I found this interview to be an interesting read.
It’s lengthy but I always enjoy reading about how the boys think and stuff. And of course, Massu gives us some new information regarding his upcoming play in this interview 🙂

Masuda Takahisa
After 4 years, a lead play has been decided on. Earnest feelings towards “singing”

Masuda Takahisa
MonopolizeAfter about 4 years, lead play “Only You ~Bokura no ROMEO&JULIET~” is a youthful graffiti colored with Johnny’s music and dance.
With the title’s image “only you” in mind, mature expressions were put on…
We bring to you his enthusiasm towards the play and Masuda-kun’s sincere thoughts towards his beloved “song”.

I’d like to treasure the expression of “Romeo played by Monta“

After around 4 years, lead play, “Only You ~Bokura no ROMEO&JULIET~” has been decided! In this piece, the members of a university musical club that’s on the brink being broken up challenges “Romeo & Juliet” with Johnny’s music in an attempt to keep the club going…Which is what the unique story is about.

With myself as the main, to sing, dance and act for such a long period of time… Such a piece of work is a first (for me). I’m excited now already. To begin with, the talk about this came from someone from the agency about 2 years ago, “Do you want to try doing theatre that’s specialized in song and dance?”; how it was brought up to me like that was where it all started. Matching it up with NEWS’ 15th anniversary this year… Was not the case. It was decided that I’d do it around this time at Tokyo Globe Theatre. Even though that was 2 years ago, a long ago enough schedule that you’d almost forget about LOL. And now, I can finally feel it approaching in front of me.

So it had started even 2 years ago.

At the time, “If I were to do it, it’d probably be about 2 years later~”, was the feeling of how the talk went. As a result, it just happened to overlap with the 15th anniversary year so on the other hand, it’s good. As singing and dancing is my specialty, I’m really happy to be able to have a new challenge during such a period.

By the way, what did you think when you first accepted the agency’s proposal 2 years ago?

Singing and dancing is something that I’ve always worked hard at since entering Johnny’s. And actually, I, myself, had wanted to try merging music and theatre together one day.

So you mean musical?

No, a bit different. Of course, I admire musicals and would like to be in one… I have a lot of respect for musical actors whose main line of work is musicals. As I also know how amazing it is, I don’t think my experience would be able to be applied in a musical. I feel like while I’d like to try doing it, I probably wouldn’t be able to yet. That’s why, rather than a straight-up musical, it’s a new entertainment piece that makes use of my singing and dancing.

I see. So wouldn’t this work just make that dream come true?

That’s right. I’m really grateful!

In the play, the character that Masuda-kun plays is Monta, a university student who belongs to the musical club. What did you think when you first heard that it would be a university student role?

Ah, I wasn’t particularly hung up on that. It’s totally okay! Lol. It feels like real university students seem more mature than me. Though if an elementary school or middle school student role came then of course, I’d feel that it’s bad Lol. But if even having this appearance is fine for it then I would totally do it. I wouldn’t really be opposed to it.

Be able to act it out easily.

Yeah, it’s probably fine! Lol

Lol. Regarding Monta, who you’re playing, after reading the script, what kind of impression did you get?

If I were to put it in one phrase, a herbivore ¹. Or like, the type who wouldn’t have this greedy passion/heat. But he loves to sing and dance – expressing himself. And on top of that, he’s good at it. I felt a bit of pressure there. In the script too, there would be lines like, “Monta is good at singing”. Like, Oh, so I must act it out with the premise of being good at it… Lol

As singing and dancing is my specialty, I’m really happy to be able to have a new challenge during such a period.

That wouldn’t be an issue for Masuda-kun?

No, no. More like this time, I’ll be singing not as “Masuda”, but as “Romeo played by Monta”. I am Monta and as Monta is playing Romeo, wouldn’t I be with two roles

Ah. Indeed, it might be a bit complicated.

That’s right. But (Structure · Script · Directing) Sado (Taketoshi)-san told me, “While you’re singing as Romeo, it doesn’t need to be Romeo-like. For the expression of the songs, first trying singing in the way that Masuda-kun feels you can best get it across/express yourself”. We’ve just started rehearsals, from now on after rehearsals have continued, I might be told, “You’ve already reached 80% Romeo” Lol. For now, I think it’d be nice if I’m able to do rehearsals with my way of singing.

Looking forward to what kind of Monta, what kind of Romeo, you’ll be! By the way, to begin with, it’s been a while since you’ve done acting. Have you completely entered into your acting mode?

That’s right. Because originally, the talk was of a “play that shows singing and dancing”. So when I first read the script, I did think, “Huh? I’m surprisingly acting a lot?” Lol. But the more I read the script, there was like this moment when the content on the open page entered my mind strongly. I would think that it could be the acting switch. When I experienced the script entering my head to the point where I could picture the scene, I was so happy thinking that perhaps I’d entered the acting mode. Normally, I often buy a lot of magazines to look at but I don’t really read the words. Even though I totally read my own articles and stuff.

I see Lol.

That’s why, even when I read a sentence or something 15 times, it wouldn’t stick but how such a moment would happen with a script is a mystery Lol. As I said earlier, I’ll be playing “Romeo played by Monta”. As I think it’ll be interesting when Monta plays Romeo, I’d like to treasure that expression.

For Johnny’s songs, the power of the song is amazing!

I think the fans are curious about the Johnny’s songs chosen to be scattered within the play, so just what kind of songs have been prepared?

From senpais’ songs to kouhais’ songs, there are around 10 songs planned… The song details, of course, I’d like them to look forward to it in the performance. I left the song selection completely up to them but as for my impression, it goes from “Of course, it would be this one”, to be surprised “Ah, what’s this song!?”. There’s quite a wide variation. While there are songs that connect obviously with the story, there are also songs that appear to have been chosen for their world view or to feature a section of the lyrics. As I’m not only singing by myself but there are also songs where it’s like a dialogue with the other cast members. That’s also something to look forward to.

It’s because there is the possibility of someone listening with great care that I’d like to sing it 100% emotionally invested.

Are you listening to it everyday?

Yes. As I’ve received a CD with only the songs for this time, I’ve been listening to it on repeat. As expected, for Johnnys’ songs, the power of the song is amazing! I once again thought that Johnny’s is amazing Lol.

Specifically, where did you feel power?

That feeling of excitement, “Wow, here it comes!!” with just the intro. I think that’s an amazing thing. And then, if it were group songs, simple questions like, what’s the intention of the lines being split like this here!? will come up Lol.

It might be a point of view from also being a Johnny’s.

That’s true Lol. This time, various songs that have been sung with love from my Johnnys’ senpais and kouhais will be performed in one play. Isn’t it a never done before attempt. In what kind of performance will the songs be mixed into the work – I’m also really looking forward to it.

Speaking of looking forward to things, the goods that Masuda-kun produced too. What kind of item did you produce?

To put it generally, it’s an accessory. The item is a secret but something that seems like it has pros and cons was made.

Huh? Pros and cons is…?

Out of all the numerous Johnny’s stage play goods, it’s the one with the most impact. Or more like, I think there will be a divide between ones who want it and not Lol. But I really like it and it’s something I would want 10 of. I think I’d wear it a lot in private!

I’d like to take the expression that only I can do even more seriously

While it’s been 4 years since Masuda-kun has had a solo cover on our magazine, the timing just 4 years ago was also your lead play “Friend,  Konya koko de no Hitosakari”(October 2014 issue). At that time, “Lost the way of thinking of how it has to be this way”. “(The thinking of wanting to protect my own ideals) was 200%, but it became a normal 100%”. Was what you had told us… Now having grown older more, what percent has it become?

Hm, I think I’m still holding onto the 100% from that time~ Lol. I don’t mean for it to be in the creating a character for the “idol Masuda Takahisa” sense. I still intend on being strongly aware of my existence as a Johnny’s talent. It’s because I’d like to be more highly aware of it than anyone else.

4 years ago too, you also told us that you “Feel a lot of responsibility (towards work)”.

Did I say the same thing? So you mean that I haven’t changed (on the inside) at all? Lol

No, no Lol. To still have that attitude from 4 years ago continually updated, I think that’s an amazing part of Masuda-kun.

Is… that really so…. But the thinking that “It must be this way”, I think I’ve really gotten rid of that. More like, this is how I want to be. Perhaps my intentions of wanting to express a certain way has shown through. It’s not about how the other person sees me. But I think that I’ve become able to prioritize what I feel I’d like to do myself. It isn’t me hiding my personality nor is it me having freed the me that’s been locked up.

I see. Then what about any changes with your feelings towards “song”? Frankly, what kind of existence is song/singing to the Masuda-kun now?

While I like songs, I don’t necessarily think too deeply about it. Because it’s something that is that natural and everyday for me. But after becoming an adult, my feelings on wanting to further the singing expression that only I can do might have become stronger. It’s not about having good or poor abilities/skills. I think that there are songs that only I can sing. I’d like to aim for that.

So, more so than simple skills/abilities, you’d like to further your own color?

That’s right.

For example, in Masuda-kun’s latest solo. There was a song (Thunder) that included a biting message where feelings were let out. Your repertoire has gotten further wider compared to before.

In regards to relaying a message through song. To have it listened to carefully because of me singing it. Or to have someone’s thinking be changed… It’s possible that it (song) would become the cause for such things, right. That’s why, I feel a lot of responsibility in that sense. It wouldn’t be right for me to sing a song that is too different from my own conscience. That’s what I particularly thing lately. It’s because there is the possibility that there could be someone who would listen to it even more carefully than myself that I want to sing it 100% emotionally invested.

What if you aren’t able to become emotionally invested?

Hm… If it were a unique and passionate message that I don’t believe at all myself, it might be a bit different. But I definitely won’t sing a song that I cannot empathize with. It’s not that I don’t want to sing it. It’s that when I sing, that’s how responsible I feel about it. For the people who love my songs – each and every song – I’m allowed to sing it carefully. From here on, I’d like to continue singing with such feelings.

Translator’s Notes