Actor Masaru Kasamatsu is currently appearing in the TBS Friday drama "Fake Mummy" (Fridays at 10pm), co-starring actors Haru and Rina Kawaei. In the fourth episode (broadcast on October 31st), it was revealed that Kasamatsu's character, Shingo Motohashi, is the husband of Sayuri (Minami Tanaka) and the father of Iroha (Aoi Ikemura), the only daughter of Mamie Hidaka (Aoi Kawaei). We spoke to Kasamatsu about his impressions of Shingo and some behind-the-scenes stories from filming.
◇ Role of Shingo: "There were many parts I could relate to"
The drama is a serial adaptation of the winning work by Sonomura Hajime, who won the grand prize at the first TBS NEXT WRITERS CHALLENGE screenplay competition. After suddenly quitting her job and struggling to find a new one, Hanamura Kaoru (Haru) interviews with the venture company RAINBOWLAB, where she meets Hidaka Makie, the company's president and single mother. Makie asks Hanamura to act as a substitute for her daughter Iroha, who is applying to a prestigious private elementary school...
-What were your impressions when you read the script?
It was interesting. I felt that it was a story that was warm and gentle, yet powerful, just like the one I enjoyed watching the drama. The characters were also intertwined in various ways, which I thought was interesting and great.
-What kind of person do you think Motohashi Shingo is?
For me, it's a sense of "this is justice, this is the form of love, this is normal." In this work, it just seems a little mean. So I can really understand his actions and words, and there were many parts where I could relate to him and think "I get it, I get it."
-What did you keep in mind when playing the role of Shingo?
It's difficult, but I think that because the staff and cast are all young and energetic, Shingo is a character who pushes when it's time to push, and pulls back when it's time to pull back. So I myself take the same stance on set.
--In episode 4, it was revealed that Shingo is Sayuri's husband and Iroha's father. How do you feel about this character whose true identity is gradually revealed?
Since I play many mysterious characters like that, I sometimes wish I could play a hero-like character whose true identity is known from the beginning (laughs). However, since I am playing a "mysterious man," I want to create a play that has room for interpretation so that the audience can enjoy speculating, wondering "Is it this?" or "Is it that?", and I am discussing this with the producer and director as I create the play.
-Looking back on the filming so far, is there any episode that stands out in your memory?
Acting with Tanaka Minami, who plays his wife Sayuri, is a lot of fun and interesting. We have the most scenes together so far, so in between filming we get to talk about our thoughts on acting, and we also talk about health and beauty. In those conversations, there are some things where I feel like we have similar ways of thinking, and other things where I think, "She's completely different from me." If I can reflect those differences in my acting, I think it will come naturally as the relationship between Shingo and Sayuri, so it's very easy to work with her.
--What about Takashima Ryunosuke, who plays the son Keigo?
Regardless of age, I treat him as an actor. He's become attached to me, and at first he would sit on my lap, but with each filming session, I feel like he's gradually opening up to Tanaka more than to me (laughs). It's so much fun to act with Tanaka and Ryunosuke as one team, like a family.
◇In episode 5, "Shingo really goes wild"
--In episode 4, you had a scene with Diane's Tsuda Atsuhisa, who plays the role of job-hunting agent Noguchi Toshiaki.
On set, Tsuda seemed a little anxious, asking "Can I say my lines?" and there were times when he was at a loss for words, but when it came down to it, he showed his "strength in a performance." He's not someone who works full-time, but he has a tremendous presence in front of the camera and on stage, and I felt he was someone who was really into it. His acting has such power and momentum that it was almost overwhelming to stand in front of him, and it was really fun to be able to act together while receiving that power. I even took a photo with him (laughs).
-What was it like meeting Mr. Tsuda?
Actually, this was my second time acting with Tsuda-san, but it seems he didn't remember me very well... (laughs). I'm thinking of posting about him in interviews and on social media so that he'll remember me the next time we meet (laughs).
-What are your impressions of the co-stars Haru and Kawaei, and Ikemura Aoi, who plays Iroha?
The two characters in this film are polar opposites, each with their own "leadership image," and are both cool, lovable, and people you want to root for. Both Haru and Kawaei were able to fully internalize their roles in the short preparation period and act in front of the camera, which was amazing and very reliable.
From what I've heard from people around me, Ikemura remembers the names of all the staff members and shows a variety of expressions in front of the camera. I'm sure not only the team but also the viewers are enthralled. So far, we haven't had many scenes together, so I'm looking forward to seeing some scenes where we face off against each other in the future.
--In reference to this film in which Kaoru and Maika make a contract for the future of their children, what is something that you yourself would be willing to do "for the sake of ●●"?
It depends on my mood at the time, but if I can talk to someone interesting, I don't mind going out even at 3am. If I can meet someone I personally find interesting, I'll go wherever that person is, no matter what time they're called. Of course, if Tsuda-san calls, I'll head there right away!
-Finally, please give a message to the viewers.
The fifth episode in a TV drama series is sometimes called the "devil's episode," but Shingo really goes wild in this one, so I hope you'll look forward to it.
