Ryosuke Yamada

Q: Since the original story has many bizarre scenes, it must be an incredible challenge to dramatize it?

Well, I had originally thought that making it into a drama would be possible. Certainly, some viewers may find some of the on-screen portrayals quite grotesque, but above all, the content is thrilling that is sure to keep you at the edge of your seat. I had read the original story long before my part was confirmed, and from back then, I kind of thought that it would be possible to make a live-action version. It was like…just as I was wondering who would play the main character if there was ever going to be a live action, I was thankfully offered the part! Me?! Really? (laughter) But I was also wondering how much of the scenes from the original portrayals could be depicted in the series. As it’s a terrestrial drama, you know there are always boundaries which we must stick to. Still, I think it is quite a challenge this time. With respect for the original work, we have been trying to depict it to the fullest, and as a fan of the manga myself, I’m quite satisfied with how this is all turning out. Of course, production for a drama series must fit the story into a limited time frame, so there are some original parts as well. But it does not deviate from the main plot. I am sure that the scenes everyone wants to see from the original are expressed well, so I think both fans of the original and those who are also new to the work are enjoying it.

Q: When you first started filming, how did you try to play the dual personality part?

Just in terms of the role of dual personalities, I hope the viewers are watching it as the first half and then the second. The first part is what the cast and crew call Eiji’s “A” side, and the second half is his other “B” side. Of course, I have already played the role of “B,” but so far, I have mostly been working with the bright character side of “A.” The way I depict differences in their characters are something I am continuously discussing with the director and the producer. It is easier for me to play “B,” but kind of challenging to decide to what extent I should differentiate “B” with “A.” I always talk with the director on how I should play each role, paying attention to the details such as the brightness and good-naturedness of Eiji, his antics, and things like the way he acts surprised.

Q: Why does it feel easier to play “B”?

“B” is a cool and reserved character, so it feels easier. Cool characters can be described as ‘silent’ and ‘expressionless,’ and so simple for everyone to imagine. But there aren't many people these days like Eiji, who live a cheerful and comical life whilst carrying feelings of a heavy burden. I don’t know, it’s kind of tricky to put it all into words. Furthermore, it is very difficult to embody this into a drama, so Eiji needs to work on figuring it all out in his own mind. I don't often get surprised by something in my daily life like Eiji does, so I find it more challenging to play him in those aspects.

Q: You get to play two characters this time, but do you ever get pulled into the role you are playing even in your personal life?

I'm not like that at all. Like one time, we shot a scene in which someone dies or chases me, and the very next day was my live stage performance. But this time, there can be a bit of confusion here and there, because I have the three roles of Eiji, “B” and as an idol outside of filming. I guess what I do to put all of this into perspective is ‘to not think about it too hard.’ I am not even sure how I am managing to switch between the two myself. I don't have time to do something that requires a changeover. (laughter) But the times in which I spend thinking about how to play Eiji is not hard for me. Workwise, I especially like acting, so I feel like I am enjoying myself thinking about these challenging aspects on set.

Q: Do you ever feel that you have a different personality within yourself?

I’m not sure. My character differs depending on the working environment, and there may be some changes depending on my mentality at the time. When there is a reasonable amount of work to be done, there may be times I’m just completely off, and scare away the production crew. Other times, if I am feeling comfortable, I’m pretty much cheerful. Like with everyone, if we think about it in terms of situations that vary from fatigue, etc., I think there’s another side to me too. When you are seen as an idol, a gamer, and an actor, people sometimes ask me, “Which one is the real you?” I reply with, “Well, all of them.” (laughter) I think that I’m really being myself when I’m at home playing games.

Q: How would you describe the atmosphere on set?

It’s totally different depending on the scene. Those like talking with detectives on a nice and cool set is peaceful, but you know it's the heat wave you get in the summer! The on-location environment was hot. But since the drama is a fall season broadcast, we were wearing costumes which were rather warm, and the crew were also having a challenging time. Everyone is always doing their best just to concentrate on the shootings. Also, if it’s a scene in which someone is being tortured, it is not the time to be cheerful. The director does a lot of camera blocking, so if you’re not focused, you won’t be able to keep up. Anyway, it makes you realize that people lose so much leeway when it’s hot! (laughter)

Q: What’s your impression of Rina Kawaei who plays Nami?

I had heard that she’s a very timid person, but when I met her, she was very frank and always cheerful and smiling on set. Like the other time when I was with her for a shoot, the makeup artist posed her a riddle, and she was giggling with her answers. I think the scenes with her always captures a great atmosphere. I'm quite shy too, but I think we've already broken down any kind of barriers between us on set.

Q: How about the other cast members?

I am quite overwhelmed by Onoe Matsuya with the way he plays his role and how he gets into it. This is something that the viewers should look out for in the broadcasts. (laughter) The characterization created by him amplifies and it’s quite scary. (laughter) As for Kenichi Endo, he was in the studio adjacent to us when we were filming “Cain and Abel” (2016), and we often passed each other in the hallway. He was saying how he’s always starring with “Hey! Say! JUMP” members. He’s very different from the original image I had of him. As for Mugi Kadowaki, it’s my second time working together since the last movie. We can talk about the same things, so I can feel relaxed. She is also a very good actress and since we are working together in many scenes this time, she is reassuring.

Q: Finally, what are the highlights of Eiji and “B” and your message to the viewers?

I think “B” is so cool if I may say so. Not as a character, but he is clearly different from Eiji. There is a scene where “B” speaks a line that normally you would never say, and it's another part that makes him look awesome. However, as for everyone watching, I don't want people to see this character from the perspective of being ‘cool.’ People who live with something on their shoulders look cool, but they also seem somewhat lonely, don't they? I would be happy if you could see that while considering the good nature of Eiji, who like “B” lives with something on his shoulders whilst acting rather cheerfully. It's a drama that really keeps you on the edge of your seat each week, so let's guess together, and try to figure out who is the culprit? What is there? I hope you will continue to check it out with your own eyes.

Original Japanese Interview Article (Sept.12.2022) https://www.fujitv.co.jp/shinainarubokue/interview/interview01.html