In the NHK Asadora drama "Omusubi " (General TV, Monday to Saturday 8:00am and others) starring actress Kanna Hashimoto , Miyu Oshima plays two roles: Maki Watanabe, the best friend of Ayumu ( Riisa Naka), who died in the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, and Uta Tahara, who collapsed from malnutrition and was hospitalized in Yui's (Hashimoto). Oshima reappeared as Uta, a girl who looks just like Maki, in the currently airing 24th week "What is a family?" and talked about her memories of filming and her commitment to creating the role.
◇ "I was crying while watching the relationship between Takao and Ayumu"
Looking back on when her appearance in "Omusubi" was decided, Oshima said, "I had always wanted to appear in a Asadora. Ever since I received the audition script, I've loved the character Maki. So when I found out I'd be able to appear as Maki in "Omusubi," I was so happy!"
"I think Maki is a straightforward, honest girl who is kind to everyone and cares for others. When I read the script, I wanted her to be a girl who can give people positive feelings, someone they would remember over and over again at random moments, so I played her with a smile, energy, and a bright feeling in mind."
When asked about her memories of playing the role of Maki, she recalled, "Ogata Naoto, who played Watanabe Takao, was always like 'Dad' even in the dressing room. He created that kind of atmosphere which made it easier for me to act, and I'm very grateful to him."
"After I finished filming as Maki, whenever I saw my father suffering on TV, I thought, 'I wish I was with him!' Also, as Maki said, 'Dad, are you drinking again?' (laughs). I really wanted him to be a cool dad. I think Maki also felt sorry for Ayu that she couldn't be with her, and she wanted her to be smiling."
When asked about her impressions of watching "Omusubi" before reprising her role as Uta, she revealed, "I loved the relationship between Ayu-chan and her father as adults. I cried every time I watched it. I cried both as Maki and as a viewer."
"Both Ayu-chan and her father were depressed and alone for a while. That was something that worried me a bit, so I was really happy and relieved to see the two people I love supporting each other as the story progressed."
◇What did you keep in mind when playing the roles of Maki and Uta?
When asked how she felt when she found out she would be returning as Tahara Shi, she said, "I was surprised! I was also happy to be able to appear in a different capacity again, and the cast and staff were all so warm and welcoming, and I loved working on the set of ' Omusubi,' so I was also happy to be able to work with everyone again."
Oshima commented on her impression of the character she played, Uta, saying, "I thought she was a lonely girl who has experienced a lot of sadness and pain in her life and has closed her heart off to people."
"She's a character who is the complete opposite of Maki, so it was difficult to differentiate between her and the others, as her habits, speech patterns and voices are all completely different. For example, there weren't many scenes in which Maki was particularly depressed, but Uta had many scenes where she was looking down. In those scenes, rather than looking straight down, I tried to look slightly diagonally. I thought that this would give the impression of her being twisted or closed off, so I was conscious of that. Also, while I played Maki with a voice that was a little low and had less volume, I tried to play Uta with a voice that was a little high and had more volume."
Finally, she addressed the viewers, saying, "Omusubi is a bright and cheerful work. But I also think it is a warm work that can sympathize with children like Uta. I hope you will watch it until the end, laughing and crying. Maki is a very cheerful character, so I hope that viewers will sometimes remember Maki's smile, and feel a little more cheerful and positive. Conversely, I hope Uta can be a comforting presence for those who are finding it difficult to look forward right now. I hope you will watch over Uta as she gradually opens up her heart to Ayu-chan and Yui-chan."
