Rihito Itagaki look.1

At just twenty, he cuts a conspicuous figure. He is at times subtle and at other times comes on strong in his act to win people over. He freely enjoys fashion and make-up which is a charm point. He talked with me about his influences as an actor and the thrill he derives from acting.

He began modeling at age two and acting later at age ten. Having experienced the industry from a young age, Rihito is already an experienced actor of ten years. I asked him what he thinks of his work in the biz.

“I am obsessed with changing my appearance. It is the same whether it is putting on an act in theater or modeling for a fashion shoot. I like to express myself by putting on some garb and playing a part. Acting is right up my alley.”

In his adult responses to my questions can be observed a seriousness toward acting and fashion. Does he have some breathing space in his busy schedule of going to film shoots or doing interviews?

“With film shoots, I will get up early or conversely stay until midnight, so my schedule tends to become erratic. But it is work that I love, so the tediousness of the drill is trumped by my enjoyment of it.”

He describes himself as a type of actor who meticulously prepares his role. I asked him about what drives him to do the work, and his answer was quite simple. He shared some actual experiences that motivate him.

“The drive to express myself is always welling up inside of me. Last year, I was in an NHK TV show called “Koko wa Ima kara Rinri desu” in which I play a senior high school student with an attachment disorder, but my approach to my work changed as a result of this role. This was a manga adaptation for the screen, but my character required realism as opposed to fantasy or fiction. I didn’t want to appear as though I was simply imitating a disorder, so I tried to balance how I incorporated my look and body language in my act. I was pleased when I received a positive review on SNS from someone who commented, “I have this illness and was encouraged.” Connecting with someone through a role you play empowered me and made me want to go on acting.”

What was it that influenced his sense of taste. There was a film that he has loved since childhood. It is one of Tim Burton’s films called “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Generally considered to be a cult classic, it was a film that got him hooked on watching animation and film.

“I have seen it so many times to count. When I think about it, I am surprised by how my present tastes and hobbies haven’t changed since I was a child. That is how big an impact the film had on me. It is a Disney animation for children, but it has a dark mood that slightly differs from the rest. I can relate to how the protagonist Jack is depicted to be a karma producer or to have a darkness which most people can relate to. I also like another Disney animation that features villains called “Disney Villains.” Rather than focusing only on the beautiful aspects of people, it is interesting to see villains as the protagonists.”

My curiosity is aroused by a story with a real message, rather than a lovely story. This makes me believe that he has a certain depth of character, and I find myself anticipating what he will do next. I asked him what challenges he will take on in the future.

“I believe I will continue acting at base. But as your life is a one time gig, I would like to try different things. I like clothes and drawing so I want to delve further into this world and broaden my range of activities.”

→ For Look 2, I will ask Rihito about his fashion sense.

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Direction: Shinsuke Nozaka
Photo, Movie: Yoshiaki Sekine (SIGNO)
Stylist: Kosei Matsuda（SIGNO）
Hair & Make up: KATO（TRON）
Text: Aika Kawada