In the NHK Asadora drama "Omusubi " (General TV, Monday to Saturday 8:00 a.m. and others) starring actress Kanna Hashimoto , Hayato Sano plays Shoya Yotsugi, Yui's (Hashimoto's) lover who aims to become a major leaguer. We spoke to him about behind-the-scenes stories about pitching practice and what he was conscious of when playing Shoya, who hurt his shoulder.
◇Secretly increase the weight to increase the ball speed
Sano-san shaved his head for the first time in his life to play Shoya, a boy who is devoted to baseball. He said he shaved off some of his hair himself, and revealed, "I have never cut my hair this short in my life, so it took a lot of courage for me to cut my hair."
"However, since appearing in a Asadora had been my goal since I entered this world, I decided to do it. People around me said two things: 'It suits you surprisingly well' and 'It looks like Monchhichi,'" he says with a laugh.
Although Sano has experience playing softball, she has never played baseball. When she lived in her hometown of Aichi, she used to go to the current Vantelin Dome Nagoya (Higashi Ward, Nagoya) with her father to cheer on the Chunichi Dragons, and she has always loved baseball.
"It was my first time to throw an overhand pitch in baseball, but I had experience as a shortstop, second baseman and pitcher when I played softball, so to be honest I had some mysterious confidence. But when I tried it, it was incredibly difficult and I struggled. When I saw the pros throwing 150-160kph seemingly with ease, I realized how much effort they must put in, and as a fan, I was amazed."
When asked about his pitching practice, he revealed, "Actually, I was able to throw at about 110 km/h from the beginning," and explained, "It was really difficult to increase the speed by 1 or 2 km/h from there. Unless you gain weight, it's hard to increase the speed of the ball."
"At first, I was playing the role of a high school baseball player, so the production team told me not to gain weight, but I really wanted to increase my speed, so I secretly put on about 5 to 6 kilos. They also corrected my form, and after practicing for two or three months, I was able to throw a ball at 119 km/h. But gaining one kilo was really hard, and in the end I didn't gain any more weight," he said with a wry smile.
◇ Something he kept in mind when playing the role of Shoya: "What would happen if my dream were to be shattered?"
In the 12th week, it was revealed that Shoya had an injury to his right shoulder, and his path to becoming a professional baseball player was closed. In the 13th week, Sano-san delicately embodies the anguish of Shoya, who has devoted his life to baseball. Regarding the turn of events in which Shoya's dream is shattered, Sano-san said, "I thought it was very realistic and good."
"In dramas and movies, I think there's an image of someone working hard and struggling until they achieve their goal, and then they say, 'I did it,' but I think it's more realistic that it's not portrayed that way. Not everyone can make their dreams come true by working hard, but Shoya's growth is the result of his hard work, so I thought it was really fascinating to see that way of life depicted."
Shoya, who is disappointed that he can no longer play baseball, dyes his hair blonde and says "I want to be a gal" as if to escape reality, which makes Yui angry. What helps Shoya get back on his feet is Ayumu's (Riisa Naka) "gal spirit".
Sano smiled and said, "When I heard Ayumi's line (in the 64th episode aired on December 26th), 'If you cherish and enjoy this moment to the fullest with the person you love, maybe your future will change,' I thought that 'gal spirit' is a wonderful thing."
Regarding the developments from the 13th week onwards, he said, "It's a major turning point in Shoya's life, the biggest climax." Looking back on the filming, he said, "He injures his shoulder and then suffers a setback. How does a person who had been running straight towards one goal go about living after that dream is shattered? I played the role while thinking about what would happen if my own dreams were shattered."
What kind of developments await Yui and Shoya, who have now drifted apart? I want to keep an eye on their love story.
