The drama series " DOPE " (TBS, Friday 10pm) stars Kaito Takahashi of the popular group "King & Prince" and actor Tomoya Nakamura . Episode 4 depicts the story of Special Investigation Division Chief Kosuke Katsuragi (Masaki Miura), who desperately continues to believe in his daughter Riko's innocence, even though she is suspected of being the culprit of the crime. We spoke to Miura about what went on behind the scenes of the filming of episode 4 and his impressions of his co-stars.
◇After reading the script, I wondered, "How am I going to film this?"
-Please tell us your honest thoughts when you received the offer to appear in the film.
This year marks a turning point for me as I'm turning 50, so I was really grateful to receive this offer and was very happy. However, it's been a while since I've acted in a TV drama series, so I was a bit worried about whether I would be able to physically handle the long run (laughs). But with the support of the members of the Special Investigation Unit, I'm facing this with a strong determination.
-What was your impression when you read the script?
When I first read it, my first thought was, "How are they going to film this?" The depiction of supernatural powers is of course a challenging subject, and I wondered how it would be brought to life with all the restrictions that exist. However, as the script continued to evolve and filming continued, I felt like I was becoming one with the story. I have genuine respect for the production team's attitude of "Let's take on a new challenge!"
-What kind of character did you imagine Katsuragi to be at first?
Initially, I imagined a character who was strict, a typical "boss," who looked down on his subordinates and scolded them. However, as I spoke with the producers and directors, they were able to understand my personal side. I thought it would be good to have a softer, more silly side and a slightly careless side to the Katsuragi I had originally imagined.
The Special Investigation Division is not an organization with a hierarchical relationship, but rather a team that cooperates as colleagues on the same ship. Although Katsuragi is like a captain, I thought it would be more interesting if he showed some human weaknesses and a generous side. I wanted to cherish that human side.
--Episode 4 in particular portrayed Katsuragi's humanity in depth.
Katsuragi has many different faces: he is a "psychic," a drug enforcement officer, and a father. As a father, he strives to build a "normal" family, but when his daughter gets caught up in an incident, he is forced to tell her the truth about his psychic abilities. This wasn't an ideal turn of events, but it ultimately became an opportunity for the family to face each other openly. I felt a sense of hope as I watched my daughter grow up in this way.
I also spoke with Director Juntaro Furubayashi, and he said that he wanted the director to speak to the criminal Kinoshita Jun (Tanaka Taketo) from the same perspective as a fellow "person with special abilities," rather than just preaching to him from above. I think that the attitude of trying to understand him as a human being is at the root of the character of Katsuragi.
-Is that how you feel, even though you are in a position to give orders within the Special Investigation Division?
I think Katsuragi himself is probably aware that he wants to maintain an equal relationship as a team, never giving one-sided orders. In his long life and having experienced many things, his keen hearing has not only been an advantage, but also a disadvantage, such as discrimination and suffering. That's why I think he will be a character who can show kindness to others and human weaknesses.
--Your feelings for your family, especially your daughter Riko, were also portrayed in depth.
I think whether you can trust your child is a sign of your confidence in your own actions up to now. Even if his daughter had really committed a crime, Katsuragi would be prepared to protect her even if it meant losing his job.
--But were you also shocked when he said, "I hate you, Dad"?
I knew it would happen soon because she was getting older, but it was still a shock (laughs). Riko would call me "Daddy!" until she was in middle school, but when she became a university student, that's what you'd expect. However, it was also a part of her growing up, so I think they were able to maintain an appropriate distance.
◇ Takahashi Kaito and Tomoya Nakamura are "truly professionals"
-Please tell us your impressions of Takahashi-san and Nakamura-san.
I felt that both of them were truly professionals. Takahashi's character is set as a rookie, and he is so much older than me that it wouldn't be strange for him to be my son, but he is always on set with such carefree enthusiasm that I think he shares that with Saiki. He acts with sincerity and enthusiasm, and is a wonderful person.
Nakamura-san is perfect for the role of Jinnai, and is a mood maker who naturally lightens the atmosphere on set. It was my first time acting with many of the actors, and I was still feeling my way around the role of section chief on the first day, but Nakamura-san created the atmosphere of the Special Investigation Division from the start, which helped me to feel at ease. He is sincere, kind, and sometimes even jokes around, just like the laid-back Jinnai, which is very helpful.
--Katsuragi has the special ability of "keen hearing," but is there any ability that you yourself would like to have?
Maybe something like superhuman strength would be better (laughs). I think the ability to hear is a little scary. It seems like you could hear things you don't want to hear, and it could upset you regardless of your will. In fact, in the story, Katsuragi is depicted as having a mental breakdown after hearing his family's conversation in the bath, and that kind of thing is very realistic.
I have a good nose, but I also suffer from hay fever and my nose gets really stuffy (laughs). When that happens, it's completely useless. I think every ability has its advantages and disadvantages.
-Finally, please give a message to our viewers.
Up until episode 4, the story has mainly focused on explaining the characters, organization, and abilities, but from here on, the story really picks up pace. I myself am approaching filming with excitement, wondering, "How will the final episode end?" I'm sure there will be developments that will exceed your imagination, so I hope you will watch until the very end.
