The second installment of the streaming drama "Conditions for a Professional Girlfriend: Women Who Want to Marry Celebrities 2," starring actor Hikari Kabashima and others, has begun streaming on the short drama streaming app "BUMP." The story centers on "professional girlfriends," ordinary women who only date celebrities and athletes, and this time, gravure idol and talent Asuka Kishi also appears. The story depicts a fierce battle for dominance between the "professional girlfriend" Kimoto Miori (Kabashima) and the cunning "older witch" Ozawa Reina (Kishi). Kabashima and Kishi, who are co-starring for the first time, talked about behind-the-scenes stories and highlights of the filming.
◇Kabashima Hikari's entertainment activities revealed due to the reaction to the previous work
The drama is a live-action adaptation of the manga of the same name (Core Mix) written by hina and illustrated by acca. The previous work, which was released in April, became a big hit, making a profit that far exceeded the production costs, and the production of the second installment was decided within six months. The story depicts a new battle between Miori, who has won the heart of popular actor Kiyota Kazusa (Naito Shuichiro) as planned and is now living together with Kazusa, a former race queen and old female friend of his, Reina. There are 30 episodes in total, and this time they will be streamed all at once on "BUMP" as short dramas with each episode being 2 minutes long.
－－The previous series, which was streamed in April, became a hot topic, with the total number of views of the official clips and other videos exceeding 12 million immediately after its release, and reaching over 116 million in the five months since its release. Did you feel any reaction?
Kabashima: There was a huge reaction. I go to the gym, but I hadn't told my gym teacher that I was doing this (entertainment) activity until then. But after the previous film was released, he asked me, "You're in it, right?" and that's when I found out (laughs). But I never expected a sequel to be decided so soon, so I was happy (about the production of the second film).
－－Did you know about the previous film before you were offered the role in this one? Kishi: I paid to watch it (laughs). Once I got to episode five, I couldn't stop. I love female rivalry, so I was completely absorbed (laughs).
--But this time you'll be playing a role in such a fierce battle.
Kishi: I've never seen a script like that; (Rena) has a rotten character (laughs).
Kabashima: It was really amazing (laughs).
Kishi: I thought she was a pretty bad girl...but it's rare to get to play such a villain, so it was a valuable experience (laughs).
--This was the first time you two acted together, right? Was it such a murky scene from the first day of filming?
Kishi: It was pretty tense from the start of filming. I could feel the pressure (from Kabashima) (laughs).
--Did you feel Kabashima's "powerful gaze"?
Kishi: Yes, I felt like I was being watched.
Kabashima: I didn't mean to give off an intimidating vibe, but I did give the impression that she was perceived as a dangerous person.
--What did you keep in mind when acting, Kishi?
Kishi: Rena had a lot of harsh lines, but she was also a little uncool. I thought that her human side, that lovable side, was cute, so I was conscious of making her "a little uncool."
◇If her female friend put her hand on her boyfriend's thigh...
--What was the most memorable scene?
Kishi: There was a scene where Miori and Kazusa were about to go home in a taxi, and Rena got in and the three of them got in the taxi side by side.
Kabashima: The director looked at the silent shot and said it was good (laughs).
Kishi: It was too awkward. It was a strange atmosphere.
--If someone actually did that to you...?
Kishi: I mean, your boyfriend's female friend would put her hand on your boyfriend's thigh, right?
Kabashima: No way...
Kishi: They'll kick her out, right? (laughs)
--What are the highlights of this film?
Kabashima: In the previous film, Miori ended up looking like the winner, but I'd like people to see what happens to her. Also, Rena appears and puts up a great battle, so I'd like people to pay attention to that.
Kishi: I'd like people to watch the messy battle between the girls and the insensitive Wasa, while complaining about this and that (laughs)!
