We interviewed Daisuke Sambongi , who plays Fire Candle, a leader of the evil organization "Braidan," and Marupi, who plays Bouquet, in the new Super Sentai series "No.1 Sentai Gozyuger " (TV Asahi, 9:30 a.m.). We asked them about their roles.
--Please tell us about each of your roles.
Sanbongi-san: He is the leader of Bridan's special attack force and is nicknamed the "Unbeaten Fire Candle"! He is well-liked by his subordinates and is quite an aggressive type (from his own perspective), so I'm having fun playing him.
Marupi-san: Bouquet-chan has a cute appearance, but her personality is a bit questionable (laughs). She is the technical captain of Bridan, but please look forward to finding out what the title of technical captain means!
Sanbongi: I'm like the vanguard and (Bouquet) is the rear guard.
Marupi: That's true! But you'll have to watch the broadcast to find out which one is stronger (laughs)!
--You both have amazing visual impact.
Sanbongi-san: It was very cool, and (the bouquet) was cute. However, the costume didn't let any air through, so it was pretty hot (laughs). I was sweating in the studio, so I was supported by the costume and makeup artists during the shoot.
--They're both executives, but do Fire Candle and Bouquet get along?
Sanbongi: I wonder...I think it's a business-like relationship.
Marupi: He must love it, but it's a job, and there are things he has to do properly, so I guess it's strict in that respect?
Sanbongi-san: Wait a minute! Do you think Bouquet loves Fire Candle...?
Marupi: I love her! Bouquet is so affectionate!
Sanbongi-san: Really... (laughs)? But there is one other person (an executive), and the three of us are the lively Bridan team.
Marupi-san: There are quite a few characters in Bridal, and they all have a great impact! I think you'll fall in love with all of them. (Among them) I want you to support Bouquet-chan... (laughs).
Sanbongi-san: I also recommend the bouquet!
Marupi: Is that so (lol)?
Sanbongi-san: When I watch the monitor, I think, "So cute!"
Marupi: Wow! This is the first time I've heard that (laughs). I'm so happy!
--What kind of villain do you each want to play?
Sanbongi-san: I think that the villain in a story should be someone that the protagonist must overcome, but I would like us to be obstacles that Hoeru/Gojuu Wolf (played by Mio Fuyuno) must overcome. And personally, I would be happy if more of my friends said they wanted to make fire candles in pretend play!
Marupi-san: As Sanbongi-san said, I want to do my best as a villain, and I'm sure (Bridan) also lives with his own beliefs, so I want to do my best as a character. I'll do my best to make sure he's loved by everyone.
Sanbongi-san: I hope you'll like Bridan too!
"No.1 Sentai Gozyuger" is a work commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Super Sentai series. The story is about five heroes with animal and dinosaur motifs who fight against the "Number One Monster" who has topped all fields, rivals with the power of past Reds, and even Gojugers themselves, in order to obtain the "Sentai Ring," a ring that is said to grant any wish.
