It has been announced that Kentaro Yasui of the boy group "7ORDER" will appear in "Super Space Sheriff Gavan Infinity" (TV Asahi, Sundays at 9:30 AM), the first installment of Toei's new tokusatsu series "PROJECT RED". He will play the new Gavan, Gavan Raiya/Kunai Kazanami, who will appear from episode 10 (airing April 19th).
Gavan Raiya is a Gavan modeled after Jiraiya, the protagonist of "Sekai Ninja Sen Jiraiya" (1988-89). Unlike the Galactic Federation Police of other dimensions, he belongs to the Interstellar Intelligence Division of the Galactic Federation Police of Ζ2066 (Zeta 2066), which is responsible for investigating and monitoring other dimensions. Kumu, who "transforms" into his human form, is a "dimensional transcendent" who can cross dimensions, just like the protagonist Gavan Infinity/Reiji Dojo (Kohei Nagata), and is one of the survivors who wields the Fuuha-ryu ninjutsu.
Yasui expressed his overwhelming joy at appearing in this film, saying, "I never imagined I'd get to play a hero as an adult...it's a humbling experience." Regarding the character he plays, Kumu, he said, "He's a character who carries a lot of burdens, being a survivor of the Kazenami style and having his sister held hostage. I think he'll become a lovable character as the story progresses. Gavan Raiya, who is based on Jiraiya, is really cool. I think it's a design that's very much in line with this project, showing respect for history while creating a new era."
◇Full text of Kentaro Yasui's comment
--Please tell us how you felt when you were cast in this film.
I loved "Ninja Sentai Kakuranger" (1994-1995), and according to my mother, when I was little, I used to imitate the opening theme and ride my toy motorcycle. I never imagined that I would grow up to become a hero... I was very happy, but since I never lived my life thinking I would become a hero, it made me determined to "live an honest life and not do anything sloppy."
--What is the atmosphere like on set?
I joined the project partway through, but the atmosphere among Kohei and the rest of the cast and staff was so great that it made it easy to get into filming. What surprised me was that in the script, where the character names and the actors' names were listed, the names of the suit actors, the actors, the character names, and the hero names were all listed together! I was really moved by the respect shown to the suit actors throughout the long history of the show.
--What kind of character do you think Kazenami Kumu is?
He's a character burdened with many things, such as being a survivor of the Kazenami style and having his sister held hostage. I think he'll become a lovable character as the story progresses. In order to become a lovable character, I'm trying to create a contrast by acting cool in his first appearances.
--What do you think of the Kumu costume when you actually wear it? Also, Gavan Raiya has a ninja-themed design, similar to Jiraiya from "Sekai Ninja Sen Jiraiya," so what are your impressions of seeing it in person?
Kumu's costume has ninja elements, but also a street style vibe. I like that it's easy to move around in, like the shorts, but the sleeves look like long sleeves but are actually made of mesh, so it gets cold when the wind blows (laughs). And Gavan Raiya, which is based on Jiraiya, is cool. I think it's a design that is very much in line with this project, showing respect for history while creating a new era.
-- Do you have a message for the viewers?
I feel incredibly honored to be a part of this project, which will shape the next 50 years and beyond into the future. I believe this film will be a historically significant work that will inspire courage in everyone who sees it, and that will continue to inspire courage across time and space when children who see it grow up and look back on it. I will give my all to portraying Kumu, the character I play, so that he can be one of the reasons why this film is so inspiring. Don't miss this first step in a new chapter in history!
