An Approach from the Starting Line, Like a "Beginner"

I've always been very curious and have a nature that wants to "experience everything." When I was offered the role of ambassador, I immediately accepted. Coincidentally, I had just started to become interested in hard liquors like brandy and whiskey and was wondering "where to begin." I felt that perhaps, precisely because I'm just at the entrance to this interest, unlike the other ambassadors, I could convey the charm of LOUIS XIII with a fresh perspective.

When I was a student, I once rode my motorcycle around Hokkaido. My main possessions then were a sleeping bag and whiskey in a canteen. Perhaps I've had an admiration for "the drink of a grown man" since then. Even when shooting at bars for modeling work, the props are usually hard liquors. Knowing the difference makes a difference in how I express myself on the job, and I'd always wanted to become someone who could carry it off, but I hadn't found the right opportunity to delve deeper. That is, until now.

A Drink That Elevates You from Within

Although I accepted the ambassadorship out of curiosity, the first sip astonished me, making me realize "this is something extraordinary." I expected the high alcohol content to hit my throat strongly, but LOUIS XIII glided down smoothly. The indescribable aroma and lingering aftertaste stayed with me, and I even felt as if the temperature of the glass, myself, and the very air surrounding us had risen. It was the first time I'd experienced a drink like that. I was already a big drinker, often enjoying wine or shochu until morning, but now I believe, "I can't call myself a true lover of spirits without knowing this." I also love fashion that elevates my mood through dressing up. LOUIS XIII has a similar quality. It's like a drink that dresses up my feelings... giving me an inner sense of exhilaration.

I believe that time and experience never lie. The time and skill invested in creating LOUIS XIII... once you taste it, you can clearly perceive its weight and magnificence. While I don't deny the value of things created in a short period, some things inherently require time and experience. It's the same for clothes and acting. In my profession, I often have the opportunity to wear jackets. Among the thousands I've tried on, European jackets, with their beautiful lines and alluring presence, undeniably carry a sense of long history. I'm also studying martial arts to apply to my acting, but I believe there's a distinct difference in the movements perceived by the audience between acting that merely mimics the appearance of skill and movements born from rigorous training.

Knowing the Classic Allows for "Breaking the Mold"

The current trend of casual "breaking the mold" with a slightly dressed-down style. However, I feel that this "breaking the mold" often goes too far, resulting in fashion that appears merely sloppy. It's only when you understand the classic and the authentic that you can "break the mold" with exquisite subtlety. Isn't the same true for spirits? Since discovering LOUIS XIII, my world of drinks and enjoyment has expanded. For instance, saying "Let's go for a drink" transforms into "Let's go for LOUIS XIII," instantly making it a special event. What fashion, location, and conversation topics would be appropriate for that... When aiming to savor the finest drink, even the time spent leading up to it and one's state of mind change dramatically.

For myself, I desire this sense of exhilaration when I've accomplished a fulfilling job or when I'm about to embark on something new. This year, my close friend and I are planning a new project. I'd love to have LOUIS XIII by my side as we discuss our vision. Regarding my work as an actor and model, without fear of sounding immodest, I have no particular attachments. I want to try and experience so much more. There is so much in the world that one person doesn't know. By experiencing and internalizing it all, I believe that deepening myself as a person will benefit both my acting and modeling. Discovering LOUIS XIII is one such valuable experience. As I continue to accumulate experiences, I want to more carefully express the synergy that arises from knowing both the worlds of acting and modeling, as an individual.

Yusuke HIRAYAMA
Model, Actor. Born in Saitama Prefecture in 1970. After graduating from Nihon University, he joined a computer-related company but quit to pursue his dream of becoming a model. In 1995, he moved to Paris alone and debuted at Paris Fashion Week. He participated in collections in various cities, becoming a globally recognized Japanese model. In 2001, an offer from a French film production company, which noticed him in footage from Paris Fashion Week, led to his acting debut in "SAMOURAIS." In 2003, he moved his base of operations to Japan and, in addition to modeling, has appeared in many notable works as an actor, including "Umizaru" and "Wild 7." He is set to appear in "Umizaru 4: BRAVE HEARTS" and "Rurouni Kenshin" this summer.