"Shiba no Okite: Ware Ra Inu Baka Editorial Department" began airing on September 30th in NHK's "Drama 10" slot (General TV, Tuesdays at 10pm). The show depicts the chaotic lives of the editorial staff of a Shiba Inu magazine and the adorable Shiba Inu, and actor Tokio Emoto voices the protagonist's beloved dog. Meanwhile, Tokio's older brother, Tasuku Emoto , is also narrating the drama, known as the "voice from heaven," in the night drama "Itsuka, Nuegori no Sora de" (General TV, Mondays to Thursdays at 10:45pm), currently airing on the same station. Coincidentally (or is it a coincidence?), both brothers are supporting the NHK dramas airing at the same time with their voices. It has become a hot topic among viewers. What are their respective "flavors"?
◇Does it sound like a dog's true feelings?
"Shiba's Rules: We Are Dog-Loving Editorial Department" is based on the non-fiction book "Heisei Dog-Loving Editorial Department" by Yuka Katano. The story is set in the Shiba Inu magazine "Shiba ONE," and stars Shunsuke Daito, Marie Iitoyo, Hairi Katagiri, Ken Koga, Yukinobu Shinohara, and adorable Shiba Inu dogs.
The main character of this work is Shunichi Sagara, the editor-in-chief of "Shiba One" played by Daito. His pet dog Fukusuke is also a major character (or rather, another main character), and the expressive acting of the talented dog Noko, who plays Fukusuke, has attracted the attention of viewers since the first episode of the drama.
What really brings out Noko's acting is the voice of Tokio Emoto.
In the play, Noko, as Fukusuke, has various reactions to the words and actions of those around her, and sometimes pretends to be indifferent, but what makes these reactions more convincing is Tokio's voice and the way he delivers his lines, which, in a good way, feel completely effortless. The fact that it sounds like the real "feelings of a dog" is due in part to the cleverness of the script, but Tokio's contribution, who is somehow nonchalant and displays a very funny "personality" at every turn, cannot be ignored.
The synergistic effect between Fukusuke and Noko, the skilled dog actor, elevates him to the leading role, making it a great casting choice that keeps you glued to your seat with every move he makes.
◇A calm voice that conveys the situation effectively
So, what about his older brother, Tasuku Emoto , in " Itsuka, Mujuryoku no Sora de "?
The drama tells the story of the second coming of age of women in their 30s who aim for space with a "micro satellite." In high school, four women from the astronomy club shared their dream of "going to space together." As they grow up and walk their own paths, they suddenly reunite with their forgotten dreams. "If it were a micro satellite, maybe even we could aim for space now..." Encouraged by their "younger" selves, they begin their second coming of age...
The main cast includes Kiryu Aso, Misato Morita, Katayama Yuki, and Ito Marika. The first six weeks have aired, and it will be interesting to see how the remaining three overcome their separation from Hibino Hikari, played by Morita, and aim for space again, as well as how their second youth and dreams will come to fruition.
Tasuku Emoto, who plays the "voice of heaven" in this work, has limited scope to shine compared to his younger brother Tokio in "The Law of Shiba." Tasuku's voice calmly conveys the situation, faithful to his role as "narrator." That's why there are moments when his voice sounds so effective, and in episode 22 (broadcast on October 14th), when Mochizuki Asuka, played by Kiryu, "eats a cup of yakisoba" following the eating habits Hikari had spoken of before her death, he "says," "When I'm sad, it makes me even sadder that food tastes delicious," a line that resonated with me so much that I've replayed it in my head countless times.
Some viewers may have perceived the "voice from heaven" here as an unnecessary addition, but I think it marked the beginning of the gradation of Asuka's sadness and highlighted the "sense of loss" that followed. Tasuku Emoto's "voice from heaven" will continue to accompany the story, and I'm sure he will continue to act as a mediator connecting the characters and viewers.
