Masataka Kubota and Tsubasa Honda

Q1 Radiation House is the final Monday night drama series of the ‘Heisei’ Era. Do you have any special feelings for the drama?

Masataka Kubota

Above everything else, I think it’s amazing how many members of the press and the media are coming for interviews, since the Monday night slot is something which has a rich history and a deep tradition. I don’t have that much of an experience playing a role in a medical drama, however, I hope that we are creating a legendary drama like many of the past hit series!

Tsubasa Honda

Even though there have been many medical dramas in the past, there haven’t really been one which focuses on the lives of radiologists and radiographers. Also, as this is the first time playing a doctor, I hope that I’m depicting the role of a radiologist as how it should be. I also had the chance to visit an actual hospital to observe some of the areas related to my role such as operations and image inspections. Plus, I wish that the viewers will recognize the gradual changes in the relationship between my character and Iori.

Q2 Tell us about your impressions of the characters you are playing.

Masataka Kubota

Iori is not only a talented radiographer, but he’s also a genius at working hard. Moreover, he has a very honest personality who still keeps his promise from his childhood years even now. So, I think that it is essential to merge the differences in the character’s personality as a Radiographer, and also as an honest and innocent guy who purely loves An.

Tsubasa Honda

An is a character who is under a great deal of pressure, to make sure that the hospital which she has succeeded keeps continuing for as long as possible. So, I feel that my character might be seen as someone who isn’t really able to see anything else around her, and this maybe is depicted to the viewers slightly in a different light. But I hope everyone will recognize that she is behaving in such a way, due to her past experiences and heavy requirements for the hospital.

Q3 What are your impressions of one another?

Masataka Kubota

Ever since we appeared together on a commercial back in 2012, I have always thought that she’s an incredible person. So, I feel a sense of comfort during filming, since she hasn’t changed from the ‘Tsubasa...’ back then.

Masataka Kubota

During my makeup session today, I was trying to recollect how I was calling her. Was it ‘Honda-chan’? or ‘Tsubasa-chan? or was it ‘Tsubasa...’? Above all, the way she naturally adjusts herself between various kind of work hasn’t changed. I hope to be able to follow her examples on set.

Tsubasa Honda

I also watched many of your appearances such as in the ‘DEATH NOTE,’ and I’m happy for your other upcoming works too!

Masataka Kubota

Oh, thanks.

Tsubasa Honda

I’m happy that even now, we are still able to work together after six or seven years.

Masataka Kubota

Let me buy you something! (lol) Drinks!?

Tsubasa Honda

Yay! (lol)

Q4 Are there any similarities in your personalities with the characters from the drama series?

Masataka Kubota

Not really…(lol). I think my character is a little clumsy though.

Tsubasa Honda

Things like how she can only focus on one thing at a time, might be kind of similar to me.

Q5 Are there any kind of mannerisms that you are being careful about, playing the roles of a Radiographer and a Radiologist?

Masataka Kubota

As in the original story, there are many kinds of technical terms which I must practice for my lines. But this is the same with any other dramas based on specialist areas like a detective series, so I’m making sure that I ‘completely master’ the lines. I also hope that my character is someone who is supporting An in the best possible way.

Q6 What do you exactly mean by ‘completely master’?

Masataka Kubota

Rather than just ‘remembering’ the lines, I think it’s better to make sure that the words and the lines completely ‘sink in.’

Q7 So, you are now constantly ‘learning’ the technical terms?

Tsubasa Honda

Technical terms are important, but also, since my character’s role as a radiologist, is to provide a diagnosis based on the computer imagery taken by the radiographers, I went to visit a hospital to observe how clinical records are utilized. I believe that radiologists have a heavy responsibility as doctors to make sure that all signs of illnesses are not left undiscovered.

Q8 Were there any specific areas of advice from doctors which you had found extremely useful?

Tsubasa Honda

From appropriate usage of MRI, CT scans and ultrasound, to things that one should definitely know about as a doctor, they taught me many important aspects. I also recognized the need for doctors to constantly keep learning about new diseases and the willingness to keep researching for new discoveries, is an important mindset to possess.

Q9 So, you’re learning about those kinds of things right now?

Tsubasa Honda

‘Learning’? Yeah of course...

Q10 The character Iori is keeping his promise from childhood, but are you able to empathize and understand about his principles too?

Masataka Kubota

I think it’s amazing how he’s able to keep to his own plans for a long time. But, I also think it’s important to adapt to the trends of time and judge what’s necessary case by case. I think it’s a wonderful way of having your own set of rules, but that’s not everything. Also in the original story, the relationship between the two have been portrayed very much in a ‘pop’ way. But, at the same time, the medical aspects are intricately depicted with many specialist ways of expression. If we try to make all of this apparent, it could turn out to be too explanatory. So, I think it’s important to highlight the most important points for the scenes.

Q11 What do you think about Iori’s earnest way of thinking?

Masataka Kubota

I think it’s brilliant. I used to be really into cars when I was a kid, and this hasn’t changed even now. Well, it’s a person for Iori’s case (lol), but I can understand his thought process. His dedicated feelings towards An is something really special I think.

Q12 How do you think An feels about Iori’s feelings?

Masataka Kubota

A little too much, right?

Tsubasa Honda

Do you mean, if there was actually a person like that, right? I’m trying to find the right words, but I’m fond of the idea of being completely ‘dedicated’ to someone.

Q13 The drama is about trying to discover illnesses which are tricky to find, but are you guys the kind of people who are sensitive to things happening around you?

Masataka Kubota

Well, I’m trying to be aware of my surroundings, but I think I’m more the oblivious type.

Q14 Is it challenging to spot the changes when a woman changes her appearance?

Masataka Kubota

Well, it can be tricky sometimes. It can be a little hard to recognize the changes. I think it’s easier to pick up the changes for men. Like, it’s possible to see when one is really tired, just by looking at one’s face right? However, women have the advantage of makeup to cover these things up. (lol)

Q15 So, it is easier to spot changes for guys?

Masataka Kubota

Well, I guess to a certain degree.

Q16 In situations such as this, do you usually say something?

Masataka Kubota

I try to read between the lines and the atmosphere first (lol).

Tsubasa Honda

These kind of things are challenging for me too (lol). A woman can change one’s appearance quite easily just by changing the way one ties her hair, so for example, it’s hard to realize if someone gets a haircut.

Q17 Iori treasures the photo of An, but do you have a special photo yourself?

Tsubasa Honda

Maybe a group photo from a drama series...?

Masataka Kubota

I usually send those back home together with other scripts and so on.

Masataka Kubota

I have a photo of my cat which I had cared for 13 years. I have the photo saved in my mobile phone data. For me, my first pet will always be a special one. So, a group photo in your case?

Tsubasa Honda

I have several photos, but we usually take a group photo when we are almost there for the wrap. These photos are precious for me.

Masataka Kubota

I usually don’t like having photo of myself with me all time! (lol)