British actor Tommy Bastow , who plays Lefkada Heaven, a character modeled after Lafcadio Hearn Hearn, in the NHK morning drama series " Bakebake" (NHK General TV), appeared in the Spring 2026 issue of the magazine "Weekly Yakumo Koizumi " ( Asadora Shunju), which went on sale on March 23.
The magazine features a 7-page interview conducted just before the wrap-up of " Bakebake." In addition to discussing Basto's upbringing and reasons for wanting to become an actor, he talks about his dedication to studying Japanese during his unsuccessful 20s, his preparation for the role of Heaven, and his feelings towards Akari Takaishi, who played his wife.
Regarding Yakumo Koizumi commented, "Although Hearn was white, he didn't feel like he was 'on the white side.' He was from England, but his mother was Greek. He was also part of a minority in Ireland, his father's homeland. Moreover, he was blind in one eye. So I think he always felt like he was on the side that was excluded from mainstream white culture, the side that rebelled against it."
He described himself as follows: "I'm the same; wherever I go, I'm a bit of an outsider. (omitted) When I was a child, I was quite rebellious, anti-establishment and anti-religion, and I often caused trouble (laughs). I think I'm a bit of an 'adventurer,' just like Mr. Hahn."
