Kenichi Matsuyama, who played the lead role of Kiyoharu Ando in NHK's "Drama 10 'Themis's Uncertain Courtroom'" (NHK General, Tuesdays at 10 PM), which will air its final episode on March 10, shared his thoughts as filming wrapped up, saying, "I don't think I could have created the character of Ando on my own."
"Themis's Uncertain Courtroom" is based on an unconventional legal mystery by Sho Naoshima. It is a courtroom human drama in which a judge with a developmental disability grapples with his own characteristics while tackling difficult cases, and the script is written by Hideya Hamada, who has worked on Fuji TV dramas such as "Ichikei no Karasu" and the "Absolute Zero" series.
In the final episode, Yuki (Shigemitsu Ogi) was trying to tell something to psychiatrist Yamaji (Emi Wakui). Upon learning this, Ando begins to investigate the connection to the Maebashi family murder case based on the clues Yuki left behind. Concerned about Ando's mental state, Onozaki (Yui Narumi) accompanies him on his investigation. As the Maebashi District Court First Branch, the defense team, and the prosecution each approach the truth from their respective positions, the existence of the real culprit emerges, and the pieces of the puzzle gradually fall into place.
And finally, the day arrives for the resolution to request a retrial...
Matsuyama revealed, "Even before filming began, I discussed with the staff, 'What kind of person is Kiyoharu Ando? What does he do? What is he thinking?' We all continued to think about the 'universe' that is Ando, and that allowed us to see it through to the end."
He further added, "Ando is a character who makes us realize that 'everyone has their own different 'universe,' and I think that people who watch this work will have the same impression as me. When you understand that there are different 'universes,' that is, different ways of thinking, I think you can become kinder to others. I am truly grateful for everything. Thank you very much."
