PROFILE
Born in 1997 in Tokyo. As an actor, he has appeared in numerous high-profile productions, including the film *The Eve of War* and various TV dramas. Standing 181 cm tall and drawing on the sensibilities he developed while studying in the UK, he favors fashion that reflects his personal lifestyle and personal stories.
Instagram:@junsera_
PROFILE
Born in 1998 in Saitama Prefecture. She was cast as the lead in the film *First Love* and is a talented, up-and-coming actress who has appeared in numerous films, TV dramas, and stage productions. Guided by her own sense of what she “likes,” she also has a deep appreciation for film and culture in general.
Instagram:@sakurako_kns
Talking About ActingPerform while gazing into the distance.
—I heard that you, Mr. Konishi, regularly watch a variety of works, including movies. Do you watch them intentionally as part of your professional development?
Konishi: It’s less about studying and more about a love for the subject. I’ve always loved movies and other works of art, and my interest in this line of work stemmed from my hobby, so I make a point of watching all kinds of things that catch my eye on a daily basis.
—What led you to enter this industry?
Konishi: My first experience with acting was in an independent film I made with some friends. It wasn’t so much that I reached a point where I decided, “Okay, I’m going to make this my career,” but rather, it felt like I just kept doing what I loved, and it naturally led to work.
—By the way, if you had to name a work that you particularly like and that has influenced you, what would it be?
Konishi: Hmm, that’s a tough one… One film that’s often mentioned is the Korean movie *Oasis* by director Lee Chang-dong. I believe that movies—even if they aren’t pure fantasy—have a way of letting us catch a glimpse of a dream within reality. It’s one of my favorite films because I really feel the unique charm that only movies like this can offer.
—Please tell us what inspired you to become an actor, Mr. Sera.
Sera: My father was a huge movie fan, so movies were a natural part of my daily life from a very young age. Later, while I was studying abroad in the UK, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, giving me time to reflect deeply on my life and future. When I really asked myself, “What do I want to do most of all?” a strong desire emerged to be involved with the movies—which had always nurtured me—and to give something back. I chose the path of acting as a way to do that.
—What are your favorite movies?
Sera: It’s hard to narrow it down to just one… but if I had to choose a work that’s special to me, it would be the movie *Billy Elliot*. I had no acting experience until I graduated from college, so at first I was even too shy to tell the people around me that I wanted to start acting. This film gave me the push I needed to take that first step.
—Are there any actors you admire, or any works that are particularly meaningful to you?
Sera: I really look up to Yusaku Matsuda. I’m deeply drawn to his way of life and his presence, including his willingness to take on roles in international productions. There was even a time when I knocked on the door of the theater company where Mr. Matsuda used to perform.
Konishi: I really look up to Kirin Kiki. At first, I got into acting simply because I loved it, but to be honest, there may have been a small part of me that wanted to be recognized by others. Still, I hope to become the kind of actor who, like Kirin-san, can simply be present in a natural way and effortlessly bring out the charm of the other actors around me.
—Are there any works or turning points in your career so far that have left a particularly strong impression on you?
Konishi: Each one has left a deep impression on me, but the most recent one would be the drama currently airing, *“Would You Like to Go Out With Me?”* (airing on MBS and other networks since September 10, 2026). Until now, I’ve often played roles with a certain darkness or intense inner turmoil, but this time I was given a character who is down-to-earth, yet deeply human and sensitive. Since the original work has been loved by many fans for so long, I did feel some pressure, but I was truly happy that they trusted me as an actor and entrusted me with this role—it was a huge step forward for me.
Sera: I learned so much on the set of the movie *The Eve of War*. When I had just joined the agency, I stayed in Kyoto for about a month with a stellar cast to film the movie. It was a valuable experience that steeled my resolve—facing my co-stars, who until then had felt like “people from TV,” and realizing, “I have to fight my way through this tough industry.” I was inspired not only by their acting but also by witnessing firsthand their poise during downtime and their remarkable character.
—Is there a particular kind of actor you’d like to become in the future, or anything you’d like to try?
Konishi: I believe in the power of theater, and I want to become a versatile actor who can create performances that bring even a little joy to others. To that end, I want to gain a wide range of experiences—both professionally and personally—to broaden the scope of my artistic expression.
Sera: I’m taking on the challenge of working on international productions. Last year, when I appeared in an American drama filmed in Hungary as a Japanese character who speaks English, I really felt the joy of expressing myself in English—a language I’ve always loved. I want to keep taking on more and more projects that transcend national borders, including the growing number of international co-productions.
