(*2*)
Many heroes defeated ruthless Yakuza crime lord Shinzo Tozawa (Ayumi Tanida) in the season two finale Vice President of Tokyo.
But for a lot of loyal fans of the Japanese and American-produced crime drama Max, watching Akiro Sato (played by Show Kasamatsu), a young, hardy yakuza member of the Chihara-Kai clan, provide the oyabuns with evidence of Tozawa’s betrayal of various clans was a highly satisfying conclusion to 10 episodes saturated with violence, honor, shame, loyalty and betrayal.
Of all the yakuza members depicted in the series about the world of Japanese organized crime, Sato was the only member who sought peace and quiet in his own way.
Vice President of Tokyo Fandom sites indicate that Kasamatsu’s portrayal of Sato pops off the screen, as does the series’ predominant star Ansel Elgort, who plays real-life American journalist Jake Adelstein, who moved to Japan in the Nineteen Nineties to cover the world of the yakuza.
Hollywood reporter I recently met with Kasamatsu in Japan via Zoom to debate his approach to the role of Sato, his friendship with Elgort’s character, and his future in the Hollywood industry.
***
How would you say Sato has grown the most? In the second season, he faced many struggles, from attempting to protect his younger brother from the cunning, high-ranking Chihara-Kai Naoki Hayama (Yosuke Kubozuka), to attempting to protect his oyabun, Hitoshi Ishida (Shun Sugata), from being murdered by their yakuza archenemy, Shinzo Tozawa (Ayumi Tanida).
I feel there may be a wierd reference to Samantha (Rachel Keller). This connection could be very helpful in Sato’s growing up. There were other dangers and other people seemed dangerous. Is this so helpful in improving Sato? I do not think so. Because I feel protected after I feel connected to someone. It’s like having power and being brave and something like that. So when I’m with Samantha, she at all times trusts me and I receive power from her. And I draw power from my oyabun Hitoshi Ishida, played by Shun Sugata-San.
Sugata-San is so scary! He’s terrible on and off set, but he’s a legend in Japan and he trusted me each time. Not everyone, but he trusted me! So I liked twiddling with him and felt very comfortable. And of course I trusted him too. I actually have all the power on this relationship.
Would you say that Sugata-San was like a father to Sato, is that a good assessment?
Yes you’re right. Actually, I do not have a father in my on a regular basis life, Sato doesn’t have a father and his family isn’t on good terms. It’s the same between Sato and me. Ishida, my boss, gave [a father figure] for me and Sato.
What about Sato, who has to fret about his younger brother, Kaito (Atomu Mizuishi), and Hayama, who’re continually attempting to make the most of him and put him at risk? How did the need to avoid wasting your younger brother influence your character?
This is so interesting. Of course I like him, he’s so cute on set. But I didn’t know his movements or how he moved. How this helped improve me as Sato is tough to reply. I had to guard other people too. The situation was helpful, but I didn’t think so at the time.
In one other place or time, do you are feeling like Jake Adelstein (Ansel Elgort) and Sato might be friends, or is it just inconceivable because of the two worlds they live in? Is there mutual respect?
I feel there may be a wierd relationship. I do not trust him, but he has good information for me. And he has real power, he’s brave. Ansel and Jake, we’re in [different kind of] relationships, not only as friends, not only as colleagues. He is a special person to me.
Show Kasamatsu in Vice President of Tokyo.
Courtesy of Max
Will Sato protect Jake if he breaks ranks in the yakuza world?
In fact, Sato isn’t at all times protected in his yakuza family, the Chihara-Kai. And even in on a regular basis life, not every little thing is protected and comfortable. But he at all times spends his time trying to not fight, in order not to interrupt anything. Because when he was younger, he ruined every little thing and he regrets it. So he must protect [so many people now]. He wants to guard his family, but he isn’t sure in the event that they want him to guard them. Everything is so complicated. Sato wants peace because there may be none. So Sato desires to be peaceful people.
How did you prepare for the intense fight scene in the bathhouse where Sato finally confronts Hayama for attempting to kill his brother and falsely accusing Sato of being a traitor to his clan? Was this fight scene more intense than the first season where you saved your oyabun’s life after Tozawa’s assassins ambushed the Chihara-Kai headquarters?
The fight scene in the first season was very delicate. This was the first time I killed someone for Sato and I didn’t want Sato to look stylish and cool. But I desired to be detailed and sensitive. But in the second season, Sato is so frustrated and desired to kill his Chihara-Kai brother, Hayama, all this time. And he doesn’t need to take into consideration the energy source because he just desires to kill Hayama. So it just unleashes power.
The finale ended with Sato becoming the oyabun of the Chihara-Kai yakuza clan. Where do you see Sato’s character in five to 10 years?
I do not know, but he’ll have problems each time.
Could we see a 3rd season with Sato?
Do I would like a 3rd season? Actually no (laughter). I would like to play Sato, but I’m actually wondering if Vice President of Tokyo fans desire a third season. I’m wondering. I’m afraid (laughter). If Max agrees, of course I’ll do Sato in season three, 4, five.
What does the future hold for you? Will you be doing all your next project in Japan, or would you prefer to do some projects in the US?
When the first season aired, I received many offers, but I used to be busy working in Japan. But now I actually have an open schedule and I’m waiting for job. That’s why I would like to work abroad.
Vice President of Tokyo is now streaming the second season on Max.
Credit : www.hollywoodreporter.com
