Takako Tokiwa plays Sakura Ono in the NHK nighttime drama "Takako Tokiwa Star" (NHK General, Monday-Thursday 10:45 PM), starring actress Momoko Fukuchi. The drama is set in Noto. "When I read the script, I thought it was a story that very well represented 'present-day Noto'," she revealed.
Tokiwa also appeared in the Asadora drama series "Mare" (first half of 2015), which was set in the same Noto region.
"I've had a long and lasting connection with the people of Noto. I heard that 'Radio Star' was finally realized after Chief Director Masako Ichiki (who also directed 'Mare') submitted proposals many times. I understand how difficult it is to produce a drama set in Noto at this time, so when I received the offer, I gratefully accepted it with gratitude and respect for them turning my vision into reality."
This film is a "nonstop entertainment drama" set in Noto after an earthquake, depicting how ordinary citizens become stars.
"All the characters speak cheerfully, but each of them is carrying their own problems and emotional wounds. Yet, the story depicts them trying to move forward in life. The people of Noto laugh a lot. Their resilience might be one of the highlights. I cried and laughed a lot when I read the script."
Sakura, the character I play, is a talkative, big-sister type to everyone. Her husband is a chef. She deeply loves her hometown, and she and her husband were building their dream guesthouse, but it has been put on hold since the earthquake. She joined the station's opening hoping to restore community ties to the town.
"Sakura, known for her catchphrase 'Noto's chatty older sister,' which she came up with herself, is naturally a cheerful woman who loves talking to people. On top of that, I think she actively tries to act bright and cheerful. I felt that now, after going through such a terrible experience with the earthquake, she wants to make an effort to be cheerful. In the second episode, there is a scene where Sakura plants flowers in an empty lot that was left bare by the earthquake, and I imagine that she is thinking, 'I want to live a life that plants flowers in people's hearts as well.'"
In the seventh episode, a scene unfolds where the "Ono family meeting" takes place in a radio booth, and the broadcast is heard throughout the town of Suzuno.
"Sakura and her husband, Masahiro (Shunsuke Kazama), cared for each other so much that they couldn't have a heart-to-heart conversation. I think there are things you can only talk about when you have a third party listen, so I think the radio was a blessing for Sakura. Family matters, work matters, children's education. I think there are many families who are facing similar worries after the disaster. I felt that the Ono family's struggles were very real."
The role of Sakura and Masahiro's daughter, Mana, will be played by Manami Ono from the idol group "Hinatazaka46".
"It was her first drama appearance, so she was very nervous, but she asked a lot of questions to the people around her about how to behave on set and acting, and tried to absorb everything like a sponge. Everyone on set loved her so much. I think that's why she's called a 'talent' (laughs). I'm so glad Manami is my daughter! It was fun being with her."
