The second episode of the drama series "Ignite" (TBS, Friday 10pm) will be broadcast on April 25th. The lead actor, Shotaro Mamiya, plays the main character, rookie lawyer Ryo Uzaki. After the first episode aired, viewers commented, "Mamiya-kun was so passionate and it was so good." We asked Mamiya about his impressions after the first episode and his impressions of his co-stars.
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The drama is an entertainment about a rookie lawyer who is full of a sense of justice but makes a lot of money by inciting lawsuits. It is produced by the content studio "BABEL LABEL", which includes directors such as Michihito Fujii of the film "Seitai" (Immediate Abunai Deka", and Kento Yamaguchi of "Ikusagami", in their first collaboration with TBS.
--How do you feel now that the first episode has aired?
I think the first episode is the first hook that makes you think, "What kind of drama is this? I wonder if I should watch the next one." For both the viewers and the production team. In that sense, I think it was a very concise and impactful introduction that tells viewers, "This is what this drama is like."
--Was there any scene that was particularly memorable?
The bus explosion scene. It was filmed before I started shooting, so the director showed me. I felt the seriousness of this work when they actually flipped the bus over and set it on fire. I thought that scene would be the hook for the first episode, and it raised the motivation of the cast and production team, or in other words, it was like they "fired us up" in this work, so it left a lasting impression on me.
--The courtroom scenes contain a lot of technical terminology. Did you have any difficulties filming them?
Everyone is struggling with the courtroom interrogation scenes. It's not that hard for me to memorize long lines, but when I've been shooting and speaking the same lines over and over again, I get a gestalt collapse and wonder, "Are these lines correct?" (laughs). I suddenly can't remember my lines. As for technical terms, each story is different, so it's difficult because there are different technical terms for accidents, rights, etc.
--Did you do any preparation for the action scenes?
We only had one action rehearsal before filming began. During the actual shoot, we rehearsed and incorporated movements that we hadn't done during rehearsals, and worked on them with the action team and the director each time.
--It must have been because Mamiya-san was able to respond flexibly that the number of action scenes increased. But even so, did it feel like it didn't really cause you any trouble?
In episode 3, I took on a long action scene, which was a bit of a struggle. It was cold on set, and as we did more takes, my body gradually got heavier, and I couldn't go as fast or high as I wanted... I got it OK on the first take, but before the third take, which I was trying to make even better, the director said, "It's already OK, so let's make this the last one!" I was able to succeed with that take, but looking back, it was a tough shoot.
-Please tell us about the essence of Uzaki that you realized while acting.
He's a kind person. He really sympathizes with his clients, gets more indignant than the people involved, and I think that kindness is at the root of it all. When we started filming, I thought that Uzaki would become a more pointed character, but as I played the role, I felt his kindness the most.
--Which member of Peace Law Firm would you like to ask to represent you?
If I had to choose one person, I probably wouldn't want Uzaki to defend me (laughs). I want to have a business-like relationship with her, but she keeps letting her personal feelings get in the way, so I might end up wishing she'd just give me a break (laughs).
--I heard that some of the clothes worn by Uzaki are from the same brand that you wear in your private life. As you were preparing for the role, were there any parts that overlapped with your own values, including the link with the clothes?
Regarding the costumes, I thought, "They fit in really well and look cool." I sometimes think that the costumes of TV drama characters could be cooler. Of course, reality and the empathy of "there are people like this," are important, but I think that sexiness and coolness as fiction are also good.
It's not just obvious sexiness, but for example, even if an office worker is just walking around in a worn out, wrinkled suit, it still has sexiness as a picture, doesn't it? I think that's the power of the costumes and the images. I felt again after appearing in this film that it would be good to have more of that kind of charm.
--Uzaki's costume this time is also cool. What did you think about the reality of the setting?
To be honest, there may be some parts that are different from the reality of Uzaki's financial situation. But, that aside, if Uzaki is attractive when wearing that jacket, I think that's okay to prioritize that. In that sense, I think the characters in this work are cool. Of course, depending on the work or situation, fast fashion may be appropriate, and it may also portray the character's shadows, so it's a case-by-case basis.
--Did Mamiya-san ever make any requests regarding the costumes?
I consulted about Uzaki's suit and backpack in the scene where the members of the Peace Law Office line up to go to the courtroom. I thought it was good that he had a very rookie feel, but as the story progresses, I thought it would be good if that rookie feel disappeared. "I think it would be okay to change the bag and suit halfway through, what do you think?" I consulted. I have never made detailed requests about the whole costume, saying "I want it to be like this".
-When acting alongside the "Ignite" members, was there a moment when you thought, "This person's acting is amazing at this moment," or when you felt a connection with each of the characters?
Nakamura Toru's voice. Of course, it's a cool voice, but more than that, it seems to exude various things such as tolerance and pressure, and I thought the way it resonates was amazing. For example, even in the pressure of the scene where he is questioning the defendant, or the scene where he yells at Uzaki, there is no coldness in his voice, it is warm. Toru's voice sounds stylish even when he is telling a small joke.
--What do you think of Moka Kamishiraishi, who plays Inoo?
Moeka's presence on set seems to resemble Ino's. She has said things like, "I've been acting a bit more like a gal lately," and "I've gotten over being shy," but she's clearly been communicating a lot more since we last worked together. I don't know if it's a change in her or if it's part of her role-playing, but she sometimes says, "I'm being pulled along by Ino." I don't know how serious she is about that, but there's no doubt that she brightens up the set of this production.
--What about Ryoki Miyama?
Ryouki has momentum, but he also has a sense of balance. Rather than thinking about it in his head, I think he unconsciously senses the balance of this group and naturally adjusts his own movements.
If there was no such person as Haru like Moeka, Ryouki might have ended up being the one to liven things up. That kind of feeling is also reflected in his acting, and he has a good sense of his own position and balance in the scene, so he feels like an intuitive balancer.
--I've heard that the upcoming guests will be some impressive names.
That's right. The guest of the third episode usually speaks Kansai dialect, but apparently decided to act in standard Japanese, and had a lot of trouble during filming. He seriously faced the role while asking me questions like, "What should I do to act a rough character?" It was the first time he was asked to play a role other than "a role that sounds like me," and he said, "It was a great experience."
The guest in episode 4 was a very passionate person, and even while acting together, I could tell that he was really putting his heart into his performance. However, he was so passionate about the performance that he burst into tears right from the beginning, even though it wasn't in the script, and his eyes got red from crying so much (laughs). He's the kind of person that makes you want to tease him a little. Please look forward to the announcement!
--Please give a message to the viewers.
The film has a good tempo, so I'm sure you'll feel like it went by in a flash after you've finished watching it. And since the film is so fascinating that you won't be able to watch it while doing other things, I hope you'll enjoy the details, such as the camerawork and lighting, that are unique to this film.
