"Super Space Sheriff Gavan Infinity" Interview with Kohei Nagata, Ryuga Akabane, and Shinna Kaku

The first installment of the new special effects series "PROJECT RED," "Super Space Sheriff Gavan Infinity" (TV Asahi, Sunday 9:30 AM) has begun airing. The three heroes bearing the name "Gavan" are played by Kohei Nagata (28), Ryuga Akabane (23), and Shinna Kaku (19). We asked them about their impressions of each other and their particular attention to the "vapor deposition" pose.

◇Who was the person you met first and felt a gap between them?

"Super Space Sheriff Gavan Infinity" is a completely new "Gavan" that has been reconstructed using the latest visual and directing techniques while retaining the visuals and space-set sci-fi elements of "Space Sheriff Gavan" that aired from 1982 to 1983. The story unfolds in a worldview based on the "multiverse theory," in which there is not just one universe, but other Earths that are identical to Earth, and the protagonist, Gavan Infinity/Doki Reiji, solves cases set in a variety of dimensions.

Nagata will play Reiji, Akabane will play Gavan Bushido/Aikokuin Setsuna, and Kaku will play Gavan Luminous/Iwai Kiki.

--Please tell us who you feel the biggest difference between when you first met and now that filming has begun. (Answering by pointing)...I see. Akabane got two votes. Now, Nagata-san, please tell us the reason.

Nagata: My first impression of Nagakawa was that he was small, handsome, intelligent, and so beautiful that some would say he seemed a little unapproachable. But when I spoke to him, he was easy to talk to and had a gentle personality!

Kado: When I first met her, I thought she was a cool, quiet person. But when I actually spoke to her, I was surprised to find that she was smiling so much (laughs). As Nagata said, I noticed that she has a slightly naive side, so I think she'll continue to show us more of her different sides. I hope she'll show more of her true self (even in interviews, etc.).

Akabane: It's embarrassing when someone says that to your face (laughs).

--Is the cool feeling something you produced yourself?

Akabane: No, I haven't (laughs).

Kaku: It might also be due to the image of the character.

Nagata: Even during the audition, he seemed pretty quiet and calm.

Akabane: That's certainly true, and that may be a factor.

Nagata: But it's easier to talk to them than it is difficult to talk to them, so it's a good thing.

Akabane: That's good then (laughs).

--Mr. Akabane chose Mr. Nagata. Why?

Akabane-san: He's usually very serious, but when we talk in between shoots or during breaks, he's really joking around. That's what makes him so funny. I think it's amazing how he can switch between on and off so well.

Kado-san: At first, I was a little nervous about talking to him because he was older than me (laughs). But he was very frank and we naturally became closer.

Nagata: I'm grateful. To be honest, I never thought I'd be in a special effects film at 28 years old... I was a bit worried about whether I'd be able to communicate well with everyone, but I'm really grateful that they welcomed me so warmly.

Akabane-san: Actually, we should be the ones to thank you for accepting us.

Mr. Kado: You're very reliable!

◇ "Vapor deposition" with all your heart

--Please tell us if there was anything you paid particular attention to when creating each transformation (vaporization) pose.

Nagata: Infinity incorporates a transformation pose from "Space Sheriff Gavan." I thought people might think, "Could it be?" Reiji "vaporizes" with anger, and I would be happy if his anger and resolve were conveyed.

Akabane: Setsuna is a quiet character, so his movements aren't too big, and he doesn't have many moves, so he has an image of being smooth. I worked with the staff to think about how to convey "this is the kind of character he is" within the limited movements.

Kado-san: I paid attention to even the smallest details of Yoshiteru, such as the way the Gabalion particles come out of the gun and the movement of his white coat, which is based on a lab coat. I would be happy if you could pay attention to the way the coat spreads out beautifully when he spins, and even his fingertips.

--The catchphrase "vapor deposition" seems like it would warm the hearts of fans.

Nagata-san: I think people of our generation are more familiar with words like "transformation" or "change." That's why I think "vaporization," which we didn't hear in real time, will come across as a fresh word.

Kado-san: My parents are right in the middle of the "Space Sheriff Gavan" generation. I think "Shokujou" is something that today's children and adults alike can enjoy. I hope everyone will say "Shokujou" together!

Nagata: I hope the whole family will have fun.

Akahane: I would be happy if this becomes a work that can be supported by families, and if that circle continues to expand, I think this work will reach even more people. I will shout "vaporization" with all my heart, so please try to imitate me and enjoy it! (Interview and text: Endo Masaki)