Soya Kurokawa is an actor appearing in the film "License Surrender!?" starring Hiroshi Tachi Tachi, which will be released on June 19th. In 2023, he won the Newcomer Award at the "66th Blue Ribbon Awards" and the "47th Japan Academy Awards" for his starring role in the film "Monster," and his performance in "National Treasure," which became a social phenomenon last year, was also highly praised. He is currently 16 years old. He has been cast in a series of popular works and has attracted attention at a young age, but Kurokawa says, "I don't really feel pressured (by the expectations of those around me), and I don't feel like the bar has been raised for me." We took a closer look at Kurokawa's current situation.
◇A long-awaited reunion with someone I've always admired
"License Surrender!?" is a nonstop driving comedy depicting the commotion that ensues when actor Hiroshi Nanjo (played by Tachi), who has just turned 70, makes a casual comment about a motorcycle accident caused by a fellow actor. The cast includes Nanase Nishino, Mao Daichi, Miki Maya, Yoko Minamino, and Ryudo Uzaki. Kurokawa plays Ryo Kurumiya, the son of Nanjo's fellow actor, Makoto Ozaki (played by Uzaki).
Ryo's life changes after meeting Nanjo. Due to his complicated upbringing, he initially takes a rebellious attitude towards Nanjo and even utters abusive language. On the other hand, Tachi, who plays Nanjo, is someone Kurokawa admires. This time, they finally get to co-star together again, something he's long wished for.
Kurokawa said that he received "certain advice" from Tachi.
"He said, 'Don't try to become a good actor.' I think it's necessary to become a good actor, and Mr. Tachi wasn't denying that at all. I took it to mean that you should cherish the emotions that arise in the moment."
Kurokawa reveals that when he's actually playing a role, "there are moments when I feel like this isn't acting, or when I'm detached from the awareness that I'm acting." So, what does he find rewarding about acting at this point...?
"It's when feelings of the character arise without me even realizing it. Because I don't really understand myself, I find it incredibly enjoyable when I can encounter new emotions (through a role) or learn about the changes in those emotions. The more I delve into it, the more I feel myself becoming completely engrossed."
◇ Make the most of the things you can only do now
Kurokawa said that seeing Tachi not being too constrained by the script, changing lines and improvising, made him realize that "it's okay to be more free." However, he admitted that he had some regrets about taking on a serious role while participating in a comedy.
"I personally love comedy, and my favorite is 'Mr. Bean,' but when I found out I was going to be in this movie and read the script, I was like, 'What?!' because I was constantly rebellious and there were no comedic elements at all (laughs). So, I thought it was really cool and I was envious of everyone who was seriously and earnestly doing something so ridiculous."
Kurokawa also took on her first challenge in a "motorcycle scene."
"It was my first time riding a motorcycle, and it was quite scary. Mr. Tachi told me, 'Let's practice,' and riding with me was incredibly fun. I hope that someday I can drive without stunts, just like Mr. Tachi."
When she's not on set, she's just a 16-year-old high school student. She says that she usually enjoys school life, saying, "I want to make the most of the things I can only do now." On top of that, as an actress, she makes a grounded statement, saying, "First of all, I want to focus on each project and do my best."
"I think I'll probably discover new things I want to do in the future, and I definitely want to try a comedic role someday."
