frustrating friendship between men is charming, isn't it?
Q. Tell us your impressions of each of the 3 voice actors you paired up with.
・Nakajima Yoshiki-san
To me, he's a regular, so I didn't have to use my brain at all. And he has more experience in rakugo.
・Tsuchida Reo-san
Reo-kun's laid-back style made it easy for me to interact with him.
He kept mimicking Professor Sn*pe...
・Sakakibara Yuuki-san
As I interacted with him, I became unsure if this was BL or not, haha.
But I hope this type of person to be super sadistic.
Q. Tell us about your impressions of the shoot of the cafe part.
Live-action drama's are so difficult!
I have to memorize the lines, be conscious of the camera...
Everyone was good looking, it was pleasing to the eye.
Q. Is there anything you want to tell your fans looking forward to the show?
A show no one has done nor seen will finally begin.
Let's open the door to a new world!
Tsuchida Reo as Agari
Q. What was your first impression of this project?
I was like, "Rakugo, huh? Sounds great!", "BL...? Okay...", "Pairs? Rakugo in pairs? Hmm...", haha.
I thought this project will lure in many BL fans!
Q. Tell us about your impressions of the shoot of the rakugo part.
"Shokunin Hineri" with Itou-san left a strong impression on me.
It was probably the most ridiculous and the performance that went too far.
I'm looking forward to seeing if it can really be aired on regular TV, or if my agency will accept it in the first place.
Of course, it's OK for me because I had fun, haha.
Q. Which performance was your favorite among the ones you performed?
Hmm... I can't decide on one...
I got compliments playing a female in "Edo no Onna" and I really enjoyed performing "Kami no Sasoi"...
In "Koko no Shikiri", the teacher told me the character was his favorite...
I can't choose, I loved them all.
Q. Tell us your impressions of each of the 3 voice actors you paired up with.
・Nakajima Yoshiki-san
I've known Yoshiki-san for a long time, so I trusted him to answer my ad-libs, and he also went off script, so I enjoyed the shoot with him.
・Itou Kento-san
Itou-san was spaced out for the whole shoot.
But he has the experience, and he would answer to my lines during the performance, so he was also easy to work with.
・Sakakibara Yuuki-san
Sakakibara-kun has the least experienced among us, but he livened up the shoot the most.
But he needs to stop throwing curveballs to his elders to get more behind-the-scenes footage. I mean it.
Q. Tell us about your impressions of the shoot of the cafe part.
I had a hard time memorizing the lines!
But as the shooting went on, I got used to it and started enjoying it, haha.
The episodes are not in order of the shooting, but maybe some of the viewers with a sharp eye will notice which performance was shot on the first day, haha.
Q. Is there anything you want to tell your fans looking forward to the show?
This is BL rakugo. Though it has "BL", it is still "rakugo", so there are more funny stories than lustful interactions. I hope a wide audience gets to watch it!
But you'll probably be awkward if you watch it with your family, so please enjoy it with your friends and comrades!
Sakakibara Yuuki as Takemaru
Q. What was your first impression of this project?
I was really surprised that they started such a project.
At first, it was difficult for me to imagine what would happen when rakugo and BL were combined.
But as they explained to me the details of this unimaginable project, I got excited and started thinking of how I should perform.
Q. Tell us about your impressions of the shoot of the rakugo part.
Of course, it's important to follow the tradition of rakugo, but it was fun and interesting to think of how to make the performance of a voice actor and Takemaru-kun meaningful.
I also tried to keep in mind that Takemaru-kun is seeing the view from the stage.
Q. Which performance was your favorite among the ones you performed?
Honestly, every performance was memorable, so it's difficult to choose one, but if I had to, I'd say "Kamimoude".
This performance was very different from the others, and I think, as a result, it gave the most meaning to the performance by a voice actor.
Moreover, I was glad that our rakugo teacher was laughing as he said, "You went above my expectations."
Q. Tell us your impressions of each of the 3 voice actors you paired up with.
・Nakajima Yoshiki-san
He's like a big bro of us all!
He led me in the performance and the whole shoot with his overwhelming charisma.
I love his glamor during and out of rakugo.
・Itou Kento-san
He's like the nice brother.
He's calm and kind, but plays his roles sharply and precisely, just like a craftsman.
He was exactly the senior apprentice to Takemaru-kun!
・Tsuchida Reo-san
He's like the fun brother.
He always adjusted to me as we spoke, and it felt as if he was a good friend or a friendly brother of mine.
So I probably put him on the spot and caused trouble for him a lot, haha.
Q. Tell us about your impressions of the shoot of the cafe part.
Takemaru-kun is called a runaway train, so I had trouble with how to express his energy and hyperactiveness.
I also tried to mix in some calculative cuteness into his energetic and honest personality.
Q. Is there anything you want to tell your fans looking forward to the show?
I think it has become a "new-style entertainment", a mix of rakugo and BL!
Takemaru-kun's gap between his rakugo performance and at the cafe makes him interesting, so please keep watch over him.
TAISEI (G.U.M) as Kiryuu Taiga
Q. Tell us about your first impression of the project and what you felt at the audition.
I was super nervous about my first audition, but I read tons of BL manga for the audition, so I maybe was overly touchy and made my partner at the audition uncomfortable... haha.
Q. Which of your roles throughout the cafe part and fantasy drama made an impression on you?
When I read the script for the first time, I thought Kiryuu Taiga was me on a regular day, so I felt a connection with him.
He brightens up the atmosphere, takes good care of his friends, and is a passionate man! Oh, and you can't miss his smile!
I hope you will enjoy these features of his.
In the fantasy drama, I played various characters, and the most difficult part was to depict the differences between them for each story.
But overall, I enjoyed the shooting with the staff.
Q. Tell us about your impressions of the shoot of the cafe part.
The biggest challenge for me in the cafe part was improvising and adding to the script.
I tried to imagine what Kiryuu Taiga would say, but I had a hard time getting it right.
But I think I was able to depict the different emotions of the character.
Q. Tell us about your impressions of the shoot of the fantasy drama.
It was difficult to create the world of rakugo.
I had an amazing experience playing various roles.
Every performance was a new challenge for me, letting me give it my all, and the great atmosphere of the shooting made the time fly by.
The hardest part was switching characters.
I realized how difficult it is to play a different role in every story.
Q. Is there anything you want to tell your fans looking forward to the show?
Hi, I'm TAISEI, and I played Kiryuu Taiga.
It was my first time acting, and I was very nervous. But I hope you will enjoy this new style of a mix of reality and fantasy, along with the BL genre.
Personally, the smile of my character, Kiryuu Taiga, is something you can't miss.
I'd also like to take this opportunity to let people know about the actor TAISEI and the artist G.U.M!
Please look forward to the broadcast!
Tsuyuguchi Yuuto as Usui Ao
Q. Tell us about your first impression of the project and what you felt at the audition.
The first thing that came to my mind was how original it was to mix rakugo and boys' love.
At the same time, I was convinced that it would be very interesting. So I really wanted to take part in this project since the audition!
Some of the lines at the audition were embarrassing, but I gave it my best shot, haha.
Now that's a good memory too.
Q. Which of your roles throughout the cafe part and fantasy drama made an impression on you?
My character Usui Ao is so pure and cute, he makes me blush, haha. He's honest and works hard, but is shy and can't express his true feelings.
I hope you will look forward to seeing what kind of story Ao-kun weaves with the people surrounding him.
Please keep warm eyes on Usui Ao-kun!
Q. Tell us about your impressions of the shoot of the cafe part.
I used to have a part-time job at a cafe and I think the experience helped me a bit.
But I never did learn how to properly pour coffee, so had to learn from scratch for this shoot.
Personally, I not only like the taste of coffee but also the smell of it, so it made me happy to be at a set filled with the amazing scent of coffee, haha.
Q. Tell us about your impressions of the shoot of the fantasy drama.
I wore a kimono for the fantasy drama, but since it was my first time to perform in a kimono, I had a hard time moving around in it.
Also, I struggled to bear the heat of wearing a kimono when we had shootings on hot summer days.
I'm really thankful and sorry for the staff members that had to do my makeup and dress me up in a kimono while I was sweating like a pig.
Q. Is there anything you want to tell your fans looking forward to the show?
When you hear the word "rakugo", it might sound unfamiliar and difficult.
Even so, I think you will be able to really enjoy this new style of drama!
"rakugo" and "boys' love". Please look forward to seeing how this novel combination will turn out.
I hope many people will see it!
Thank you for your support for "Bokurateki ni wa Risou no Rakugo"!!
Ayakiri Takuya as Majima Seiji
Q. Tell us about your first impression of the project and what you felt at the audition.
When I saw the images attached to the project documents, I was surprised at how far they pushed the limits and was worried if I could really pull the role off.
But on the day of the audition, I memorized the lines for all the roles for the judges to watch. (I guess people can open any door when you're in the mood!) I really enjoyed it.
Q. Which of your roles throughout the cafe part and fantasy drama made an impression on you?
He's basically a diligent person, but his hidden sexuality and inner thoughts sometimes get expressed boldly. I think the phrase "appearances can be deceiving" fits this character well.
Although we don't say it aloud, we often look at what's happening in front of us from a different angle.
Fantasizing about the "if"s is fun... I hope you will find many things that you can relate to.
Q. Tell us about your impressions of the shoot of the cafe part.
My character was set as a diligent office worker and I wore my own suit for my costume.
I like wearing suits, so I have a lot of them, but they all have unique colors and are hard to use as a costume for an office worker, haha.
The one with the most plain color was chosen as my outfit.
Also, I actually am good at using a computer and have received official approval in several fields like data processing. See? I am diligent.
Q. Tell us about your impressions of the shoot of the fantasy drama.
I had an opportunity to wear a hakama in a martial arts class I used to go to, but I never dreamed that I would wear it again in this situation.
I really loved the beautiful outfit! Thank you!
During the shooting, the actors were the closest they've ever been to each other, and made me very nervous.
My heart was beating so fast! I really needed a break, haha.
Q. Is there anything you want to tell your fans looking forward to the show?
The program with the theme of "This fantasy will change you," might change your impression of Ayakiri Takuya!
The days are filled with the tease of excitement and nervousness.
The stories are crammed with adorbs, and you will find sweet excitement all over.
Let's push the limits and open the door to a new world!
Terumi as Naruse Mifuyu
Q. Tell us about your first impression of the project and what you felt at the audition.
I played a role that pushed the limits at the audition, so I was worried about how much of this could be aired on regular TV.
How far did I push the limits?
I'll leave that up to your imagination.
Q. Which of your roles throughout the cafe part and fantasy drama made an impression on you?
That would be the scene where Mifuyu-san enters the shop in the cafe part.
The staging was so impressive, I remember everyone on the set grinning and smiling.
For the fantasy drama, I think that would be "God".
When I was given directions during the shooting, the staff would say, "Please make God XXX", so I always laughed in my mind. Please call him "God" when he appears.
Q. Tell us about your impressions of the shoot of the cafe part.
They let me act quite freely, so we talked about how to bring out the character of Mifuyu-san and brought some ideas to the table.
He didn't speak much so I focused on physical expression.
Q. Tell us about your impressions of the shoot of the fantasy drama.
I enjoyed the shooting from beginning to end.
Especially the shooting in the mountains. It was really hot, but I felt a sense of unity was created among us.
Since it was a Japanese style story, I acted with much care of my gestures.
Q. Is there anything you want to tell your fans looking forward to the show?
It is completely original, innovative, and enjoyable. I hope many people will enjoy the show.
I hope BL fans, those who see BL for the first time, and even the ones who weren't interested in BL would open a door to a new world. I'll be there every week to make your heart "pound"!
Sugie Masahiro as Terakado Masatsugu
Q. Tell us about your first impression of the project and what you felt at the audition.
When I heard about the project, I really wanted to perform rakugo, but I actually couldn't, sob.
I had no idea what to do at the audition.
It's difficult to interact with someone you've never met before with BL elements, haha.
Q. Which of your roles throughout the cafe part and fantasy drama made an impression on you?
I was told my character was "dandy", and this was a problem for me, haha.
Dandyism is something that comes naturally, isn't it? I thought it was really difficult to express dandyism.
I tried to portray a tolerant man.
Q. Tell us about your impressions of the shoot of the cafe part.
Hmm... I guess the pursuit of subtle eroticism...
That's all! haha.
Q. Tell us about your impressions of the shoot of the fantasy drama.
We went to locations in the countryside, and it was a blast!
The set was surrounded by nature, making it feel like a summer vacation. Just kidding. I worked hard.
We only had a limited amount of time, so I had to be quick to express the image I had in my mind.
Q. Is there anything you want to tell your fans looking forward to the show?
When I read the script, it was simply entertaining.
I think it's become something that you can enjoy with an empty head!
Please enjoy the show while reacting to the jokes!
Yoshida Taiki as Yuuki Haruto
Q. Tell us about your first impression of the project and what you felt at the audition.
This was my first challenge in the BL genre, so I was filled with nervousness and excitement.
I considered many patterns of how I should act to make the role interesting when I received the script for the audition.
Q. Which of your roles throughout the cafe part and fantasy drama made an impression on you?
That would be "Yuimatsu" I played in "Yume no Onna".
I can't tell you what happens because it would spoil the story, but to put it simply, it was a role of a joker.
I was cheering inside when everyone laughed at Yuimatsu at a certain scene, haha.
I hope everyone will enjoy it too.
Q. Tell us about your impressions of the shoot of the cafe part.
Many of the scenes in the cafe part was with Sugie-san. His acting was so funny, it was hard for me not to laugh, haha.
Q. Tell us about your impressions of the shoot of the fantasy drama.
It was the first time for me to act along with a rakugo performer, so I was confused at first.
But as the shooting went on, I made many discoveries, and above all, I really enjoyed the acting.
Next time, I'd like to play a more aggressive character, haha.
Q. Is there anything you want to tell your fans looking forward to the show?
Nice to meet you, I'm Yoshida Taiki. This is my first time to challenge BL.
I thought a lot about how to act, and I tried many things during the shooting.
I was worried at first, but as the shooting with my co-stars went on, I discovered many things and became confident that this would be something interesting.
Whether you like BL or never seen it before, I'm sure you will enjoy this show!
Please watch it.
(C) BokuLaku
