Taisei Kido look.1
whether it is himself or the role he is playing
Ever since his acting debut at the age of twenty, Taisei Kido has been active in film, TV dramas, and stage. He displayed his stage presence in the 2022 Netflix original series “First Love” which gave him a broader worldwide audience. What perhaps cannot be guessed from his on-screen portrayals is that he is actually a real fashionisto. Dressed up in an item from Onitsuka Tiger’s 2023 Autumn/Winter Collection, I asked him about his sense of fashion.
Look 1 is a matching top and bottom tracksuit with felt lines that draw the eye. The getup including the sneakers is all in black. While fashionable, its sporty essence can be felt.
“The matching top and bottom tracksuit is lightweight, stretches well, and is comfortable. It is really easy to move in and it made the photo shoot a lot of fun as I could move around in it freely. I personally wear a lot of monotone garb that is sporty rather than tight fitting, so Look 1 was right up my alley! I’ve always liked used clothes; I often go out lightly dressed by throwing on a parka with other street items.”
He became motivated for a fashionisto’s way of life back when he started going around to old clothes shops in Shimokitazawa and Sangenjaya with friends. His tastes in normal garb are also changing of late.
“I still now love old clothes, but as I grow older I feel I need to look more adult; I find myself looking at top and bottom sets that go well with a jacket. But I still reach for that parka and street wear, so it would be ideal if I can mix this with some more tasteful garb! I often choose to wear clothes with a big silhouette. I feel a little naked if the garb makes out your body definition plainly; and as I don’t carry around a handbag, I prefer garb which won’t cave in if you stuff a wallet or smartphone in your pockets. Easy to move in like the tracksuit that I wore for this photo shoot is also an important element!”
His primary color is black. He dresses by gradually inserting color items to let the black stand out.
“I like to dress up in an all in black set and incorporate a vivid color item somewhere as a refresh. I have numerous differently colored parkas (laughs), so for example, I would like to incorporate ostentatiously colored sneakers or a t-shirt with a splendid print.”
He gets excited when he takes a new garb in his hand. He smiles when he talks about clothing with a mood that is particular to a fashionisto’s.
“I think many people can appreciate this, but I feel psyched when I go out wearing new shoes for the first time. But I mull over when to put them on. I think ‘how should I coordinate my new shoes for the first wearing’ or ‘what shall I do if they get stained.’ So I wear my new shoes on a sunny day and walk around being careful that no one steps on them (laughs). When I am selecting garb I think, ‘there might be something closer to what I am looking for’ and my shopping never ends. I think I am a circumspect type when it comes to fashion.”
Fashion is obviously important for him from day to day, but what is fashion for him? His answer betrayed something of what may be real charm that is something separate from function to form.
“Fashion is indispensable in my daily life, and reflects my sensibilities. It may be exaggerating to say that the garb reflects your state of mind, but I do believe that your mood at the time comes through in your choice of clothing in a direct way. Conversely there are occasions when I choose the garb because I want to feel a certain way. I wear new garb to lift my spirits or refresh my state of mind.”
It is because Mr. Kido has firm faith in the ability of his fashionisto sense that he can have fun playing variously different roles relying on the chemical reaction that occurs between the garb and the brain.
“Before going on set, there is a fitting to select what garb your character will wear, and I look forward to this time immensely. It is the moment that a switch turns on in getting into character. And when I put on my hair and make-up according to the character and the garb, I feel that I am drawing closer to being in character. Deciding on what garb to wear that day is extremely important for me whether in my private life or for an acting gig.”
For Look 2, I ask Mr. Kido about what is appealing about acting and about what he does to relax in his down time!
Direction : Shinsuke Nozaka
Photo,Movie : Yoshiaki Sekine (SIGNO)
Stylist : Kosei Matsuda (SIGNO)
Hair,MakeUp : Akihito Hayami
Text : Hisamoto Chikaraishi(S/T/D/Y)
■PROFILE
Born December 10, 1996 Fukuoka Prefecture. He made his debut as an actor in 2017. He has since gone on to appear in a range of media such as TV dramas, film, stage, and infotainment television programs. He has recently appeared in the films, “What to Do with the Dead Kaiju?” and “MAYHEM Girls” and the Netflix original series “First Love.” He is now starring on stage in “Shakespeare’s R&J” (at Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre West until June 18, and at Toyohashi Arts Theatre PLAT on June 24 and 25.) He will also star in the film “Sensei! Kuchisake-onna Desu” which will open on July 7.
