Kyoko Yoshine

Q

How do you feel about ‘Princess Jellyfish’ being a Monday night 9pm drama series?

A

I started this job when I was in my first year of high school, but I used to go to bed by nine up until junior high, since my daily life revolved around club activities at school. I was incredibly busy with practice before and after school. Every day, I would come home, have dinner, take a bath and then go straight to bed (lol). So, rather than having the time to think about 9pm Monday night dramas, television programs aired at this time used to be like a cue for me to go to bed. Moreover, I didn’t really watch much television back then. But, after I started this job, I have been trying to watch more of it, as it’s a useful reference for me to improve my acting skills.

Q

What were your first impressions, when you were offered the part?

A

Even though the animation and the movie version had already been released, I read the manga with the intention of playing my character ‘Tsukimi’ in a fresh new way. I was really excited to play her, knowing that I could actually feel and experience Amamizukan’s unique residents and also see Kuranosuke beautifully dress up as a woman. This is also my first time playing a comedy role, so I was a little nervous at first. But, as long as I have been given this golden opportunity, I have tried to shake off these kind of worries, whilst putting my heart and soul into the character to play her in the best way possible.

Q

When you originally read the script, was there a particular part that you were looking forward too?

A

It would have to be the scene at the aquarium at the very beginning of the drama. About two years ago, I was really into aquariums. Back then, I was quite interested in dolphins and penguins, so I didn’t really have the chance to see Tsukimi’s favorite jellyfish that much. But, when my part in the drama was confirmed, I went to one with the specific purpose of seeing jellyfishes. At the aquarium, I imagined what it would be like to film ‘Princess Jellyfish’ in such a fantastic location.

Q

What was your impression of the jellyfishes and what do you think are its appealing points?

A

Aurelia jellyfishes are very soothing to watch. With its lightly and fluttery appearance, I think it’s a typical sort which everyone can imagine. There were also many other kinds of jellyfishes, and I watched them all closely, but my favorite would have to be the Aurelia! It’s even on the display of my cellphone (lol). Since it’s very soothing to watch, I can understand Tsukimi’s dedicated devotion to it. Even I wanted to own one as a pet. But the one which I wanted had a life span of only 3 months. I gave up knowing that I would have to go on set after crying my eyes out. Instead, I bought many jellyfish related goods at the aquarium, which sort of helped me curb my strong desires.

Q

Is Tsukimi a no makeup style character?

A

Yes. Normally, she has pigtails and usually wears casual sweats. But, through applying makeup, we actually tried to see whether we could completely transform her to her final appearance at the costume fittings. When I had put on some sweats, I remember some of the staff members laughing. This was the first time that I had ever experienced this kind of situation at a fitting (lol). When I was watching the reflection of myself being put on make-up, after trying on a beautiful dress, it got me really excited and made me feel proud to be a girl. I hope that this kind of feeling is expressed on screen too.

Q

While playing your character, how are you trying to portray her?

A

It hasn’t been easy, but I think that facing up to the character honestly has been important. Even though the comedy aspect of the drama made me think about a lot of things, Tsukimi herself isn’t purposely trying to make people laugh. Rather, she’s just a girl simply living her life to the full. I hope that the viewers will find her determined effort which might seem idling at first, comical and kind of cute. But I think that this aspect is something which has been possible to depict with the support of the director, other cast and crew members. Along with the character ‘Tsukimi,’ I personally have been receiving so much support from them, so I think that this is one of the important reasons for the smooth running of the series so far.

Q

Tsukimi is a character who is gradually getting interested in fashion, but how about yourself?

A

My sense of fashion up to junior high might have been quite similar to her (lol). After getting into this job, I have had many opportunities to select my own costumes, and I really enjoy discussing with stylists about the kind of fashion styles I should go for. And with these experiences at work, it has made me feel more eager to find and try out cute clothes in my private life too. Outside of work, I usually wear clothes which are quite monotone. For example, the clothes in my wardrobe are mainly white, black, gray, navy and denim. But, I think I got a pink T-shirt when I wanted to challenge for more colorful clothes.

Q

Tsukimi is into jellyfishes, but how about you?

A

I like tomatoes a lot, even though I don’t know much about them (lol). I simply like eating them, and not so much interested in its components and sorts. There are also many other things which I like, but none of these are ones which I have much knowledge and can boast about. This is why I think that I don’t have much characteristics of a typical ‘otaku.’ But, as long as I am playing the role of Tsukimi, I want to understand more about jellyfishes. I hope that I can distinguish the different types just by looking at one. I’m still on a learning curve.

Q

Lastly, could you give us a message for the viewers?

A

‘Princess Jellyfish’ is an original story which has also become an animation as well as a live-action movie. I hope that everyone is enjoying our drama, whilst also appreciating the excitement of the original story. By watching this Monday night drama at the beginning of a new week, I hope that it is becoming a motivational source of energy for all the viewers.