How did you feel when you transformed into Ryugen for the first time?

Of course I was really happy, but I was also embarrassed. I don't usually say "Transform!" (laughs)

I had practiced in my room beforehand, but I got embarrassed during filming and ended up speaking in a hushed voice, so the action director got mad at me and told me to "speak louder!"

When I was in kindergarten, I loved "MASKED RIDER RYUKI," but I don't have any detailed memories. However, I still have this feeling in my heart that "transforming is cool!" So, transforming into a rider felt a bit strange and mysterious, but I was happy anyway.

●Who is your favorite Armored Rider?

It's Ryugen. Zangetsu Shin is cool too, but Ryugen is the best. I love him. He disappears halfway through the story, which makes me sad. But it looks like I'll be able to transform into Ryugen at the end!

What are the recommended points of Ryugen?

It's the face (laughs). Isn't this the Armored Rider that looks the most like a Showa era rider? Like the shape of the eyes. I really like the mustache-like look on his mouth. I'm also happy that Ryugen is the only one with a Chinese design.

●How was it filming "Gaim"?

Anyway, I only have the impression that it was fun. I also felt that it was fun to act. How should I put it, when I'm really concentrating, I can tell that I'm concentrating. It's like another self is watching me with a different sense. I've been able to feel that way recently, and it felt really good.

Mitch becomes an increasingly evil character as the story progresses, but did you feel confused by that?

From the beginning, I was told that "he's a character that gradually gets worse." I didn't think it would be this bad though (laughs). So I wanted to create a contrast after he gets worse, so at first I intentionally made my voice higher to sound like a younger brother, and tried to act as cute as possible. He's a character who loves Kouta more than his real brother Takatora, and wants to be loved by Kouta. Then, after he gets worse, I lowered my voice and tried to act in a way that would create a contrast with the first half.

I don't want to show it because the story is too exciting, but I want parents to teach their children how it's bad and why it's not okay. I thought that was Mitch's role, and I played it. He uses bad language, like, "Shut up, you idiot!" I want children to see it without running away from it. I think the story of Gaim is about growing from a child to an adult.

●Towards the end, he also transformed into Ryugen and Yomi.

(The producer) suddenly told me that. "There's something called a Lockseed that takes your life, and that's why you transform" (laughs). Ryugen didn't have an enhanced Form, did he? I thought that Zangetsu Shin was the end of (Mitch's) transformations, so I was happy. Just like Mitch said at the beginning, he stuck to his desire to sacrifice himself for someone else. When I think about it like that, I can understand that kind of transformation.

●What do you think of the design?

I saw the live suit for the first time during the shoot. I hadn't even seen the design drawings, so I was surprised. I thought it would be more evil. It gives the impression of a more mature Ryugen, or a more determined Mitch. I also like how the apron is torn. It's amazing how even the scars in his heart are reflected in the design.

●What happens when you transform?

At first, I asked, "Is it okay to do it like this?" but the director (Morota) said, "You can do it the way you want. The actor is the one who thinks about the character they're playing the most." I didn't expect him to say something like that, so I was very happy.

What is Yomotsuheguri Lockseed?

Among all Lockseeds, the grape shape is the cutest. However, when I held the Yomotsuheguri Lockseed in my hand, I felt that it felt different from a grape. If you look closely, you'll notice that the frame is gold. I think that makes it feel special.

-Yomotsuheguri Lockseed and Ryugen/Yomi Arms Change figures will be released exclusively on PREMIUM BANDAI!

I never thought it would be commercialized. (Lockseed, Ryugen, and Yomi hardly appear on the show, so I was really happy. Because if it becomes a product, I can just have it at home (laughs).

●The Arms Change series allows you to play with a variety of armor, but which do you think would suit Ryugen best?

I think mango would look good on her. I think melon, durian, and other green fruits would also look good on her.

●What is your favorite Lockseed?

I like energy music. I like the way they say "Melon Energy" (laughs), and I also like the sound that follows.

What do you think is fun about toys?

If you use the Sengoku Driver, you can transform into Form that doesn't appear in the movie. You can use it as a Baron faceplate and attach a melon. You can also use the Sengoku Driver in Jimbar mode to make it grape melon. Like a sibling Form (lol). I think it's really fun to play with it like that! I won the Genesis Driver (toy) in bingo at the launch party. I was super happy, and played with it quite a bit after I got back to my room. I already had the Sengoku Driver, so I attached the Genesis core parts to make it Jimbar mode, and attached a melon and melon energy set. I have four faceplates, Gaim, Baron, Zangetsu, and Ryugen, so I played around with them in various ways. I was alone while looking in the mirror (lol). It was pretty late, but I was having fun playing and I was so into it that I was absorbed in it. I'd like to play with this Yomotsuheguri Lockseed if I get one!

(August 8, 2014 at Toei Tokyo Film Studio)