Kimura Takuya’s Bid to Redefine His Image Through Supporting Roles and Production

Released on July 10th.

“In the article titled “Kimura Takuya as a Salaryman in the Drama ‘Believe’: The Criticism of ‘Kimura Takuya in Any Role’ as Proof of a ‘Great Star’,”

In an article titled “The Conditions for Being a Big Star,” it was written that being able to attract money and people is one of the conditions for being a big star. In this regard, Kimura meets the conditions sufficiently. Therefore,

“Isn’t it fine to just say ‘Anything Kimura does is great’?”

I wrote that story. Nowadays, it seems that the drama production side also accepts that approach. 

However, Kimura himself once said in a variety show that he was worried about being ridiculed in this way. There is no doubt that he is concerned about it, but is he really trying to escape from it?

However, Kimura himself once revealed on a variety show that he was troubled by being teased in that way. It’s clear that he cares about it, but is he trying to break free from it?

Even among the big stars of the Showa era, there were actors who made you feel like no matter what role they play, they’re still XX. While that may be true when you think about it, what prevented that feeling was that they were eccentric and could fit into any role seamlessly. To put it simply, they made you feel like “there really is such a XX.

However,

“On the other hand, there are too many cases where Kimura-san feels like there’s no one like this XX.”

The veteran film reporter says this.

“It’s not that everything is bad. HERO was a success, but his role as a kamikaze pilot in the film ‘I Won’t Forget You’ was terrible. The reason he’s called an idol in costume is because, unlike the big stars of the Showa era who looked authentic in their roles, such as military uniforms or work clothes, Kimura doesn’t fit those costumes as well. For example, Ken Takakura looked fitting in any role, whether as a soldier, a railway worker, a tough guy, or a prisoner; his costumes always suited him.”

 

Kimura is likely putting effort into his roles, but it’s not working out well. However, this is not solely Kimura’s fault; it’s also a problem with the production side, which tends to set up the main character as an unconventional and cool hero. 

“The production side wants Kimura-san to be a hero, so it’s inevitable. However, if this continues, his acting range will never expand. It would be better for him to take on more supporting roles.

Even after Ken Takakura became a big star, he played many supporting roles. All the top actors currently in the spotlight have also gained experience from numerous supporting roles, which has helped them refine their craft.” (same film reporter)

Taking on many supporting roles not only allows an actor to play a variety of characters but also helps them learn how to perform subtly to highlight the lead actor. This expands their acting range, and as their skills improve, they naturally become better suited for different roles.