Spotlight on Us

"The safest way of not being very miserable is not to expect to be very happy." -- (Arthur Schopenhauer)

The commercial break was over. The so-called debate continued. Host Mai greeted the audience again and started with the next questions.

After a small hiccup that was the first question on the interview, the next question and the question after that went smoothly without any issues. Both Toma and Akari relaxed a little bit now, and they were both on the same page.

Akari presented more of the statistics and numbers while Toma was adding some practical examples of what Akari was presenting.Akari noticed that Toma didn't really debate or argue anything. He was just agreeing and adding some information of his own. What was the deal with their agent, publicist, and staff? Everything was now going well and according to the plan. Akari was pleased with this.

"Mrs. Asahina presented some numbers and facts here. I would say that I am not really much into the numbers, but she makes a great point. I am part of the entertainment industry, and I must agree that illegal streaming is really damaging the industry. I didn't even know how much until just now Mrs. Asahina presented these numbers. She is really great. Please, one applause for her." I hyped her a little bit, and this question went well.

Then one other interesting question came up. The nice host Mai asked me this with a smile and looking intensively at me with this smile and seducing look in her eyes. She was somehow trying to charm me, but it is possible that I am imagining it.

"What is your stance on addiction, Mr. Toma? As an actor, through history, some of the more famous actors struggled with some addictions. What is your opinion on addiction in Japan and in general in the world?" Mai asked, just staring at Toma with piercing eyes.

I loved and hated this question at the same time.

"Well, it is a sensitive topic and one that I care deeply for. In my opinion, it is a disease that is often not being treated as a disease. People have trauma or hardships, and they fall into these traps of addiction, which can ruin lives, not just theirs, but also the lives of people around addicts, which is so sad. It makes my heart hurt. I hope that in the future we will deal with this better and with more compassion and love.

 I am sure the lovely Mrs. Asahina can present some facts and numbers that will maybe support my opinion and claims, and that is that addictions are rising and that it is very troublesome." Then I tilted my head towards her to give her a chance to speak while I got lost in my thoughts.

While saying this, I knew it was a good answer. The public will like this answer. But I myself was not sure what addiction is. My dad struggles with many addictions. Am I the same? Is his addictive gene passed on to me? I was always addicted to video games and basketball when younger. I could play something all day. Is it really a disease, or is it just the lack of will, the lack of accountability and strength? If you focus enough and are strong enough, can you just overcome addiction easily, I wonder?

Now I do movie after movie, then series after series. I don't have time to slow down, and all this fame and money am I addicted to this? Am I a slave to my fame and fans? Am I addicted to attention? I hope I am not.

In my mind, I was lost and thinking about this, and Mrs. Asahina was presenting beautifully numbers, effects on economy, on society, and many more details in a great manner. 

But with one of her eyes, she caught a glance of Toma's face being somewhat in a very thinking, serious mode that Akari didn't expect to see. Is he looking and acting this serious to show the public the seriousness of the topic? He must be a really good actor, Akari thought, even though she didn't watch any of his movies or series.

Akari finished the addiction presentation, and Toma smiled at her and the host.

"Yeah, I have nothing to add. That was exactly my thoughts. The only thing I can add is that if you are struggling with addiction, please don't be afraid to seek help."

The host Mai thanked both guests with a little nod of her head.

"That is it, people. Please watch the movie that Mr. Shirakawa stars in and also support Mrs. Asahina's charity organization. I hope you enjoyed this debate. Stay tuned for other news after a short break."With this plug of Toma's movie and Asahina's charity organization, the so-called debate was over. A commercial break rolled. We both got applause and an ovation from the audience. Both of us were very happy that it went well.

Akari offered me a handshake."Great job, Mr. Shirakawa," her voice confident and handshake firm.

I was shaking her hand and returned the compliment. "Don't flatter me. You did way better and were amazing. Thank you very much."

Akari started walking off the set and going backstage. I wanted to follow her and speak to her more.

But host Mai cut me off, put her petite body in front of me, twirling her hair. But then going into a little bit more of a professional mode.

"Mr. Toma, please, could you sign me an autograph?" she asked, offering me a marker to sign and nothing to sign on.

"Yes, sure. Where do you want this signed?" I asked, a little bit confused.

"Could you do it here on my jacket, please?" Mai tightened her jacket that she was wearing without taking it off.

Why would she want me to sign her jacket? Reluctant to do this, I checked with her. "You sure about this? It will ruin the jacket."

"Yes, please. It will not ruin it. It will make it more valuable, and I will cherish it more."

I signed the jacket uncomfortably, trying not to press any inappropriate places or make it any more weird than it already was. Then I thanked Mai and rushed to the backstage to try and find Mrs. Asahina.

"Looking for someone?" A gentle but assertive, half-joking voice came from behind me.

"Ah, Mrs. Asahina, you are the one I was looking for. Ha ha. Thank you very much for this debate. It was amazing. I hope that in the later half I was not such a big pain in the ass. Ha ha."

"You did great. I didn't expect it after a little bit of a rougher start. I thought you would fight me through the whole thing."

"How could I fight you? You are amazing."

"Are you mocking me? Will you also draw with that on me as you did on that host?" Akari asked with a very confused look on her face and pointing at the marker that was still in my hand.

I realized that she was a little confused and defensive.
"No, no, I am not mocking you. Sorry if it came off badly. Ha ha, you saw that marker thing, huh? It is very weird and not my idea. I genuinely think you are lovely. I didn't mean to mock you, and I would love it if you would like to go on a date with me."

Akari blushed a little bit and, with her head shaking, said, "A date? Are you joking again?"

"No, I am serious. Please go on a date with me, Mrs. Asahina."