The sixth episode of the drama series " Madoka26sai,kenshui Yattemasu! " (TBS, Tuesdays at 10pm) starring actress Kyoko Yoshine will be broadcast on February 18th. The sixth episode depicts the importance of teamwork in the emergency department. We asked Ryuta Sato, who plays Tomoya Kinosaki, the head of the emergency department, about his impression of Yoshine as Madoka and how he played Kinosaki.
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--Was there anything you kept in mind when playing the role of Kinosaki?
Before filming began, the director and producer told me, "We want to give the impression that Kinosaki is a reliable leader in this day and age," so I was a bit anxious about whether I could do the role, but I went about creating the image of Kinosaki.
Having experienced many regrets in the past, Kinosaki studied hard and became an excellent emergency doctor. As a supervisor for the trainees, he treats them in the tense emergency room while also keeping an eye on Madoka and the others. His ability to spare conveys his broad perspective, and I wanted to express his trustworthiness. Sometimes strict, sometimes supportive. I'm trying to play the role with the hope of contributing to the trainees' growth, even if only a little, while cherishing that balance.
--What do you have in common with Kinosaki?
I think Shirosaki is a nice guy. But I don't think I'm the type of person who can be a leader who pulls a team like Shirosaki (laughs). But I'm starting to like him more and more as I play him.
--What is the most memorable episode from a filming location so far?
The scenes in the emergency department in episodes 5 and 6 were particularly memorable. It was very difficult to recreate the hustle and bustle that is unique to emergency care, but it became fun as I acted. There are four beds in the emergency room, and under the supervision of the supervising doctors, we worked out in detail how to treat each patient with a different symptom.
It was a scene that we rehearsed many times and spent a lot of time creating, but most of the details were not shown (laughs). However, by spending time together from the preparation stage outside of the actual performance, we were able to share the idea of "overcoming things as a team," which is important to Kinosaki, and I feel that we naturally became a good team as actors. I also have fond memories of going out to eat ramen with about seven guys from the emergency department team after filming.
--What is your impression of Kyoko Yoshine?
She is a wonderful leader. She has many scenes and many lines to remember, but she also brightens up the set as a mood maker. Seeing Kyouko facing the role of Madoka head on makes me think, "I want to create a great production together with Kyouko."
--How do you interact with Yoshine?
We joke around during breaks in filming (laughs). During the premium event before the first episode aired, Kyoko was asked "What is something you've decided not to run away from?" and she apparently answered, "I've decided to face anything head on in this production without running away. So I'll pick up on all of Sato Ryuta's jokes." But actually, it's Kyoko who likes to make jokes (laughs). I sometimes make jokes too, but I'm more often the one who points them out. But I think it's amazing that she never fails to communicate with her co-stars, no matter how tough the times are.
--In addition to Madoka, many other characters appear in this work, but are there any characters that you are particularly interested in?
Of course, I'm paying attention to Madoka, but Iga (Igarashi, played by Ryusei Onishi) is also interesting. He came to the emergency room in his first "super rotation," but he collapsed when he saw blood. I'm curious to see how he grows after that. He's like a balancer who watches over the trainee team. There are stories of love, hate, and love, but he remains steady and adjusts the relationships well, which makes you want to root for him. He was also the first one to choose the emergency room for Kinosaki, so I have some attachment to him.
--What is your impression of Mr. Onishi?
I thought from the first episode that he was very natural and his acting was natural. Since the drama is set in a hospital, there are some severe and serious scenes, but the presence of Iga, who he plays, makes the atmosphere milder. It's not too deliberate, it's very comfortable. In particular, the scene in episode 3 where he encourages Madoka, who is worried about palliative care, was very impressive, and when I saw that scene, I thought, "Iga is a good guy." The five interns are all very unique, but the balance between them is wonderful, so I think the charm of this work is that you want to cheer them on as you watch.
--The poster visual for this film includes the phrase "I just decided not to run away," but has there ever been an incident where you yourself made the choice not to run away?
In this job, there are many challenging situations. I have played doctors before, but this is my first time playing an emergency doctor. I feel scared when I jump into a role because studying is essential for roles that require specialized skills, such as surgery scenes.
However, as long as my schedule allows, I would like to thank them for asking me to do it and say "please let me do it". When I take on a new role, I may be faced with the "choice not to run away". When I take on a role that has challenges, the sense of accomplishment and growth I get after it's over is surprisingly large, so I try to make that choice.
--What do you think you will gain from finishing the role of Kinosaki?
Kinosaki's idea of "everyone being a team" is something that can be applied to the world of acting. Teamwork is also important in creating a work, so I was reminded of its importance.
--The story also describes balancing work and personal life. How do you do it, Sato?
I'm the type of person who can't easily escape from the world or role I'm in while I'm working on a project. So, of course, preparation time is essential, but on the other hand, I also want to cherish time with my family as much as possible. However, if I can't give 100% to my work and go home thinking, "Today didn't go well," I can't help but feel uneasy.
It would be ideal to be able to switch my feelings quickly, but I'm not that skilled at it, so I sometimes find myself dragging things down. That's why I always want to do my best on set. If I do my best at that time, I can move on to the next step with satisfaction, and I can enjoy my time off to the fullest. I think it's important to spend each day on set without regrets, so that I can properly face my family and children.
--What are the highlights of Episode 6?
The film clearly depicts the "teamwork" that Kinosaki values. The key point is how the emergency team cooperates and conveys that spirit to Madoka. I think this is a theme that is relevant not only to the medical field but to any job, so I think many people will be able to sympathize with it. Please look forward to it!
