Mei Nagano & Yuki Yamada

You two have worked together before, but how does it feel to collaborate again in this series?

Mei Nagano

The character I portray, Ame, carries a heavy burden, so I anticipated that it would be much more challenging than anything I've done before. When I heard that Yamada-san would be playing the role of Taiyo, Ame's counterpart, I felt incredibly reassured. Knowing that he would be there, I felt like the nervousness disappeared. I believe both the performance and the atmosphere on set will truly embody Yamada-san as the encouraging “sun” (=Taiyo in Japanese).

Yuki Yamada

I'm glad to hear that (laughs). Of course, I have to be a reassuring presence, having worked together before and understanding the atmosphere. Also, I hope to support you in portraying the weight that your character carries, both in the acting and during breaks between shoots.

How do you perceive the characters you play?

Mei Nagano

Ame, from a young age, has lived feeling not like someone admired or desired by everyone but as one who wonders, 'Why me?' and lives while belittling herself. She's a woman with various emotions hidden inside, capable of laughter, yet with an enigmatic way of laughing.

Yuki Yamada

It's still hard to explain.

Mei Nagano

Yes, but she has the strength to offer her heart for the sake of Taiyo. The balance between that strength, transience, and vulnerability makes her an attractive woman who draws people in.

Yuki Yamada

That's right. The sun (“Taiyo” in Japanese) can be obscured by clouds and doesn't appear at night. I feel like I have to delicately approach Ame, not being overly bright like the sun, just because of my character’s name. I want to portray him with various facets. The autumn sun has a gentle warmth, sometimes scorching like the summer, and there are days in winter when it's nice to have it out even in the cold. I hope if you imagine that, you'll find him more charming. People might perceive me as having a bright image, but that's not entirely true. So, I hope to show different aspects of the character I portray, not just the brightness like the sun.

This drama is set in Nagasaki. What are your thoughts after reading the script?

Mei Nagano

From the planning stage, I felt a lot of pain but also a sense of truth, even though it's a fantasy. Each character's emotions feel genuine. Expressing being 'captivated by the heart' is very challenging. Even with all the expressive abilities I currently possess, I feel it might not be enough. That's why I wanted to take on the challenge of playing Ame. As the script underwent revisions, the expressions became more detailed, and there are moments of increased purity as well as difficult scenes. I expect to shed more tears during the performance and even when watching the completed scenes. I love stories that make me cry, and I enjoy shedding tears while watching them. So, I'm happy to be part of such a genuine story.

Yuki Yamada

I feel the same way. I love stories that make you cry and touch your heart. I also love fantasy. I said I wouldn't do it if it was just a simple love story (laughs). What's important is that it's not just that. This drama is significant because it allows us to reflect on people's hearts, relationships, and affection. The experience of having one's heart captivated is something that can only be felt within the realm of imagination, but it is a feeling that can be imagined. To imagine is to engage in thoughts and considerations about others. In today's world, such aspects are significantly lacking, and I worry that this deficiency might lead to hasty criticism and belittling of others. That's why I find the drama appealing as it encourages us to take another look at these issues. The title, “The Gift of Your Heart,” raises questions about who is giving their heart and whether this "heart" is conveyed through words or actions. I would be pleased if all of you watching could contemplate these questions together. Recognizing these moments as daily blessings and understanding that happiness lies in the ordinary aspects of our lives are sentiments that I believe we should gather and embrace once again.

How do you inspire each other during this shoot?

Mei Nagano

Inspiration, huh?

Yuki Yamada

Thinking about it now, it seems like it's not here (laughs). But I have it!

Mei Nagano

What?(laughs)

Yuki Yamada

I may not be using the right word, but I find more comfort with Mei-chan than inspiration.

Mei Nagano

Is that so?

Yuki Yamada

I rely on you!

Mei Nagano

Huh? Is that true?

Yuki Yamada

There are times when I shouldn't portray a sad face, but simply watching Ame can naturally bring a smile in unexpected places. It's in these moments that I find great solace.

Mei Nagano

I have something like that too! Yamada-san is generally always reserved, and I've never seen him become emotional or being tired and down. But just before the actual shoot, he has the power to change the atmosphere. I always feel like he'll help me along to 'act in the required manner,' so I really respect that.

Yuki Yamada

And Mei-chan, even when you are talking normally, you could suddenly start to shed tears right before a shoot. That's amazing!

Mei Nagano

It's not like Yamada-san consciously tries to change the atmosphere. In the previous work we did together, the characters were a bit lively, but this time, we're intensely creating it scene by scene with the director, because otherwise, various parts won't connect well. So, I appreciate and respect Yamada-san's greatness even more.

Yuki Yamada

Now my evaluation has gone up (laughs).

Mei Nagano

Did I raise it too much? (laughs)

Q: You're working together after two years. How does it feel?

Mei Nagano

Yes, we met in the studio while working on different projects, so maybe he's not aware, but Yamada-san's expressions seem different depending on the character he plays. I felt a different impression compared to when we worked together two years ago. This time, I think we've finally had more moments where we see each other's true selves. Yamada-san's personality is quite close to Taiyo, isn't it?

Yuki Yamada

That might be true. Also, the tone of the work matters. Since this time we're expressing the flow of emotions realistically, I thought it would be natural to place the gear close to my own feelings so that time and emotions would flow naturally. Although it's been two years since I met Mei-chan, I don't think the impression has changed much. Even then despite being young, she had a very firm way of thinking. But as the shoot progresses, I might see new aspects.

Mei Nagano

Then, let's make that the theme of this shoot! Let's focus on feeling the changes in each other's impressions from the start of shooting to the end!

Yuki Yamada

That sounds good!

Original Article https://www.fujitv.co.jp/kimikoko/interview/index.html