Toyoda Yudai plays Tomoya Nakamura, a drug enforcement officer with a sense of smell superior to that of a drug detection dog, in the drama series "DOPE" (TBS, Friday 10pm), co-starring Yudai Toyoda of the popular group "King & Prince" and actor Nakamura Tomoya. Shibahara is the mood maker of the special investigation division, and has been attracting attention on social media with comments like "He's cute" and "Shiba-kun might be his favorite." We asked Toyoda about his impressions on set and his impressions of his co-stars.
◇Supernatural powers x action, a first-time challenge
-What impression did you have when you read the script?
First of all, I was drawn to the weightiness of the title "DOPE" and was looking forward to seeing how it would unfold. When I actually read it, I realized that it tackled dark themes such as drugs, and I felt that I had to use my imagination to act in this role. Furthermore, Shibahara, the character I play, has the supernatural ability of having a good nose, and I wondered how I should approach this role.
--You'll also be taking on some serious action scenes in this film.
That's right. I've played sports like basketball up until now, but this was my first time doing a full-scale action fight using only my body. I was a little worried about whether I could do it, but I was really looking forward to the challenge.
I was taught so carefully, from how to hold the gun to how to throw a punch, how to dodge, and how to move my feet when landing. Thanks to that, I feel I can move with confidence during actual action filming. I'm also happy to be able to do beautiful movements, so when I run sometimes in my daily life, I sometimes shadow box in the middle of it (laughs). It's so fun that I find myself practicing.
-Please tell us your impressions of Takahashi-san and Nakamura-san.
Takahashi-san is a sparkling idol, but she's also 26 years old, just like me. She has the frankness of someone her age, and we often ask each other about our favorite manga. She can be a little naive, but she also has a reliable side. That "good imbalance" is what makes her so appealing.
I've met Tomoya-san a few times as we belong to the same agency, but this is the first time we've worked together on a drama. I had the impression that he was a very skillful person, but this impression was further strengthened on set. I occasionally see him acting silly, but he never makes a mistake with his lines and never forgets to be considerate of the staff. Seeing him remain natural on set as if it were "his own home" made me feel that he is even more skillful.
-What inspired you on the set?
The variety of acting and conversations of my co-stars is truly inspiring. I've felt this on every set I've been on before, but especially on this set, even if everyone is laughing and talking the whole time, once filming starts, everyone instantly switches into character. It was so shocking to see them, I felt like "I want to be like that," and I strongly felt that I wanted to become more comfortable with my lines and roles.
Takahashi-san is also very good at using his body. The same goes for Tomoya-san, but the way he moves when dodging is so elegant that I watch and learn from him, thinking, "I want to imitate that."
--Shibahara is the mood maker of the Special Investigation Division, but what about you on set?
I have a strong desire to "perform better," and maybe that's what I'm focusing on, but right now, even though I want to talk, I feel like I'm still watching from afar. I think too much about "I have to say something interesting" and "What will people think if I say this," so I can't speak much... If I had to choose, I'd be more likely to be on the listening side now.
◇ Thoughts on "Mikami Sensei" "I want to work harder at acting"
--There are many older co-stars on set, did you get used to that atmosphere quickly?
To be honest, I was confused at first. In "Mikami Sensei" (broadcast in January 2025), I played the role of a high school student, so my co-stars were all the same age. There was a lot of cute content, exactly the kind of stuff that would be talked about in school life. On the other hand, I was always inspired by the acting, and just when I thought, "I want to work harder at acting," I started "DOPE."
On set, someone, led by Tomoya, would suddenly start humming, shouting, or impersonating a comedian (laughs). Although he felt like he was in a different world, he took it in a positive way and took on the challenge of filming, saying, "I need to keep my body, mind, and head open."
-- Shibahara has not revealed his supernatural powers to his fiancée, Ono Akari (Hanayagi Nozomi). How do you interpret this feeling?
I don't think it's easy to get people to accept that "you're the only one who's different." There's probably prejudice against those differences, and Shibahara might have some complexes about them. Also, simply put, having too good a sense of smell is a bit unpleasant (for yourself and others) because you can detect things like sweat odors.
--If you had the same supernatural powers as Shibahara, would you tell him?
I think I would tell my family. But I might hide it from my friends, considering our relationships. On the other hand, I could also end up bragging about it (laughs).
-What kind of supernatural power would you like to have?
I want my eyesight to improve dramatically. My eyesight to 5.0 or better. I want to see the moon or other distant scenery with my own eyes. I hope I can see with my own eyes the world that not everyone can see.
--Please tell us the highlights of episode 5, which will be broadcast on August 1st, and your message to the readers.
In episode 5, pay attention to Saiki and I's disguises. We go undercover in eccentric outfits, and Saiki in particular is teased quite a bit by the Special Investigation Division members for his appearance (laughs). I think the story has some funny elements. Furthermore, as the episodes progress, it not only has action and supernatural powers, but also deepens as a "human drama." I hope you will pay attention to the mysteries and backgrounds of each character and enjoy the story until the very end.
