Masakado Yoshiki of the popular group " Ae! group" will be starring in his first drama series in the new drama "Yoshinori Masakado Musashino Rondo " (starting April 19th) on TV Asahi's "Oshidora Saturday" slot (Saturday 11pm). Masakado was interviewed immediately after the start of filming and talked about the reactions of those around him and his feelings about the production.
◇ "A new sensation" from her first romance drama
The drama is a film adaptation of Haruka Kawachi's manga (currently being serialized by Shodensha), with Rin Takanashi Rin playing the heroine. Ryuhei Agawa (Masakado), the son of a soba restaurant owner, has had a crush on Tamaki Musashihara (Rin Takanashi Rin), who is 10 years older than him and lives next door, since he was a child. He confesses his feelings to her twice in middle and high school, but she never sees him as a romantic interest, so he almost gives up. However, when a rival appears, he begins to approach her vigorously, and after 10 years, his one-sided love begins to move forward.
--How did you feel when you received the offer to star in your first TV drama series?
Other Ae! group members were also appearing in the drama, so I had always wanted to star in a drama series, and I had also appeared in a drama by a senior (in the agency), and watching them as the leader of the group had inspired me a lot, so when I heard about the role, I was genuinely happy. However, I also felt a bit nervous, like I had to stand up straight.
Did you report it to anyone?
I personally told Daigo Nishihata of Naniwa Danshi and Ren Nagase of King & Prince. I was in the middle of a play at the time, so I also talked to Yosuke Asari, who was with me. It wasn't exactly a consultation, but I did talk to him about things like, "I'm going to do this kind of production next."
--What was everyone's reaction?
Everyone said, "Congratulations!". Asari-san and others said, "That sounds really interesting!"
-Did you tell Takuya Kimura, who co-starred with you in the movie "Grand Maison Tokyo"?
I haven't been able to tell Kimura-san yet! What should I do... I'll try to give him the TVer URL when the first episode is over... I'm working hard! (laughs)
--This is your first time acting in a romance drama. How was it going to be filming?
Once again, I realized that I've never confessed anything in my previous work (laughs). It's full of lines that I've never said before. I feel a little embarrassed when I say them. It's a new sensation. I discover something new every day, like, "So this is what it means to have a heart-pounding feeling!"
--Can you empathize with Ryuhei's feelings of devotion to his first love?
I think it's amazing. I can understand how you feel. Although I don't really like to say it as an idol (laughs).
--Do you have confidence that you could stay in love with the same person for years like Ryuhei?
I want to say yes... but it's difficult. For me, a 10-year unrequited love goes beyond the realm of romance. That's why I think it's worth depicting, or rather, worth making into a drama.
--It seems like there'll be a kissing scene in every episode, which must be exciting for fans.
But I think my fans are pretty tolerant of it (laughs). I've done that kind of scene on stage before. It might be different because it's a video, but please rest assured that it's as Ryuhei. Also, everyone (other than me) is married, so it's okay (laughs).
--Please tell us about your enthusiasm for this work.
Even if the director gives me the OK, I don't want to just go through with it. This is my ulterior motive, but I want to be able to play around with my acting, not just stick to what's written in the script, so that Ryuhei can be seen as a more lovable character.
