Iwase Hiroshi is a young actor who has appeared in many popular dramas, including the TV series "The Best Teacher: One Year Later, I Was Killed by a Student," "New Airport Occupation" (both on Nippon TV), "Minami-kun is My Lover!?" (on TV Asahi), and the lead role in the drama "Takara no Biidoro" (BS Asahi). His first photobook "LYRE" (Kodansha), released on September 3rd, shows the "true face" of Iwase, who turned 20 this year, that can only be seen now. "Releasing a photobook was one of my goals, so I'm happy that I was able to achieve it so soon," said Iwase, who is happy. We spoke to him about his commitment to the photobook and his future goals.
◇I think that my first photobook "will make people feel closer to me"
Iwase has often stood in front of the camera as a subject in the past, but he says, "Most of the photos were cool." In this photobook, he appeals, "I think you will be able to see expressions of me that have never been shown before."
In addition to cool shots that make the most of his beautiful visuals, which become a hot topic every time he appears on TV, the photobook also contains natural, unpretentious expressions of Iwase, such as when he is brushing his teeth or relaxing in his bedroom.
He said that he was conscious of situations that would bring him closer to his fans, saying, "Until now, I've only focused on expressing myself in a cool way, but through this shoot, I realized that I can show my charm even in my natural state. I think people will feel closer to me."
The shoot took place in Hokkaido and the Kanto region, and he smiled and said, "It was the first time in my life that I ate Asahikawa ramen, and it was delicious and I was moved. I enjoyed the delicious food to the fullest."
"Thanks to the support of the staff around me, I was able to approach the shoot in a natural and relaxed manner. I hope that this photobook will help people get to know Iwase Hiroshi, and I would be happy if many people see it."
◇ Appearing in a series of popular dramas - "I'm no longer nervous" after gaining experience
Iwase was born on January 6, 2004 in Hyogo Prefecture. Since he started to take up acting seriously, he has appeared in a series of popular dramas. He is currently appearing in "Octoo - Emotional Investigator Kokoro no Akari - Season 2" (Yomiuri TV/Nippon TV, Thursdays at 11:59pm) and "Snowdrop's First Love" (Kantele/Fuji TV, Tuesdays at 11pm), and continues to be in high demand.
"By gaining experience, I've gotten used to filming and I'm no longer nervous, which is a big deal. I'm really no good when I get nervous, and I get all tense. I was able to act with veterans, and they taught me a lot, including technical aspects, so it was a good experience."
Iwase turned 20 in January this year and said, "I've really thought about my life plan." He said, "I want to be active in a wide range of fields," and revealed, "Of course, it's most important to compete in Japan. What's in front of me is important, but what's ahead is also important, so I'm working hard from now on, not only on acting, but also on building up my network."
When asked about the actor he admires, Iwase immediately replied, "Suzuki Ryohei." "I feel that he has outstanding human qualities, including his talent for languages and his apparent intelligence. I really respect him, as I think that the results of his hard work have led to his current exceptional charm," he said enthusiastically.
"LYRE" is A4 size and has 112 pages. It costs 3,300 yen.
