It has been announced that Takuya Kusakawa of the dance and vocal group Bullet Train will be starring in the drama series "Hell is Made of Good Intentions" (Kantele and Fuji TV, Thursday midnight 12:15 on Kantele, Thursday midnight 12:45 on Fuji TV), which will begin airing on October 16th. This will be Kusakawa's first lead role in a Kantele drama, and he will play an ex-convict living in loneliness and despair.
This is the fourth drama project produced by a collaboration between Kansai TV and Fuji TV's video streaming service, FOD. Ex-offenders who have been subjected to harsh public scrutiny due to past mistakes and who are living miserable lives are caught up in a cruel trap during a "rehabilitation program" that gives them a second chance at life. What fate awaits them and what shocking outcome awaits them? This is a gripping human suspense drama in which each individual's conflicts and regrets are intricately intertwined.
Takamura Itsuki, played by Kusakawa, has a complicated upbringing, is isolated from society, and has lived a difficult life. As a result, he does not trust others. Then, due to a certain incident, he is sentenced to prison for assault. He is released two years later, but is at a loss as to how to reintegrate into society, when he is invited to a rehabilitation program.
Kusakawa said, "Once you start watching, you won't be able to help but want to know what happens next. It's an interesting work. Let's ride the roller coaster called video together!"
◇Comment from Takuya Kusakawa
-Please tell us your impressions after reading the script.
Personally, I love mysteries and suspense, and this book is full of highlights, so I was completely absorbed in it. The plot developments were unexpected, and I was on the edge of my seat while reading, so I think viewers will feel the same way when they see it in the form of a video. So, I'm really looking forward to filming starting.
-How would you like to play Takamura Itsuki?
The director also spoke to me during the costume fitting, and I wanted to carefully portray what is important to Itsuki himself, that he is not just quiet and cool, but that he is participating in the program because of his past and goals. I hope that as the story progresses, Itsuki's thoughts and background will be conveyed clearly. I also feel that it is difficult because a delicate balance is required with the atmosphere and warmth when interacting with people, but I hope to be able to create the character together by discussing it on set without over-preparing it.
--What do you want to keep in mind as the chairperson and what are your aspirations? Also, is there anything about yourself that you would like to share in advance?
I was asked a question I'm not very good at (laughs). I suddenly realized I'm 30 years old, and many of the cast and staff are younger than me. I'm a little worried about whether I'll be able to keep up with the trends of the younger generation, but I want to come together with everyone to deliver this work, so I hope to communicate with them as much as possible.
Because I'm shy, people tend to have a scary image of me, but that's not the case at all, and I'd be happy if someone would talk to me! As the chairperson, I want to take the lead where I can, so it will be fun to see how it goes (laughs).
-Please give a message to the viewers.
I think the biggest appeal of this work is the feeling of being engrossed in wondering "How will the story unfold?" and the thrilling feeling of thinking and thinking "So that's how it really was!" As the story progresses, the characters' dual personalities and inner depths become increasingly apparent. Once you start watching, you can't help but want to know what happens next, making this an interesting work. Let's ride this roller coaster called video together!
◇ Comment from Producer Takashi Hagiwara
We all want to believe that we can always start our lives over, but is that really the case?
In this drama, characters who have made big mistakes desperately try to start their lives over again, but how will they all end up? We'll deliver a thrilling, fast-paced story! The emotions swirling within people's hearts are dark and chaotic, and cannot be clearly defined as either good or evil. Is there hope or despair beyond that?
Kusakawa has played many roles so far, and is known for his refreshing and charming smile, but this time he boldly takes on the role of the main character, Takamura Itsuki, who is the complete opposite of that image, and has a deep darkness in his heart! Be sure to watch to find out what the main character's past and big secret are!
