Mikako Tabe Noriko Eguchi, and Dean Fujioka look back on the filming of "Taigan no Kaji"

The final episode of the drama series "Taigan no Kaji ~Kore ga, Watashi no Ikiru Michi~ " (TBS, Tuesdays at 10pm) will be broadcast on June 3rd. Noriko Eguchi , who Mikako Tabe , who played Nagano Reiko, a mother struggling to balance work and childcare, and Dean Fujioka, who played Nakatani Tatsuya, an elite bureaucrat father on parental leave, to look back on the filming.

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--Was there anything you could relate to during filming?

Taba: During filming, I was constantly struck by the words of not only Shiho, but also Reiko, Nakatani, and all the other characters. As I spent each day learning new things, I naturally began to think about people who struggle with housework and childcare like Shiho and her friends. I filmed every day hoping that it would be a drama that would touch the hearts of as many people as possible and resonate with them.

Eguchi: Like Tabe-san, I learned a lot from appearing in this drama. For example, I used to see mothers riding bicycles in the city with their children on either side and just thought, "That's dangerous," or "That looks tough." But this time, while playing Reiko, I was able to learn what kind of life mothers lead and what kind of troubles they suffer. When you think about it, it changes the way you feel about your everyday life. Of course, I don't think I know everything, but I feel that it's really good that I was able to learn even a little bit.

Dean Fujioka: My biggest impression is that I learned a lot from the set. But if I had to say, I often struggled with the temperature (laughs). We filmed earlier than the broadcast, so on cold days I was lightly dressed and had about 25 heating pads stuck on me like I had armor (laughs).

--Do you have any stories to share with the cast members who played your family members?

Taba: Nagai Kana-chan, who plays Shiho's daughter Murakami Ichigo, was really active and full of energy. Wataru Ichinose, who plays Murakami Toraaki, doted on Kana-chan like a real daughter. Kana-chan herself was chasing after him, calling out "Daddy! Daddy!" It was a heartwarming family time (laughs).

Ichinose-san's hobby is balloon art, which she gives to children as presents. I learned a lot from her constant efforts to find new ways to interact with children.

Eguchi: Ichinose-san gave me a game console as a present (laughs). He seems to like games, and when I told him that I didn't have any hobbies, he said, "I hope you'll find out how great they are." And when I told him that I personally didn't like the software, he gave me another one (laughs). I think he really likes to make people happy. He was the kind of person who could melt everyone's hearts.

Dean Fujioka: When we started filming, Igarashi Mio, who plays Nakatani's daughter Karen, was really a "baby" and it was hard to communicate with her. We were just trying to see if she was crying or not (laughs). But now she's started to speak more clearly, calling me "Daddy!" and running around. So now I can really feel her growth, and I've really started to love Karen. Just playing with her and shaking her hand naturally makes me feel soft. It's like my heart has been stolen, and I'm really moved by the special emotions she brings up.

--Please tell us what the highlights of the final episode are!

Taba: Nothing big happens, but big changes are depicted for each family. I'm sure that's the same for any family. The problems each family has aren't resolved with a "Yes, it's solved! Life will be different from tomorrow!" Life will continue to be a struggle. I think the story conveys a kind message that it would be good to move forward little by little, step by step.

Dean Fujioka: It's a drama that warms your heart with the subtleties of everyday life that happen all around us.

Eguchi: The final episode is also centered around Shiho. The dark side of Shiho's heart, who has shared happiness with everyone up until now, is revealed.

Taba: That's right. It's like Shiho is coming to terms with her life by facing her past again, and she feels a little relieved. It's a final episode that is typical of "The Taigan no Kaji" and can be watched with peace of mind.