The Tokusatsu Network Interviews Ninja Red Actor Teruaki Ogawa

The Tokusatsu Network had a chance to interview Teruaki Ogawa, best known to fans for his roles as Ninja Red Sasuke in Ninja Sentai Kakuranger, and Black Knight Hyuuga in Seijuu Sentai Gingaman.

Tokusatsu Network: Please, tell us about your background as an actor.

Teruaki Ogawa: I became an actor to make more friends. I also do dubbing work now and participated in Bones and Supernatural. I participated as a motion capture actor in Resident Evil 4 as Leon and Sephiroth in Final Fantasy VII. Also I starred as Harlock in space pirate CAPTAIN HARLOCK.

TN: Did you watch any tokusatsu shows when you were a child?

TO: Actually, I didn’t, but I liked Akakage and Kikaider. I seem to be drawn to imperfect characters.

Ogawa as Sasuke / Ninja Red in Ninja Sentai Kakuranger

TN: How did you land the role as Ninja Red/Sasuke?

TO: I was chosen in the audition because I didn’t seem like a Red type. Also, probably because I had a licence to ride a bike.

TN: In Ninja Sentai Kakuranger, Sasuke is the Red hero, however, Tsuruhime was the actual leader. What approach did you have for this uncommon setting?

TO: I was told Sasuke was like Sun Wukong from Journey to the West and everything was clear. Thinking about it, he always fought to protect the princess. That may have created good teamwork.

TN: How was working with Kane Kosugi, who could not speak Japanese?

TO: I studied English while he studied Japanese. We found out that friendship and justice knows no borders.

Ogawa as Hyuuga/Black Knight in Seijuu Sentai Gingaman

TN: In Seijuu Sentai Gingaman, Black Knight/Hyuga is an additional hero. Was there any difference as an actor between playing him and a main ranger?

TO: Hyuga was a character supposed to take the place of Red. By passing the mantle on to his younger brother, I paid special attention to give a “silent” quality to my acting. Sasuke is a straight, dynamic character which was the biggest difference. Their sense of justice was the same, though.

TN: Your participation in Gokaiger is said to be the main reason why the trend to have “Legend guest stars” started and it became one of the series biggest features. Were you programmed to appear from the start?

TO: I see. I didn’t know that. I remember being invited when I had started the earthquake relief activities and the twitter account. So, I contacted Maehara, who played Ginga Red and the producer and took the opportunity to send a message of support to the people in the affected areas. That must have been a starting point.

Ogawa guest starring as Hyuuga in Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger

TN: Please tell us about your other activities like @tokusatsuhero, and Sasuraido from Flare Factory, as well as your efforts to provide support to earthquake victims.

TO: It is precisely in times like this that a hero should be there. But I don’t have enough strength or courage, that’s why I want to help everyone to awaken the hero we all have in our hearts.

TN: Please tell us about your projects in the future.

TO: I am doing work to promote Japanese Entertainment like Wadaiko drums and Sword battle choreography. I also am working on a live action project for Sasuraido, the hero anyone with a strong wish to protect their loved ones can become.

TN: Finally, please send a message to all the Ogawa fans overseas.

TO: I think I will have more opportunities to work overseas. I look forward to the day in which we can meet!

小川さん、本当にありがとうございました！

Photo Source: Nichima Blog