It was announced on April 15th that comedian Ryusei Yokohama will play Matsumae Hirotoshi, a senior retainer of the Matsumae clan in Edo, as a new cast member of the NHK Taiga drama "UNBOUND (Berabou)" (General TV, Sunday 8pm and others), starring actor Yokohama Ryusei. This will be Hyoroku's first appearance in a Taiga drama. He said, "I was excited to wear a wig for the first time and to have hair after a long time."
It was also announced that Kazuki Enari will make his first appearance in a taiga drama as Matsumae Michihiro, the head of the Matsumae family and Hirotoshi's older brother. Other cast members include Saki Takaoka as Tsuyo, Tsutaju's (Yokohama) mother who suddenly returns to her house one day, James Onoda from the popular band "Kome Kome Club" as Motono Mokuami, a kyoka poet who worked with Ota Nanpo (Kenta Kiritani), Nana Mizuki as Chienonaishi, a clerk at the local branch of Maruya, and Hideki Takahashi as Tokugawa Harusada, the lord of the Kishu domain. This will also be Mizuki's first appearance in a taiga drama. Onoda, who has already played the role of the bathhouse owner in the third episode, will be reprising his role under a different name, making for a cast of seven unique new cast members.
Hyoroku commented, "Hirotoshi is a high-ranking Edo elder retainer, and I still worry about whether I was able to properly portray his dignified side. He is also at the mercy of the women of Yoshiwara, and while filming I felt a sense of sadness that made me think, 'I can relate' and couldn't help but feel like it was something that was happening to me. I was overwhelmed by the amazing work of the other actors and staff around me, but I did my best to act in my own way, thanks to the various advice I received, so I hope you will watch it."
Enari recalls, "When I first visited NHK for work at the age of 10, I spotted a studio where a historical drama (probably "The Eighth Shogun Yoshimune"?) was being filmed, and I vowed to myself, 'I want to work in that studio someday!'"
He also revealed his thoughts, saying, "I want to tell myself back then, 'You'll be able to achieve this in 30 years!'" and revealed his enthusiasm, saying, "Matsumae Michihiro probably felt the pressure of coming from a prestigious family, so he exercises the power he was born with to the fullest, but for him it is 'justice' and a bit of harsh 'guidance.' I will do my best to play the role."
"UNBOUND (Berabou)" is the 64th taiga drama, depicting the life of Tsutaya Juzaburo(or "Tsutajyu" for short), who is said to have built the foundations of Japan's media industry and pop culture. The script was written by Yoshiko Morishita, known for "Drama 10 'Ooku'" which was broadcast on NHK two years ago and became a big hit.
