Yosuke Eguchi's "My Awakening".　The best work is created when we "share the passion"

Although I've focused on acting for many years, I returned to music in 2016.

While some people might know me as an actor, not everyone is aware that I also make music. In fact, I had been thinking about returning to music even before the pandemic started. During the stay-at-home period, I recreated my old songs, uploaded them on YouTube, and wrote new ones. My desire for music grew stronger during that time.

When I performed live in Tokyo and Osaka last November, the energy I felt from the audience was incredible. I vividly remember the exciting groove that developed between my band and me. That's when I realized I can't let go of music.

I believe music is an incredibly primal and essential form of communication. When jamming with my bandmates, my senses become more and more finely tuned. Even without words, there's a deep conversation.

This sharpened awareness also has a positive effect on my acting. It helps me connect more deeply with my character, my lines, and my fellow actors in a raw, authentic way. Through music, I've truly "awakened" to the importance of sharpening one's senses to better connect with others.

Looking back, I had a similar "awakening" experience when I was a teenager. At that time, we filmed using actual film, which meant we couldn't retake shots as easily as we do now. The tension of each shot was even more intense. Amid that tension, I was deeply impressed by the passion and craftsmanship of the directors, actors, and the entire crew-everyone working together to create something great.

At that point, even though I was still a newcomer, I often found myself thinking, "Why do I feel so excited? Why am I having so much fun?" More than wanting to succeed as an actor, I was simply overwhelmed by the energy on set. At the end of the day, I was frequently called out by the staff, being told things like, "You could've done that scene better!" or "Why are you losing your voice on stage when you're an actor?" But those "conversations" actually felt really good to me.

Film and TV production starts moving in the right direction when everyone is on the same page, working together to create the right atmosphere for the work. For example, in the movie Children of Darkness, we had deep discussions about real-world issues such as human trafficking and pedophilia, aiming to create something that would leave a meaningful impact on society.
On the TV series Under the Same Roof, the cast members were of similar ages, and we constantly talked about the things that moved our hearts at the time. Those experiences have led me to believe that when we can truly "share our passion," that's when masterpieces are born.

After 40 years in the industry, I've recently found myself being treated as an experienced actor. The way things work on set and how we communicate has changed drastically compared to when I began my career. It's only natural-times change, and so does the way we create.

However, I still believe we need to talk more. Conversation isn't just about speaking; it's also about listening. Without truly listening to one another, we can't understand each other.

It doesn't have to be anything big. Start with the little things-talk about the music you listened to yesterday or the movie you watched. Maybe someone will respond with, "Oh! That scene was amazing!" and just like that, a conversation begins. Every small thing that inspires you shapes who you are today, and even these casual exchanges hold deep meaning in helping us connect and be understood.

And when we do talk, we should value what we take in with our senses-looking into someone's eyes, hearing their voice, and feeling the atmosphere around us. That, to me, is what real communication is all about. It's not just essential for music and acting-it's something that matters in everything we do.