Kenjiro Tsuda on Acting in Both Live-Action and Anime: "No Need for Major Differences" – Playing the Same Role in Trillion Game

"Kunugi Is a Battle-Hardened Veteran, Full of Energy"

— What aspects of Kunugi do you focus on most when portraying him?

Tsuda: His energy. Kunugi is a seasoned veteran who carries both light and darkness within him. He’s not purely righteous or straightforward—he has a certain grittiness and rawness to him. I wanted to make sure that came through in my performance.

— What did you find most enjoyable about playing Kunugi?

Tsuda: This applies to Trillion Game as a whole, but the story frequently shifts into comedic moments. These comedic bits often appear out of nowhere (laughs), so balancing those scenes was both fun and challenging. If the comedy goes too far, it risks overshadowing the serious aspects of the story. Finding the right balance between humor and drama was something I paid close attention to.

"The Show Has Business Strategy, Suspense, and Classic 'Buddy' Fun"

— With the anime now entering its second cour, how would you recommend Trillion Game to new viewers?

Tsuda: While the series incorporates modern business themes, it also offers thrilling underdog battles against massive corporations, suspenseful storytelling, and a classic 'buddy' dynamic. It’s packed with entertaining elements, making it enjoyable for a broad audience.

— What are your impressions of Haru and Gaku as a duo?

Tsuda: Haru is bold and over-the-top, while Gaku is timid and nerdy—they form the perfect contrast for a buddy pair (laughs). But when they work together, their strength multiplies exponentially, which is what makes them such a compelling duo.

— Are there any other characters you find particularly interesting?

Tsuda: From Kunugi’s perspective, Akari Byakko, who appears in the same storyline, stands out. She’s extremely straightforward and honest, which makes for a fascinating contrast to Kunugi, who is more pragmatic. Their dynamic as a pair is really intriguing.

"The Story’s Speed and Character Dynamics Will Continue to Intensify"

— We’re looking forward to the rest of the series!

Tsuda: The pacing and intensity of the show will only increase from here, along with the strategic battles between the characters. I hope everyone continues watching to see how Haru and Gaku’s journey unfolds.

— The Trillion Game movie releases on February 14. What should audiences look forward to?

Tsuda: While it continues the story from the live-action drama, even first-time viewers can enjoy it without prior knowledge. If you’ve watched the drama, you’ll get to experience an even more scaled-up version of Trillion Game.

This movie highlights entertainment, speed, and catharsis, bringing out the very essence of the series.

— The character interactions are a big draw, too.

Tsuda: Definitely. The movie will feature mind games, betrayals, and strengthened bonds between the characters. I hope viewers enjoy the unique chemistry between them.

Source : ORICON NEWS