We spent the majority of today with the New York Anime Festival, promoting the NYTFGP2008 Festival Part One with the T.M.Revolution panel and booth. If you’re around this weekend, make sure to stop by and say hello and pick up tickets to tonight’s showing of Corazon de Melon.

In anticipation of the opening of tomorrow’s screening, we’re featuring an interview we conducted with Takanori Nishikawa, the main actor of the film who broke into the silver screen with this debut. Tomorrow’s screening starts at 6:00pm (doors open at 5:00pm), at the NYU Cantor Film Center. For the interview, follow the jump!

NYT: Coming from the direction of Japanese music artist, what compelled you to try your hand in acting for Corazon de Melon? How were you approached about the film?
TMR: I received a passionate offer from the director. I had actually received offers from many different films. I didn’t accept them because I was not so interested in or .. I was not for sure if “Actor” was something for me.

But, last year, after 8 years, I played the leading role in the musical. I could feel various things and i could learn many, through acting, and so I decided to accept the offer this time.

NYT: You’ve acted on the stage before, including Little Shop of Horrors and, most recently, How to Succeed in Business Without Trying in Japan. What impact has working on the silver screen affected your musical career?
TMR: Thanks to working together on CORAZON DE MELON, I had the director cooperate for the visual works which are used for my currently on-going Japan national tour. We were discussing the idea for our next collaboration (like .. if we had a chance to produce something together again, let’s make this kinds of film –), and are working out a plan.

I’ve worked on and given direction to the visual clips from the stage of the script myself. But, through the experience of this film’s production, I could broaden my horizons. I’d like to positively work on the film production and the challenges of being an actor, if there is a chance.

NYT: Why do you think voters chose this film as the top selection of the “Love” genre? How do you think Americans will react to its screening?
TMR: I had never even thought about it, and so this NY premiere’s news was such a surprise, and I was very happy. In abroad and in Japan, some films are produced with huge production budgets. This film describes the subtleties we feel in every day life which those big titles cannot. I believe the audience feels more familiar to this film.

I can’t imagine the reaction by the American audience. But what you feel is everything. I am very happy to accept your reactions.

NYT: How was it like working with actress Waka Inoue, and the director Makoto Tanaka?
TMR: I heard that Ms. Inoue had been a long time T.M.R. fun, and that made me nervous. Because she must’ve had some image about me, I was worried how she would accept “Hiromi” (which I play). In contrary to that, I was more relaxed with the director, because he let me be my own “Hiromi” since we first met. I could naturally play him.

The filming was done in a very good atmosphere, and it was really pleasant. I wish I could work with Ms. Inoue and Director Tanaka together, if there is another chance.

NYT: Often times, Japanese drama, especially TV drama, is filled with somewhat meaningless messages, and can’t really stimulate people emotionally. Do you feel that Corazon de Melon breaks this pattern?
TMR: Japanese people apparently don’t prefer showing their own feelings. Rather… they are not good at it. People outside of Japan may feel difficult to understand that part. But there is probably Japanese own “wabi” and “sabi.”

If you can feel those from this film, that would be great.

NYT: What sort of projects are you contemplating in the future?
TMR: First of all, T.M.R is on Japan doing a national tour until next March. a.b.s is working on producing a new song. We are planning a T.M.R. and a.b.s live abroad. Please look forward to it!

NYT: Have you ever received a melon as a gift?
TMR: Not really, lol… But thanks to this film, I’ve begun receiving some melons from fans.