Japanese actors Kaneko Shunya and Nomura Kota star in the BL (boys’ love) series “Perfect Propose” that is available on streaming platform GagaOOLala.
In “Perfect Propose (パーフェクトプロポーズ)," rising actor Kaneko Shunya (金子 隼也) plays the role of Hirokuni Watari, who is feeling stress at work. One day, he faints on the street and meets Kai Fukaya, played by Nomura Kota (野村康太), who he has not seen in 12 years.
Japanese actors Nomura Kota (left) and Kaneko Shunya star in GagaOOLala's "Perfect Propose" BL series
Japanese actors Kaneko Shunya and Nomura Kota in GagaOOLala's "Perfect Propose" BL series
Japanese actors Kaneko Shunya and Nomura Kota (Instagram)
With no place to stay, Kai stays at Hirokuni’s house and makes him meals. Actually, the two promised to marry each other in the past.
“Perfect Propose” is an adaptation from the manga of the same name by Tsurukame Mayo. The BL series is directed by Horai Tadaaki and written by Miyamoto Takeshi.
In an interview with Manila Bulletin, Kaneko Shunya and Nomura Kota talked about “Perfect Propose,” their preparation and impressions of each other.
MANILA BULLETIN: How did you get cast in Perfect Propose? Were there any particular things that helped you to get your part?
Kaneko Shunya, Nomura Kota: It was through an audition. I was also auditioned for the role.
Kaneko Shunya: I haven’t heard anything about that. The only thing I heard was that I had been selected, but I didn't hear about any particular points that helped me get my part.
Nomura Kota: I haven’t heard anything either. But we were told that we were nervous. So we were a bit stiff.
MANILA BULLETIN: How did you feel when you found out you were going to be playing in a BL?
Kaneko Shunya: Right. I didn’t particularly feel anything just because it was a BL. I had of course read the original manga before auditioning, and it was a wonderful piece, so there was nothing special about it for being a BL. I accepted it as a work of art.
Nomura Kota: I also didn’t feel anything particular about playing in a BL. The only thing I can think of is the senior actors who I used to work with and actors that I know were also playing in BL. And that BL is a growing trend. Many people that I’ve interacted with and helped with are part of BLs. I just felt that I am now finally able to be a part of BL and have put my foot into this genre.
MANILA BULLETIN: “Perfect Propose” is your first starring role. How did you feel? Or how do you feel now?
Kaneko Shunya: Half of it was joy and the other half was anxiety. As it was my first leading role, I also felt a lot of pressure because I had to think about how to act and present myself. But once we started shooting, the onsite mood was very warm. I enjoyed the shooting and even had the opportunity to read the script several times with the director, crew, and other actors before we went on camera. So I felt like the weight on my shoulders had been slightly lifted.
Nomura Kota: I felt the same way. It was equally both fun and anxious. I wanted to quickly find out how people would react when they watched the drama, “Perfect Propose.” I was looking forward to and waiting to see the feedback from everyone. That’s how I felt.
MANILA BULLETIN: Did you feel any pressure or anxiety before shooting “Perfect Propose"?
Kaneko Shunya: The anxiety gradually lessened. However, when I received the script I realized some parts strictly stuck to the original manga. But since the original manga was an illustration, it wasn’t as easy to visually portray them in a shooting. It was difficult to visually find an accurate way to portray them. I had to be conscious of how to best visually bring out the right mood when it comes to drama as opposed to the original illustrations. I learned a great deal from reading the original manga, from how to incorporate and translate them into the script. It was quite a process, so I had to be very careful. So there was some anxiety there.
Nomura Kota: I played a role that was completely different from my own personality, so I had to be very calm in how I spoke. I had a hard time being on top of the role at first, and when I read the script for the first time, I was so glued to getting it right that I couldn't even think about it. But as I read more of the script, I found that the more I read, the more I realized that I started to get the hang of it.
MANILA BULLETIN: How would you describe yourself normally and what type of person do you think you are?
Nomura Kota: It is rather funny and cheerful. I can be silly at times as well.
Kaneko Shunya: He is easygoing.
MANILA BULLETIN: What about you Kaneko?
Kaneko Shunya: I can’t objectively describe myself, but, if you ask me if I’m more like Kai or Hiro, I believe I’m more similar to Hiro. In terms of similarities and differences, I think of myself as more of an indoor person. An introvert. I feel that was the difference between the two.
MANILA BULLETIN: How did you prepare for playing in “Perfect Propose”?
Kaneko Shunya: My role was a character that didn’t get enough sleep and was too busy with work to eat. Having all that stress. So I first decided to try cutting back on sleep and meals. After a while, several days, I started to realize and really feel how hard it was it was for him (the character/role he played). If I continued with that, I would begin to live that life. So I gradually came to live the life of Hiro.
Nomura Kota: I had never cooked anything before, not even rice. I tried to learn how to cook, but surprisingly it was really hard for me. I thought I came prepared, but when we were filming cooking scenes, I stumbled upon many NGs (had to do many retakes) and parts that didn’t seem natural.
MANILA BULLETIN: This is the first time you two have been cast together. What were your impressions of each other?
Kaneko Shunya: He was 19 years old when we shot this. I felt he was really mature for a 19-year-old. How can you describe that? But my first impression changed as we continued shooting. He’s a gentle yet mature person. It was very reassuring to be around him.
Nomura Kota: When I first met him, he was very quiet. My first impression was that he was a quiet person. But as we got to know each other, I realized that he had a really cute side to him. He was like a really sweet older brother. There were times when he would guide me and take the initiative.
MANILA BULLETIN: “Perfect Propose” had quite a number of touching scenes. Did you prepare or practice for these scenes?
Kaneko Shunya: We didn't particularly prepare anything for these scenes in advance. Nope. It just came naturally. If it seemed a bit off, the director would give us advice. But there wasn’t much nervousness. None of that.
Nomura Kota: The director told me to cherish and feel Hiro’s love. Hiro wanted to touch me because he liked me. So we should just act in those scenes based on the mutual feeling of love towards each other. Cherishing Hiro’s love in those scenes. That’s how I did it. I also watched Korean dramas and their kissing scenes. I enjoy Korean dramas myself and have watched many Korean dramas. So I replayed those beautiful kissing scenes many times.
Kaneko Shunya: This is the first I’ve heard about this.
MANILA BULLETIN: You are actually 24 and 20 years old. Did the age difference between you make you feel awkward or uncomfortable in your roles?
Kaneko Shunya: No. You almost shocked me. (laugh)
MANILA BULLETIN: So it was natural?
Kaneko Shunya: Yes. I didn't feel the age difference. I didn't really feel that at all, given his extremely friendly and mature nature. Not at all. I could hardly feel that he was 19 years old. The only thing was some shows or movies that I’d seen but he hadn’t. (from the age gap) There wasn’t any awkwardness.
MANILA BULLETIN: During the shooting, which of you felt more like the older brother?
Nomura Kota: Being the younger character and also being actually junior to Hiro, I was using honorifics when I spoke to him. But as he kept telling me to stop using honorifics and speak casually with him, that greatly helped close the distance between us. We then started to talk very casually.
MANILA BULLETIN: How do you two interact onsite vs. offsite?
Kaneko Shunya: We interact in the same way both onsite and offsite. I don’t think we interact differently. I believe that’s because we both get along very well.
Nomura Kota: It feels great to have each other’s company.
MANILA BULLETIN: That’s important. What are your common interests, hobbies, or similarities?
Nomura Kota: We both like saunas very much and that’s how we became good friends. We had a lot of fun talking about saunas. It even led to many other conversations.
Kaneko Shunya: Recently, he even checked my stories on Instagram and suddenly sent me all sorts of funny things. So the bond we built during the shooting continues today.
MANILA BULLETIN: How did your family and friends react to your roles in “Perfect Propose?” Perhaps it’s still an ongoing process?
Kaneko Shunya: Yes, it is. As I said earlier, we often talked about how similar the two characters are. If I were to play either of the two, it would definitely be Hiro. My parents have watched it, but I actually had never shown them the script before we started shooting. I just told them that this was the original manga and that it had already been decided. Since I only mentioned to them the original manga, there wasn’t really much they could react to then. I also felt a bit shy. But my friends watched it, they said Hiro (the character) and I had a similar vibe.
Nomura Kota: As I mentioned earlier, I played a role that was so different from my own personality. And my friends sensed that as well. So it was a bit embarrassing. They didn’t I would play such a cool (mature) character. They would send me shots from the drama via LINE (app) in the morning, waking me up with that and heart emojis. It was hilarious. It was like a parody. They would tease me with love.
MANILA BULLETIN: I'm sure that everyone in your family might be somewhat worried, but they’re also happily watching and admiring your work.
Nomura Kota: There were lots of ads on trains for the drama. They would also send me screenshots of the many ads on the trains.
Kaneko Shunya: When I was on the train, I was so embarrassed that I couldn't look at those ads. It was embarrassing.
Nomura Kota: It was definitely a happy feeling, but at the same time I also felt a little embarrassed to see myself. I glanced around to see if anyone would notice. I was like “I'm here, I'm here,” wondering if anyone would notice me. It certainly felt like that.
MANILA BULLETIN: What message would you like to send to our viewers and fans around the world?
Kaneko Shunya: Sure. We think it is important to look at this not just as a BL, but as a work of art. We would be very happy if this could become something that can support those who watch it. We would also hope that those who watch it can do so many times. This work means a great deal to us.
Nomura Kota: I believe “Perfect Propose” is a work that is full of love, so when you feel tired or need something to hold on to, please watch this film. I hope you will find it healing (soothing).