Nana Mori & Shotaro Mamiya

What was your initial reaction when you heard about “Cinderellas of Midsummer”?

Nana Mori

I thought it sounded fun. It feels like it's been a while since we've had an exciting drama where everyone falls in love during the summer. I believe there are many who have been waiting for this kind of production, so I'm happy to be able to do it as a “Getsuku” Monday Night drama.

Shotaro Mamiya

I had the image of a “Getsuku” drama. Lately, I have been challenging myself with different types of projects, so it's been a while since I've been involved in a “so called” romantic drama. I thought it was great. I have a feeling it will be an exciting summer.

This is your first time working together. Could you please share your impressions of each other?

Nana Mori

I had the image of an ice cream commercial...

Shotaro Mamiya

(Even the costumes) are blue, haha.

Nana Mori

So, I felt a sense of affinity.

Shotaro Mamiya

I was looking forward to working together. When we first met at the costume fitting, I thought, “Is she shy?”... Am I right?

Nana Mori

Yes, you're right, haha.

Shotaro Mamiya

But today, the feeling I got was different from that first meeting. I felt a lively impression. It might also be the aura of the character, Natsumi...

Nana Mori

Thank you!

Regarding your roles in this drama, how do you plan to approach your acting at this stage of production?

Nana Mori

I'm thinking of not trying to show off too much. I hope to be able to portray the beauty of a girl who lives diligently in the seaside town. She has her flaws, but she is a girl who possesses the strength to live properly and has a tough side. She's someone who can appreciate beautiful things, so I want to express those charms too.

Shotaro Mamiya

I had discussions with the producer and director beforehand, and because this is a straightforward romance drama, I hope to approach it in a natural and unpretentious way. As for the character, there is a certain initial characterization, but I also want to express the changes that occur after Natsumi meets the members of the seaside town.

There will be many location shoots and your co-stars are also of the same generation, right? What are you looking forward to in that aspect?

Nana Mori

This summer, I've decided to get a tan, so I want to challenge myself to the shoots without using a parasol, haha. Since the shooting locations will be in my hometown, I want to do my best to fit in there. My co-stars are also in their 20s, they are a bit senior to me, so I feel a touch nervous and anxious, but in the end, I want us to create something that will truly be a memory of this summer. I want to make an effort to talk and get to know them.

Shotaro Mamiya

On the contrary, I am being given the impossible task of “don't get a tan” even though we will be doing beach shoots almost every day, haha. It will be a strange sight to see me with a parasol while the actresses are next to me. As for my co-stars...we all gathered for the first time today, and this story unfolds with various relationships and love arrows pointing in different directions. It felt like it was going well from the beginning, with a friendly and good atmosphere. However, you mentioned that our co-stars are in their 20s, but two of us will turn 30 during the drama, haha. Well, I hope we can maintain the mindset of being in our 20s until the end of this production.

There is a SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) scene in the first episode. Have you been practicing?

Nana Mori

I have been practicing even before the shooting started. It's difficult. The professionals paddle fast, and it requires both strength and skill. I will continue practicing. But even though it's challenging, it's fun. I realized that you could go as far as 1 km from the coast and have such a journey with just a paddleboard. So, I would be happy if I could convey the enjoyment of SUP to the viewers.

Shotaro Mamiya

I haven't started practicing yet. I have done SUP before, but it was on rivers and lakes. I think it will be different with waves in the sea. But I hope to enjoy it while doing it. I'll do my best not to have any “SUP NG” moments, haha.

Did you manage to keep standing up when you first tried?

Shotaro Mamiya

Yes, I was able to stand up. It was a lake, so there were no waves or anything.

Please tell us about your memories and images of a “summer beach.”

Nana Mori

I don't have many... I've only been to the beach for filming, so I'll do my best to create some memories this time.

Shotaro Mamiya

Since I'm from Kanagawa, I'm naturally familiar with the Shonan area. There are also fireworks festivals there. So for me, the summer beach is synonymous with Shonan, I guess.

Please tell me if there are any similarities between your character in this role and yourself?

Nana Mori

The girl in the drama is incredibly tough, strong, and doesn't easily get discouraged, so I think we are quite different. I tend to get discouraged or cry easily, so I envy her (laughs). The strong girl kind of feeling is more of an admiration. While I wouldn't say we're complete opposites, I do think she's admirable for being able to speak her mind, also strong and great. I'm not the efficient type, so I wouldn't be able to manage a restaurant like Natsumi does (laughs).

Shotaro Mamiya

I don't have many similarities with my character either. If I compare it to myself for example, even in my relationship with my parents, I've been allowed to pursue what I want and live my life quite freely. So, in a way, I feel like the opposite to my character, who feels pressure from his parents. However, I'm sure he also feels gratitude despite this. And since he has his proper and original thinking, I wish to portray the role keeping these aspects in mind.

It seems that there will be a love triangle-like relationship with Fuju Kamio’s character. What is your impression of him?

Nana Mori

Since I worked with him in a previous school themed drama, we have had the opportunity to meet about once every six months for work-related matters. But now, it's been a while since we worked together, so I felt a bit nervous, and sort of like we were feeling our way through. Our characters are childhood friends, and he is also easygoing, so I want to talk to him a lot. It would be great if we could become like true friends on screen.

Shotaro Mamiya

I have been in contact with him, but I felt relieved when I saw him after a long time. Many of the cast members in this production have worked with him before, so he seemed relaxed as well. I would be happy if the love triangle aspect can be enjoyed by the viewers.

Finally, message for the viewers?

Nana Mori

Monday 9 p.m. dramas have a long history, and I really want to help deliver a truly enjoyable summer to all of you. Please look forward to it!

Shotaro Mamiya

I would be happy if viewers can experience the joy of watching the drama every week and have a chance to relieve their stress or unpleasant experiences. I believe the filming set will also be lively, so I hope you can feel that atmosphere as well.

Original article https://www.fujitv.co.jp/natsu_cin/interview/interview01.html