It has been revealed that actress Sae Okazaki will play Mariko Nose, the heroine who has been harboring a 25-year unrequited love for Hokuto Matsumura, the protagonist played by Matsumura, in the drama "Confession - The Secret of 25 Years -" (NTV, Saturdays at 9pm), starring Matsumura of the popular group "SixTONES." Okazaki, who will be co-starring with Matsumura for the first time since the 2019 drama "Perfect World" (Kansai TV), commented, "Even back then, I saw how sincerely he approached his role, so I have the impression that he is straightforward and honest." She added, "I want to enjoy the story myself and portray it carefully and thoughtfully."
The drama is a love suspense story that depicts the space between love and obsession. The feelings that began to sprout in his childhood after an encounter with a certain girl never fade, and eventually transform into something that could be interpreted as either "pure love or madness." Behind it all lies a horrific incident and secret that occurred 25 years ago.
The character played by Okazaki, Mariko, is an executive and head of the "Product Planning Department" at the major cosmetics company "Nose Cosmetics." Her grandmother was the founder and her father is the current president of the company, so she is criticized behind her back for having a good position due to "parental connections," but she has a good reputation for her work performance.
Mariko had no idea that Souta, who worked in the general affairs department, was involved with her, but she met him at a cafe she frequented. Souta helped her when she was in trouble, and left her with the mysterious words that he "had known her for a long time"...
Additionally, a video featuring a photograph of a young girl's face, titled "Me 25 Years Ago," was released on TVer's drama page and garnered attention. It has now been revealed that this was an AI-generated recreation of the heroine's appearance 25 years ago, based on a photograph of Okazaki. Okazaki commented, "I've read all the comments everyone has made, and I was surprised to see my name there; it's clear they recognized me. I hope everyone looks forward to seeing what I'll look like in 25 years." A video featuring Sota's best friend will also be released soon.
◇Comment from Sae Okazaki
--Please tell us how you felt when you were cast in the role, and what your enthusiasm is for this project.
It was a feeling of joy and responsibility all at once. I'm really looking forward to becoming a part of this world. I'm truly grateful. I want to enjoy the story myself and portray it carefully and with care.
--Please tell us your impressions when you read the script.
Each of her works has a mysterious aura about it; that's the impression I get. The way romance and suspense intertwine, and how the story unfolds so rapidly, is incredibly interesting. One moment you're feeling warm and gentle, and the next moment a chilling turn of events awaits, drawing you deeper and deeper into the story.
--Please tell us your impression of Hokuto Matsumura, who plays the lead role of Sota Yukimura.
I'm looking forward to working with him again, as we previously worked together on a drama. I remember seeing how seriously he approached his role back then, so he gives me a very straightforward and sincere impression.
--A teaser video featuring a "girl from 25 years ago," recreated based on Ms. Okazaki's photographs, has been released on TVer. What were your impressions after actually watching it?
I was really struck by how advanced AI can be. I read all the comments everyone made, and I was surprised to see my name there; it seems they recognized me. I hope you'll look forward to seeing what I'll be like in 25 years.
◇Comment from screenwriter Mako Watanabe
--This is a love suspense story that involves a horrific incident that happened 25 years ago. What aspects of this work would you like viewers to pay attention to?
Sota is the kind of person who is incredibly devoted to the person he likes, and who wants to know everything about her, so he investigates everything he can. Hearing that, you might find it a little unsettling. However, I think many people have probably found themselves watching the person they like, or checking their social media, or doing similar things.
How far is it permissible? And is it a matter of who does it? The world is often a gray area where the boundaries are unclear. No matter how much you love someone, there are lines you shouldn't cross, but you can't be happy if you're always holding back. What is the slightly eccentric protagonist, Sota, planning to do? What kind of person is he really? I hope you'll enjoy paying attention to his every move.
--Could you tell us what aspects of the relationship between Sota and Mariko, played by Matsumura and Okazaki, you would like us to pay attention to?
The drama begins with the protagonist, who has secretly harbored a crush on Mariko for 25 years, finally getting the chance to make contact with her. After a long, long silence, what will Sota do with Mariko...? How will Mariko react to him? I hope you will closely watch and observe every aspect of their relationship, both the good and the bad, the present and the past.
--Please tell us your impression of Ms. Matsumura and what you expect from her.
I think many screenwriters probably feel the same way, but he's an actor who inspires all sorts of ideas about what kind of role he could play.
From the very beginning of planning this project, we wanted Mr. Matsumura to play the role, or rather, we felt that he was the only one who could play it, so we are truly delighted that he has accepted the role. Sota is a rather eccentric character, but I feel that if Mr. Matsumura plays him, he will become a character that makes even that eccentricity believable. I am also looking forward to seeing what kind of person Sota will become through Mr. Matsumura's performance, and I await the broadcast.
--Please tell us your impression of Ms. Okazaki and what you expect from her.
It was many years ago, but when I first saw Ms. Okazaki in a certain production, I was very intrigued and immediately wondered, "Who is she?" and I remember looking her up right away. Since then, I've seen her in various productions, and if I may be so bold, I feel that she is an actress who can play a wide range of roles. I am very happy to be working with her on this project.
Mariko is a woman who stands strong and dignified on her own. But in reality, she lives wearing a kind of armor due to her family circumstances, and inside she is a person with a lot of inner turmoil. I am looking forward to seeing what kind of wonderful portrayal of Mariko Ms. Okazaki will create.
