It has been announced that actor Naoto Fujiki will star in the Fuji TV drama series "The Last Appraiser" (Wednesdays at 10pm) which starts on July Getsuku. Celebrating his 30th anniversary since his debut as an actor, this will be Fujiki's first lead role in a Fuji TV drama series. Fujiki will play Domon Makoto, a skilled appraiser, while Mai Shiraishi will play Takakura Shuuko, a researcher who supports the eccentric Domon.
The drama is based on the novel of the same name by Keiya Iwai. The protagonist, who was known as the "last expert" and was an ace of the forensic science lab, solves difficult cases using a scientific approach in this science x mystery drama.
Domon, played by Fujiki, is a former ace of the Forensic Science Laboratory and has outstanding appraisal skills. He left the Forensic Science Laboratory after a certain incident and now sets up his own private appraisal agency, assisting in investigations upon request from the police, lawyers, and others. He is a thorough rationalist, and sometimes makes people uncomfortable by speaking without reading the atmosphere. After a "certain incident" that caused him to leave the Forensic Science Laboratory, he begins to face science even more.
Takakura, played by Shiraishi, is a researcher who also works as a clerk at Domon Appraisal Agency. He wants to go into psychology and is working at Domon Appraisal Agency as a temporary job, but is considering changing jobs if the opportunity arises. He is interested in the behavioral principles that lead people to lie, so he has a habit of spotting people's lies, and he purposely serves bad-tasting herbal tea to clients who visit the agency to gauge their reaction. His impatient and fearless personality often leads him to oppose Domon.
◇ Comment from Naoto Fujiki
-Please tell us your honest thoughts when you received the offer.
Honestly, I was like, "Are you serious?" When I met the producer, who I know, he said, "There's something I'd like to talk to you about," and I was surprised to hear that it was for this film. This is my first time playing the role of an appraiser, but I'm a science person myself. I've played many science-related roles in the past, so I think there will be a lot of technical terms and explanatory lines this time as well (laughs). My debut as an actor was in a film produced by Fuji TV, and I'm very emotional to be entrusted with the lead role in this milestone year, exactly 30 years after that.
--What do you think after reading the script and the original work?
As a science person, I find the story of solving cases using science very interesting. When I read the original work, the first episode was quite heavy, so I wondered how the drama would turn out. On the other hand, the main character in the original work was a character who did not show his emotions, but in the drama he is a person who has emotions, so I think it will be a good piece of entertainment.
--What is your impression of Shiraishi, who will be your partner in your first drama co-starring role?
She has experience as an idol and model, and even performs impersonations on variety shows, so I think she is a very talented person. Her acting is solid and so reliable that I want to leave everything to her (laughs). Although there is an age difference between Shiraishi-san and me like a parent and child, we will be playing buddies who don't get along well on the surface, so I'd like to talk to her about various things while filming.
- Please give a message to our viewers.
We hope you enjoy the exhilaration of unraveling the mystery from trivial scientific facts. And please pay attention to how the mismatched duo of Domon and Takakura will play out!
◇Comment from Mai Shiraishi
-Please tell us your honest thoughts when you received the offer.
As this is a science x mystery work, I love mysteries where the mystery is solved, so I was excited while reading the script. This time, I play the role of a researcher who can see through lies, but I myself often notice people's behavior and habits, so I may be similar to Takakura in the way I observe others.
--What do you think after reading the script and the original work?
I think that the highlights of the series will be not only the reasoning behind Mr. Domon's solution to the case in each episode, but also the light-hearted dialogue between the teacher and Takakura. I myself would like to enjoy filming the dialogue with the teacher.
--What is your impression of Fujiki, your partner in your first drama co-starring role?
This is my first role, but I feel very reassured that my partner is Fujiki-san. I'm looking forward to filming together for the next season, and I want to do my best to follow in Fujiki-san's footsteps. I might be a little shy, but I'd be happy to get to know Fujiki-san's real side through filming, and I'd like to absorb all the good parts of him!
- Please give a message to our viewers.
As the catchphrase for the series states, "Science doesn't lie," I think that phrase will be very important in the drama. Also, the part where human "lies" are exposed will be a highlight, so please look forward to it!
