Yasuko Sawaguchi, who plays Mariko Sakaki, and Takashi Naito Naito, who plays Kaoru Domon in the TV Asahi drama "Kasouken no Onna," were interviewed ahead of the broadcast of the special drama "Kasouken no Onna Final" on January 23rd.
"Kasouken no Onna," which began airing in October 1999, will draw to a close after 26 years with "Kasouken no Onna Final," which will be broadcast on the 23rd. The duo of Mariko, a forensic researcher at the Kyoto Prefectural Police Scientific Investigation Laboratory, played by Sawaguchi, and Domon, a detective at the Kyoto Prefectural Police First Investigative Division, have been affectionately nicknamed "Domo Mari" by fans.
Regarding the relationship between the two, Sawaguchi reflected, "There were times when I felt a bit of conflict with Domon, but in the second half of the series, Domon always embraced Mariko, and I think we were unique partners who respected and trusted each other."
Regarding "Kasouken no Onna," Naito said, "The production team allowed the characters to grow with age," but explained that the relationship between Mariko and Domon remained "unchanging." He revealed, "Everyone sort of expects a romance, but together with Sawaguchi, we came up with the idea of a relationship that is not just a romantic one. Sawaguchi said it was 'like brother and sister,' and I think so too. We decided that it would not be a romantic relationship. Even if there were times when it made the viewers' hearts race, that didn't change for us."
The special drama "Kasouken no Onna Final" follows the death of a male development staff member in the Smart Mobility Demonstration Zone in Kyoto City. The possibility of unauthorized access emerges, and Mariko and other members of the Kasouken team follow the digital trail to challenge the "faceless culprit." The series will air from 8:00 PM to 9:48 PM on the 23rd.
