Takumi Matsumoto is an actor and up-and-coming artist. Growing up, he loved musicals like “Peter Pan” and began acting at three. The early days of his career included commercials and eventually J-Dramas like “My Girl.” As he got older, his motivation grew, and he landed a supporting part in Takashi Murakami's “Jellyfish Eyes” and the role of John in the Japanese Broadway production of “Peter Pan.” Since then, Matsumoto has continued to work in theater, film, and television. Recently, he starred alongside Myuri in Yoko Higuchi's sci-fi drama short film “Synthetic Love.”
Recently, we spoke with Matsumoto about acting, the filming process in Japan, filmmaking relationships, and other topics.
What motivated you to pursue an acting career?
When I was three years old, I started acting. One of the reasons I studied acting was because when I watched the musical “Peter Pan,” I wanted to fly through the sky. I asked my mom, and she was like, “Maybe you should do dancing lessons and singing/acting classes.” I started doing that but couldn't get the role in “Peter Pan” even though I attended multiple auditions. However, I was cast in commercials and television series, including as a series regular on “My Girl.” There was also the movie, “Jellyfish Eyes,” by Takashi Murakami. I continued to do acting, dancing, and singing classes and eventually got a role in a Japanese Broadway production of “Peter Pan.” My dream came true, and that motivated me.
The people I've met around me in this industry are amazing. My acting coach and mentor, TJ Kayama, is like a big brother, along with Ryoto Murai. They are unique, like family, and have led me to the right path. People like them are why I love acting and pursuing such a career.
So, they guided you down that career path.
Yes, they did, but so did my family and friends. I couldn't have done it without support.
Of course, the support of family and friends goes a long way and is a great motivator for pursuing dreams. Were your early experiences on television eye-opening to the intensive scheduling of media production in Japan?
As mentioned, I started my career at three years old. For my first job, I was cast for a Yamaha commercial. After that, I was cast in commercials for Sony and McDonalds. For a TV series, shooting is three to four months, so I didn't get to attend kindergarten or elementary school as much. One of my favorite festivals in kindergarten and the summer was the sports festival, but I couldn't go because I was usually on a shoot and working. The people I worked with were very nice; we even had the sports festival on the set.
There were Japanese national tours for musicals, and I couldn't go to school regularly. Because of rehearsals, I'd finish school earlier. During the breaks, I would do homework and go back to school. My teachers, family, and friends were very supportive. I got used to it, and it became normal for me. There's a lot of excitement.
A notable film credit was acting in “Jellyfish Eyes,” directed by contemporary artist Takashi Murakami. Before appearing in this film, were you familiar with Murakami's work as an artist?
Yes. I knew of his art because my mom showed me, and I realized he was one of the best artists in the world. Everyone knows his art; even when I go to America or Australia, they know his work.
It must have been a big deal for him since this was his directorial debut. I believe this is his only film to date.
Yes. However, it's still in post-production, but there will be “Jellyfish Eyes 2,” which I will appear in. Due to COVID-19, they had to end production. Once things started getting back to normal, they started editing again.
Regarding “Jellyfish Eyes,” what was the general atmosphere on set like for you?
For director Takashi Murakami, it was something new. How he shot things was interesting. There's a lot of CGI in the movie, so there was a lot of use of green screen. The actors I worked with, like Takumi Saitoh and Masataka Kubota, and many of the cast are famous in Japan, so I was a little nervous. When I worked with them, they were so nice. We even played games and went to festivals together. I think that to make a good movie, there needs to be a focus on everyone's relationships. Every single person has a job, and it is important. It's a team, and I learned I can't go to work without respect and appreciation, so I try to be a good person.
So, it helped you grow as an actor and prepare you for future roles.
Yes.
Recently, you starred alongside Myuri in Yoko Higuchi's short film “Synthetic Love.” In stark contrast to “Jellyfish Eyes,” this was a dramatic role for you. How did you prepare for your character's emotional breakdown when he learns his robotic lover plans to leave him?
I saw the script to prepare and analyze where and when it was set and my relationship with her. On set, I tried to blank-slate my head and focus on her emotionally. My character, who is human, doesn't see her as an AI robot but as a human, portraying it like a real break-up. My chemistry with her, our characters' pasts, and the overall situation helped me become emotional for the role.
It feels real since there have been real scenarios of formed romantic connections to technology. Did you all draw influence from recent real-world examples?
There are real scenarios like that, though I was primarily inspired by the film “Her” by Spike Jonze. I even practiced scenes from that movie in my acting class. Again, I tried not to think of her as an AI robot and look at it like saying goodbye to someone I loved.
Moving forward, do you wish to do more international work?
Yes, I would love to. I have loved taking on new challenges since childhood. One of my dreams is to work internationally, and I think it's going to come true very soon. I will try, as I'm constantly learning, and I want to be better today than yesterday, and tomorrow, I want to be better than today.
Well, every day, we are growing.
Yeah, and I keep that in mind while I am constantly learning. I want to do international work and spread hope to the world.
When you say internationally, besides movies and television shows, does that include musicals, such as Broadway shows?
Yes, I definitely would like to in the future. For now, I want to do more TV series and movies because more roles are available.
Do you have any projects you want to promote?
Unfortunately, I can't say anything yet, but I did appear in a movie that just finished shooting, and I'll post updates. I also have a supporting role in the recent film “Kataomoi” by Shinji Imaoka and Takashi Murakami's “Jellyfish Eyes 2,” which is now in post-production. Stay tuned, and I'll keep you all updated.
