How is the atmosphere on set now that filming has begun?
The atmosphere is wonderful. It's always lively and cheerful, and during our downtime, we all play games together. I genuinely look forward to coming to the set every day.
Could you tell us more about the role of Yuki Kasuhara, whom you portray?
Yuki is a woman who was inspired to become an emergency dispatcher after a life-changing event in her past. She holds a deep passion for her work, driven by her own experience of being helped by a dispatcher. This has instilled in her a strong desire to assist callers in the same way. She is extremely serious about addressing each call with dedication, but outside the command center, she has a brighter, more playful side. For instance, she often runs to work, causing the contents of her lunchbox to shift around—a charming trait that makes portraying her so enjoyable. As a rookie, I'm also curious to see how she grows and develops from here.
What have you found captivating about the role of an emergency dispatcher, and what challenges have you encountered while playing this role?
Before working on this series, I must admit I didn’t fully understand what the job of an emergency dispatcher entailed. Learning about the behind-the-scenes efforts of handling 119 emergency calls has been eye-opening. Through filming, I’ve come to appreciate the immense dedication it takes to save lives solely through voice communication. I even had the chance to visit the Yokohama Fire Bureau and observe their work. It’s an incredibly demanding job, as they are constantly faced with life-and-death situations. Yet, their professionalism is inspiring, and I hope this drama conveys just how indispensable they are to our society.
Have you had any discussions with the director or cast members about the performances or the scenes?
It feels like we're all exploring and figuring things out as we go. This includes operating the equipment, which we’re gradually getting accustomed to. Even for a single scene where I take a 119 call, we discuss details such as, ‘Wouldn’t there also be a call coming in at the next control desk?’ Together, we work out the movements and fine-tune everything as a team. We're constantly searching for the right approach, striving to deliver the best possible outcome.
Finally, could you share with the viewers what they can look forward to in this series?
This drama offers a realistic portrayal of the work behind the scenes of emergency dispatchers. With the full cooperation of the Yokohama Fire Bureau, we’re using authentic uniforms and sets that are identical to what they use in real life. While there are tense, high-stakes moments when handling emergency calls, there are also heartwarming and fun scenes when we step out of the center. The contrast between these moments adds to the series’ appeal. Additionally, the callers’ voices in each episode are brought to life by voice actors, making it another highlight to watch out for. I hope everyone will tune in every Monday at 9 PM and enjoy the show!