Q
What was your impression when you first read the script?
A
I thought this drama is quite different from typical "Getsuku (=Monday 9pm slot on Fuji TV)" drama, in a good way. It's very balanced and natural and… it's just really cool. Maybe it's because the story revolves around the music created by Masaharu Fukuyama and Sakura Fujiwara. I was so excited to be a part of it.
Q
What do you think of your character Soraichi who doesn't want his feelings for Sakura to end up as just one-way?
A
Soraichi tries to act like he's Sakura's boyfriend. *laugh* At times he may come off as curt and rude towards Sakura and Mami, but it's only because they've been buddies for so long since they were kids and know pretty much everything about each other.
Q
What's your impression on Sakura Fujiwara when she's not acting?
A
She seems a little different when she's off the set. It's like there's this sense of innocence to her. She's come off as just an ordinary girl, but it's not like she's trying to be all girly. She's very natural, so I really enjoy chatting with her.
Q
How do you view your character?
A
I see Soraichi as a guy with rebellious attitude who has this sort of "manly pride" that he doesn't want anyone else to take the things he likes. But at the same time, I hope to bring out the lovable side of him as well. Soraichi carries himself a sad, painful past of being abused and abandoned by his parents. That part of him is very difficult to play. I mean, I don't want Soraichi to always carry this dark shadow around him, but it needs to come out from time to time somehow. I consult with the director every time about how to go about acting my role.
Q
Do you have a plan for character development?
A
Soraichi has a crush on Sakura, so I intend to develop his character from that point on and try to keep it simple. He's a delinquent type, which can be conveyed through his looks. In order to fill as much information about the character in short scenes, Characters' looks are crucial. I hope that accumulation of these scenes would leave an impression in viewers' minds in a visual way and keep the lead them to latter half of the series. This kind of character development is unique to production of drama series and very different from film production. It goes for this drama as well, but in serial dramas, it is often the case that script for the final episode is still undecided at the beginning of the production. I really enjoy exploring the possibilities of my character.
Q
What's the image for Soraichi's looks?
A
As for his fashion, I have this image of gangsters I knew in my school who used to wear these baggy, loose-fitting clothes. For Soraichi, it can't be stylish like the ones hip hop dancers would wear. He doesn't have much money, so I imagine he wears hand-me-downs from his older friends and doesn't care about his hair at all. It was funny though, when I was at the costume fitting, the director said, "just how you usually dress would be fine." I was like, "what kind of image does he have about me?" *laugh* Well, I guess I do like loose, casual clothes which may be close to what Soraichi wears...
Q
What's your impression on Masaharu Fukuyama?
A
He's so kind and friendly. I've watched him on TV for all this time and admire him as an actor and for his approach to life. I still get a bit nervous when I meet him in person, but he even catches that and tries to help me relax by having very casual, everyday conversation. He always fills the set with this warm, comfortable atmosphere.
Q
Lastly, please give a message to viewers of the show.
A
From when I first saw the trailer, I thought this was going to be a very cool drama. It doesn't fit the mold of any typical drama and it's full of real emotions and feelings. Each character has a dark past and background, but that's why I think the rays of light and hope from their smiles and music shines even more.
