The TBS Friday drama "Takusari Brothers," starring actor Masaki Okada and featuring Shota Sometani, will premiere on April 17th at 10 PM. The series follows the "Takusari Brothers"—Detective Makoto Takusari (Okada) and Medical Examiner Minoru Takusari (Sometani)—as they investigate a whirlwind of heinous crimes and the true culprit behind a 31-year-old murder of their parents that expired just two days before the statute of limitations was abolished. Okada, in his first leading role in a TBS drama, was eager to have Sometani play his younger brother, and their reunion after 10 years has been realized. We asked Okada and Sometani about behind-the-scenes stories from filming and the highlights of the show.
◇"With Shota, we can create an atmosphere that feels like a brotherly bond."
This is the latest work from producer Junko Arai, who has worked on hit crime suspense films such as "Last Mile" and dramas such as "Unnatural," "MIU404," and "Saiai." The script is written by Kei Watanabe, known for "Tumbling," and directed by Takeshi Yamamoto, known for "Saiai," among others.
--What were your initial impressions when you first read the script?
Okada: At first, I imagined it would be a comedy based on the title. But it's actually a serious crime drama that deals with a heavy case, and within that, the story of two brothers is carefully depicted, making it a very compelling work. It's a story of two people who carry a heavy burden, but there are also moments of happiness in their everyday lives. I felt that with Shota, we could create the kind of atmosphere that I felt about the bond between brothers.
Someya: Okada-kun first sent me an email asking, "Have you read the project proposal?" but I hadn't received it yet (laughs). So he asked me again, "Why don't we work on the brothers project together?" and I was very happy.
The moment I opened the script, I felt a deep affection for the brothers' relationship, and at the same time, their struggle against the curse of the statute of limitations left a strong impression on me. During that time, another incident occurs, and the two confront it from their respective positions. Their passion and emotions are portrayed in a very unique and intense way, which I found incredibly interesting. The way the story moves back and forth between the past and present, including the parts about their childhood, really moved me, and I thought it was a truly "emotional" work.
--Why did you think of Mr. Someya for the role of the younger brother?
Okada: When it came to the role of Minoru, Shota was the first person that came to mind. When I was talking with producer Arai about who would play the younger brother, I mentioned Shota's name, and he said, "Someya-san, that's good," and that's how I ended up sending him the project proposal.
However, he's a really busy person (laughs), so I didn't want it to get buried. I really didn't want him to miss it, so before making a formal offer, I contacted him and said, "I have this project, I'd really like you to read it."
Someya: That's just your imagination, right? (laughs)
Okada: I really wanted to work with you, so I was happy when you agreed.
Someya: I myself feel comfortable around him, in a good way, and I feel like we're brothers on set. We've worked together before, but this is the first time we've acted together at such a close distance, and it's very fulfilling.
Okada: I believe there's a kind of acting that's only possible because we've known each other for a long time, and because we trust each other, we're able to create scenes while having intense conversations on set. That's only possible because of Shota. He's truly a valuable presence.
--How do you feel about Okada-san leading the set as the lead actor, Someya-san?
Someya-san: He's always been kind, and that kindness is genuine. He treats me, the staff, and the cast without discrimination, and he pays close attention to everyone. That's why it's such a reassuring set to work on. Ma-kun's personality has become the atmosphere of the set, and I think that's wonderful and I'm grateful for it.
--Please tell us about your role.
Okada: The character I play, Makoto Tagasari, works in the violent crimes division of the Qingwei Police Station. He's not the most motivated type, and is rather lazy and a somewhat unreliable older brother. In fact, there are times when his younger brother seems more responsible. However, deep down he has a manly spirit and kindness. I think he's a lovable character, including his awkwardness.
Someya: Minoru is a medical examiner in the First Investigation Division. He's not good at making eye contact with people and works silently even at crime scenes. He trusts his older brother very much and thinks he's a sharp and capable person, and he cooperates with his brother in his investigations. The two of them are both deeply concerned about their parents' case and continue to investigate it.
--The "incident involving their parents" is the background to why the brothers became police officers. How did you perceive this setting?
Okada: Since it was an unsolved case, I thought that I might be able to get some information if I stayed within the police organization. We discussed it, and that's how I ended up joining my current department. I feel like I'm working while still carrying the feelings I had when my parents were murdered.
Someya: The vertical axis of the story is always the case involving their parents. However, the statute of limitations has expired on that case, and if the crime had been committed two days later, it would have been subject to the abolition of the statute of limitations. The brothers, whose time has stood still, carry that curse with them, while also confronting the horizontal axis of an ongoing case. It's a mystery where both the vertical and horizontal axes progress simultaneously.
--You've played police officer roles many times before, but what are some of the points of interest that are unique to this film?
Okada: There are many things, but as an older brother, the one I think about most is my younger brother. The character Minoru, played by Shota, is really cute. He's clumsy, and on the outside he's cold, but on the inside he's incredibly hot and has a strong passion. When that passion is conveyed to the viewers, there are definitely moments in this drama that will touch their hearts. As an older brother, there are moments when I feel relieved just watching it.
Someya: That's very much an older brother's perspective (laughs). Makoto is a detective unlike any we've seen in police dramas before. He's slow to act even when a crime occurs. But at the same time, there's a criminal he desperately wants to catch. He's a character in a strange situation.
Makoto is the one who opens the door to a breakthrough, so he's someone you can keep watching, and this drama strongly portrays him as a human being before he's a police officer. I feel that's a new way of portraying him for me as well.
--What do you keep in mind when portraying the relationship between brothers?
Okada: I felt that the relationship between the brothers is at the core of this story, so I'm particularly conscious of that. Even on days when we're not filming, I make an effort to talk with Shota and naturally deepen our relationship.
Someya: I also believe that the core of this work is the relationship between the brothers, so that's what I value most. Rather than trying to force anything in, I think the most important thing is to be able to maintain a natural atmosphere. In a way, that might be the most important way for me to prepare for the role.
Okada: We discussed and decided on the characters' visuals with the production team. Producer Arai requested that we give them both curly hair. The children who appear in the flashback scenes of their childhood also have curly hair, so we wanted to include that commonality that conveys a sense of blood relation.
Also, their costumes haven't really changed much since the first episode. These brothers are so focused on the case that they have no interest in clothes. In a sense, we created them as characters who stick to the same style, much like Steve Jobs. I hope that their way of life shines through in these little details.
-- Are there any similarities between yourself and the character?
Okada: Basically, I'm a lazy person. I don't want to get up in the morning, and I actually want to just laze around all the time (laughs). I think I have a bit in common with Makoto in that respect. Makoto isn't the type to get too involved in a case, and he's the type to immediately conclude that it was an accident. When it becomes a case, you have to take action. And that's just so much of a hassle. But my younger brother says, "This is a case!"
Someya: You say that a lot, don't you? (laughs)
Okada: That's right (laughs). And that's when sibling fights start. "Why didn't you tell me it was an accident?" "Why do I have to work so hard?!"
Someya: But isn't the idea of "getting things done when it's time to do them" the same for both of us?
Okada: That's right. What's interesting about this drama is how the brothers approach the case from their own unique perspective. In every episode, there's a moment when both of them switch into serious mode. That applies to their interactions with the victims and suspects, and perhaps there are aspects of the case that only these two can see.
--Mr. Someya.
Someya: Minoru is shy around strangers, so I think that's something we have in common.
Okada: Since turning 30, I've started making a lot more eye contact when I talk to people. So I thought, "Ah, I've changed." I might be the one who's become more shy since becoming an adult.
Someya: On the contrary? (laughs) But it's true that when I was younger I was very wary of people, so in that respect I think I'm a little similar to Minoru. Also, I feel a lot of sympathy for Minoru's way of fighting, or rather, his style of going head-on.
◇What were your impressions of participating in Arai-P's project?
--What's the atmosphere like on set for the violent crimes unit?
Okada: In the violent crimes division, quite some time has passed since filming began, so we naturally chat with each other in between takes. At the center of it all is Nakajo (Ayami), who plays Miyato Shiori. Nakajo naturally becomes the central figure in the conversation, and she creates an atmosphere that makes it easy for everyone around her, including Miyachika (Kaito), who plays Ishizaka Naoki, to join in. I think that's a really amazing ability.
Many of the scenes between Makoto and Shiori are heavy and can be emotionally challenging, but when Nakajo-san is on set, she instantly lightens the mood. I'm always amazed by her charisma.
And another important presence is Mr. Kishitani (Goro), who plays the role of Shunta Koike. Mr. Kishitani is always on set, keeping an eye on the camera positions and the movements of the staff, to the point where I wonder if he ever gets tired. We are able to act in a sense of security thanks to Mr. Kishitani's presence.
What's more, they call us by our first names. I was so happy that they called me "Ma-kun" (laughs). My senior is creating a comfortable environment by making us feel closer to them. They are a wonderful senior.
Someya: I'm called "Sho-chan" (laughs).
--How about the First Investigation Division?
Someya: I mainly have scenes in the coroner's office, and I'm often alone in those scenes. I work with Kiritani Chika, played by Uchida Chika, and Kiritani is a mood maker. When Minoru is alone, his lines just become "..." (laughs), so she helps to get him to speak. That being said, Minoru also spends a lot of time with the members of the violent crimes unit, so it's fun to experience both worlds.
Furthermore, the guest actors who appear in each episode are fascinating. Both the victims and perpetrators are portrayed convincingly, and even a single scene can feel like a drama in itself. I don't often have the opportunity to directly confront them, but watching them on set, I feel that each episode is compelling.
--What are your impressions of participating in Producer Arai's work?
Okada: This is my second time working with Arai, and I have the impression that he creates works based on events happening in the present era. And I feel that the characters Arai wants to portray right now are these brothers. How do they live in this era, and how do they see the world? I felt that he was trying to depict that very carefully.
Someya: I've always liked Arai's work. He carefully depicts the process of emotions maturing in his serial dramas, and the moment of resolution at the end is very moving. This work is exactly like that, and Arai has maintained that from beginning to end. That's why I feel at ease and can enjoy working on set.
--What do you consider important when depicting the theme of "statute of limitations"?
Okada: From the planning stage, we discussed that "we absolutely will not portray revenge as a form of justice." I don't want people to view this story simply as a story of revenge. I want people to watch the process of how the two characters, whose time has stopped, begin to move again, and I want them to feel hope at the end of that journey.
Someya: The brothers' time has stopped because of the statute of limitations rule, but even if that rule didn't exist, I think it's a different matter whether their time would have continued. When people can no longer move forward, what choices do they make, and how do they move forward? Rather than focusing on what is right or wrong, I hope this work will be a "trigger" that moves the emotions of those who watch it.
--Finally, do you have a message for our viewers?
Someya: This story is a drama about two brothers whose time has stopped due to an incident in the past, and how they manage to get their time moving again. And through the events that are happening in the present, it also depicts human emotions and karma.
I think you'll be deeply moved the moment those emotions connect. I believe this drama will resonate with everyone every week, so please be sure to watch it.
Okada: Not only the relationship between the brothers, but the overall atmosphere of the work is very emotional. I think it's a work that properly conveys the pain that is present.
Amidst the pain everyone carries, the brothers, whose time has stopped, will find what lies beyond the truth of the incident. We are making this drama with hope in mind, so we would be delighted if you would watch and see how it unfolds.
