Takashi Yamanaka is appearing in the TBS Friday drama "Tagusari Brothers" (Fridays at 10 PM). He plays Yukiteru Mogi, the owner of the local Chinese restaurant "Mocchan," who has supported the Tagusari brothers, Makoto (played by Okada) and his younger brother Minoru (played by Someya), for 30 years since their parents were murdered. We spoke to Yamanaka about his role as Mogi, which has garnered attention from viewers who say, "He's definitely suspicious."
◇For Mogi, his brothers are special.
The drama follows Detective Makoto and Medical Examiner Minoru as they investigate heinous crimes that occur daily and pursue the true culprit in the murder of two parents, a case that reached its statute of limitations just two days before the abolition of the statute of limitations.
--Please tell us your honest impressions when you read the script.
I was drawn to this story because it's not a simple good versus evil narrative, and it's not a story where you can just say, "This guy is bad" or "This guy is good." I personally like works like that. The way it carefully depicts unresolved emotions, where you don't know where to direct your anger, is very interesting. I feel honored to be involved in this project.
--What kind of person did you think Mogi was?
I think he's a very pure person. He has a somewhat immature, "Peter Pan"-like side to him, and there are parts of him that make you think he's had a lot of experiences. I get the feeling that he has a unique sense of distance from the world and might not be the type to keep up with the pace of those around him.
In that context, the time Mogi spends with the brothers Makoto and Minoru, especially Minoru, is probably a very important time for him, a time that brings him peace of mind. The two of them are friends, but I think they are also special people to him, with a closeness that feels like family.
Furthermore, the local Chinese restaurant "Mocchan" is a place where Mogi can be himself, and I feel that it is a place he cherishes, including the relationships he has there.
The lab coat he's wearing isn't very clean, but when I saw it, I felt it was symbolic of the character. The lab coat, which must have been pure white originally, is gradually becoming stained with oil. That change seemed to represent the time and experiences he's accumulated up to that point.
--Could you tell us about any interactions you had with the director and producer regarding the character's setting, or anything that came up during filming?
Because detailed plots (the "blueprint" or "framework" of a story in a creative work) and character sheets were prepared, I think a shared understanding naturally developed based on them, rather than requiring direct explanations.
Furthermore, once filming began, we gradually made adjustments to the extent to which Mogi was not well-adjusted to society. Initially, there were differences in how each of us perceived things, so we discussed and reconciled those differences.
I had to play a character ranging from his youth to his 60s, so I discussed with the directors how to portray that age difference during the costume fitting. For the younger version, I used a shorter wig, but I struggled quite a bit with how to portray the 60-year-old version, and ultimately decided to wear silver-rimmed glasses. Also, the director requested that I have a slightly hunched posture, so I'm keeping that in mind.
◇What are your impressions of Masaki Okada and Shota Sometani? "They naturally have a brotherly vibe."
--Please tell us your impressions of Okada-san and Someya-san.
When it wasn't my turn to perform, I got to watch their acting on a monitor, and it was truly a picture-perfect scene. I couldn't help but be captivated (laughs). The sight of them sitting side-by-side and talking at the counter of "Mocchan" was so lovely that I could have watched it forever.
There's a natural brotherly bond between them on set. Okada-san is incredibly considerate, he treats everyone sincerely, and he talks to you about all sorts of things. Someya-san has a kind of youngest-child-like freedom, and while he's easygoing, he's also endearing. I think they're a really well-balanced pair.
--What do you find appealing about acting?
Even when we're actually facing each other, we really look like brothers, and Okada's awareness of "I have to be responsible" as an older brother naturally comes through in his acting, which is really interesting. I get excited every time we act out a scene together.
I had a scene with Minoru the other day, and it was so much fun. It might be a feeling that only those of us acting can understand, but I'm sure that the feeling of "it's fun working together" comes across even through the camera.
I'm so glad I'm an actor because I get to work with such wonderful people. The atmosphere on set is great, so I look forward to going to filming.
--Could you tell us about the atmosphere on set and what left a lasting impression on you regarding the creation of the film's world?
Our director of photography, Kenjiro So, is a real mood-maker and really livens up the set. There's a really great atmosphere that makes you feel like you're making great progress.
I feel that the power of art is very important in this work. We are using a real Chinese restaurant, and the art department members have set up the decorations and everything, which surprised me when I first went in. Just being there makes you naturally enter the world of the story, and you get the feeling that the restaurant "Mocchan" really exists.
Even the posters are subtly different now compared to 30 years ago, and through that accumulation of details, the characters' backgrounds and lives naturally become clear. Because they've been crafted in such a way, I don't have to force anything in, and I can naturally get into the role. As an actor, I'm incredibly grateful for that.
--I believe this is the first time you've worked with producer Junko Arai since "N no Tame ni" (2014, TBS). What are some of the characteristics of this particular team?
It might be that Mr. Arai is on set from morning till night. I don't think that's something just anyone can do, and it shows how strong his feelings are for the project. His enthusiasm for creating something interesting is so infectious that it naturally makes me want to work harder too. He doesn't say anything in a strong way, but I think his presence on set is a huge help.
It's been about 12 years since "For N," so I was genuinely happy to be asked to participate again, and I feel honored to be able to work with them again.
--Finally, do you have a message for our viewers?
Of course, there's the enjoyment of watching how Makoto and Minoru solve the case, but I think you'll enjoy it even more if you learn about the background of each character. I hope you'll also enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and relationship between Mogi and his brothers.
