Actor Endo Kenichi appeared at a production announcement press conference for the TV Asahi drama series "Tamiou R Inspired by Ikeido Jun" (Tuesdays at 9pm, starts October 22nd) held in Tokyo on October 18th. He began the press conference by saying "First, let me say a few words..." and paid tribute to the late Nishida Toshiyuki, who starred in the previous series nine years ago.
He co-starred with Nishida for many years in the "Doctor-X: Surgeon Daimon Michiko" series on the same network. Endo began with a sad look on his face, saying, "I only heard the news of his passing yesterday, so talking about Nishida-san really touches my heart." He continued, "We were just together at the press conference for 'Doctor-X the Movie' on the 8th (October). I spoke to him then as well...In 'Doctor-X' I played the role of Nishida-san's subordinate, but Nishida-san ad-libbed a lot and teased me a lot. He helped me bring out many of the comedy and serious parts of myself that I didn't even know existed. Thanks to him, I was able to grow into an actor who is given comedic roles like this. Nishida-san, I'd like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude. Thank you very much." He bowed his head and said, "Also in attendance at the press conference were main cast members Ohashi Kazuya, Ano-san, Yamatoki Satoshi, Yamauchi Keiya, and Kaneda Akio. Endo began by saying cheerfully, "The story has changed completely!" and continued, "This time, Ohashi-kun, Ano-chan, and Yamatoki-kun have shown incredible energy, making it a new 'Minna no Ou'. Yamauchi-san and Kaneda-san are reprising their roles and sprinkling in lots of interesting flavors!", completely changing the somber atmosphere at the beginning of the show.
And Endo, who is taking on the challenge of playing ten roles, said, "At first I thought it would be fun, but once I actually started, I was struggling and overwhelmed."
The drama is a sequel to "Tamiou," which aired on TV Asahi in July 2015. The previous series, which was adapted from the novel of the same name by Ikeido Jun, became a hot topic for its cynical, sometimes heartwarming depiction of the unprecedented and unusual event in which the minds and bodies of Prime Minister Muto Taizan (Endo) and his foolish son (Suda Masaki) are swapped. The new work, inspired by Ikeido's novel, is an even more fantastical story in which Taizan, who has been approached by the Prime Minister again, randomly switches places with a citizen in each episode.
