Shunsuke Michieda Admits Confusion Over 'Love vs. Liking' in New Film Role

Japanese actor Shunsuke Michieda takes on his first leading film role in "The Last Love Song on This Earth," a new youth romance from the acclaimed team behind "Even If This Love Disappears from the World Tonight."

Director's instructions called for Michieda to shed his usual "prince-like" idol image and embody a "completely ordinary boy." Unlike idealized characters, the film's protagonist is grounded in reality, exhibiting a degree of self-doubt and introverted emotional complexity. Michieda, often described as having an "ordinary feel," embraced the challenge, seeking a natural and relaxed portrayal.

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I think being ordinary is the hardest to act. You can't be too bright or too gloomy; you have to find the right balance.

"I think being ordinary is the hardest to act," Michieda shared. "You can't be too bright or too gloomy; you have to find the right balance." He found that maintaining his most natural state during filming allowed him to connect with the character's nuances.

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Actually, I don't really understand it myself.

The story follows the protagonist's decade-long journey with the female lead, sparked by their shared love for music. Michieda views their evolving relationship as more than just romance, encompassing dependence, admiration, jealousy, and growth. When pressed to differentiate between "liking" and "loving," he shyly admitted, "Actually, I don't really understand it myself," a response that resonated with the character's own introspective nature.

Co-star Mei Nagano praised Michieda's performance, noting his ability to create a "realistic atmosphere" and stating he "truly resembled the character." She also revealed that beneath his polished idol exterior, Michieda possesses a "natural" charm that endeared him to the entire crew. The film is set to release in Taiwan on June 5.

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Michieda has an ability to naturally create a realistic atmosphere. At that time, he truly resembled the character himself.