The TBS Sunday Theatre series "Diamonds Sleeping in the Sea" (Sundays at 9pm) starring actor Kamiki Ryunosuke will begin on October 20th. It is a story of love, friendship and family set in Hashima Island, Nagasaki Prefecture, which developed through coal mining from the beginning of the Meiji era to the postwar high economic growth period, and in modern-day Tokyo. We asked Tsuchiya Tao, who plays Yuriko, the daughter of an employee at Takaba Mining on Hashima Island, about her enthusiasm for the film.
The story is entertainment that depicts the "era of nothing but dreams and vitality" from the postwar reconstruction period to the high economic growth period, and the "era of today when everything seems to exist but young people cannot have dreams." This is a notable work by the "Unnatural" team of screenwriter Nogi Akiko, director Tsukahara Ayuko and producer Arai Junko.
--What were your impressions after reading the script?
I felt love, hope and prayer. I also got the impression that the story is strongly supported by a sense of responsibility and determination. Not only is it glamorous, but the amount of humor is also wonderful. Just reading the script makes me feel like I'm getting into each character.
When I actually visited Hashima, I felt the power of humanity, thinking, "People really lived here." The theme may seem grand at first glance, but it was also everyday life for the people who lived on Hashima at the time. There was family love, friendship, and the hardships of work...it's the same as for us today. So I hope you'll watch it without being defensive.
--Please tell us about the appeal of Yuriko's role.
I can't say much yet, but Yuriko is a character who bears the scars that are symbolic of the era. I'm playing the role while feeling that many people must have suffered in the same circumstances.
It is because she has scars in her heart that she lives more cheerfully than most. I don't think most people try to show their emotions to others, but Yuriko is a very human and loving girl who opens up to those she cares about. Although he does have a side to him where he can be a bit mean to Asako (Sugisaki Hana), I think that maybe that's just the flip side of his love for her, and I'm playing the role while thinking about it.
--What is your impression of the star Kamiki-san?
I first met him when I was about 17 years old, and I grew up watching the works that Kamiki-san was a voice actor in and starred in. Even though he has a lot of experience, he still has a very natural demeanor.
In fact, I just asked Kamiki-san, "Why are you so natural?" (laughs). Thanks to that, the atmosphere on set was relaxed. Of course, there is tension for the scenes, but when we are trying to act with difficult nuances, Kamiki-san sometimes suggests, "How about saying it this way?"
--What do you think of the other co-stars?
The childhood friends are played by people I've worked with before, so I was very happy when I was chosen to appear. Hana Sugisaki and I met when she was about 14 and I was about 17, so she calls me "Taocchi." So, I think that's what childhood friends are like, and we spend our time talking to each other on set.
Shimizu (Hiroya), who plays the role of the wise general, keeps a good distance between us. I think everyone is really talkative, but it's not the noisy feeling of students, it's just quiet and it feels like "we've all grown up" (laughs). The atmosphere is different from when we were filming back then.
--It seems that location shooting was done in various places for this film.
I've been to many different locations, and it's been a while since I've seen such a long, wide sky. Being able to see nature is very spiritual, and the other day I was able to see fireworks on the way back from filming.
The set is filled with the souls of the art club, and each and every small item that gives a sense of the era is very cute, so I hope you will pay attention to that as well. And no matter what the environment, I am helped by the direction of the directors. Director Tsukahara allows the flow of emotions of the characters to flow without stopping.
Director Fukuda Ryosuke, who also helped me with "Cheer☆Dance," is someone who really immerses me in the world of the work. I am honored to be a part of such a wonderful team, and I am continuing to film with this in mind.
--Finally, please give a message to the viewers.
I am honored and delighted to be able to return to Sunday Theatre in my last year of my 20s. Yuriko's character is one whose background becomes more clear towards the latter half of the story. I feel very nervous and pressured to think that I can pass on the baton of emotions that so many people have felt to people of this generation through Yuriko. But I also feel that maybe that is why I did this job.
The 70-year timeline is packed with various elements, and the more you watch it, the more flavorful it becomes, so I hope you will enjoy it thoroughly!
