About fashion and photography for the two of them.
—Please tell us about your fashion sense as well. What do you prioritize when choosing clothes?
Wakaba:When I was younger, I wanted to wear all kinds of things, but the more clothes I wore, the more I felt that when I had something I really wanted to convey—like during interviews—my clothes were becoming a distraction. So, my style gradually became simpler. I started choosing clothes that would clearly convey my own words, as well as the things I truly love and the things I truly dislike. I think part of it is because I’m an actor. Since I play all kinds of roles, I want to make sure that dressing up doesn’t blur the contours of my words.
Aoyagi:It might be the opposite for me. That’s because there are times when I work through my presence or through my character.
Wakaba:It's because Aoyagi-san has such a strong presence. I'm not really that distinctive, so I'm like, "Oh, whatever" (laughs).
Aoyagi:It's not like it lacks personality.
Wakaba:It’s just that I choose works I think are unique, so I seem like a unique person—but I’m actually just a totally ordinary guy.
—This time, the project involves us taking photos of each other, and I know you both love photography.
Aoyagi:I brought my Leica digital camera with me from the Netherlands this time. The black tones are rich and deep, and it takes really beautiful photos. I also plan to borrow a film camera from Wakaba-kun and take photos while he shows me the ropes. I’m really looking forward to it.
Wakaba:I first picked up a camera when I was a freshman in high school. I had a friend who loved film cameras, and he gave me one he wasn’t using anymore—that’s how it all started. After that, I switched to digital, but I started to feel like I was just being made to take pictures, so I stopped taking photography as seriously. Over the past three or four years, I’ve decided to give film another proper try. Movies have shifted from film to digital, haven’t they? Since more and more actors never get the chance to work with 35mm or Super 16mm, I felt I had to experience film myself. I wanted to feel that sense of tension—whether it’s the tension of being filmed or the tension of doing the filming.
Aoyagi:You're really good at photography, aren't you? And at playing the guitar, too.
Wakaba:No, no. My reasons for taking up both the guitar and photography were actually pretty impure. I figured they’d make me more popular with the ladies (laughs).
Aoyagi:But from what I've heard, Wakaba-kun is really popular with the girls.
Wakaba:Where did you hear that?
Aoyagi:I heard this from a friend. Apparently, he used to play the guitar at the office’s cherry blossom viewing parties back in the day.
Wakaba:When you have a special talent, people always tell you, “Go ahead and do it,” right? It’s just that simple (laughs).
