Hiroshi Tamaki to Woo Fans at Concert
By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter
Popular Japanese actor Hiroshi Tamaki flew into Seoul over the weekend to promote his new album, ``Times...'' and an up-coming concert in March.
Best known for his role as a brilliant conductor in the Japanese drama ``Nodame Cantabile,'' Tamaki showed his stylish side by wearing a long gray top and a black jacket during a press conference at the Imperial Palace Hotel, Nonhyeon-dong, southern Seoul, Friday.
Tamaki expressed excitement at finally being able to perform for his Korean fans on his ``Alive'' concert tour, March 6 at the Melon AX-Hall, Gwangjang-dong.
While the concert will feature his Japanese pop songs, Tamaki promised to learn Korean to better communicate with his fans.
``I want to talk to my fans during the concert. I hope I can understand my fans as well. I will work hard to learn more Korean by March. ... I hope my fans will have a good time with me,'' he said, with a smile.
Originally from Nagoya, Tamaki started as a model and made his debut in the drama ``Am I Weird?'' in 1998. He made a splash when he appeared in the hit film ``Waterboys'' in 2001.
However, his popularity soared when he played Shinichi Chiaki alongside actress Juri Ueno in the 2006 drama adaptation of the manga ``Nodame Cantabile.'' The drama was a hit not just in Japan, but also in other Asian countries.
Tamaki has also appeared in Japanese dramas such as ``Atsu-hime'' and ``Love Shuffle,'' as well as films ``Heavenly Forest'' and the recent ``Nodame Cantabile Special.''
While he is better known as an actor, Tamaki began his career as a singer in 2004 with the single ``Seasons.'' Since then, he has released eight singles and three albums ― ``Ripple'' (2004), ``Bridge'' (2008) and ``Times...''
For Tamaki, music is a way to express his real self, but he tries to balance his work as a singer and an actor. He admitted it is hard, but he enjoys the rewarding feeling from both acting and singing.
The 30-year-old actor said he was impressed by Park Chan-wook's film ``Old Boy,'' and even hinted at his willingness to work in a Korean drama. ``Korean dramas are very popular in Japan. If there is a chance, I would like to be in a drama in Korea,'' he said.
Aside from his Seoul concert, Tamaki will also hold one in Hong Kong in late March. Asked for the reason for his overseas activities, Tamaki said he always wanted to perform in other countries.
Tamaki also had a chance to meet Korean fans during an autograph-signing event for his new album at Kyobo Bookstore in Gangnam, Saturday. The album, which included the mid-tempo track ``Slow Time,'' was released in Korea last week.
On Saturday evening, he attended the ``Metrosexual Party'' at Koobar, Blue Spirit in Apgujeong, southern Seoul.
Tickets to Tamaki's concert are 55,000 and 60,000 won. Visit www.maxticket.com (1544-0113) or ticket.yes24.com (1544-6399).