(thanks mfu_1 for the brief translation!)
But, I also felt that it was probably too early for me to show the appreciation (on the stage). I should try to do better and better on movies and performances -- so that I would again have a chance to participate in the way I did <with TLS?>. I will continue working hard toward this goal.
I owe it to you that The Last Samurai has been watched by many and then even more people. I appreciate it very much.
Q: What was the overall impression you have about the ceremony, which lasted more than three hours? Ken: Well, the storm of New Zealand was huge (laughter), so, ... Their seats were right behind ours. They are very much active. Ah, I was not bored at all, but, the people in the center area had faces almost like gain? (laughter) Well, it was kind of like that.
Q: Were you relaxed or tense?
Ken: When I was walking down the red carpet, I felt the atmosphere was totally different from the ones from other ceremonies. Well, because of that, I was excited, rather than being tense. After getting into the theater, I enjoyed it very much. Well, it was a little long, but, enjoyed it anyway, looking at the various faces around, for one thing. I met Mr. Tom Hanks by chance, and had a short talk with him. It seems that he watched the movie (TLS). I talked with many people, like with Renee Zellweger. I feel very happy that I was able to talk with many of those people.
Q: How did you feel just before the announcement?
Ken: Well, it was really like as I just have said. Really, wanted to convey my thankfulness. It was my honest feeling.
Q: Do you feel that you are on a new stage as an actor? Also, what is your plan for the future?
Ken: I certainly feel that I took one step up the stairs, comparing the time we finished the movie and now. Then, as for the awards, there were the Golden Globe, SAG, then the Academy awards. I feel, as I step up, more people started to notice my existence. But, as a basic, I would like to keep my attitude unchanged, which is yes, I will go anywhere, with a bag in my hand? I still want to try out my ability in Japanese, Asian, and international movies.
Q: When you found out the result, were you disappointed (upset/frustrated), honestly speaking?
Ken: As I said, ah, I wanted to say how thankful I was; but, after the announcement, I felt well, ok. Then saying the next time? Would be too arrogant, but, I thought I am going to work hard so that I could be back here again?
Q: Have you met Mr. Tom Cruise?
Ken: Not, yet. Have not seen him. But, I think we will see each other at the party now.
Q: On the TV, we saw you were watching Tom-san when he came out on the stage. Was there any eye-contact?
Ken: Well, I was seated at the very end of the row. But, I think I'm going to see him later anyway.
Q: Have you met other staff from TLS?
Ken: I met Lilly, a set designer, and, Naira. Since she won the award, I told her, Congratulations! I am very very happy for you?
Q: Upon nomination, you have said if you stop at the point when you get a title, then it would be the end of the career. You are going to take one of the enemy roles in the Batman. Just like Jack Nicolson and Schwarzenegger. Considering those highly recognized stars, what are the things you are determined to do?
Ken: I had a pleasure to talk to the very young director, Mr. Chris Norlan. I watched his works. He is a very talented director. Furthermore, (smile) the story given was interesting, in which I see the potential for seeing the Batman in a brand new way. I mean, for the audience to see. In that sense, I am very excited about it.
Q: I think one issue is that the role is not Japanese. What do you think about it?
Ken: Well, it is not the case that I am only going to play a Japanese character. I intend to keep my identity as a Japanese. But, maybe can go as far as Middle Eastern? (laughter) Well, it might be an over self-confidence. But, if someone offers a role, and if there is any possibility to perform it well, then I should have had my skills ready for it, because that's what actors do, I think. So, I do not have such intention <to only take roles as Japanese>.
Q: What was the most impressive thing in today's ceremony?
Ken: Hum, I wonder... So many impressive moments. It is hard to put them in order right now, I'm afraid.
Q: I think it was a very precious experience as a Japanese actor. Do you feel your direction in the future should be more toward the Hollywood?
Ken: Rather than forward? (the Hollywood), to consider the job itself as the most important thing is the way an honest actor should do, I think. So, since I have a movie to make with Yoshinaga-san, the first thing to be done is to achieve that goal. After that, the next, and the next. I'd like to see things going that way.
Q: Do you feel some relief, considering this as one of the chapters with TLS being closed?
Ken: Yeah, when I stepped out of the car today, I said let's go. Final battle (in English). (laughter) Yes, so ... though I do not think today's event was a battle. I feel (relieved) since one of the chapters was finally closed ...
Q: You said let's go. Final battle to yourself?
Ken: Yes, (laughter) just a joke. But, it is not really the chapter is closed.? I mean The Last Samurai will live forever inside my heart. And also in the audience's hearts, I think, because it is such a good movie. The thing is, as an actor, I feel I should take on a new shape, taking off an old image, take a challenge for a new things. Because of that, I would like to close the chapter, and live a life of new roles.
Q: What do you think you have earned from these series of award races?
Ken: Well, I am not too sure about what I earned from these, yet. But, I feel I have just put the first step into this world as an actor. By, 'this world,' I mean the Hollywood.
Q: The announcement for your award was at the beginning, and then a rather long ceremony followed. After the announcement, what did you have in your mind while watching the ceremony?
Ken: It took more time than in the Golden Globe Award ceremony. (laughter) In GG, it was announced the moment I just took the seat. I talked to myself that shall I do now? Today, I really enjoyed the show.
