Q
How did you feel when you first heard about this drama's proposal?
A
It's my first time starring in Getsuku (=Monday 9pm slot on Fuji TV) drama, but I'm so happy to be able to work with Mr. Ryota Fujino, a producer whom I fully trust and respect. I hope we can make this a great drama that fits and livens up the summer mood. As with other Getsuku dramas, the story depicts each characcter's chase for love, but it also shows characters facing and working through relationship issues. I hope this drama captures many viewers' hearts.
Q
What did you first think of your role as Kanata?
A
Kanata is a chef who sincerely and deeply cares about the restaurant Sea Sons, which was left by his late father. At first, Kanata acts cold towards Misaki, because he thought she came to Sea Sons just to be with Chiaki. Kanata just doesn't want to let anyone with different motives than his to come into his restaurant that means so much to him. That's how earnest and passionate about his work.
Q
Kanata acts very mean to Misaki in the beginning. It's quite different from your usual self, isn't it?
A
Well, it's just how Kanata is. *laughs* I actually enjoy playing roles like Kanata, and it's fun to see Misaki's reactions. Right now I'm just giving a lot of thoughts into how I should act in order to be more annoying to Misaki. *laughs*
Q
How is playing Kanata as a chef?
A
As part of character development, I'm practicing cooking. I'm only a beginner in the kitchen, but I need to look professional in my role, so... I do cook sometimes on my own in my private time, but I only cook very easy stuff, like vegetable stir-fry or pasta. The most difficult part about playing a role of a chef is how to look effortless when using culinary tools, rather than knowing how to make various dishes. I was told that vegetable stir-fry is perfect for practicing cooking because making stir-fry entails all the necessary cooking skills.
Q
How is the atmosphere on the set during production?
A
It's fun. We enjoy shooting on the summer beach. With Shohei and Shuhei, we have this bond as guys, so I think there are a lot of cool things we can do together besides acting. With Mirei, we talk about things like how we should play and create our own "Kanata and Misaki" as a couple.
Q
What does "having someone I like" (*Japanese original tile of the series) mean to you?
A
I think it's just as it sounds, doesn't it? *laughs* When you have someone you like, everyday becomes more fun, I think. You get excited even just talking about him/her with your friends. I think it changes a lot of things in and around you.
Q
Could you give a message to viewers of the show?
A
First and foremost, I hope this drama makes viewers' hearts flutter and tingle. I also hope that viewers would find the characters' lifestyles and their daily lives cool and attractive. I want viewers to enjoy this drama by seeing not only how each character's romance develops, but also how they grow emotionally over time. This drama is much more than just a love story, so I hope viewers will find their own way of enjoying the story.
