Taro Uchibori left a strong impression in the drama series "Winter Something, Spring Something" (NTV, Wednesdays at 10pm) starring actor Hana Sugisaki. Uchibori, who has previously appeared in films by director Imaizumi, who also wrote the script for this film, shared his thoughts on this film and the appeal of Imaizumi's work.
◇Regular cast members in Imaizumi's works
This film, which marks Director Imaizumi's first directorial work during the primetime period, tells the story of novelist Fumina Tsuchida (played by Sugisaki), who has a boyfriend, but due to various past romantic experiences, has at some point avoided "falling in love properly" and "facing someone properly." In order to seriously confront her current boyfriend, Yukio Saeki (Ryo Narita), Fumina looks back on her past relationships... This is the story.
Uchibori plays Yamada Sen, a novelist who is a senior to Fumina, played by Sugisaki. He is not writing many novels these days, but for Fumina, he is the only person she can talk to about things she cannot tell her boyfriend Yukio. Yamada also has a girlfriend, but his role is one in which he often goes out drinking with Fumina or meets up with her at a hotel. The role has attracted attention on social media, with comments such as "I was amazed at how his acting fit so perfectly, it was as if he was breathing," and "I almost lost my heart to Uchibori Taro when I saw him for the first time."
Uchibori played two important roles in the film "Say Goodbye to Boring Days" (2017), which Imaizumi wrote, directed, and edited, and has since become a regular cast member in Imaizumi's works, including "At the Window" (2022), the short film "Winter Morning" (2025), and the music video for the song "Sora" by BE:FIRST.
◇On appearing, "Well, I thought maybe it would work (laughs)"
--Please tell us what you thought when you heard about the opportunity to appear in this show.
I thought, "You've got to be kidding me." I got an email from Imaizumi saying, "I'd like you to do it, but is it okay to go ahead and discuss it? Just in case." I replied, "Thanks, but honestly, I don't think it's possible. Well, just in case (laughs)." Imaizumi replied, "I'll talk to him about it." I was surprised when he contacted me a few days later to say it was decided. I was happy, but at the same time, I felt anxious.
-What were your impressions after reading the script?
I thought it was the usual Imaizumi. I think what he's trying to portray is probably the same whether it's a drama or a movie, so I thought it was really good and wonderful.
-What did you think about the role of Yamada Sen that you are playing this time?
At first, I thought he was a sensitive person. But then he tells Fumina that he likes her, and I realized that he's someone who can express his feelings. Although it seems difficult to say. But expressing your feelings, even if it's out of affection, seems a bit arrogant? Or rather, selfish.
-How do you feel about having performed this far?
I guess we're just feeling our way around. There's nothing definite, so we're just feeling our way around. I'm also talking with Imaizumi about things like, "I wonder what kind of person Yamada is?" as we move forward.
--Since this is a TV series, was there anything different from previous ones?
It's a really strange feeling to see the finished product being broadcast even though we haven't finished filming it all yet. Of course, with movies, you only watch the work after all the filming and editing is complete, so it felt really strange when the finished package for the first episode was sent to me while we were still filming.
◇ "Yukio and I look like we're having so much fun" I'm a little jealous of Ryo Narita
-How do you feel about having acted with Sugisaki-san so far?
He's such a considerate person. He's such a wonderful person, and I think he's simply amazing as a person. Of course, he's also a wonderful and charming actor.
--Could you tell us what you think is the appeal of Imaizumi's work?
I think he's known as a director who portrays the subtleties of relationships between men and women and twisted romantic relationships. Of course, I think that's one of his charms, but I think Imaizumi-san is very careful to film things that are within his reach, and he's continued to do so for a long time. I think that's what gives his work its strength, making it so interesting.
--Are there any parts of this film that feel like they are typical of Imaizumi's work?
Each of them is troubled, feeling like life is difficult, and either doesn't come up with an answer or can't come up with one. They're neither negative nor positive. I don't think it's something that everyone will praise or sympathize with. But it's very important to someone, and it's very important to me too. I think the appeal of Imaizumi's work and Imaizumi himself is that they carefully scoop up things that would otherwise overflow even if you tried to scoop them up.
-Finally, please tell us what the highlights of this film are.
Anyway, Fumina is charming. She acts boldly, but she can also be a little strange, but that might just be a way to hide her own weakness or sensitivity. I think that's what makes her so charming.
I also think the romance and relationships between Fumina and each character are a highlight. Each character shows a different side of themselves. When I watched the first episode, I thought, "Yukio looks like he's having a lot of fun." I thought, "Yeah, that's true," but I also felt a little jealous (laughs).
