It was announced on August 31st that actress Sawaguchi Yasuko will be starring in the drama series "Absolute Zero: Information Crime Emergency Investigation," which will be broadcast in October on Fuji TV's "Getsuku" time slot (Mondays at 9pm). This will be Sawaguchi's first lead role in a Fuji TV drama series in 35 years, since "Oedo Detective Diary: Teruhime Shichihenge" (1990), and her first appearance in a Getsuku drama in her 41-year career. Furthermore, a visual of her with a short haircut, which she had cut for the drama, was also released.
The "Absolute Zero" series has aired seasons 1 (2010) and 2 (2011) starring Aya Ueto, season 3 (2018) starring Kazuki Sawamura, and season 4 (2020), and this is season 5.
The new series is set in the "Special Information Crime Unit" (commonly known as DICT), an investigative agency that pursues perpetrators of "information crimes" that abuse advanced information technology and threaten the lives and property of citizens. They tackle a variety of information crimes, from those affecting people's everyday lives to large-scale crimes that threaten national security, such as "special frauds" and "cyberterrorism," typified by anonymous, mobile crimes (commonly known as "tokuryu").
Ninomiya Nami, played by Sawaguchi, is a detective who investigates crimes at DICT. Since becoming a police officer, she has worked at the local police station for many years, and after undergoing detective training at the age of 40, she was assigned to the Community Safety Division, where she has been in charge of juvenile crimes in the area.
Meanwhile, DICT is an organization under the direct control of the Prime Minister and the Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary, and is made up of the finest specialists from each division within the Metropolitan Police Department. Ninomiya, the oldest member, has a bright and energetic personality and is the driving force behind the team. She has an excellent memory and is adept at observing people and gleaning information from casual conversations, but there was nothing particularly eye-catching about Ninomiya's career in the Community Safety Division. This story explores why she was assigned to DICT and how she confronts the faceless enemy known as "information crime."
◇Comment from Yasuko Sawaguchi
-What were your honest thoughts when you received the offer to play the lead role in this film?
I was doubly surprised to hear that a new series of "Absolute Zero" was starting, and that I had been offered the lead role. It's an excellent work, so I felt I could jump into it with confidence, and I was happy to be able to take on the challenge of a new role.
-After reading the script, what is your impression of this work?
"It seems that sometimes young people get involved in information crimes with the sole intention of earning some pocket money, but once they get involved, they find themselves trapped in a deep swamp where they can't escape, with their families taken hostage by the organization. I hope that through this drama I can convey the horror of information crimes."
--This will be your first time appearing in a Fuji TV drama series in 35 years, and your first time in the Getsuku slot. Please tell us about your enthusiasm.
When I heard it was 35 years, I realized that so much time had passed. I am very honored to have been able to appear this time. No matter which station's production it is, I always approach my work with the same attitude. There are some people I will be working with for the first time, but I hope to enjoy these new encounters and be able to present a new side of myself.
--Is there anything you try to keep in mind when acting?
Nami is able to quickly close the gap with people she meets for the first time, and is kind and supportive of everyone. She's the kind of detective you'd feel safe having around. She has excellent powers of observation and memory for people, which can be useful in investigations. She's been in the Community Safety Division for a long time and has given advice to many different people, so I wanted to portray her as someone who can naturally open up to others. I chose a "short mash" hairstyle for this role. As a detective, I thought a short hairstyle would be good as it doesn't take much time to maintain and allows me to get ready to go out quickly, so I cut about 6 centimeters at the longest point. It's been a while since I've had my hair this short for a film.
-Please give a message to our viewers.
A new series of "Absolute Zero" is about to begin. With the true identity of the culprit unknown, a group of unique new members will take on "information crimes" that threaten the safety of the nation! Please look forward to it!
