Wakabayashi Tokihide played the role of Kotetsu, a miner who drives Rina (Ikeda Elaiza) crazy in the fifth episode of the TBS Sunday Theatre drama "Diamonds Sleeping in the Sea" (Sundays at 9pm) starring Kamiki Ryunosuke, which aired on November 24th. He talked about how he felt when he was chosen to appear in the drama and the behind-the-scenes shocking scene.
◇When the cut was called, the atmosphere was friendly, with Takumi Saito and the assistant director exchanging banter like a comedy duo.
The drama is set on Hashima Island (Gunkanjima) in Nagasaki Prefecture, which developed through coal mining from the beginning of the Meiji era to the high economic growth period after the war, and in modern-day Tokyo, and tells the story of love, friendship and family spanning 70 years. It is written by Nogi Akiko, directed by Tsukahara Ayuko, and produced by Arai Junko, the team behind the dramas "Unnatural" and "MIU404" (same network) and the movie "The Last Mile."
At the end of episode 4, there was an ominous scene where someone found Lina on Hashima Island, and in episode 5, it was revealed that Kotetsu, a coal miner played by Wakabayashi, was part of the group and attacked Lina.
When asked how he felt when he was chosen to appear in the series, Wakabayashi commented, "I was very happy to be able to appear in such a wonderful production. Moreover, when I read the script, I found it to be a very rewarding role, and I was really fired up!" He will be playing an important role in episode 5, which will be a turning point in the story going forward, and said, "This is the episode where the story accelerates towards the second half. I was honored to be able to play a role that is part of the story. I only received the script for five episodes, so I'm worried about what happens next."
Although he only participated in filming for many days, he recalled that the atmosphere on set was "very good, and there was a lot of enthusiasm during filming, but on the other hand, when the cut was called, the cast and staff were joking around and it was a wonderful space where everyone was friendly. Takumi Saito and the assistant director always livened up the set with their comedy-like banter. Thanks to that, I think I was able to act without any unnecessary tension."
Regarding the scene in episode 5 where Lina is cornered, he said, "In the scene where Lina is cornered into the loading platform, Kotetsu grabs her hair, and that acting was suggested by Ikeda-san. I think we were able to film a scene with a very tense feeling, so I'm looking forward to it airing. I haven't often seen an actress come up with such an idea, so it was a great honor to experience Ikeda-san's acting spirit up close. It was very reassuring to have him lead the acting with his passion to make a good work!"
Although her part in the show has now come to an end, she sent a message to viewers saying, "I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to take on a wonderful role. I tried to film so that I could pass on a good baton to the second half of the story. I hope you continue to enjoy watching."
At the end of episode 5, Izumi's true identity was revealed, making viewers curious to see what will happen next. The burden that Izumi has been carrying in her modern life, the mystery of Teppei and Reo, who share a similar face... we can't take our eyes off the unpredictable developments.
