Actor Endo Kenichi stars in the TV Asahi drama series "Tamiou R Inspired by Ikeido Jun" (Tuesdays at 9pm) which will begin airing on October 22nd. Based on Ikeido's novel of the same name (Bunshun Bunko/Kadokawa Bunko), the series is a sequel to "Tamiou" which aired on the same network in July 2015, but this time it is a reboot in the form of an inspired work. Ikeido said, "I only saw the cover of the script (laughs)," leaving it up to the cast and production team. Ikeido, who visited the drama's filming site to encourage him, and Endo, who is taking on a sequel for the first time in about nine years, shared their thoughts on this work.
◇The most difficult work in an actor's career
The previous work was a cynical and sometimes heartwarming depiction of the unprecedented and unusual event of the minds and bodies of Prime Minister Muto Taizan (Endo) and his foolish college student son Sho (Suda Masaki) being swapped. Combined with the passionate performances of Endo and Suda, the drama garnered a great response despite being a late-night drama, winning the 1st Confidence Award Drama Award (Best Drama) and the 53rd Galaxy Award (TV Division). This time, Taizan is once again approached by the Prime Minister, and each episode he is randomly switched with a citizen, making for an even more fantastical story.
On the day of the interview, Ikeido visited the studio where filming was taking place. When asked about his impressions of the recording, he said with a smile, "It looks fun! I guess that means everyone has a good atmosphere." Endo, on the other hand, was nervous about Ikeido's visit, but added, "But he's a friendly teacher, so there's no strange intimidation (laughs)." The interview started in a relaxed atmosphere.
Ikeido suddenly spoke frankly about the drama, which was "inspired" by his own novel, saying, "Actually, I haven't read the script (laughs)." "When they asked me to come up with a story, I created a plot that could be completed in nine or ten episodes and said, 'The rest is up to you!' But the production team proposed a series of short stories, each one episode at a time. 'Wow, they're going to do it like that? (laughs)! I thought they were really motivated," he said in surprise.
"Coming up a story is just as difficult regardless of its length. Creating a one-episode story simply doubles the amount of effort for each episode...for example, if it's nine episodes, it takes nine times the effort. The fact that they decided to take on this challenge shows they are serious about it. The last time it was in a late-night slot, so I thought they were putting even more effort into making it in prime time. However, Endo's burden has also increased by nine times," he said with a laugh.
"That's what makes me tired (laughs)," Endo said. When the sequel was announced after nine years, Ikeda said he was delighted, saying, "It was my favorite drama, so I was like, 'Really?! Sounds interesting!' and I was really excited." However, when filming started, he said, "It was much harder than I expected because I was replaced by a different person every time. To be honest, I feel that this is the hardest work of my acting career." He laughed bitterly. "I'm consulting with the director and producer, and I'm acting until I'm exhausted and hitting a wall." He said.
◇The courage of the production team is put to the test
"I've only seen the cover of the script (laughs). I have great trust in Endo-san, the cast, and the production team, and I leave everything to them," Ikeda said.
When asked why, he said, "As the original author, I have no complaints if the creators can use the structure of my work well and demonstrate their abilities. And if it can raise the level of Japanese video culture. I'm leaving it to them with a line like, 'Do whatever you like with Tami-o, I'm looking forward to it!' (laughs). I want to enjoy the broadcast objectively this time."
He also said, "However, I don't think it's good to make it a simple joke." "Without a social perspective, it would just end up as a silly drama. I want them to keep that in mind and still let loose. I hope it's a body-swap story that raises questions about social issues," he said.
To this, Endo immediately replied, "That's perfect!" "It's an entertaining work that really does deal with social issues. Even when Taishan is swapped, there's always a theme for each story. I don't think the original form has been destroyed. I think they're pushing forward in Ikeido's world once again!" he said confidently.
Ikeido expressed his expectations for Endo and the production team, saying, "It's in prime time, so there seems to be a lot of leeway (laughs). I feel like the production team's courage will be tested to see how far they can go in creating an 'outrageous drama.' I'm looking forward to it."
