Maki Fukuda & Yusei Yagi - FUJI TELEVISION NETWORK, INC.

This is your lead role in a drama for the first time, could you share your thoughts?

Maki Fukuda

It's been about two months since I was told, "You're the heroine," but I still often think, "What am I doing?" Even today, during this interview, I have this feeling like, "What's going on?" (laughs) However, the fact that the project itself is interesting, and after reading the script and the original work, and looking at the situation from a half-overview perspective, I found that the personality of the character Ayako Minami is somewhat like mine. So, I thought, "If that's the case," and I was able to accept it and decided to do my best. The director also said, "It's okay to use your usual standard Japanese," and since there are few differences from my usual self, there's not much need for me to transform into the character. I hope I can portray it naturally.

Yagi-san will be playing the role of a ghost this time. Could you please share your feelings when you received the offer, including your thoughts on the character?

Yusei Yagi

This is my first time playing the role of a ghost, and on top of that, the character's name with a “jerk” nuance quite impactful...(laughs) I think people might assume he's a jerk based on his name, but after reading the original work and the script, I feel that despite being flashy, he's genuinely a pure and likable character. When he says "I love you" to someone, it might seem like a casual phrase that he uses with everyone, but in his mind, at that moment, he genuinely believes he loves that person. I find the character attractive because he's pure and doesn't have a hidden agenda. I want to do my best to portray the "Super Pop Ghost" with the support of many people!

Does it seem like you'll be approaching the filming in a good atmosphere?

Maki Fukuda

Yes, that's right. However, we had a script reading the other day, and I still find it a bit challenging to get used to the "handsome guy" vibe. Especially in scenes where I'm supposed to be flustered and look at his face up close, I still end up thinking, "He looks cool."

Yusei Yagi

Hahaha.

What impression do you have of her?

Yusei Yagi

I had heard that along with Sota Nakajima, you're also friends with Shohei Miura, right?

Maki Fukuda

Yes, that's right.

Yusei Yagi

The other day when I went out to eat with him, he talked about you. Among them, the most memorable one was when you showed up at some gathering or party, and you exclaimed, "Are there no handsome guys here?"... that story was funny. (laughs)

Maki Fukuda

Hahaha! Yeah, that's true (laughs). When he contacted me saying, "We’re at the ○○ yakiniku restaurant place now!" I had already finished dinner, and I was thinking about whether to go. But, I went with the expectation that there might be some cool people there. (laughs) There were a group of hilarious comedians! I chuckled at the situation and later shared it on a talk show.

Yusei Yagi

So, it was your inner voice (laughs).

In the story, Ayako's inner thoughts often come through. Do you find any challenges in delivering lines for this?

Maki Fukuda

During the script reading, I was told to memorize both the lines and the monologues (inner thoughts), so I initially thought it might be difficult. However, surprisingly, I think it might be okay.

Yusei Yagi

That's impressive...

Maki Fukuda

During the script reading, I was switching between the monologue and regular lines, saying them out aloud. It might have been the most challenging part. We'll see how it goes during filming.

Yusei, do you have any plans or thoughts about your role as a ghost?

Yusei Yagi

When you think of a ghost, it's often associated with "scary" or "something you don't want to encounter." However, in the case of Yamada interacting with Ayako, he’s someone who reveals his inner self. His main goal is to be able to "rest in peace" and he supports Ayako's matchmaking efforts for that purpose. I aim to portray him as someone who appears eager to pursue his own "wishes." He's already passed away, and he has no regrets about it, but watching her strive towards a goal might make him start reflecting on something... Once filming begins, I want to enjoy these subtle changes in the character. Additionally, for scenes with characters other than her, I'm thinking about where the ghost might be in places like a matchmaking party venue. Since he's invisible to anyone other than her, he could be standing very close to someone, or he might be quietly observing from a corner of a venue. I hope to create enjoyable moments in the broader context of the scenes, even if it's just a quick shot. Regarding this, I won't know how it will turn out until I'm on set, but I plan to communicate with the director, discussing ideas like "I think Yamada would be in this place," and working together to create what I envision as "ghost-like."

The dynamic between the two characters is also a highlight. If you've already discussed anything about it, please share.

Maki Fukuda

We haven't discussed it yet. However, during the recent script reading, when we did a scene where the two characters aren't yet close in the first half of the story, the director said, "It's too spot on, try keeping a bit more distance." Surprisingly, the interaction is working quite well.

Yusei Yagi

At that time, we had set up a temporary room for Ayako in the rehearsal space, so I'm looking forward to new ideas emerging when that becomes the actual set. As the story progresses, I expect the dynamics between the characters to change, so I hope the viewers will find it enjoyable.

Maki Fukuda

Yes, initially, she doesn't trust Yamada and even calls him by the “jerk” nickname, but as she gets caught up in things, eventually, their interaction becomes interesting.

Yusei Yagi

I really enjoyed it during the script reading. The tempo of her skillfully dodging Yamada's straightforward words like "I like you" was fantastic. I'm eagerly anticipating the upcoming filming.

Maki Fukuda

That's great to hear (laughs).

And finally, a message for the viewers?

Maki Fukuda

I believe women will be able to empathize with the story, and for men, it's a chance to understand how women think. The show combines a vivid sense of humor and pop comedy with moments that resonate emotionally, so I hope viewers will experience various emotions while watching.

Yusei Yagi

The original work had a strong Kansai dialect and tone, but by using standard Japanese in the drama, it has become a bit milder. That's why I think everyone watching will feel a heart-fluttering sensation, and I'm determined to convey the message effectively. We'll strive to make Wednesday 10 pm the best entertainment of the week, making you laugh, cry, feel, and empathize. It would be great if many people could tune in and enjoy the show with us.

Original Article: https://www.fujitv.co.jp/konkatsu-1000/interview/interview01.html