Former TV Tokyo announcer and talent Mori Kasumi will be appearing in the drama series "DREAM STAGE" (TBS, Fridays at 10pm) starring Nakamura Tomoya. She plays Kaji Keiko, an avid fan of "TORINNER." Mori, who has always loved supporting idols, spoke to us about her approach to the role and her impressions on set.
◇ "I like stories that watch over people who are rising up."
"DREAM STAGE" is the story of Jun Azuma (played by Nakamura), a former genius music producer who was expelled from the industry for causing trouble, and seven dropout trainees from a small Korean entertainment agency who form a boy group called "NAZE" and work together to pursue their dreams.
--Please tell us how you felt when you found out you would be appearing in TBS's Friday drama.
When I first heard about the role, I was also given the details of the story, and I thought it sounded very interesting. I've always liked these so-called "sports-spirit" stories, stories that watch over people who are working their way up. I myself support K-Pop idols, so even when I was reading the script, there were many parts that resonated with me, and I was really looking forward to it. Also, this is my first time appearing in a TBS drama, so in that respect too, I felt "genuinely very happy."
--What aspects of it particularly resonated with you?
NAZE was on the verge of giving up, but with the help of their producer, they gradually started to look forward, began to see what they were aiming for, and from there the group bonded. There was also the presence of a rival... I felt that the flow of the story was very realistic.
Because NAZE is a real group, it's not all fiction, and I can't help but imagine, "This must have happened." I imagine that they must have gone through a lot of hardships, not just auditions, but also the time they spent as trainees. I was able to naturally imagine all of that background, and as I read, I got more and more emotional, and it made me want to support them even more.
-What kind of character do you think Kaji Keiko is?
Anyway, I think he's a person who is overflowing with passion for many things. I heard he was playing an "enthusiastic otaku" role, and that really fits the description (laughs). Not only that, I also feel that he has a very deep love for things.
-Is there anything you keep in mind when acting?
During the first costume fitting, the director and producer told me, "Just be yourself, just be yourself." Although the character is a little different from the "Mori Kasumi" that appears on TV, the tone I use when talking with friends as an idol otaku and the feelings I have when actually cheering are inherently inside me, so I feel like I'm just bringing that out as it is. I'm acting with the feeling that I'm showing a "first-time" version of myself.
--Do you feel a sense of affinity with the terms your fans use (such as "precious" or "national treasure of a face")?
The directors requested that we use otaku slang that is actually being used today, so I feel a strong sense of familiarity with it. It's words that we use on a daily basis, so it feels strange, and although it's a play, there are some aspects that are a bit like improvisation, which I think is unique.
--There are also some words that only idol fans would say.
That's right. Sometimes I can't even tell myself what is otaku terminology (laughs).
For example, when I use words like "TO (short for Top Otaku; refers to the most enthusiastic, active, and influential fans)" or "camera boy (a fan who specializes in filming idols with camera equipment)," the director sometimes asks me, "What's that?" That's when I sometimes realize for the first time that "these are words that only otaku use." There are a lot of otaku around me, so I feel it's good to be able to reflect that in my roles while also feeling a renewed sense of ownership.
--In episode 4, TORINNER faces a crisis. How did you approach filming?
All otaku can do is believe in their favorite idol. Nothing more, nothing less. So they just believe and wait, believe and continue to support. I understand all too well the feeling that there is no other way to support someone. So I thought that Kaji would never waver in his attitude of "we are the only ones who believe," so I was particularly conscious of that when I played the role.
Even though I knew it was fiction, there were some scenes that made my heart ache, so I think I was able to act naturally, including those emotions.
--From your own experience, have you ever felt the energy of your fans?
I'm always thinking about how to express Kaji's passion, but the passion of otaku is truly incredible. They rush to see him wherever he goes, to the point that you wonder, "Where do they go and what kind of work do they do?", and they attend his overseas performances without hesitation. They even work to get tickets.
When you actually meet your idol, sometimes you get a response (a reaction from the idol to the fan, such as making eye contact, pointing, or waving), and sometimes you don't. But just because you don't get one doesn't mean you stop going to see them (laughs). I feel like it's more pure than anyone else, and maybe even purer than love.
Basically, there's no reward. But even so, just a moment of eye contact can make them happy for over a year, and their bravery is incredible. For some people, seeing their favorite idol perform on stage is what gives them life. I feel very emotional thinking that as the story approaches its climax, more and more people like that will appear.
--Because you yourself are involved in "oshikatsu," are there times when you can understand the feelings of the people who support you?
I think there are many parts that I can understand. For example, when I hold an event, I always think about what the people who come will be thinking and what they are looking for. I myself am in the position of going to see my favorite idols, so I think being able to think from that perspective is one of my strengths.
◇The professionalism of "NAZE" and "TORINNER" felt on set
--While working with the members of NAZE and TORINNER during the filming of this movie, what were the charms of each member that you felt, and what points did you think you could recommend them for?
As for NAZE, although they haven't debuted yet, you can see the amount of time they've accumulated as trainees in Korea, and there are many scenes where you can honestly think, "Wow, that's amazing!" To be honest, I can't believe they're still trainees with this level of ability, and I feel like they must have put in a lot of effort.
They are still at a stage where more and more people will become aware of them, and so they have this charm like a diamond in the rough, and I think it's really special as a fan to be in a position to be able to say, "I've been supporting them since before they debuted." It's a group that you naturally want to support, in the sense that you'll be able to watch them grow from here on out.
On the other hand, TORINNER is made up of members who are already active in groups and Iwase (Hiroshi), who plays Ryo, so I get the impression that each member's individuality and energy come together neatly on stage. Having Iwase at the center tightens the group, and I was genuinely amazed at how he has such high performance skills despite being an actor. They are highly accomplished, and are a reliable presence to watch as co-stars, but at the same time, I feel that they are a group that fans will want to support.
Another thing I feel is common to both NAZE and TORINNER is that they are all really strong. In addition to filming and recording music videos and learning lyrics that transcend language differences, they are also simultaneously filming dramas, which must have been very difficult, but they are always positive on set and treat me with kindness. This attitude really makes me feel their high level of professionalism.
--What were your thoughts after watching the music videos for NAZE's "Wanderlust" and TORINNER's "Top Tier"?
NAZE is the very definition of "refreshing" and "newcomer." I personally love the concept of running around on rooftops (lol), so I thought, "There's no doubt about it." He has a good balance of talent and looks, so it's just a matter of time before he's discovered. However, while I want him to become more and more popular, I also feel a bit sad, which is typical of an otaku (lol).
TORINNER is the complete opposite of NAZE, with a chic and cool concept. They also rap, and I was surprised to find out they sing in Korean. They have the ease that comes from being used to performing on stage, and they're also really charming. I think both will be a hot topic.
-Please give a message to the viewers.
I think it's a very worthwhile drama, telling the story of a group rising from rock bottom. I'm sure you'll want to support them as you watch, and I'd be happy if it sparks interest in the actual group. Whether you already have a favorite or are looking to find one, I think this is a show that will inspire you to take the first step in your "oshikatsu" (supporting your favorite idol), so I hope you enjoy it.
