Japanese actor Kento Yamazaki has an affinity with manga material.
Kento got his big break as L in the live-action television series Death Note (2015). He also played manga roles in films such as Love For Beginners (2012) and Orange (2015).
His latest conquest is the movie Kingdom (2019).
Based on the popular manga of the same name, Kingdom is set during the warring states period in ancient China. The manga series has sold more than 30 million paperback volumes and spawned a two-season anime series.
Kento's characterShin is a war orphan. He dreams of becoming the greatest general on earth. One day, Shin has a chance to fulfil his dream. He is on a mission to helpEisei reclaim his place as the true heir to the Qin kingdom throne.
“When I was cast as Shin, I was so excited as well as pressured. I knew about the comic, it’s very famous. Like Shin, I put in a 100 per cent effort. It was challenging. It was a great experience for me," says Kento, at a press conference at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.
This is Kento's second time playing Shin. In 2016, he starred in the special short film to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Yasuhisa Hara's historical manga Kingdom.
Which was the most difficult action scene in the Kingdom movie?
Shin is a self-taught warrior. His style of fighting is unique. It was challenging acting this role because Shin’s fighting style changed depending on the enemy. But I also enjoyed myself a lot.
On your social media, you mentioned that you put in a 100 per cent effort to live as Shin. Could you share with us?
Since is a very pure-minded character. His dream is to be the greatest general on earth. I wanted to be like Shin, as an actor I also want to live like Shin. Shin is my dream role to be playing.
What was the most memorable scene in the movie?
There are too many to choose from. There’s this scene in the movie where Hyo and Shin had to say goodbye. Mr Yasuhisa Hara, the original manga’s author, told us it was a very important scene. We put in a lot of effort. Another scene I had to fight Saki, a big guy. I had to change my fight style. It was very exciting.
Were there any funny episodes on the set?
Shin and Hyo are best friends. We had so many funny stories on set.We were acting with very serious expression but the wooden sword slipped. We couldn’t stop laughing until the director shouted cut. Once he shouted cut, we collapsed with laughter.
Karyouten could hide a lot of things in her bird costume. She hid a piece of bread, which looked very modern. But during the actual shoot, they changed the bread which looked like it belonged to the period era.
How was your first visit to Singapore?
It’s my first time in Singapore. The scenery in Singapore is very beautiful. There’s so much greenery. The view at night is amazing. I ate chilli crab and visited Night Safari. I really enjoyed Singapore.
Kingdom opens in cinemas in Singapore on June 20.
Hear Kingdom's OST sung by ONE OK ROCK on KKBOX.