Miyoko Asada plays Kura Asada , the grandmother of the main character Yanai Nobu (Imada), in the NHK Asadora drama series "Anpan " (General TV, Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM and other times). In the 90th episode, broadcast on August 1st, Kura witnesses Nobu and Takashi ( Takumi Kitamura) embarking on a new life as a married couple, before passing away to be with her late husband, Kamaji (Kotaro Yoshida). Asada spoke about her impressions of Yoshida, who played Kamaji, and Kura's final moments.
"Anpan" is based on the married couple Takashi Yanase(1919-2013) and Nobu (1918-1993). It tells the story of how the two met, overcame all sorts of obstacles, and arrived at "Anpanman," the embodiment of "unreversible justice." It is a "story of love and courage" that will fill you with the joy of living.
Kura, played by Asada, is the "Grandma Kura" who has supported the Asada Stonemasonry together with Kamaji, also known as "Grandpa Kamaji." She is a gentle and somewhat absent-minded character.
Regarding Kamaji, who passed away in the 16th week (broadcast from July 14th to 18th), Asada recalls, "Kamaji can be quick to get angry, but even in his anger you can feel a warmth. No matter what he says, you can tell he has love in his heart. I watched and thought Kotaro's acting was wonderful."
"This was my first time acting with Kotaro, and at first I had the impression that he might be a bit scary, but he was actually funny and fun, and we quickly became good friends. On set, when I said, 'Good morning, darling,' he replied, 'Good morning, honey,' (laughs). We always had that kind of exchange, so it was really easy to act as a married couple."
She said that the scene in which Kamaji dies was "very sad," but added with a laugh, "When filming finished and we wrapped up, she said, 'It's done!' and went home in high spirits (laughs). She said goodbye by saying, 'I'll come (to Kamaji) soon too.'"
In the 18th week (July 28th to August 1st), Nobu and Taka finally get married. Kura travels to Tokyo with her family to see the newlyweds, and then passes away to heaven.
Asada said, "The scene where everyone gathers at Nobu and Taka's house was fun. It was funny to see Taka being the only man and feeling embarrassed (laughs). Taka was unable to express his feelings to Nobu and was whining around, and I felt like I was telling him to get a grip of himself (laughs), but I'm glad the two of them ended up together."
"Kura will pass away in the 18th week, but I think she has had a very enjoyable life. Although she lost her son, he left behind three grandchildren. She had a reliable wife and a kind husband. I think Kura is very lucky to have been able to live her life with such a wonderful family," she said, looking back on the past with emotion.
