Q
What was your first reaction when you received the news that you were the main lead of “Disappointing Husband”?
A
It’s been a while since I was last casted as a main lead, so I was genuinely happy about that. At that time, the title of the drama had not been officially decided yet. Later when the producer told me it was “Disappointing Husband,” I have to say I had mixed emotions. *laugh* It’s sad but true that the chances of couples divorcing in about first two years of their marriage after babies were born have risen. In fact, I’ve seen a few of my friends who have gone through so-called “Paternal Crisis,” and objectively speaking, some of them can be categorized as “disappointing husband,” I have to say. *laugh* I myself is still single, but I hope this drama would be filled with story elements that are relatable to any married couples.
Q
What’s your impression on “disappointing husband”?
A
I think no one intentionally becomes “disappointing husband.” They sincerely try to help out with chores around the house, but the result of their efforts is regarded as very “disappointing” to their wives. Sometimes, men may lack a sense of self-recognition as a father and still largely consumed with hobbies. On the other hand, women go through the pain of labor and delivery, so they develop a sense of being a mother over time through maternity and childbirth. Men don’t go through the same experiences as women; therefore it leads to a large gap between men and women with the attitude and sense of being a parent.
Q
What about on Yoichi’s character?
A
I hope the audience see Yoichi and think “This guy really is pathetic and disappointing.” *laugh* I have no doubt that will happen because the script is superbly written. For example, one day Yoichi sees Chisato doing household chores and asks her “Do you want some help?” Then she gets aggravated because he used the word “help.” But Yoichi didn’t particularly choose the word on purpose, so obviously there’s a gap between their mindsets and their views differ completely. I think that’s the focal point of this drama, so I’ll keep that in mind as I play my character.
Q
The overall style of the drama is set as “lighthearted comedy with an eye towards today’s social issues.” What’s your thought on that?
A
I think how we emphasize the lighthearted feel of the show and exactly how much are very important. If we depict conflicts in marriage in a too lighthearted manner, it would take away the seriousness of the social issues and the existing reality. I think we’ll find the appropriate balance by continually tweaking and adjusting as we shoot more episodes. I hope the “guy talk” between Yoichi and his good friend Shigeru where they have frank conversations expressing their unfiltered thoughts and views about marriage would help the audience relate and feel connected to the characters and the story.
Q
In the drama, Yoichi tries desperately to empathize with Chisato’s feelings. What do you think is “the ideal husband” in his view?
A
Once couples get married and have children, their relationships inevitably change from the romantic one when the relationship was still electric. I guess, from women’s point of view, a man who is attentive to all the need and wants of his wife is seen as “an ideal husband” and a “great father.” But it’s different depending on circumstances and relationship of each couple and family. Yoichi tries to be an “ideal husband” and goes through trial and error, but he’s clueless as to what exactly he should do. *laugh* I hope the audience will enjoy watching over Yoichi’s personal development as husband.
Q
How do you feel about marriage?
A
Right now, I only have good impressions about marriage. Since I’m playing the role of Yoichi at this particular point in my life, the experience I gain from the production of this drama will be useful rules of “what not to do in marriage” when I do get married to someone. *laugh*
Q
Yoichi and Chisato have a newborn baby girl. Do you encounter situations where you interact with babies?
A
Over the past few years, I’ve held my friends’ babies several times. But I’m not good at comforting a baby. Newborn babies are especially hard. They don’t even smile even if I play with them. I would be totally lost as to what to do once they start crying. My role Yoichi is the same way, so acting scenes where he panics when taking care of his baby comes naturally to me in that sense. *laugh*
Q
What is your impression on Ms. Kana Kurashina who plays the role of your wife Chisato?
A
Ms. Kurashina and I had the chance to work together in one of the scenes of the previous drama series called “Dinner.” It was a special episode in which the drama collaborated with the cooking competition show “Iron Chef” that I starred as the show’s host. But at that time I guest-appeared in the episode as myself, so it didn’t feel like I actually co-starred with her, so to speak. The producer of this drama told me that the reason why Ms. Kurashina was chosen as Chisato was because the typical image of Ms. Kurashina is way far from being a “tyrant wife,” and I totally agree with that. Since Mr. Kurashina and I are playing the roles of husband and wife, we’ll continue to maintain thorough, open communication with her throughout the production.
Q
Lastly, could you send out a message to the audience?
A
I hope many people will watch the show and relate to the story. Nowadays so many dramas are based on novels. In spite of such current trends in the mainstream, this show is completely original. I’ll give my best effort in acting my role and being “disappointing husband,” *laugh* so please stay tuned!
