Masaki Okada stars in the TBS Friday drama "Takusari Brothers" (Fridays at 10 PM). We spoke to Haruka Igawa, who plays Haruko Ashikaga, the owner of a pawn shop, and Ayami Nakajo, who plays Ayami Nakajo, a detective who partners with the protagonist, Makoto Takusari (Okada), about their impressions of each other as they co-star in a drama for the first time, and the highlights of the drama.
"Takusari Brothers" tells the story of the "Takusari Brothers," older brother Makoto Takusari, a detective, and younger brother Minoru Takusari (Shota Sometani), a medical examiner, as they investigate a whirlwind of heinous crimes that occur daily, while also pursuing the real culprit in a 31-year-old case of their parents' murder, which expired just two days before the statute of limitations was abolished.
Haruko Ashikaga, played by Igawa, became acquainted with the "Takusari Brothers" after the murder of their parents, and has looked after them like younger brothers ever since. Utilizing her connections as a former newspaper reporter, she also works as an "informant," gathering and providing hard-to-find information related to the case she was commissioned to investigate.
Shiori Miyato, played by Nakajo, is a police sergeant in the violent crimes section of the Aomori Police Station's Criminal Investigation Division. She is a dignified and strong-willed detective who confronts cases on the front lines. Although she and Makoto have different values and often clash, their bond as partners deepens.
--What were your impressions after reading the script?
I think the strong bond between the Igawa brothers stems from the fact that they lost their parents at a young age and had no choice but to live together. As Makoto and Minoru continued their investigation, I was intrigued to read about what would happen to them if the truth were revealed. Makoto sometimes appears rough and unconventional, but there's a sense of loneliness about him. Perhaps it's because he's never shown his weaknesses as the older brother. His younger brother, Minoru, has his own world, is quiet, naive, and serious. They seem like mismatched brothers, but I felt that the passion they both have for the case is equal.
Nakajo-san and Igawa-san have already said everything (laughs). I think there haven't been many stories about a detective and a medical examiner working together as a buddy team. I thought the story was very interesting because of the unique way in which the two detectives, the teamwork at the Qingwei Police Station, and the gritty way they solve cases on foot, showing "this is how cases are solved."
Ms. Igawa, Haruko then meets Shiori through Makoto, and I think Haruko couldn't leave Shiori alone because she sensed a vulnerability beneath her earnest, strong sense of justice, and straightforward nature. The story depicts a sisterly relationship that was born from their mutual understanding.
Nakajo: The character I play, Shiori, is very serious, impatient, and strict, and she has a strong desire to achieve results at work. She's the kind of character who can only trust numbers... But then Makoto, who is the complete opposite and seems unmotivated, comes into her life. Seeing that mismatch and how Shiori's circle of friends grows through Makoto, I think Makoto really brings a breath of fresh air. I'm acting with the thought that this encounter is very significant and perhaps a turning point in their destiny.
--What did you focus on or what difficulties did you encounter while acting?
When I talk to Igawa-san, Makoto and Minoru, the conversation tends to get serious, but I'm trying to be mindful of Haruko's cheerful and straightforward personality as I play the role by trial and error. What was difficult was that, because Haruko doesn't go to the scene of the crime, I had to organize my thoughts about things like the sharpness that comes with being a former newspaper reporter who helps with the investigation, and understanding the whole case.
Nakajo-san, the role of the violent crimes unit is to uncover clues to a case through gritty, meticulous, and painstaking work. If there are clues in scenes I'm not in, I have to act the subsequent scenes based on that. If I miss something in the script, it changes my performance, so checking to see if I've missed anything is terrifying every time (laughs). Also, the director has told me to "change the atmosphere" between when I'm investigating and when I'm off-duty, so in scenes like having a casual conversation at an izakaya, I try to act with the contrast in mind compared to the investigation scenes.
--This drama marks the first time you've co-starred with Igawa-san and Nakajo-san. Nakajo-san was originally a fan of Igawa-san, so what was it like actually working together?
Nakajo: I've always been a big fan of Igawa-san. Not only is she a fantastic actress, but the aura she exudes is truly unique. Growing up, I used to think, "I hope I can become such a wonderful adult." I met her on another project before, and then soon after, I got the offer for "Takusari Brothers," so I feel like it was fate.
Igawa-san, yeah. I feel like it's a connection.
When I worked with Nakajo-san on set, I discovered an unexpected side to her, a playful side... I grew to love her even more, and now I'm completely obsessed with her (laughs).
--What is Mr. Igawa's playful side?
Nakajo-san, whenever I meet Igawa-san, I get so happy that I start doing a "dance of joy," but one day, Igawa-san started dancing for me!
Igawa-san, it's like animal communication (laughs). Like a session.
Nakajo-san, that made me really happy!
Igawa-san, on a different occasion, I had a little time to talk with Ayami-chan when we first met. She was charming and lovable, and had a happy aura that captivated people in an instant. The first scene between the two of them in "Takusari Brothers" was a scene that had progressed quite a bit, but even though we started from a point where their relationship had deepened, we were able to act as if they had spent a lot of time together, which was great. I hope that the scenes between Haruko and Shiori will give viewers a feeling of peace and tranquility.
--Finally, could you tell us what the highlights of the drama are?
I think the story is incredibly immersive, even at its painful moments, thanks to the bond between brothers Makoto and Minoru, and the passion they put into pursuing the case. Each episode also features a story about an irreplaceable family. The unexpected twists and turns keep you glued to the screen. The way the past and present, everyday life and memories intertwine makes it a truly compelling drama.
Nakajo-san, as we investigate the case, various emotions intertwine, giving rise to opposing feelings such as forgiveness and hatred. I find that kind of development interesting, and I enjoy watching the wonderful actors playing their unique characters from an objective perspective. I hope viewers will also enjoy the contrast between the atmosphere of the Aoi Police Station cast and the case itself.
