The TBS Sunday Theatre series " The 19th medical record " starring Jun Matsumoto will begin on July 13th (Sundays at 9pm). Based on the theme of "general medicine," the 19th new field added to the 18 specialties such as neurosurgery and ophthalmology, the series depicts a general practitioner who does not just treat illnesses but also lends a helping hand to the patient's way of life itself, based on their mental and lifestyle backgrounds. Fuka Koshiba plays Takino Mizuki, a novice orthopedic surgeon with a strong sense of justice and honesty. We asked Koshiba, who is making her first appearance in a Sunday Theatre series, about her impressions of Matsumoto, with whom she is co-starring for the first time, and some anecdotes from the filming set.
◇ First appearance on Sunday Theatre: "I was really happy"
The drama is based on the manga "The 19th medical record Tokushige's Medical Examination" (Zenon Comics/Core Mix, currently being serialized) by Katsuhito Fujiya. The script is written by Aya Tsubota, who is known for the "Kounodori" series (TBS).
--Please tell us the image you had of Sunday Theatre up until now and how you felt when you were chosen to appear.
All of the shows are popular, so I thought, "I'd be happy if I could appear on Sunday Theatre someday." I was really happy to be cast this time, and I'm happy to be on the set. We're in the middle of filming, so I'm going to be careful about my health so I don't get beaten by the heat, and I'd like to keep up with everyone.
-What impression did you have when you read the original novel and the script?
There are a lot of medical dramas, but this one isn't the type that has genius doctors or difficult surgeries. It's a story about not only talking to patients and curing their illnesses, but also supporting them through their future lives. I found this approach very refreshing, and it warmed my heart as I read it.
-What kind of person do you think Takino is?
He is a straightforward person who became a doctor with the desire to become a doctor who can cure anything. However, things don't always go as planned... Especially in a large hospital like Uotora General Hospital, you have to see many patients while not being able to spend time with each one. In such a situation, I think he is conflicted and wonders, "Hmm, was this the kind of doctor I wanted to be?"
--Did you do any preparation for the role?
As in the original work, Takino is set to have practiced judo, and the director requested that I "make him look like he's a sports fanatic." In my image, I have the impression that people who practice judo have strong core muscles, so I wanted to be able to express that atmosphere in my movements and running style, so I'm currently working hard on core training.
--Have you noticed any changes in your running style?
Yes, I've become more conscious of my posture and standing up, so that my back doesn't round.
◇ Jun Matsumoto's presence "livens up the entire filming site"
--Are there any scenes that you found difficult to act in?
In the scenes where Dr. Tokushige (played by Matsumoto) and the patient talk, it is necessary to face each other and listen carefully, so each scene is long. Takino is often present as a listener, and since there are no surgery scenes, there is no difficulty in terms of learning the procedures. Instead, I can see the acting of the other actors up close, which is very educational.
--Did you already know about general practitioners?
No, this is the first time I've heard about it. There were times when I didn't go to the hospital because I was worried about "Which department should I go to for this symptom?", so I was really grateful to know that there are general medicine departments. I heard that there are people who don't know the name of their illness and are passed around from one department to another, and I learned that it is the "last resort" for such people. I would be happy if this drama makes more people aware of the existence of such departments.
--This is your first time acting with Matsumoto-san. What was your impression on set?
He's like an older brother, saying, "Yes, let's go!" and pulling everyone along. I've seen him proactively communicating with the staff, and it feels like Matsumoto's presence energizes the entire filming site.
-Please tell us your impressions of acting with Matsumoto as an actor.
Tokushige-sensei is a very gentle and kind person, so when the director asked Matsumoto to be more gentle during filming, he responded to the request flexibly, which was impressive. I'm sure viewers will be able to see a new side of Matsumoto-san.
◇ Facing the gap between ideals and reality, "I empathize deeply" with Takino
--I think this drama is also a story of Takino's growth. Is there anything about Takino that you sympathize with?
I think many people feel the gap between ideals and reality, and I was the same way, so I could really empathize. For example, you may feel that you are not improving as much as your peers, or that the goals you set when you were young are far removed from who you are now. You may worry without seeing the answer, wondering "Why? What am I lacking?", but you are so busy with what is in front of you that you don't have the time to try new things. There are times like that, aren't there?
I felt that way too, especially when I was a teenager. I would get depressed and think, "I wanted to play this role. Why didn't it come to me?" and I didn't know what to do. Takino's worries and struggles are very real, and I think there are parts of her that many people can sympathize with.
--Takino seems to change after meeting Tokushige, but do you want viewers to also find the "Tokushige Sensei within themselves?"
That's right. I think that by watching Dr. Tokushige, it naturally becomes an opportunity to think, "What about me?" I think that the way the patients open up to his gentle and warm personality is healing even for the viewers, and I would be happy if they could see themselves in the story.
--Is there anyone who can give you the same kind of insight as Professor Tokushige?
I think I've received it little by little from various people and at the production site. For example, someone once told me that "acting is like a game of catch," and although it's a phrase I've been told by many people, I value it very much. It's not just about saying your lines, but receiving emotions from the other person, feeling how your heart is moved, and returning it. The chemical reaction that is born in this way is what acting is all about.
Also, the words that a producer said to me at one of the auditions really stuck with me. "Fuka-chan, you're coming to the audition with a lot of things in both hands. But that means you won't be able to grasp anything at the audition venue or on-site. It's better to come to the site with as little experience as possible, so that you can quickly grasp what you want there." In the end, I wasn't able to appear in that production, but it was an audition that I gained a lot from.
-Finally, please give a message to the viewers.
First of all, I would be happy if you could learn that "this is the role of a general medical department." This drama also teaches us the importance of facing people with sincerity. I hope that this drama will be a time when you can feel a little relaxed on Sunday nights, so please look forward to it.
