Mondays might not be the most spectacular of days, but this particular Monday, beneath the sparkling lights of Hollywood Boulevard—radiating with all the glamour, glitter, fashion, and fame of Tinsel Town—I found myself at the world premiere of Mufasa: The Lion King.
Amid the symphony of anticipation and excitement that only Disney can conjure, a crowd of fans and onlookers gathered to catch a glimpse of the film’s stars. As celebrities glided down the crimson carpet in dazzling displays of poise and elegance, I kept my focus on one person in particular: Genta Matsuda.
Affectionately known as “G,” Genta is the magnanimous “Sexy Tiger” of the J-POP sensation Travis Japan. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of seeing the group perform in multiple concerts and have even had the opportunity to interview Genta several times. Now, his journey had brought him to this remarkable milestone: lending his voice to Taka, the younger version of one of Disney’s most iconic villains, Scar, in his first Hollywood production.
I had heard a rumor that he might be in attendance, and living just a few blocks away from the Dolby Theatre where the event was taking place, I knew I couldn’t let the moment pass.
Luckily for me, this rumor happened to be true.
As I navigated the bustling crowd outside the theatre, a wrong turn up a flight of stairs turned into a serendipitous stroke of luck. There he was—the Sexy Tiger himself, posing for a photo at Pride Rock! As I watched him speak with members of the press, I waited for the chance to step up and say hello. He was, as he always is, kind, charming, and radiating charisma and stardust.
As Genta headed for the press tent, I figured he would make a return—along with the other celebrities—on the red carpet. So I decided to stay. After all, it’s not every day you get the chance to witness someone’s first Hollywood premiere.
So I joined the other fans —among them, a mother and her energetic young son, newly settled in Los Angeles, who were also eager for the chance to meet Genta.
When Genta finally appeared, he was met with enthusiastic cheers and adoration. He stopped to sign autographs, pose for photos, and even give the boy an energetic fist bump.
“My favorite Disney movie as a child was the original animated Lion King, so to be a part of the story as an actor is a big full circle moment of my own life.” Genta said in a statement to the international press. “The movie is incredibly heartwarming and bittersweet, especially everything that happens to Taka in light of what we know happens to him later as Scar. I am honored to be able to take part in this whole experience, including to stand here on the red carpet with the American voice cast. Kelvin Harrison Jr. was especially cool, as well as director Barry Jenkins and Lin-Manuel Miranda!”
Watching Genta grow, seeing his star rise ever higher, yet remaining humble and kind, has been a privilege and a joy. This evening, under the glittering lights of Hollywood, I couldn’t help but feel proud of how far he’s come—and excited for all that lies ahead.
There will be more Genta and Travis Japan soon so…
Stay Tuned!
Life In Cartoon Motion 