Yuuki Kura is starring in the Tuesday drama "I Want to Punch That Scum" (TBS, Tuesdays at 10pm). He plays Aizawa Satoru, a roommate who lives in the same room as Kairi Kuzuya (Yuta Tamamori). In the 9th episode, which will air on December 3rd, Aizawa's past, in which he has a secret that he cannot tell Kairi, will be revealed. We asked Kura about his impressions of playing Aizawa and his impressions of his co-stars.
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Kura was born on December 19, 1999 in Osaka Prefecture. He made his acting debut in 2019 in "Trace: Kasouken no Otoko" (Fuji TV). His first appearance in a morning drama was in the NHK morning drama series "Ochoyan" (broadcast in 2021). He played his first lead role in a terrestrial drama in the 2023 drama series "Inu to Kuzu" (MBS, etc.). He has appeared in many popular works, such as the drama "SHOGUN" produced and starring Hiroyuki Sanada.
-What was it like playing the role of Aizawa?
Since it's a role that holds a secret, there is a double face. While playing the role of Aizawa, there is also the feeling of playing another person, which is interesting in a different way from usual acting. Also, it is difficult to show the double face. If you overdo it, the viewers will realize. I discussed with the directors about how to play it differently without becoming a noise in the story.
--What kind of scene emerged?
It's a role where a single eye movement can mean many different things, and there are ways to say lines that sound suspicious and ways to say them that don't, so I discussed and adjusted every episode and every scene with the director. There were some scenes where we deliberately didn't show my eyes or face.
--What kind of response have you received?
In real time, I searched for "#I want to punch that scum" on social media. Then I saw comments like "Aizawa is the real scum"... It can't be helped because it was before the secret was revealed, but I was playing the role thinking that he was the nicest person, so it hurt (laughs).
--What is your impression of Nao?
When I watched the broadcast, I was surprised at how much of a comedy there was (laughs). What's more, Nao-san played that comedy in a really charming way. We didn't have many scenes together in this production, but since this was our second time acting together, when we had the chance to talk in the waiting room or somewhere else, I thought she was still the same wonderful person.
-What did you talk about?
This is my first time to be a regular in a primetime drama, so I don't have much know-how... Compared to movies and streaming dramas, the speed of the scene is fast, so I asked her, "How do you do it?" When I see Nao-san on the scene, she doesn't compromise at all, and her average score seems extremely high, so I learned a lot from her.
-What is your impression of Tamamori, with whom you have many scenes together?
I had an image of him as being very stylish and cool, but he was also friendly and a little unique. On set, he would present me with images that were different from what I had in mind, and would proactively consult with me about the scene, asking, "What do you think of this?" and "Maybe it would be better to do it this way?", so it was easy for me to go and ask for his advice.
-What is your impression of Tamai Shiori, who plays Nitta Nade, Hokomi's colleague?
Although the role is a bit nasty, Tamai-san is usually a very kind person. There was a scene where Nade smashed the cookies on top of the parfait into pieces and stabbed the meat with a fork, but her kindness was oozing out. She also had a solid acting plan, so I think it created a good synergy.
-Is there any scene that has made an impression on you from the broadcasts so far?
It's a scene with Kairi. Aizawa is trying to act very friendly, but I'd like you to look back at the previous broadcasts after watching episode 9. And from around episode 6, he starts to step up a bit, and it seems that he's called "Black Aizawa" on the set (laughs). I'd also like you to see the change in his facial expression in the scene in episode 7 where Aizawa goes to mess with Hokomi.
--This film is set around boxing. Has your impression of boxing changed?
To be honest, I thought boxing was something I couldn't really understand, because punching and getting punched would hurt, but my understanding of it has completely changed after watching this show. I was impressed by the line that Daichi Hirayama, played by Shunsuke Daito, said in episode 3: "Boxing is a sport where you respect your opponent. You respect your opponent who has suffered just as much as you have. That's why it's worth hitting them with all your might." I think that this is true not only in boxing, but also in human vs. human situations, and probably applies in many places, so I thought it was a really good statement.
--Hokomi started boxing to change herself, but has there ever been an incident that you feel was a turning point in your life?
Entering this industry was a turning point in my life. I was from Osaka, so moving to Tokyo and leaving my parents' home was what started me doing this job. At first, I was really anxious, and no matter how much I tried, I didn't know if I would get results. I still feel that anxiety and impatience. I think it was a turning point in my life, where I had to start from scratch.
--What is the secret to maintaining your "unyielding spirit" and "never give up mind"?
There was a time when I had a big goal of "not losing to someone" and thought "I'm going to do it" or "I'm going to do it". However, recently, although I still have those thoughts, I have started to think that it is better to have my own pace and steadily and quietly climb the ladder one step at a time at that pace. That is what motivates me to continue doing things now.
--Please tell us what the highlights of episode 9 are.
I think it's "Aizawa episode". Aizawa's past will be revealed, and I think it's the moment when the discomfort that viewers have had in the story so far will be resolved. It may seem like a dark episode, but I think it's an episode filled with human love, so I hope you'll look forward to it.
