Yosuke Sugino

This is your debut as the lead in a prime-time drama series?

At first, I was determined to take charge on set as the starring actor, thinking about what I should do and how I should lead everyone. However, once it all started, I was like...maybe not. Now, I just want to enjoy filming with my co-stars and the staff. However, since I spend the most time involved in the filming among the cast, I feel responsible to share any observations or things that need to be said. Nevertheless, it is still such a grateful opportunity for me to be able to take on the lead role for the first time.

How is filming on the Goto Islands like?

The air felt incredibly refreshing when I got off the plane. It felt kind of light and airy. I remember feeling the air being quite heavy when I returned to Tokyo after a program shoot in Spain. There is a gentle breeze blowing, and it made me happy to think that we could deliver a great production to the viewers if we filmed here. We have a limited number of days for filming, and sometimes we face challenges when it rains, and we can't shoot as planned. During breaks in the rain, I see the crew working hard to capture even just one scene. Surprisingly, those scenes often turn out better, and it's this kind of craftsmanship that can be achieved on the Goto Islands. I believe we can create a great drama here.

Is filming on the island different from your usual experiences?

It's completely different from filming in Tokyo. The atmosphere and even the vibe of everyone in the town is different. The island locals, from kids to the elderly, all have sun-kissed skin, and there are also stone walls and fences. Being in this kind of scenery makes you to really feel a sense of “living.” Being able to see and film the landscapes that appears in the original work is truly a fulfilling experience. Before filming started, I was quite busy in preparation and felt anxious at the same time. Perhaps it's because of the air and the flow of time on the Goto Islands. It was also great to see that we were gradually building a good filming team.

Have you eaten anything delicious on the Goto Islands?

The other day, I had some regional beef. It seems that the supply is limited, so it's not something you can have anytime. It was at an interesting yakiniku restaurant run by a stoic owner. If I had eaten the same meat in Tokyo, it would have probably cost a lot, but it was around 2,000 yen. I thought it was great to have come to the Goto Islands (laughs).

What are you looking forward to during the location shoot on the Goto Islands?

We are working hard to capture scenes that can only be filmed on the Goto Islands, from the first episode to the final episode. Within that, I think the balance of the cast is really great, ranging from a 6-year-old to junior high and high school, island residents, and those from Tokyo. Since the series is also a comedy, I'm excited about the prospect of having a lively time acting alongside such a diverse cast.

What’s your approach for playing your character’s role?

I gave some thought to the hairstyle and changed it to how we decided at the costume check just before the poster visual shoot. I naturally did things like focusing on visuals and practicing calligraphy etc. However, when it comes to the character’s inner world, I believe this is something that should be created through the interactions with various cast members, starting with Ririsa Miyazaki.

How is it acting alongside Ririsa Miyazaki, who plays the role of Naru?

Well, the character “Naru” has a lot of energy and it's hard to keep up with her focus(laughs). That part can be challenging, but I feel that her free-spirited nature gives credibility to the character. I'm really looking forward to seeing how the scenes between our characters turn out, and I hope we can develop an even better chemistry as we go along.

Do you think there’ll be scenes like you jumping into the sea?

So far, I've only climbed up the breakwater, and it was fun. We haven't filmed any scenes of actually getting into the sea yet, so for now, the shooting has been quite relaxing. However, I anticipate that there will not only be challenging scenes but also various troubles ahead. The weather is already being unpredictable. Nevertheless, I believe that by overcoming these obstacles together and shooting difficult scenes, we will come together as a team.

If you were to describe your feelings about this summer in writing, what would it be?

I would choose the character “楽” (raku), which means enjoyment or fun. I hope to enjoy the filming process and bring “enjoyment” to those who watch it. This summer, I have plans to go to various places for the production, and I already feel like summer has begun!

Original Article (July 2023) https://www.fujitv.co.jp/barakamon/interview/interview01.html