Fukada Hidaka Ukisho, members of STARTO ENTERTAINMENT's popular junior group "ACEes," will appear in the TV Asahi drama "Summer-Colored Clouds Bring Love and Storms."
The show (Saturdays at 11 PM) will start in July.
Fukada plays Natsuki Takemiya, a high school senior preparing for university entrance exams who falls in love with her older sister's boyfriend, while Ukisho plays Sota Kobayakawa, Natsuki's older sister Rio's boyfriend and a third-year university student. We asked them about the roles they play and what they find appealing about each other.
--Please tell us how you felt when you were cast in this drama, and what you thought of the story where romantic feelings develop between members of the group.
Fukada: To be honest, I was really happy when it was decided. It's my first time starring in a TV drama series on my own, so I was nervous, but knowing that my co-star would be Ukisho-kun made me feel very reassured. I've never done a project involving romance between members before. I've done it with Yabana (Rei) from B&ZAI and Onishi (Ryusei) from Naniwa Danshi, but this is my first time with Ukisho-kun. But I'm looking forward to it. I wonder if it will be embarrassing. Ukisho-kun, have you had any experience with this?
Ukisho: Wow, you've really gone for it (laughs). It's been quite a while since I've been able to do acting work consistently, and I think the last time was probably when I worked with Masuda (Takahisa) on "Gifted" (Tokai TV/Fuji TV, WOWOW, 2023), so I'm really happy. Moreover, I'm looking forward to actually experiencing Fukada's acting live, so I hope we can spend this summer together and build a good relationship. As for romantic feelings, I've actually kissed a member in a previous project...
Fukada: That's right! I've seen that before.
Ukisho: I kissed Sato Ryuga in the drama "Tomodachi Game R4" (TV Asahi, 2022). That was a challenge to clear the game, but this time I'm playing a character whose feelings are affected, so I'm really looking forward to seeing what kind of feeling it will be, and it's a strange feeling. I wonder if it will make me a little more conscious of my future activities.
--Did the other members react to the idea of the two of you doing a love story?
Fukada-san said she was really looking forward to working on a project with just the two of us. She said the interaction between us would be refreshing.
--I got the impression that the roles you both play are a perfect fit for you. Could you tell us what you think is a good fit for each other's roles?
Ukisho-san: When Fukada is with her three close classmates, the tempo of their conversation is just so typical of "Fukada." We had a script reading the other day, and the way she responded and the way she spoke was so spot-on that you could imagine what she's like at home.
--What do you think of the "insensitive guy" aspect?
Ukisho-san: Fukada herself is the type to take things in one go and with her whole body, so I don't think she's insensitive. That's where the difference between her and the role lies, so I'm really looking forward to seeing how she'll show it in her acting. What about you, Fukada-san? Do you think you're similar to the character of Sota, who is "good at teaching"?
Fukada: Yes, that's absolutely right. He's smart, good at studying, and I think he'd be a perfect fit as a private tutor. Also, he's "refreshing" and "sparkling." The fact that Sota appears sparkling is something I'm looking forward to seeing, as it overlaps with Ukisho's actual sparkling, refreshing smile.
--How do you plan to approach your role?
Fukada: After talking with the scriptwriter and producer, I immediately thought that the character was very similar to my own personality, perhaps because they had tailored it to me. Natsuki is just like me, so I think I'll be able to be myself. However, I'm 24 now, so I'm thinking it would be good if I could remember what I was like in high school and bring out a little bit of childishness.
Ukisho: I'm usually the type to talk a lot in a short amount of time, but this time, Sota is a university student and a tutor, so I'm thinking of showing a bit more composure and approaching the Hidaka Ukisho at about 0.75 times the normal speed.
-- Is there anything you're looking forward to about working together?
Fukada: It's acting. This is the first time I'll be working closely with Ukisho-kun on a scene, so I'm simply looking forward to it.
Ukisho-san: I can't imagine Fukada talking to the other cast members. There are a lot of family scenes, so I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of conversations she has with the older actors, like her parents, within the Takemiya family.
--Both of you are playing characters younger than your actual ages. Is there anything you keep in mind when doing so?
Fukada: I guess it's about expressing emotions more openly. Also, in terms of appearance, I was told, "Don't get a tan."
Ukisho: I was told the same thing! (laughs) Fukada has been carrying sunscreen with her the whole time this time. Another anecdote is that Fukada wipes herself vigorously with a towel even during concerts, but that actually makes her seem more boyish. I'm 20 at heart, so I'm trying to recapture the youthful energy of a college student. To look younger, I cut my bangs short.
--Finally, please tell us what makes each other's hearts flutter.
Fukada: Ukisho-kun has manly arms and legs! His veins and muscular, strong-looking body are really cool. He's also incredibly strong at arm wrestling. In terms of personality, I admire his uncompromising nature. He puts his all into every single job, he doesn't know when to hold back, and he's always at his maximum, so I respect Hidaka Ukisho.
Ukisho: I'm so happy! I'm sure the fans will be happy too (laughs). What I like about Fukada is her personality. Her purity and the way she gives such straightforward and honest compliments really make my heart flutter. In terms of appearance, she has several moles on her neck and face. I just counted them, and there are nine in total, including her ears, and I think that's sexy and a new kind of charm, so I can't help but stare at them (laughs).
