Shota Sometani talks about Utamaro's "very complicated situation"

The 26th episode of the NHK Taiga drama " UNBOUND (Berabou) " (General TV, Sunday 8pm and others), starring actor Ryusei Yokohama , entitled "Three Women", was broadcast on July 6th. In this episode, while there was progress in the relationship between Tsutaju (Yokohama) and Tei ( AI Hashimoto), who were a married couple in name only, Utamaro (Sometani Shota)'s heart was also shaken. Sometani, who plays Utamaro, spoke about the "very complicated situation".

Someya says, "I think my feelings towards Tsutaju have probably not changed since I was a child."

"It's like he hadn't realized what the root of his feelings of wanting to be together and create something together was, or rather, he was feeling his feelings for Tsutae all over again. I'm playing the role as if it's something that can't be described as romantic feelings."

He believes that for Utamaro this was a "very complicated situation."

"There was a point where Tsutaju had become my whole life, so I was very worried about the change in that relationship, but I was also happy that Tsutaju was able to find happiness that I couldn't have."

It is also said that Utamaro "feels like he has lost a family member" with Tei's appearance.

"Utamaro felt that his brother-in-law, who he had always taken for granted, was no longer the brother-in-law he had always been, and that he had lost a family member, so he wasn't happy about it (laughs). But I think that not only Tsutae but also Tei-san were one of the influences that prompted Utamaro to take the next step as an artist."

Someya sees Utamaro's "facing Tsutaju" as a "facing of himself."

"I think it's a time when I'm facing my past once again, and trying to find the meaning of my existence, and what my existence is as a person and as an artist."

"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.