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If I want to have two movies with the same level of content as this year, I want four more years.
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–What were your honest thoughts when the final was over?
ShoutaI thought it was over. Rather than being disappointed that I couldn’t win, I felt like it was over. It was a waste to have it end. A month after the finals were decided, I started receiving occasional job offers because I was a finalist. I guess that period is coming to an end.
ArakiEvery time I performed live, people would say “congratulations.” A junior colleague I had barely spoken to came over to say hello.
ShoutaIt feels like the year is starting again. I’m wondering if I have to try again from scratch. My partner is creating the material for me, so I think he probably thinks that way more than I do.
ArakiThe King of Conte finals are really difficult. We spent a year refining this story, and at the same time, we created new material and finally arrived at it. Underlying this is a history of losing in the quarterfinals many times.
ShoutaIt’s not just because I worked hard this past year.
ArakiI don’t want to sound negative, but my current feeling is that next year is definitely not possible. Going to the finals. The level of those around me is rising rapidly, and everyone is truly amazing. If I were to get two new ones of the same level as this year, I would like to have another four years. Think calmly.
–But aren’t the first-time participants all the same? From now on, even though the time spent competing will be shorter, I think the experience of competing in the finals will be the most important weapon.
ShoutaI agree. Up until now, I had no idea how I was going to get to the finals, so I think I took quite a detour. But now I can imagine that if I do this, I can make it to the finals.
ArakiAlso, the way our customers view us will change. I think people will look forward to it and watch it. If you raise the bar in that way, the moment you surpass it, it will be a huge success. So I want our customers to raise the bar. Otherwise, even if I could make it to the finals, I would lose again.