Hidekazu Chinen, the star of "Kamen Rider Gavv", has realized something at age 20

Actor Hidekazu Chinen , who starred in the special effects drama " Kamen Rider Gavv, " released his first book, "Hide's Four Life" (One Publishing), on October Getsuku. In addition to his memories of filming in his hometown of Okinawa, we spoke to Chinen about "Kamen Rider Gavv," which has been on air for over a month since the TV series ended, and about the "present" and "future" of the now 20-year-old.

◇There are many charms to "Kamen Rider Gavv " that you only realize after finishing it

Chinen was born on March 19, 2005, in Okinawa Prefecture. He was selected as a finalist out of 15,918 applicants at the second Star Audition held in 2021, and played Kamen Rider Gavv /Shoma in Kamen Rider Gavv , which aired on TV Asahi from September 2024 to the end of August 2025.

Chinen once again spoke about " Kamen Rider Gavv," saying, "Looking back on it now, I think it was a script that was in tune with the feelings of the characters."

"The theme is sweets, and sometimes we eat them when we feel happy, and in some cases we eat them to mourn someone. I think the impact this show has had is huge, changing the way we think about sweets, something we take for granted in our daily lives. Every time I see sweets, they cross my mind or remind me of them, and I think it was really big that it dealt with a theme that blends into everyone's lives. I think it's a show that will stay in people's hearts and be remembered, so I feel there are many charms that you will only notice after it has finished airing."

His first book, "Hide's Fourth Life," is a compilation of the serialization of the same name that began in the idol magazine "POTATO" in November 2024, while "Kamen Rider Gavv" was still airing.

The book includes newly taken photos as well as updates on Chinen's life and private photos.

"I think it's 200% more complete than I could have ever imagined. Every single shot is a photograph I'm very attached to, and even for those who haven't read the magazine serialization, I can share it all together, including unpublished shots, so I think one of the highlights is that they can see how much I've grown."

◇ Okinawa, the hometown filled with love, is an "indispensable"

In particular, the shots taken in his hometown of Okinawa are said to capture a mischievous side of him that is different from his usual self.

"For me personally, it was my first time going to Okinawa for work, rather than for a trip home, so it was a very refreshing experience, but the weather was bad during the shoot, and when we actually arrived in Okinawa it was pouring rain. However, as if by magic, the sun cleared up just as shoot was about to begin, and the weather was on our side, so we were able to get off to a great start, and it's a fond memory. This time, I also had the opportunity to visit the town of Koza for the first time, and the shots we took on the deserted streets showed a different, mischievous side to me, and the finished product showed that I had never seen such an expression before, and with the help of the invisible power of the land, I was able to produce some very satisfying shots."

Okinawa is an indispensable place for Chinen.

"I was blessed with many people around me, and I was able to grow up in a relaxed environment, which is why I am who I am today, so it's like a part of my identity, and it's something that I really can't live without. Through filming this time, I was reminded that this place is filled with love, and I really feel a deep bond that goes beyond the place where I was born and raised. I want to cherish that and continue to pursue my acting career, so I hope to continue to be active and give back."

◇ "I want to keep the boy's heart, inquisitiveness, and pure emotions"

Born and raised in the loving Okinawa, Chinen is currently striving to make further strides as an actor, and in March of this year he reached a turning point: his 20th birthday.

"When I was a teenager, I had the impression that people in their twenties and twenties were much more mature than I am now. Age is just a number, and while I feel like I haven't changed at all (since I was a teenager), I do feel like my horizons are broadening, with certain things now legally legal and more places to go. However, I've gradually come to realize that the senses, curiosity, and fearless attitude I had as a teenager tend to fade as I grow older. That may not necessarily be a bad thing, but now that I've learned so much, I feel even more strongly that I want to continue to retain the heart and inquisitiveness of a boy. The feelings and pure emotions I had as a teenager and before are very precious, and I want to keep them in my heart."

In a sense, a boy's heart, a desire to explore, and pure emotions are essential to the profession of an actor. What does Chinen envision for the future?

"Kamen Rider Gavv has allowed me to grow as both an actor and a person over the past year, and has opened up many new possibilities for me, from action to dubbing. The possibilities that have sprouted here are ones that I need to make blossom, not only with my own strength but also with the help of those around me. I want to take on any role, no matter how difficult, without hesitation. I want to become the kind of person that people always think, 'Chinen has potential,' and I'm sure I'll encounter difficult roles and feel pressure in the future, but with the experience I've gained over the past year and the pride I've had in performing for a year, I want to become an actor that everyone can be proud of. Also, as I've said in many places, I would like to appear in an Asadora(NHK morning drama series) or Taiga drama someday."