Hikari Kabashima is an actor who has appeared in numerous dramas since his breakthrough role as Aguilera (Natsuki Hana) in the special effects drama "Kamen Rider Revise" (TV Asahi, 2021-2022). This year, he also attracted attention for his role as a seductive courtesan in the NHK Taiga drama "UNBOUND (Berabou)" (General). In June, he held his first fan meeting at Tokorozawa Sakura Town (Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture). We spoke to Kabashima about his impressions of the event, his thoughts on his hit role as Aguilera, and his future goals.
◇Interaction with fans: "It's interesting how the reactions are completely different in each country."
While they have previously held "handover events" to commemorate the release of calendars and photobooks, this was their first time interacting in the form of a fan meeting. The event, which was divided into two parts, day and night, included a talk session where fans asked questions, Russian cream puffs, a rock-paper-scissors tournament for autographed trading cards and other exciting activities.
"At hand-over events, the time you can meet with everyone is inevitably short, so I was really happy that I was able to spend a long time interacting with everyone face-to-face this time! I was just having fun, so I hope everyone enjoyed it too."
Kabashima also participated in the meeting to plan the project. The long-awaited project was realized.
"I love games, so I've always wanted to play in front of all my fans. This time, during the evening session, I finally got to do it. I played a horror game, but my controller skills were so rough that some people said they got dizzy from looking at the screen... I felt so bad about that (laughs). If I get the chance to play again, I'd like to improve my skills."
He also said that the rock-paper-scissors tournament left a lasting impression on him.
"The afternoon session was filled with rock-paper-scissors veterans and I ended up losing about 10 games in a row, but in the evening session I was way too strong and couldn't give away any trading cards at all! That's how it ended up (laughs)."
He felt the challenges and joys that only a live event can offer, and also found it interesting how the reactions were different from events he had previously held overseas.
"I've held events in four cities - Taiwan, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Macau - and I got the impression that Japanese fans just watched over me quietly. In Shanghai, there were times when the crowd erupted in a huge cheer, even though I hadn't done anything in particular (laughs). It's really interesting how the reactions are completely different in each country. This was my first time holding a fan meeting in Japan, and it really made me want to do it again!"
◇ Inspiration from fellow "Kamen Rider Revise" characters
Many of her overseas fans have been supporting her ever since her debut as an actor, playing the role of Aguilera (Natsuki Hana) in "Kamen Rider Revise." In May, she also appeared in the Toei Tokusatsu Fan Club (TTFC) original production "Kamen Rider Majade with Girls Remix," and she continues to play the role of Aguilera in spin-off productions. We asked her about her thoughts on the character Aguilera.
"I consider her one of my precious family members, who supported me closely as I started my career as an actor and the start of a new life. I was the one who was acting, though (laughs). But it was Aguilera who connected me with people overseas, and she is truly irreplaceable to me. I want to work hard to further expand the connections that Aguilera has made for me."
He says that his co-stars in "Kamen Rider Revise," such as Kentaro Maeda, Wataru Hinata, Ayaka Imoto, and Noritaka Hamao, are currently active in various productions, and that they inspire him.
"Sometimes the Revise team goes out to eat, and when we talk about work, it makes me think I have to work harder too!"
It's been about four years since he made his acting debut. Last year, he attracted attention with his role in the short drama "Professions for a Professional Girlfriend" (BUMP), which went viral with clips. This year, he has appeared in a taiga drama, as well as the drama series "Ikinarikon" (Nippon TV) and "I'm at the Mercy of a Younger Virgin" (MBS).
"Recently I've been playing a lot of roles that are considered 'villainous'. After 'Kamen Rider Revise' ended, there was a time when I wondered, 'What is my individuality as an actor?' But as I've been given the opportunity to appear in various productions, I've been given roles like that, and it feels like my own individuality is gradually becoming clear. I'm glad that I have some kind of color. I'd like to try my hand at playing villainous roles, and I'd also like to broaden the range of roles I can play."
In the future, she also hopes to appear in films.
"I love movies, but I haven't had much experience as a main cast member yet, so I'd like to get more involved in the world of movies from now on. I particularly loved 'Midnight Swan' (2020), and I'd be happy to appear in a human drama that touches deeply on the human heart."
He recently celebrated his 29th birthday. In his final year in his 20s, he vowed to make further strides as an actor, aiming for his next big role.
