‘Astig’ antics endear ‘Rurouni Kenshin’ star Munetaka Aoki to fans

Not about to be trumped by "Rurouni Kenshin" co-star Takeru Satoh, who has a huge following in the Philippines, Japanese actor Munetaka Aoki (Sanosuke Sagara) won the hearts of fans with his amusing antics during the media events for the film in Metro Manila last week.

Showing up to the press conference for the film last Thursday at the Glorietta mall in a black suit and a pair of flip-flops, Aoki greeted the audience with a lot of enthusiasm, waving to the hundreds in attendance.

He was even more hilarious during the question and answer portion where he seemed to perfectly portray Sanosuke's personality off-screen.

“I lost a tooth but I don't mind because I'm Sanosuke!” Aoki energetically said in reply to a question asking if they got injured during filming, prompting the crowd to chuckle.

He also broke the ice after Satoh said he didn't think there was any modern person similar to his character in the film, Kenshin Himura.

“I know, I know.. the person is him!” Aoki exclaimed while pointing at Satoh.

Astig

Aoki also said that a Filipino friend of his told him that he was “astig,” since he was portraying Sanosuke, seen as a "cool" character in the popular anime and manga series.

“Sano is kind of a street figther. And he has a very strong passion and is a protective, reliable person. I love him very much and the Filipino person told me [that I'm] astig! I'm very happy, astig! Thank you very much,” Aoki said.

The fans were also greatly entertained by Aoki's efforts to answer the questions in English with little reliance on his interpreter.

While the air was filled with squeals everytime Satoh spoke, Aoki was sure to make them laugh afterwards, either with his comedic answers or silly actions.

This endeared Aoki to the crowd and caused them to chant his character's name numerous times during the event.

“Sano! Sano! Sano!” the crowd erupted, to which he would raise both arms in a triumphant pose.

On a more serious note, Aoki said that Sanosuke's main role was to protect and support Kenshin, so that the latter could stick to his decision to never kill again.

“That is the role of Sanosuke, to be protective of Kenshin,” Aoki explained.

He also urged the Filipino fans to support “Kyoto Inferno” and the third installment of the movie trilogy, “The Legend Ends,” which will be shown next month.

“From part two and three the new characters make the movie more thrilling and exciting, so please watch and enjoy it,” he said.

“Astig! Magandang gabi po! Mahal ko kayo!” Aoki told a delighted audience near the end of the press conference. — BM, GMA News

"Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno" opens locally on August 20. The final film in the trilogy, "Rurouni Kenshin:The Legend Ends," will open on September 24.