Shotaro Mamiya

Q: How do you feel about playing the role of Tsuyoshi in the drama?

As soon as I dyed my hair blonde, it really all came to me. At the time we started filming, I had the chance to have a chat with Fuju Kamio and we were able to get to know each other quite well.

Q: How did you feel when you read the script?

I had read the original manga, but I think the drama has a new approach because it is told from the perspective of the pet dog owned by the Nanba family. This work is both a story of delinquents, as well as a journey of enthusiastic youths, with a student's search for his own identity. Furthermore, there is a heroic aspect to the story which is vividly reflected in the script as Tsuyoshi changes into a gangster trench coat and solves problems or gets involved in them. When I read the script, I felt that I wanted to play the role with a sense of heroism and coolness when I put on the coat.

Q: How did you try to play the duality of a serious high school student and a delinquent?

I think that if I consistently keep changing the character of Tsuyoshi, then it might make it difficult for the viewers to empathize with him, and the uniqueness of the role may fade out.

Q: So, did you have to work on your physical aspects for the role?

When I spoke with a crew member, one mentioned that since the gangster trench coat opens wide at the front, it would be better to have a muscular physique. But I was also told that the character should be stylish too! We should not forget this part. Anyway, after all, you know he’s only a high school student (laughs). Within our filming schedule, we also have training sessions for the action scenes, so I'm trying to build up my stamina too.

Q: When you think of delinquents, what kind of impression do you get?

I think that only when we are young can we have that kind of freedom, to rebel against adults, rules, etc., and bond with our peers in our own world. And it may give you a sense of elation, that you can only feel at that moment in your life. Of course, as we grow older, we may think, “I was doing something embarrassing at that time,” but I think it is wonderful to share the same time with friends, not just only for delinquents, but also through club activities, etc., which are all something to cherish for years to come.

Q: Any other thoughts on playing a high school freshman?

I think that if I am too conscious of the youthfulness of a high school student, I might come off as quite deliberate. I see that as just a fantasy part of the story. Also like in other similar themed works, the casts sometimes play high school students even though they are almost 30 years old, so it would be nice if we could transcend that aspect of the work and make it enjoyable.

Q: Do you have any favorite items along with your main costume?

I really like the embroidery on the trench coat. Personally, I think the amulet worn by Tsuyoshi is austere and quite cool. I also think the blonde lion-like hair look powerful as it sways in the action scenes. And then the school uniform. At first, I thought it would be too tight for me to wear it. But at the costume fitting, they had prepared a school uniform and a blazer, and the blazer felt much tighter (laughs).

Q: What’s your impression of the other casts?

I don't know if you have noticed, but the male cast members this time round each have very distinctive facial features (laughs). Maybe this is a good thing to create a sense of energy and power for the theme of the drama? I have worked with Fuju Kamio quite a long time ago, but this is the first time that we have fully worked on a long series together. I am looking forward to seeing how his character and Tsuyoshi, create a buddy-like relationship as the story progresses. And Takashi Ukaji plays Tsuyoshi's father, a character which is also very powerful. And it has been a while since I last worked with Shinnosuke Mitsushima too. I think that his cool and hard-edged side, as well as the gentle aspect he possesses, will be depicted very well. And it is the first time for me to work with Shintaro Morimoto, but I once heard that he is very funny and that we can get along easily. It has also been a long time since I have worked with Aoi Morikawa. She’s playing quite a funny heroine character this time.

Q: How are you playing the fighting and action scenes?

The realistic power of the scenes are important, but also the way it is presented as entertainment should be considered. As for the latter, I hope it will have a certain exhilarating effect on the viewer. I think it's cool not only to win, but also the sense of melancholy when you don’t.

Based on the Manga “NANBA MG５” and “NANBA DEADEND” by Toshio Ozawa, originally published by Akitashoten.　 © Toshio Ozawa (AKITASHOTEN) 2005 © Fuji Television Network, Inc.