A report on the start of filming in June last year for the drama series W-30 "Nagatan and Ao to - Ichika's Cookbook - 2" (WOWOW), starring actor Mugi Kadowaki and co-starring Ryuto Sakuma of the popular group ACEes, has recently been made public.
The drama is based on the manga of the same name by Yuki Isogai (Kodansha). Set in Kyoto shortly after the war, the gourmet love story begins when the protagonist, chef Ichika Kuwanoki (played by Kadowaki), marries off in an arranged marriage to Shu Yamaguchi (played by Sakuma), the third son of a long-established hotel owner in Osaka, in order to keep her family's struggling restaurant, Kuwanoki, afloat. The previous series, "Nagatan and Ao to - Ichika's Cooking Book," was broadcast and streamed in 2023, and drew attention for the frustrating love story between a couple with a 15-year age difference and Ichika's "delicious-looking dishes."
The sequel will see the return of the original cast, including Kumada Rinka, Shiraishi Shunya, Ono Takehiko, Iida Motosuke, Tokojima Yoshiko, Nakamura Aoi, and Toda Keiko. New regular cast members include Kobayashi Toranosuke as Kawashima Sakae, Amane's brother who has returned from the United States and who stirs up the story; Tsunematsu Yuri as Kawashima Shoko, Sakae's sickly but cheerful wife; and 10-year-old Mano Riku as Okabe Michiya, an adopted son who comes to the Kuwanoki family.
◇ Filming began in June last year in Kyoto, where the heat was already intense.
Filming began in June of last year, with Sakuma alone in his role as Shu, in the Kyoto auditorium of the university where Shu attends, a setting that frequently featured in the previous film. Appearing in his summer school uniform of a white open-collar shirt and slacks, Sakuma looked relaxed as he began the scene from episode one, eating his wife's lunchbox during lunch break. As he opened the lunchbox, his friends sitting behind him on either side peered enviously inside. Unfazed, Shu clasped his hands together and said, "Itadakimasu (thank you for the meal)," neatly held his chopsticks, and took a bite of the rolled omelet. He chewed slowly, savored the flavor, and muttered, "It's delicious," in a low, hushed voice. When asked, "What was the most delicious dish you ate on the set of 'Nagatan'?" Sakuma always answered immediately, "Tamagoyaki (rolled omelet)." It was a reunion with his favorite food after nearly three years.
Although the script doesn't say "put your hands together and say 'Itadakimasu'," Sakuma's gesture, typical of the earnest Shu, comes naturally. Sakuma ate a total of four rolled omelets during the test and the actual shoot, and it seems they were quite delicious, as he continued eating his lunch while chatting with the actors playing his friends even after the cut was called. The food, supervised by culinary expert Ohara Chizuru, known for shows such as NHK's "Today's Cooking," is one of the major highlights throughout the series. Sakuma said happily, "This was today's breakfast. It was incredibly delicious, as expected."
Afterwards, the location shifted to a certain temple, where Kadowaki began filming. It was already scorching hot in Kyoto at the end of June. In the heat that made you sweat even when standing still, Kadowaki, clad in a black kimono with a floral pattern, briskly climbed the stairs to enter the set. Sakuma, who came in next, looked more mature in his shirt and slacks than when he was a student. Above all, the way the two of them stood side by side was very natural, and even though it was only the first day of filming, they already had the air of a married couple, conveying the tangible harmony that is unique to a sequel.
Because the setting is winter, Kadowaki is wearing a coat over her kimono, jokingly saying, "Think of it as a sauna suit. There are people who go out of their way to buy them! (laughs)," easing those around her who were worried about the heat. Sakuma also puts on a coat, but there's no sign of sweat on his face and his expression is cool.
Filming has begun for the scene in episode 3 (broadcast and streaming on March 6th) in which the two visit the grave where Ichihi's father rests and pray for the safety of the family. The two crouch in front of the Kuwanoki family grave and put their hands together. Although it is a scene with no dialogue, director Ichioka Ayumu instructs, "As Ichihi, you should pray for the safety of the family and glance at Shu." Upon receiving the instruction, Kadowaki places her hands together and glances briefly at Sakuma, and her natural glance reveals Ichihi's affection for Shu. Filming progressed quickly, adjusting the camera position and the position of the light through the lush trees, and filming of the solemn scene was completed.
The scene in which Ichihi asks Shu what he prayed for at the grave as they walk down the temple stairs after visiting the grave was shot long distance to capture the beautiful scenery of a temple in Kyoto. Ichihi walks in front, while Shu walks a step back behind. This modest relationship between the two is heartwarming, and along with the delicious-looking food, the beautiful scenery of Kyoto is also a highlight.
Afterwards, they began filming the crucial climax scene of episode 3, in which Amane finally makes up his mind to hand over a certain gift. From test shots to the actual shoot, the two actors repeatedly filmed and acted out scenes of Ichihi's face, Amane's face, and both of their hands. Amane must be emotionally nervous, but Sakuma, who plays him, was able to switch between on and off, even showing off his air guitar skills in between takes.
Kadowaki and Director Ichioka held detailed discussions about the acting plan. In the scene where Ichino receives a present from Shu, opens the box and looks up at Shu, Kadowaki asked Director Ichioka, "I would be grateful if I could do it again from the moment I open the box." And the part in the script that said "shed tears" was expressed slightly differently after discussions on set. The scene strongly conveyed Ichino's quiet emotion, his trust in Shu, and his budding love.
"Serial Drama W-30 'Nagatan and Ao to - Ichika's Cooking Book - 2'" will be broadcast and streamed on WOWOW Prime and WOWOW On Demand every Friday at 11pm starting February 20th. There are 10 episodes in total, with the first episode being free.
