Kazunari Ninomiya Opens Up About Exit 8 and His Creative Role Behind the Scenes

The live-action film Exit 8, based on the globally successful game by KOTAKE CREATE, premieres on August 29. Kazunari Ninomiya, who plays the lead role, is also credited for "script cooperation" in the project. Aware of his influence and position, he expressed his intention to stay involved in various capacities if it contributes to creating better working environments and stronger films.

Grateful for the Space to Share His Thoughts Freely

Ninomiya explained why he chose to be involved in the script this time:

"Since it's almost like a one-man show, I thought that if I simply performed the script as written, it might feel unnatural and out of sync with my own instincts. So I figured it would be better to participate in the scriptwriting from the beginning.
Director Genki (Kawamura) seemed to feel the same and said, ‘Want to work on it together?’ That was a huge help.
Even though I was given the impressive title of 'script cooperation,' it just felt like I was given an environment where I could share my thoughts without hesitation.”

Turning a Storyless Game into a Film Filled with Changes

The original game has no narrative. Set in a sterile underground passage, players must turn back if something seems off and move forward if not—if they get it right, they approach Exit 8; if not, they're sent back to Exit 0. The game is simple yet addictive.

"What I feared most was taking only the setting and messing up the rest.
I wanted to create a story that game users could follow as a natural extension of the original, while still making it enjoyable for people who don’t know the game.
Even if you aim for universality, what’s actually happening is just walking down an underground hallway, which can easily become monotonous.
We discussed on set where to insert the ups and downs in the narrative. That was the hardest part.”

The shoot was full of constant changes to scenes and dialogue—a set full of "glitches." Ninomiya also actively contributed ideas.

"With this project, I wasn’t aiming to 'level up' or 'shed a layer' as an actor, and I mean that in a good way.
I intentionally kept the acting simple and instead focused on shaping the overall flow and rhythm of the film.”

Games as a Mirror of the Self

Known for being an avid gamer, Ninomiya says gaming is now more than just a hobby.

"Games are part of my daily life. I used to play them like breathing, but that’s changed recently.
Now, it feels more like a way to understand my own condition.
For example, if I’m exploring a new field in a game, it usually means I’m looking to challenge something new in real life.
If I’m focused on leveling up, that often mirrors a desire to improve my own skills.
In that sense, games really help me understand what I’m currently craving."

Giving Credit to Others for Success

Though he’s been in the spotlight for years, Ninomiya admits that, like the character lost in an endless hallway, he’s experienced his own loops and dead ends.

"I think what’s important is giving everything you’ve got and accepting the outcome.
If the result is better than expected, I think of it as just a coincidence.
If it falls short, I accept that and try to use it moving forward.
When things go well, I take the stance that it's thanks to everyone else."

He says this humble mindset comes from his early experiences in the industry.

"When I debuted, I had no acting experience. So many professionals supported me—costume, makeup, scripts, co-stars—everyone gave it their all to help me.
They helped me so much that just standing there made it look like I was acting.
I’m also grateful for the adults who didn’t abandon me despite my inexperience and kept scolding me.
I really appreciate them, and I think those experiences are what shaped who I am today.”

Moving Forward Even Without an Exit in Sight

Life may be something like an endless loop.

"When I’m shooting a drama series, I often think, ‘Is this ever going to end?’
With VIVANT, it was so big in scale that I honestly felt like it might never finish.
But when that happens, I just try to think, ‘It’s okay if it doesn’t end.’
I believe the results will come later.”

Even when there’s no exit in sight, he keeps moving forward, believing in a better future.
That approach gives his role in this film a quiet conviction. For nearly two hours, viewers won’t be able to take their eyes off him.

Photography: Kou Yuhsuan
Styling: Harumi Fukuda
Hair & Makeup: Yosuke Asazu

Source : ORICON NEWS