Q
Now the story is past the midpoint of the series, your character Shin has shown some changes.
A
Shin is totally-carefree, happy-go-lucky type of guy whose only problem is that he’s too stress-free, so I thought Shin was 180 degrees opposite of me. In Episode 5, when he says, “I actually never felt angry or dissatisfied with people or with the world around me, ever.” I was like, “C’mon, can that be possible as a human?” *laugh* In Episode 6, there was a scene where Shin couldn’t tell Haruta about something that happened and he had to keep it to himself. Then he says “So this is what people call ‘a secret’.” I mean, how can someone be completely open and honest about everything with everyone? It’s not possible! It makes me a bit worried for Shin. *laugh*
Q
The scriptwriter Yoshikazu Okada has mentioned this too, but such odd character of Shin is only believable because it’s you playing the role. Shin even appears sort of charming or endearing in a way.
A
In Episode 6, there was a scene where I actually questioned about some of his behaviors. Then Tomoko (=Tomoko Yamaguchi) said to me, “That’s what makes Shin charming.” After hearing that, I was able to come to terms with it. I mean, if it makes him charming, then why not, right?
Q
In playing Shin’s role, is there anything that you particularly pay attention to?
A
I try to break Shin’s character in simple and easy terms to fully understand him, but I’m never sure if my acting of Shin is really matching his character. For instance, the facial expression that I think what Shin would have in a given situation may not always be correct. So I always ask for advice and comments from the director and everyone else.
Q
It’s said that the filming has been going very smoothly. How is the overall atmosphere on the set?
A
Yes, it is indeed going very well. We schedule rehearsal time before every scene during the shoot, so it helps. The cast members are all mature adults, so the atmosphere on the set is always very friendly and cozy.
Q
As the story reaches its finale, it is said that some very surprising developments are expected to take place. What do you feel most curious about?
A
About Eriko, of course! She was stalking everyone and all of sudden she became hysteric. She’s kinda scary, right? *laugh* Also, Fumi and Kayoko are both making confessions that we can't tell if they are just joking or being serious. It’s really beyond my imagination what will happen and how things will turn out in the end. *laugh*
Q
Lastly, could you send out a message to the viewers?
A
Crazy for Me is not a suspense or mystery where dramatic things constantly happen; it’s rather a smaller-scale, slower-paced story. That’s what makes this a drama that the viewers can feel intimacy or closer to all the characters. I hope that the viewers would find some elements in each of the characters that they can relate to and enjoy watching them as the story progresses, including their flaws and emotional problems. In real life, it’s actually quite difficult to stay “healthy” in both mind and body, so I also hope that this drama would somehow prompt the viewers to reflect upon themselves.
