The Central Cast

Q

What was your first impression, when you first read the script?

Mirei Kiritani

Well, it’s not like the character is completely different from me, but in my case, I have been interested in fashion and make-ups for many years. So, I was kind of excited as she was a different character from me. The tempo of the way the three characters speak with each other was quite fascinating. So, it was quite thrilling when I was reading the script, as I kept asking myself how this will all turn out. It was quite a good atmosphere when we were reading the script, so I think that our teamwork will get better and better.

Asami Mizukawa

Like Mirei was saying, I’m an actress after all, and it was interesting to play the character that’s completely different from me. During the long process of becoming pretty, it is assumed that fashion and beauty tend to change after, for example, relationships and breakups. However, the characters in this drama are different in a way that they also try to face up to themselves through the episodes. This is something everyone should watch out for in the story.

Q

For you (Blouson Chiemi) this is your first drama appearance, what was your reaction when you first received the offer?

Blouson Chiemi

To be honest, I couldn’t believe it when I got the offer. Mirei Kiritani, Asami Mizukawa and ‘Blouson Chiemi!?’ “Are you sure it’s all right for me to play the part!?” This was the kind of question I asked myself. But, at the same time, it was an honor for me. But like Mirei and Asami, I have been given the opportunity to play a ‘woman.’ Rather than a ‘lazy kind of Seira,’ I’m trying things out to improve myself! Although, I think about these kind of parts, I don’t really know about popular make-up such as the recent ‘bunny make-up.’ So, I learn many things from this drama. I also want to raise the level of my power as a ‘woman.’

Q

Could you fill us in on the acting aspect?

Mirei Kiritani

Jun is someone who has studied science all her life, and has no interest in beauty and fashion. This is because she doesn’t have the confidence in herself. And she thinks that she shouldn’t associate with the ‘glamorous side’ of society. She’s kind of a hesitant woman. But, I think that she’s a very stoic and pure girl who tries hard at everything she does. Therefore, when she started doing beauty research, I think that the way she tries to change herself is great.

Asami Mizukawa

In the story, Mitsuko is married with kids. Since her life has been occupied with scientific research and taking care of her family, she is left behind in fashion and still follows the so-called “Kogyaru” trend (where teenage girls were obsessively trend conscious). Her fashion stopped there although her life has been at the forefront of everything. That’s why she has shaved her eyebrows lol! Natural eyebrows are probably popular now, but I want to trim my eyebrows to halve the thickness so that I can express the kogyaru fashion style, which was the trend. That’s the aim of my research lol!

Blouson Chiemi

Seira is kind of different from others. Well, maybe like an ‘old man.’ She knows that if she acts in a certain way, she will not be popular with the guys. But, she is a laid-back woman, she doesn’t really care about what other people may think of her! So, people around her give her advice, that she won’t be popular with the guys. Then, she kind of reacts in a ‘I’ll give it a try’ stance and she decides to do some study on beauty. I kind of like this attitude and understand this kind of stance. I think it’s kind of cute that she listens to them and tries to change herself bit by bit. Oh, wait a minute, ‘I lost track of what I’m saying.’

Q

What are the things you guys look forward to when filming?

Mirei Kiritani

There’s so many things that I’m not sure about. When we are researching about beauty, our imaginations come flying back. For these kind or areas, we usually discuss with the director or may depend on the atmosphere of the set. But, I just want to enjoy the filming experience as much as possible. I will try my best!

Asami Mizukawa

We spoke with the director and he suggested to us that during script reading, it should be like, I’m the eldest sister, Jun is the second, and Seira as the youngest. This is generally speaking, but when we are given these roles, we kind of start to see things into perspective. When we start putting everything together, it all gets better, so this is the part I’m hoping to enjoy. It’s exciting, because when our coordination becomes smoother, our ad-libs may come out gradually, which is something to look forward to.

Blouson Chiemi

I’ve always watched dramas, but when I became the person to act in one, I would think how the manga (comic) version would turn out to be an actual drama. The unknown is quite thrilling to find out. Everything is my first experience, so I’m always excited to see how the manga will turn out into a televised drama.

Q

Lastly, could you give us a message for our viewers?

Asami Mizukawa

The title of the drama is “It’s All About the Looks,” and seeing how the appearance of the characters change is one of the themes, however, along with this, the excitement of seeing the characters also change internally is something that both male and female viewers should be able to understand. Compared to men, women need to think about so many more things such as fashion and make-ups. So, I think that it’s really a tough life. It would be nicer, if people could realize this.

Blouson Chiemi

We are researching make-ups which help us to be more popular with men. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean we are only trying to attract them. Rather, it’s really to improve ourselves. Sorry, I kind of know what I need to say, but I can’t find appropriate words to express myself. Let’s watch the drama and gradually improve ourselves together!

Mirei Kiritani

We want to show how much women pay attention to the details. I think that men don’t really know much about this, so I want them to say, ‘now we know.’ For our female viewers, you can research beauty with us, or say ‘no way, that’s not right!’ and watch the drama whilst pointing out the things that isn’t right.