In the NHK morning drama series " Anpan " (General Asadora , Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM and others), Tsumabuki Satoshi plays Satoshi Tsumabuki , president of Kyushu Cotton Center and Takashi's ( Takumi Kitamura ) "comrade-in-arms." This is his first time acting with Kitamura in 17 years, and Tsumabuki, who said, "It's really emotional," spoke about the relationship between Yagi and Takashi, as well as his impressions of Kitamura.
" 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.
Yagi, played by Tsumabuki, was a private first class in the Kokura Regiment, to which Taka belonged during the war. He was concerned about Taka, who was unable to adapt to the military, and would occasionally lend a helping hand. After the war, he reunited with Taka while selling illegal alcohol on the black market and providing food and reading books to war orphans. He later founded the Kyushu Cotton Center, which had a major impact on the lives of Nobu (Imada) and Taka.
Yagi made his first appearance in the 10th week (broadcast June 2-6) and reunited with Taka in the 16th week (broadcast July 14-18). Tsukamoto said, "Yagi is a contrarian, so he can't express his feelings honestly (laughs), but I think he was happy to be reunited with Taka."
"What made me happiest was that Takashi hadn't changed at all. He has always had a purity that is charming, even though he can be a bit clumsy, and I'm a little envious of the fact that he has something that Yagi doesn't have. I feel that Takashi is someone who unexpectedly makes those around him shine brighter. I think that pure people like this will brighten up the world."
Regarding Kitamura, who plays Taka, he praises him, saying, "He's always calm and relaxed, and I love the way he carries himself. It's not about how he plays the role, but rather he's just trying to exist there as Taka. I think Takumi's acting is wonderful, and there are many scenes that naturally draw you in and move you."
Tsukamoto and Kitamura co-starred in the film "A Classroom with a Pig" (directed by Maeda Tetsu), which was released in 2008. Tsukamoto recalled, "When we co-starred in the film "A Classroom with a Pig," I played the role of a teacher and Takumi played the role of a student. Takumi was in the fourth grade at the time."
"The next time I act with him, I'd like to play a role that supports the character he's playing, so I'm really moved that my wish has now come true. He's quiet, but he has a passionate heart. That kind of charm of his is reflected in the role I'm playing this time, and I'm really happy about that."
