How did you feel when you were cast in ‘Ya Boy Kongming!’?
Osamu Mukai
I still don't quite understand why I was offered this role (laughs), but at my age, I never thought I'd be playing a character like this, so I was quite surprised. When I read the original material, I found it surprisingly substantial. It's a story that depicts the growth and setbacks of various individuals, so I realized I had to play it with conviction.
Moka Kamishiraishi
I also read the original material after receiving the offer, and just as he mentioned, I felt that it's a very sincere drama that portrays the beauty of people chasing their dreams and the convictions of each individual. That's why I want to approach my performance with a mix of glamour and seriousness. Even on set, we all try to enjoy it, whilst also bearing this in mind.
What was the reaction of those around you when you were cast in this drama?
Osamu Mukai
The reaction from those around...?
Moka Kamishiraishi
I had quite a significant reaction from those around me. There were many people in my circle who watched the manga and anime, so I felt an unprecedented level of response. Many said, ‘You're playing Eiko!’ and I realized the influence that this work carries. I could feel everyone's expectations, and it really motivated me to give my best.
Osamu Mukai
Indeed, when I talked to people on the previous set about my next project and mentioned I was going to play ‘Kongming,’ they would often respond with, ‘Ya Boy Kongming!’ Some even said, ‘I want to be in it too!’ The most common question I got was, ‘How are you going to handle that scene?’
What kind of impressions did you both have about general background of this project?
Osamu Mukai
I used to read the manga as a kid because my older brother had it, so I had a vague understanding of who the characters were. In the case of Kongming, he was known as a genius strategist, someone with extraordinary intelligence, and had an image of being somewhat otherworldly. So, this time, I'm aiming to portray him with a performance that sets him apart from ordinary individuals.
Moka Kamishiraishi
Eiko, on the other hand, had no prior knowledge of the ‘Three Kingdoms,’ so I made a conscious effort not to immerse myself in information about it. But, coincidentally or not, there are quite a few enthusiasts about it on set. The ‘owner’ character Kobayashi, played by Mirai Moriyama, has a passion on the subject, and he has gone beyond just his character (laughs). There are lines in the script where the owner talks about it, and they were already quite lengthy, but he improvised and expanded them to about three times the original length. Osamu Mukai must adapt to this. So, it feels like I'm the only one left in the real world...(laughs).
Osamu Mukai
Oh, trust me, it got so hardcore that sometimes I honestly had no idea what they were talking about (laughs). Moriyama-kun is the most knowledgeable of all, so if there was something I didn't understand, I could just ask him, and he'd explain everything. When I see the producer and Moriyama-kun smirking while brainstorming lines, I think to myself, ‘This is such a great set’ (laughs).
What's the atmosphere like on the set?
Osamu Mukai
It's an incredibly luxurious set where even renowned artists make brief appearances, and it feels like it could turn into a festival if there was to be a gathering (laughs). Being able to act alongside people we wouldn't normally meet is very refreshing, and it feels like we're celebrating every day. Despite the scorching heat during the shooting, everyone keeps smiling, making it a very pleasant atmosphere.
You both are working together for the first time. What are your impressions?
Osamu Mukai
She feels like a ‘comrade in arms’ in the process of creating a single work. Of course, there are differences in age and gender, but we have a relationship where we can sincerely say, ‘Let's try it this way for this scene,’ without worrying too much about those factors. She has a strong desire to create something great, so she's very dependable. Additionally, this story is about Eiko's growth, so it's enjoyable to see her singing and performing, with her skills sharpening as the episodes progress.
Moka Kamishiraishi
I think he is someone who looks at the work very reservedly. This time, since we're shooting scenes in a non-chronological order, it can be challenging to gather your emotions suddenly when we shoot a climax, but he gives precise advice during those moments. I also feel that over time, he and I are getting closer to the relationship between Kongming and Eiko. His personality seems to naturally guide this work in a positive direction.
The anime version is popular, but what do you think are the unique charms of the live-action-drama version?
Osamu Mukai
I think what's important is the vividness of seeing real people singing, dancing, and performing, with a live audience at the festival. In addition to that, this drama has the unmistakable and perfect touch of the director. It's filled with creative ideas even in the smallest scenes, and it's doing things that were previously unimaginable in TV dramas. There's a sense of pride among the cast and crew that they are creating a drama like no other.
Moka Kamishiraishi
That's right. It feels like everyone is giving their all to bring out what they believe is the best, and I go to work every day thinking, ‘I'm so fortunate to be in the midst of such a luxurious set.’ In manga, characters are created based on the author's sensibility, but in a drama, different individuals step into the roles with their own sensibilities, so it really makes the characters' personalities stand out even more. I think that's one of the wonderful aspects of adapting it into live-action.
Are there any specific scenes that you would like viewers to pay special attention to?
Moka Kamishiraishi
The live stage scenes. The director has worked on many music videos, so the way he presents these scenes is truly outstanding. I believe he has captured the power and excitement of live performances, the exhilaration, and the sense of everyone coming together through music that I felt in the original work. He has depicted it meticulously on screen. So, I would especially like viewers to watch the live scenes.
Osamu Mukai
It's truly remarkable. The first scene we shot was Koharu Sugawara's live performance. I was on a break, so I watched from a distance. When I saw the combination of her performance with the direction, camera work, and lighting, I honestly thought, ‘They're putting this much effort into just one scene...’ That's when I realized the director and the staff's dedication. It made me feel that I also needed to be fully committed to my role. At the same time, I felt fortunate to be able to create this drama with such talented individuals. Getting to see the live scenes before anyone was my greatest joy.
It's a drama that music lovers won't be able to resist, for sure.
Osamu Mukai
I've also appeared in several music-related works, but usually, they focus on a single genre. It's like classical music in a classical setting, rock in a rock setting, and so on. But in this case, we have ballads, hip-hop, rock, dance music, and even festival scenes. I hope not only music enthusiasts but also those who watch this drama will think, ‘I'd like to explore this kind of music as well.’ In that sense, it's a groundbreaking work that can broaden the horizons for people to attend festivals and clubs.
How was it for you to perform your own live scenes?
Moka Kamishiraishi
The songs I attempted as Eiko this time were quite different from what I had sung before. They included rap-style songs and those that required me to push my voice to the limit, which felt like I was facing many daunting challenges. By pushing myself to overcome these hurdles every day, it felt like I was prying open doors that had been closed for so long. Through deepening the understanding of singing, I also felt that the contours of the character Eiko became clearer.
I heard that you also took on the challenge of rapping?
Osamu Mukai
I had never done rap before, didn't even know how to do it... and on top of that, the script said, ‘rap like a Buddhist chant’ (laughs). So, I tried to deliver my own version, but it felt like steam was coming out of my head (laughs). I did record it during the session, but in the end, I took the audacious step – no, I mean, challenge (laughs) – of recording it live for the actual performance. However, I think it turned out to be something unique after brainstorming with the rap instructor and director, coming up with various ideas.
Moka Kamishiraishi
It was amazing! I'm not sure if it was rap or a Buddhist chant, but it was truly fantastic!
The costume for portraying Kongming was quite heavy. Wasn't it challenging to film during the summer?
Osamu Mukai
We had several costume fittings, and they managed to make the costumes considerably lighter. They also came up with ways to allow heat to escape. Ultimately, I think the information we get from the visuals is the most crucial. Not just for me, but especially for the casts in the Three Kingdoms segment, every detail of their costumes, from head to toe, was meticulously crafted. The same goes for the makeup. Having such high-quality visuals was a significant help in building the performances.
Do you feel any similarities between yourself and Eiko?
Moka Kamishiraishi
Eiko's visual style is exactly what you'd call ‘party girl,’ isn't it? (laughs) My ‘inner party girl level’ is really low, so at first, I thought she was a completely different character. But after reading the original material, I realized there are actually many aspects of her character that I can relate to, like her love for music, her aspiration to sing despite facing numerous setbacks, and there are inner similarities we share. Also, ever since I bleached my hair, my ‘party girl level’ has increased a bit (laughs). I've even tried wearing outfits that show my midriff in my daily life, so I think it's safe to say that the character has influenced me to some extent. I've been gradually embracing the party girl aspirations that have always been inside me, so I'm having a lot of fun with it right now.
What similarities do you see between yourself and Kongming?
Osamu Mukai
Hmm, it's hard to say... Maybe one similarity is that I try to approach things with a calm perspective and strive to make the best choices possible. Of course, in creating a work, the director's opinions are the most significant, but I also try to contribute ideas based on my own perspective of the overall picture, suggesting, ‘Wouldn't this expression convey things better?’ So, in that sense, you could say it's a small parallel to some of Kongming's thinking.
If Kongming was to become your strategist, what kind of advice or assistance would you seek from him?
Moka Kamishiraishi
Hmm, I wonder...? I've become increasingly indecisive over the years, to the point where I even get stuck deciding between fish or meat for a meal (laughs). So, I'd like to consult him on various things, from small dilemmas like that to envisioning the future. Having someone like him who can say things like ‘You have talent’ or ‘Have confidence’ can be incredibly reassuring and uplifting, don't you think?
I think the chemistry between Kongming and Eiko is one of the highlights of the drama. Is there anything specific you pay attention to in your interactions with each other?
Osamu Mukai
We try to be mindful of not making our dialogues go too smoothly. The way of accepting his seemingly impossible destiny in an instant is something Eiko can't quite comprehend. We aim to convey that disconnect in our exchanges. However, it's not about deliberately missing the mark but finding that delicate balance between making it seem like things are going well when they're actually not. It's quite challenging, but we're working on it.
Final message?
Moka Kamishiraishi
The title may not suggest it, but this drama beautifully and meticulously portrays the challenges and beauty of chasing one's dreams, the passion, and the setbacks. It truly makes you feel the incredible power of music. I have a strong sense of actually creating something with such captivating individuals, and I really hope all of you will enjoy it as well. As one of the viewers myself, I'm looking forward to watching it on screen!
Osamu Mukai
It's a story of growth for various characters, and there's a sense of satisfaction when Kongming devises strategies and ties up loose ends. It incorporates many elements, but at its core, it's a drama filled with a unique energy that will make you think, ‘What is this?’ in a good way. I believe that if you watch it, you'll understand the charm of this series, and I take pride in the fact that it's an incredibly surprising production. So, above all, I hope everyone watches it and gets amazed by it.
