Kumamoto Pro-Wrestling of the comedy duo "Beni Shoga," who stars in "Daimaru Ai wa Sentaku Suru," currently airing on TV Asahi's late-night drama slot "Dora Dora Daisakusen" (Saturdays at 12:30 AM), along with co-stars Moriya Rena of the idol group "Sakurazaka46" and actor Kiriyama Ren, gave an interview.
The drama is a romantic suspense story about Ai Oomaru (Kumamoto), a female detective who loves shojo manga and has a vivid imagination, who falls in love with the handsome, mysterious men who are suspects in a case and is forced to choose between "love or justice?". Kumamoto takes on the ultimate dilemma at the end with an unscripted, improvised performance. The series consists of 4 episodes. Moriya plays Misaki Tomoe, Ai's junior detective who is cute and cunning, and Kiriyama plays Maehara Koki, Ai's colleague.
Kumamoto spoke frankly about taking on the lead role in her first drama appearance, saying, "It was so shocking, and then I heard that the ending was ad-libbed... I thought it was a prank (laughs). I've never shown anyone that I'm good at ad-libbing, so I thought, 'What is the producer doing to me?' (laughs)."
Moriya said excitedly, "I don't have much acting experience, so this is my first time playing a detective and my first time improvising, so I was really nervous. Everything is a first-time challenge, and I thought it looked like a really fun drama!"
Regarding the improvisational acting, Kiriyama said, "When I heard that Kumamoto-san was the lead, and since it's a comedy, I started to look forward to it, thinking that I would be able to experience and enjoy it. I owe it all to Kumamoto Productions."
When asked about the "leader" Kumamoto, Kiriyama revealed some behind-the-scenes details, saying, "I often heard him muttering to himself on set, so I asked him, 'What are you talking to yourself about?' and he said he was practicing his lines. I thought he was a really hard worker." Kumamoto responded, "(Kiriyama) has a rather sadistic way of speaking. I like it, though. I fantasize about him as Kumamoto Pro Wrestling (laughs)," which drew laughter from the audience.
Kumamoto recalled the drama's filming location, saying, "It was a first for me in so many ways, so I was surprised by the environment. The staff immediately put down jackets on me, and it was an atmosphere unlike anything I've experienced on variety shows (laughs). They did so much for me that I almost felt guilty... It would be strange to bring this back to variety shows, but it certainly boosted my confidence."
Regarding her acting career, she said, "I feel like I want to be able to do more," and added, "This time I played a role that was similar to myself, like a flight attendant...it's not funny though (laughs). Next time I'd like to try a completely different role."
She then spoke about the film again, saying, "Of course I want my partner to see it, and I also want people close to me to see it. I want to show the people who usually make fun of me that I'm playing an amazing role. I want them to respect me (laughs). I want them to see a different side of me and the heart-pounding moments. I'm confident, and I think I'm showing some really good expressions."
