Exclusive Interview Summer, 2015
As a model and actress, Ms. Tsubasa Honda continues to impress audiences with her charming smile and delightful personality. In "KOINAKA ~Best Friends in Love," Ms. Honda plays the heroine Akari Serizawa who must choose between two guys who were pals from a long time ago. Compared to her previous roles, Ms. Honda has shown her mature, strong-minded side through this drama. In this interview, we asked what Ms. Honda had to say about her character Akari and how she relates to her.
Q
Please tell us about your character Akari Serizawa.
A
I think Akari is sweet and gentle but also tough and strong-minded. The fact that she's able to stay cheerful despite her father gone missing due to his debt is because she's tough on the inside. Also it's probably because she always had Aoi by her side until she moved out of town. Akari is the type of person who is both soft and gentle while at the same time having tough, strong-minded side. I admire women like her.
Q
How do you feel about Akari and Aoi's relationship as childhood friends?
A
I myself don't have childhood friends like them, but I think it's wonderful. They probably feel totally comfortable around each other since they grew up together and know each other so well. But once romantic feelings get involved, I guess they feel shy or awkward. *laugh* Perhaps that's why they were never able to show their honest feelings when they were young.
Q
Then Shota comes in between Akari and Aoi, right?
A
That's right. When Shota first transferred to Akari and Aoi's school, it took his a while until he opened up to others. He's quiet and keeps to himself, but inside he's gentle and sweet. I think it was Aoi who helped Shota to come out of his shells. Now Shota works hard to become a doctor. I mean, all women dream of marrying a doctor, right? *laugh* He's such a charming, lovable guy, isn't he?
Q
If you had to choose between Aoi and Shota, which guy would you be together?
A
I would choose someone who like the same things as I do. For example, I'm a dog person, so he has to like dogs. Also, I love to play games and read comic books, so he has to be understanding of my hobbies. On top of that, I choose someone with a genuine smile because I think smile is a reflection of who you are as a person. So…which guy would that be? *laugh*
Q
Previously you've co-starred in a film with Souta Fukushi, but how has it been so far to work with him again this time?
A
The shooting of the film lasted only for a week or so, so there wasn't that much time to really get to know him then; but having known each other helped us in playing our roles as childhood friends more believable right from the beginning.
Q
Lastly, could you send out a message to fans of the show?
A
I play Akari back when she was a high school student and now as a matured woman. I think those school days were full of fun, but I think this drama also depicts the charm of life in adulthood. Later in the series, there may be a scene watching the fireworks, which represents a special memory for Akari, Shota, and Aoi. Please stay tuned to see how the love triangle between the three develops!
