Exclusive Interview Fall, 2016
The super handsome, charismatic actor Hiroshi Tamaki stars as the main lead Kinshiro Toyama in a light-hearted police procedural drama “Offbeat Chief Police.” Having starred in several hit movies and dramas including "Nodame Cantabile" and "Disappointing Husband," Mr. Tamaki has been steadily gaining popularity in Japan and overseas with his mature, irresistible charm and chameleonic acting. We asked what his thoughts are on the drama, his character and more!
Q
What was your first impression of your character Kinshiro Toyama?
A
First of all, I was very excited about this drama being an original series, unlike many other dramas that are based on novels and comic books. But on the other hand, I know that there are difficulties of starting from scratch. Also, most of us cast members are working together for the first time, so we just have to try it out and see how it turns out. As for my role of Kinshiro Toyama, he has a very unique personality and doesn't really fit in to the "elite chief police" category. He firmly believes that solving issues and crimes regardless of scale or severity will help prevent bigger crimes from happening. He's the type of person who sees things on the same level as the people do. I think someone like him can bring about real changes to the society and social attitude.
Q
What is the best thing about this drama being completely original?
A
It's the freedom, I think. I mean, we have to read into the script deeply and thoroughly in order to figure out where we want the story to be headed, so that's hard. But at the same time, it also means that we can shape it in any way we want, so the possibility is limitless--and I think that's the best part.
Q
This series is a police drama with an anthology format, as each episode features a stand-alone story. Is there anything you keep in mind because of that?
A
I think there are certainly advantages in both continuous story and one-off story, but when you also take in consideration the length of each episode, you have to think about if the story is clear and easily understandable enough. I think one of the good things about drama series with stand-alone episodes is that viewers can start watching from any episode, so I hope to make each episode as enjoyable and entertaining as possible.
Q
It seems like you can play your role in both comical and serious ways.
A
Kinshiro may appear as an easy-going, friendly guy overall, but it's just one side of him. So, in acting my role, I try to keep a good balance of showing both of his comical and serious sides.
Q
Kinshiro takes off his police officer uniform and goes around town himself in regular clothes. Did you make any suggestions for his outfit?
A
I just thought he doesn't need to be all that stylish. The director had a very particular image for his outfit though. He wanted the theme color for Kinshiro's outfit to be gold-ish yellow because of his name. (*"Kin" in "Kinshiro" means gold in Japanese.) I think that helped the stylist to choose Kinshiro's outfit.
Q
Kinshiro is the type of person who has to see, hear, and experience for himself, otherwise he's not fully convinced. How about you? Are you anything like him?
A
I guess I do go and check things out myself when I find something interesting. For example, if I find a restraint that looks good on the Internet, I'd go try it. Usually if I'm interested in something, like taking lessons to learn something, I try it out right away.
Q
What kind of activities have you tried before?
A
Oh, there's a lot. *laugh* Swimming, abacus, Boy Scout… I was always attracted to the tools used in these activities. I wasn't patient enough to master them, so many of them didn't last that long.
Q
Lastly, could you give a message to viewers of the show?
A
Though this is a crime-solving drama, I think the primary focus of this drama is people and their relationships. We'll do our best to create a story that can move people's hearts in a positive direction. So, please sit back, relax and just enjoy the show!
