In the NHK Asadora drama "Omusubi " (General TV, Monday to Saturday 8:00am, etc.), starring actress Kanna Hashimoto, Norika Fujiwara plays Saijo Sayuri, a registered dietitian at the hospital where Yui (Hashimoto) is hospitalized. We spoke to production supervisors Usagawa Takashi and Manabe Sai, and Kudo Takashi, who directed the 15th week, about the reason for casting Fujiwara in the role of Saijo, the "key person" who inspires Yui to pursue her new dream, and what makes her so appealing.
◇Saijo is the "guide" of Yui
Saijo, played by Fujiwara, is a registered dietitian who provides meals tailored to patients with a friendly attitude and accurate judgment. He will be a person who will have a big influence on Yui's future. Fujiwara has appeared in many dramas and movies to date, but surprisingly, this will be his first time appearing in a Asadora.
Manabe, who conducted extensive research on registered dietitians while creating the character of Saijo, said that she had heard a story of a pregnant dietitian who, like Yui in the play, blamed herself for being unable to eat, but was saved when the hospital's registered dietitian told her, "Let's just not eat for now."
"I was really impressed by that story; it was about 'First, let's prepare ourselves to eat and become able to eat properly.' I thought it was interesting that they can support people not only nutritionally but also mentally, and that they can access their hearts. I've heard a lot of different stories, but I was surprised to learn that registered dietitians can do things like that."
Yui initially wanted to become a nutritionist to support Shoya. Manabe explains, "While working in the company cafeteria, Yui came up with menus for everyone in the company, and from there she began to think that she could help even more people, and that she could share her experience and knowledge with even more people. I wanted to create the character Saijo, a registered dietitian, to represent that step and to guide her."
◇The reason for Fujiwara's appointment and his appeal
Regarding the reason for casting Fujiwara, Usagawa explained, "He is from Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, where the story is set, and he has memories of the time when the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake occurred. He feels so strongly about it that it was a turning point in his career in showbiz."
"When I was thinking about having him appear in a film, Manabe suggested that he might be perfect for the role of Saijo. I thought he was the perfect choice to guide the main character, so I offered the role to Fujiwara."
Looking back on Fujiwara's behavior on set, he said, "He's a very serious person with a cheerful aura, and his brightness, strength of character, and passion made him a perfect match for the role of Saijo. He was able to communicate with Hashimoto quickly on set, and filming continued in a fun, positive atmosphere."
Usagawa said that Hashimoto, who co-starred with Fujiwara in "Omusubi," said in a subsequent interview that she was "overwhelmed."
"Hashimoto-san, both as Saijo and as Fujiwara himself, is skilled at opening up people's hearts, and it seems like it was a very comfortable experience working with him. He's someone who opens the door to Yui's heart, but he never barges in with his dirty feet on. He has an exquisite balance, and it's amazing how he naturally makes you feel like it's okay to open up to him. He said it was very comfortable, and he was very grateful to have been able to work with him on film."
Regarding Fujiwara's charm, Manabe praised him, saying, "He has played major roles in dramas and other shows up to now, so I thought that the sense of security and presence he had when he appeared was incredible. It's something that can't be helped by technique alone, so I thought he was really amazing."
Kudo also recalled, "I felt the same way. I was overwhelmed by his sense of security, presence and incredible aura. Fujiwara herself is very innocent and has a boundless cheerfulness, so I felt that this cheerfulness had a very positive influence on Hashimoto while watching the performance."
How will Saijo, who supports Yui as a registered dietitian, become involved in the story? We can't take our eyes off the future developments.
