二宮和也「僕は自分の言葉でなんでも答えますよ」──映画『８番出口』は8月29日に公開

「安心した。うん、ホッとしましたね」

カンヌ国際映画祭ミッドナイト・スクリーニング部門のワールドプレミア終映後、メイン会場の観客が総立ちになった。映画『８番出口』で主演をつとめる二宮和也は、現場で8分のスタンディング・オベーションに何を感じたのか？という問いに、珍しく短い言葉で、でも見覚えのある思索的な顔で答えた。

珍しく短い言葉、と表現したのには、もちろん理由がある。聞き手が何を求めているのか、それを察知し、さらにプラスアルファで返すのが、記者が知る二宮和也という人のスタンスだ。「聞きたかったのはこういうことでしょ？」とでも言いたげな回答に──取材回数はたったの2回ではあるが──毎度救われている。

ついでに記しておくと、メディアによるインタビューでは、事前に所属事務所に質問項目を知らせておくのが一般的だ。だが、二宮はそれを必須とはしない。この日も事前質問の提出依頼はなし。理由を本人に問うと、「エッ？」という素の顔を見せた後、「（答えられることは）僕は自分の言葉でなんでも答えますよ」と笑った。

二宮評を問われたとしたら、記者は「自然体という表現がこれほど似合う人はいません」と即答できる。自然体とは、使い古された、耳障りの良い言葉ではあるが、それでは足りない。「思索的にして自然体」と付け加えたいところだ。補足すると、相手が何を求めているのか、どうすれば伝わるのか、を常に考えている人であり、そう感じさせないように自然と振る舞おうとする人でもある。「（ファンに）ちゃんと届いているか？」と考えてしまうのは、ある意味で職業病と言っては過ぎるだろうか。これはファンを何よりも大事にしてきたグループ活動時代に培ってきた感覚であり、習性みたいなものなのかもしれない。

さて、そんな二宮和也が主演をつとめる映画『８番出口』が8月29日に公開される。試写を踏まえた感想を端的に表現すると、ストーリーは極めて単純ではあるのだが、「難解」という以外にない。製作陣が仕掛けた"異変"を確認すべく、劇場に足を運び、何度も見返す人も出てくるはずだ。この映画を観て何を感じるのか？ある意味で、鑑賞者を試しているようでもある。

2023年にインディーゲームクリエイターのKOTAKE CREATEが個人制作でリリースし、世界的ブームを巻き起こしたゲーム「8番出口」を原作として実写映画化した本作は、監督・川村元気の言葉を借りれば「混乱と恐怖の無限ループ」がテーマだ。地下通路に迷い込んだ二宮演じる「迷う男」は、いつまで経っても出口にたどり着くことができず、それでも出口を探して無限回廊から抜け出すべく奮闘する──というストーリーである。

いわゆるパニックムービーというジャンルに括られるのだろうが、徹底的に「普通」を貫いた二宮の演技のおかげもあって、「ここ、驚くところです！」的な仕掛けに興醒めすることもなく、作品の世界観に没入できたことを本人に伝えると、一瞬うれしそうに、でも言葉を選びながら、あの思索的な顔で答える。

「大げさに演技しないように気をつけました。原作へのリスペクトの気持ちがない、ヒットしたゲームの”ガワ”だけを借りたような作品にはしたくなかったからです。お客さんを置き去りにする形でストーリーが進んでしまったり、『肝心の中身ですべっちゃった』なんてことはあってはいけませんから。地味に演じる、地味に種まきをしていくほうが、爆発力があるんじゃないかなと思ったこともあります。詳しくは言えませんが、僕の使命は（二宮が演じる）迷う男が地下の異変に気づく、あの場面までの繋ぎ。なるべく飽きさせることなく、自然にそのパートに繋げてあげるほうが、『なんか変なこと始まったぞ』と、観る人の気持ちがグッと上がると思うんです」

過剰なまでに原作をリスペクトする気持ちの本気度は、二宮がキャリア初となる「脚本協力」に名を連ねていることからも明らかだ。

「原作の世界観を知っている自分が口出しすることはわかっていましたから、脚本に関わることを提案しました（笑）。世界中の人たちが知っているゲーム作品が原作であり、あの題材を1年ちょっとで実写映像化する──簡単なことではないですよ。だからこそ、ちゃんとストーリーを作りたかったんです。それを踏まえた上で、現場では撮り方や演出をディスカッションしながら、その場の即興で、でもなるべく普通に演じる、というスタイルになりました。だからこそ、奇抜な芝居演劇的なものの抑止力になったかと思います」

物語の最終盤、カメラは憑き物が取れたような迷う男の顔ににじり寄る。どこか寂しげで思索的な表情、その"どアップ”だ。撮影の順番はさておき、難解な作品を演じ切った安堵の表出に見えたのは気のせいだろうか？ 冒頭の「ホッとした」という短い素直なコメントの理由をそこに見出すことができたように感じた。

映画『８番出口』

2023年にインディーゲームクリエイターのKOTAKE CREATEが個人制作でリリースし、世界的ブームを巻き起こしたゲーム「8番出口」を、二宮和也主演で実写映画化。二宮は、地下通路で異変を探し8番出口を求めて“迷う男”を演じる。

二宮和也

KAZUNARI NINOMIYA

1983年生まれ、東京都出身。1999年に「嵐」のメンバーとしてデビュー。音楽活動のほか、映画やドラマに出演。2016年には映画『母と暮せば』で日本アカデミー賞最優秀主演男優賞を受賞した。2024年の独立を機に「オフィスにの」を設立。俳優業に加え、YouTuberなど、活動の幅を広げ続けている。

写真・長友善行 YOSHIYUKI NAGATOMOスタイリング・福田春美 HARUMI FUKUDA翻訳・LEIYA SALIS

文と編集・神谷 晃（GQ）AKIRA KAMIYA

Kazunari Ninomiya: "I’d like to speak in my own words.” —  Exit 8 In Theaters August 29

Exit 8 will be hitting theaters on August 29. For the first time in his career, lead actor Kazunari Ninomiya steps in behind the scenes as a script collaborator. What drew him to co-write?

“Honestly, I felt relieved.”

The Exit 8 premiere at the Midnight Screening of the Cannes Film Festival culminated in an eight-minute standing ovation. When asked what he felt in that moment, lead actor Kazunari Ninomiya’ answer was uncharacteristically brief, but told through the ponderous expression we’ve all come to know.

There’s a reason for describing his response as “uncharacteristically brief.” Any journalist who’s spoken with him knows that Ninomiya is someone who has a gift for sensing what the interviewer wants to hear—and then he gives, one step further. His answers often seem to say, “This is what you were really trying to ask, right?” Although I’ve only interviewed him twice, I’ve been saved by that instinctive generosity each time.

And then, there’s this detail: it’s standard practice in media interviews to submit questions to the talent’s team in advance. But Ninomiya doesn’t insist on that. There was no request for this interview, either. When I asked him why, he seemed genuinely surprised. Then, smiling, he answered, “I’d like to speak in my own words.”

If I had to sum up Kazunari Ninomiya, I’d describe him as someone who “fully embodies the essence of being oneself.”

“Effortless” might sound like an easy compliment — pleasant, but overused. In his case, it doesn’t go far enough. A better way to put it might be thoughtfully effortless. Ninomiya is someone who’s always thinking: What is this person really asking? How can I truly connect? And yet, he carries this deep awareness so naturally.

One can’t help but wonder whether his instinct to question the connection with his fans is a sort of professional reflex. What’s more likely, however, is that this habit took root during his years in a group that prioritized its fans above all else. By now, it might be closer to second nature.

And now, Ninomiya stars in Exit 8, set for release on August 29. The concept is relatively straightforward, but the film itself is, simply put, a puzzling one. Some viewers will likely find themselves back in the theatre endlessly, trying to spot the eerie glitches woven throughout the story by the filmmakers. The film seems to challenge the viewer with the question: What do you feel, when you watch this?

The movie brings to life the eerie hallway loop featured in the viral 2023 indie game Exit 8, created by the independent developer KOTAKE CREATE. Director Genki Kawamura describes the film as “an infinite loop of confusion and fear.” Ninomiya portrays a man who finds himself trapped in an underground passage where, no matter how much he walks, the exit never shows up. Desperate to escape the loop, he keeps searching.

Though it echoes the panic film genre, Ninomiya’s grounded performance keeps the viewer immersed in the film’s world without getting distracted by the obvious “shock factor” moments. When I mentioned this to him, he looked pleased — but quickly returned to his careful, thoughtful self.

“I made sure not to overdo it. I didn’t want the film to feel like it was just borrowing the ‘skin’ of a popular game without paying due respect to the original material. It was important to me that the story didn’t leave the audience behind, or fall flat where it matters most. Sometimes, performing the beats quietly and planting seeds subtly can have a stronger impact. I can’t go into too much detail, but my role was to connect the scenes leading up to the moment when my character realizes something is off underground. If I can build up to that moment naturally—without losing the viewer’s attention—then when ‘something weird starts happening,’ their focus snaps into place.”

Ninomiya’s deep respect for the original game is clear from the fact that he took on “script collaboration” for the first time in his career on this project.

“Since I was familiar with the original world of the game, I knew I’d probably end up wanting to weigh in on the script. So I figured I might as well be involved in the process from the get go,” he says, laughing.

“Turning a well-known game into a live-action film in just over a year is not an easy task. But this is exactly why I felt it was important to build a rich story around it. Once we had that foundation in place, we were able to have open conversations on set about how to shoot and direct each scene. This baseline gave me the freedom to improvise while still performing as naturally as possible. This approach helped prevent the acting from tipping into anything too theatrical or over-the-top.”

In the final moments of the film, the camera lingers on the lost man’s face. There’s a quiet stillness to him, as if something had finally lifted off him. There’s an undertone of sadness, a hint of knowingness. Whether or not this scene was shot last, it seemed like a moment of relief for Ninomiya after having made it through such a demanding role. Perhaps that’s what he meant when he said, simply, “Honestly, I felt relieved.”

About the Film: Exit 8

Exit 8 is a live-action adaptation of the viral indie game 8番出口 (Exit 8), created by the independent game developer KOTAKE CREATE in 2023. Kazunari Ninomiya plays the “Lost Man,” a lone figure wandering an underground passage in search for the elusive Exit 8 while confronting strange phenomena.

Synopsis

A man (Kazunari Ninomiya) walks through an underground corridor. However, no matter how far he goes, the exit never appears. As he continues to cross paths with a suited stranger (Yamato Kawauchi), an uneasy feeling begins to grow.Soon, he notices a strange set of rules posted on the wall:

Don’t miss any abnormalities.If you find an abnormality, turn back immediately.If you find nothing, don’t turn back.Exit through Exit 8.

Determined to break free from the loop, the man searches for answers in every eerie detail. But the path out is anything but simple.

17 Questions with Kazunari Ninomiya

We asked Kazunari Ninomiya—who portrays the lost man in Exit 8—17 questions to get a closer look at who he is off-screen.

──Is there a song or artist you turn to when you need a pick-me-up? When do you usually listen to this song?

We’re friends now, but I’ve been listening to Mrs. GREEN APPLE since way back when they were a five-piece band. So many of their songs have hit me hard over the years. The one that lifts me up might be “Magic.” I play it when I need to motivate myself. I think there’s a lot of power in music.

──What would you do if you had three months off?

I’d travel. Go places I usually can’t go and do things I typically don’t get a chance to do.

──And where would that be?

Somewhere by the ocean. Hawaii or Okinawa. I’m not so good with insects, so I stir clear of mountains!

──If you were to be born again, who would you want to be?

Someone from the Edo Era, for sure. I’ve had enough of modern life. I think the past would be pretty interesting. I studied the Edo Era as a student, so it feels within my reach, so to speak. I’d like to experience that world for myself.

──But why Edo? Do you think the period pieces you’ve been in might have something to do with it?

That’s part of it. But with the Meiji and Taisho Era, our modern cultural foundation was already being established. I’m more curious about what it’ll be like if I, knowing everything I do now, were born into the Edo period. That’s the crux of my curiosity. I’d want to be a person from that era, but with my current mindset.

──If you were asked who your “rival” is, does anyone come to mind? And what does that person represent to you?

A rival? Honestly I don’t think that way. I don’t set my goals based on other people. But when I see the other Arashi members working hard, I do feel like, “Alright, I’ve gotta step it up too.”So maybe they’re the closest thing to rivals. Same with the senpai from my former agency—when I see them on TV, it gives me that same push: I need to give my all too. I think I’ll carry this feeling with me for a long time.

──Do you cook?

I cook if I'm not too busy with work. And let’s say I have to work till late, I might prep something in the morning to have later. I’d say cooking is a regular part of my life.

──What do you cook?

Nothing fancy. I like to make things like gyoza. I enjoy repetitive, simple tasks. I think there’s something calming about it.

──What would your last meal be?

That’s a tough one. I don’t get super fixated on food, so it’s hard to pick. I don’t think it would be some dramatic “last supper” moment. More like, “Oh, that was the last meal.” If it’s something warm, I’d be cool with that.

──What’s your favorite film?

Any of the ones I’ve watched over and over: Back to the Future, Terminator, The Goonies. I love them. Those stories are etched into my mind.

──Katsuo Fukuzawa (creator of VIVANT) told us in a past interview that he also watches his favorite films repeatedly. He mentioned films like Seven Samurai and High and Low.

I totally get that. It’s the same with games too—I love to replay them. I’ve had people ask me “Isn’t it a waste of time to watch the same movie over and over?” But I think there’s something special to that. Spending time on something you already know you love, feels like a luxury. That’s what makes it so great.

──Do you read manga? Any genres or pieces that you particularly like?

I also like to read the same manga over and over again too. Honestly, manga might’ve had an even bigger impact on me. It’s hard to pick just one... but Tekkonkinkreet by Taiyo Matsumoto comes to mind. I was right in the midst of my teenage years when I first read it. It helped me let go of all these preconceived ideas of how things are “supposed” to be, and showed me that our values don’t have to be fixed. I’m glad I found it when I did. It came at the right time in my life.

──That kind of story would probably hit differently now right?

Yeah. I think there are certain things that can only be felt at that age. As an adult, you start doubting yourself, and you can’t lose yourself in the story the same way. If I said, “your manga taught me something,” I bet Matsumoto-sensei would say, “Don’t make it sound so heavy.” [laughs]

──Walk us through the first three things you do in the morning.

The first thing I do is post on X. Every morning, as soon as I wake up. It’s a sort of a record for myself, a way to keep track of what time I got up.

──So your “Good Morning” posts are in real-time?

Yeah. Right after I wake up. Sometimes I miss a day if my schedule is hectic, but usually I post first, then do my chores. I’ll do laundry, make the bed, and then I start prepping for work. Mornings are kind of a scramble, honestly.

──What about before you sleep?

I usually have a drink. I use that time to “end” the day and transition into the next.

──So a drink for you is a way to “prepare” for the next day.

Yeah. If I’m in the middle of a shoot, I’ll use that time to think about the scenes coming up and how I want to portray them. If I’m doing variety shows, I’ll start planning what to talk about. It’s not deep, personal “me time” or anything like that. More often than not, I just fall asleep in the middle of all that thinking.

KAZUNARI NINOMIYA

Born in 1983 in Tokyo. Since debuting in 1999 as a member of the iconic group Arashi, Ninomiya has become known for his acclaimed work in film and television. He won the Japan Academy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in 2016 for Mother and Son. In 2024, he founded his own agency, Office Nono, expanding his creative pursuits across acting, YouTube, and beyond.