Ryo Narita appears in the drama series " First Love DOGs " (TBS, Tuesdays at 10pm) starring actor Kiyohara Kaya. He plays the role of Shirasaki Kai, a veterinarian who serves as the young director of Shirosaki Animal Hospital, and viewers have been paying attention to him, saying, "It's been a while since we've seen the soft and gentle Narita," and "Narita's bright role is the best." We asked Narita about his impressions of his co-stars Kiyohara and Korean actor Na In-woo, and about filming with animals.
◇ "To be honest, I didn't think I would get an offer."
The drama is a love story that begins with the love between Aiko Hanamura (Kiyohara), a cool lawyer who doesn't believe in love, and Kai Shirasaki, a complicated veterinarian who can only love animals, and their pet dogs. Inu, who appeared in the Korean drama "Marry My Husband," will make his first appearance in a Japanese drama as a Korean heir with a secret who appears before the two.
--Please tell us how you felt when you found out you were going to appear.
Speaking of TBS's Tuesday 10pm slot, isn't it the classic love story slot? To be honest, I didn't think I'd get an offer, so I wanted to do my best. This time, it's a cross-border love story with Korean staff and cast members, so I was really looking forward to seeing what would happen.
Although the form is different, I think that all of the works have elements of a love story, but the Tuesday drama gives the impression of depicting love head-on, so I feel more pressure than usual, including in terms of appearances (laughs). However, what I do as an actor remains the same, so I spend my days facing the role as usual.
--Please tell us about the pleasure of acting.
Kai is a veterinarian who runs an animal hospital near the sea. He seems to be good at interacting with people, but in fact, due to a certain incident, he has become bad at interacting with people. It will be interesting to see how Kai changes through his encounters with Aiko, played by Kiyohara, and Soha, played by Na In-woo.
Kai is someone who doesn't really know how to interact with people, but he has a somewhat insensitive and natural side to him, so I hope that his "insensitivity" can be seen as endearing. Even if there are things he can't express well in conversation with others, he has the ability to sense something is wrong. I feel that he is someone who has that kind of "animal sense."
Kai is described as a "complicated veterinarian," but I didn't feel that uncomfortable about the role. Everyone, including me, may have some complicated aspects. I hope you will watch as he gradually softens as he interacts with animals and people with each episode.
-Did you do any preparation to play a veterinarian?
I had the opportunity to visit the Japan Animal Medical Center, where the supervisor, Dr. Arito (Shohei), works. On set, I'm discussing every single movement in detail with Dr. Arito and the staff. There isn't a detailed depiction of the hands like in medical dramas, but I want to act carefully so that the viewer can see how I'm sincerely interacting with animals.
--How was it filming with animals, including Shogun (Kai's pet dog)?
It's really soothing. They're all so smart, I'm constantly amazed. Aiko's pet Sakura loves treats, and Shogun loves his owner. We take their individual characteristics into consideration when we film, but they still move according to the script, to the point where we're amazed and ask ourselves, "How can they even do that?"
It's also important that I'm able to actually build a relationship with the shogun, so I try to communicate with him on a daily basis so that we can deepen our relationship.
◇What are your impressions of Kiyohara Kaya & Na In-woo?
--It's been a while since you last worked with Kiyohara-san. How was it working with him again on this film?
We have fun talking about trivial things in between and film peacefully. The last time we worked together she was still in her teens, but my impression of her as a mature person has not changed. This time, it's a drama series, so we'll be spending more time together, and I think we'll be able to see a new side of her.
--What will happen to Kai and Aiko's relationship in the future?
I feel like Sakura and the Shogun's honesty will gradually open up their hearts. Although they are both a little complicated, I think there is something about them that attracts them, so I hope the viewers will be able to feel that as well.
-Were there any scenes with Aiko that left an impression on you?
It's the end of episode 1. There's a scene where Sakura and the Shogun take Aiko and Kai to a place where they can run around as much as they want, and I was impressed by the perfect distance between them and the state of the two of them at that time.
--What is your impression of Inu?
He is a truly wonderful person who is big in both body and heart and embraces everyone. Of course, we have casual conversations, but we also have proper discussions about scenes, and I feel very grateful to have been blessed with someone with whom I can have serious discussions about the creation of a work.
--What about your relationship with Soha?
Soha is the type who closes the distance quickly. Kai is confused at first, but gradually he opens up to his charm. Kai's tone is sometimes a little stronger only towards Soha, but I think that's because he trusts her. The relationship between the two deepens with each episode, so I hope you'll pay attention to that as well.
--What do you think about this Japan-Korea co-production?
Director Noh Young-seop's direction has an aesthetic sense and straightforward intent. Even in a single cut, he is thorough in his idea that "beautiful is better," and I'm looking forward to seeing the finished film. Everyone has a new perspective that I don't have, so I have a lot to learn from them.
-Please give a message to the viewers.
This is a story about adults who are unable to be honest about love, but who change little by little through their interactions with honest dogs and new encounters. I worked hard on the filming, hoping that the imperfections of all the characters would make them look lovable and cute. It's a gentle and refreshing work that's perfect for the summer, so please look forward to it!
