Filming has recently begun for the April drama series "Moonlit Night Journey: The Answer is in a Masterpiece" (NTV, Wednesdays at 10pm), starring actors Haru and Kumiko Aso.
The story is based on the novel of the same name by mystery writer Rikako Akiyoshi, known for works such as "Snow Flower" and "Absolute Justice." The story follows Nomiya Luna (Haru), a literature-obsessed bar owner, and Sawatsuji Ryoko (Asou), a stay-at-home mom who is constantly at the mercy of her cheating husband and spoiled children. After meeting by chance, the two travel to Osaka, where a murder occurs. Luna uses her knowledge of literature by Natsume Soseki, Dazai Osamu, Edogawa Ranpo, and Tanizaki Junichiro to uncover the truth behind the case.
The script will be written by Shimizu Tomoko, who has worked on the TV drama "Reversal Orchestra" and the film "Pride and Kindness," while Maruya Shunpei, who has worked on the TV dramas "119 Emergency Call" and "Complete Affair," and Akashi Hiroto, who has worked on "Sudden Marriage," will be in charge of direction.
The first scene to be shot was Luna driving a car with Ryoko in the passenger seat. It was an important scene in which Luna forcibly takes Ryoko, whom she met at a bar, to Osaka. The staff introduced them as "Haru, who plays Nomiya Luna!" and "Aso Kumiko, who plays Sawatsuji Ryoko!", and the two greeted each other with smiles amid applause, and filming began. They handled their long lines smoothly from the first day, and were said to have even chatted in between.
◇Crank-in comment
--Filming begins today, so please start by telling us your thoughts on it.
Haru: We started filming with a very impressive scene, but in a good way I was able to approach it without feeling nervous. I felt like the atmosphere was good and I was able to film in a relaxed manner.
Aso: Luna has a lot of lines from the very first day, which is amazing! I think I was actually the one who was quite nervous. I usually feel nervous on the first day... But it was easy to act, and I had a lot of fun.
-Have you done any preparations in preparation for the start of filming?
Aso: I often imagined what kind of character Ryoko was. I also used people close to me as inspiration... Ryoko is not a literary person, so I made a point of not reading any literary works.
Haru: Luna has a lot of lines, and I need to have a good knowledge of literary works, so I have to memorize them thoroughly. I really should read more of the works themselves, but unfortunately, the amount of text in the script is overwhelming... (laughs). But if I can find time to read while filming, I'd like to try reading some of the works that appear in the drama.
-What are you looking forward to in the upcoming shoot?
Haru: I'm really looking forward to the Osaka location shoot. If possible, I'd like to go and eat some delicious food!
Aso: Same here. I definitely want to go and try Jiyuken curry.
Haru: For me it's takoyaki! I'm looking forward to getting some to go and eating.
-Finally, please give a message to the viewers.
Haru: Luna is a woman who solves cases from a new perspective using literary works, while Ryoko lives a life that is the complete opposite of hers. When the two meet and go on a journey, it gives you a sense of "adult youth," and it's a drama that also teaches you about literary works. I hope you'll look forward to it.
Aso: The concept of solving mysteries using classic literature is new, and I think it's a drama that everyone can enjoy. Be sure to tune in from April!
