It has been revealed that the sequel to the drama starring actor Endo Kenichi, "Tamiou R Inspired by Ikeido Jun" (TV Asahi, Tuesdays at 9pm), which is the first in about nine years, has recently wrapped up filming. Endo, who played various "body swaps" until the final episode (episode 8) aired on December 10th, looked back on the approximately three months of filming and said, "This work was definitely the most difficult of my acting career (lol)!"
Among the main cast, Ohashi Kazuya, who played Tanakamaru Ichirota, the student of Muto Taizan (Endo), finished filming early. He was very nervous at the beginning of filming, but he quickly blended into "Team Taizan", saying sadly, "Every shoot for the past three months has been really fun, and I'm sad it's almost over." When he joked, "That's why I want to be here tomorrow too, sorry if I'm just acting normally (laughs)," Endo immediately chimed in, saying, "Tomorrow, Taiwan!" to Ohashi, who is leaving for the world tour of "Naniwa Danshi".
Ano, who played the secretary Yuka Saejima, finished filming in the familiar Prime Minister's office. She revealed that she had so much fun on set that fans commented, "You look like you're having fun, which is rare for you," and expressed her determination to "do my best so that we can work together again somewhere."
Takahashi Issei, who plays Kaibara Mohei, Taizan's former secretary who occasionally helps him out when he's in trouble while traveling, said with a smile, "This is my first time performing in 'Minouru' in nine years, but it's all thanks to you all that I was able to act as if it were yesterday. I hope to see you all again."
Akio Kaneda, who played Chief Cabinet Secretary Takashi Kariya, Taizan's ally, and Ittoku Kishibe, who played Don Futaki Shoichi of the Democratic Party, wrapped up filming on the same day and at the same place. Kaneda said, "Everyone was acting really stupid and giving passionate performances, and it was a work that moved me for the first time in a long time. I'm sure it will be talked about for future generations." Kishibe said, "I felt that I had come across a new drama. Not only in dramas, but also in music and movies, when something changes, there is something that becomes the catalyst for that change, and I think this work will be that 'trigger'."
In response to Kishibe's words, Endo expressed his gratitude, saying, "I was really happy to hear that 'we were able to be a part of a production that leads the way in the times.'" He spoke about the difficulties of playing multiple roles on his own, and said, "There were times when I was overwhelmed and caused a lot of trouble for the director and staff. But partway through, I started to think that I was incredibly lucky to be given such a varied role at my age, and I worked on it with gratitude. I think it will be a production that I will look back on and think, 'I was so happy at that time.' Thank you!" He concluded with a smile.
