Kaito Miyachika of the popular group "Travis Japan" is appearing in the TBS Friday drama "Takusari Brothers" (Fridays at 10 PM). He plays Naoki Ishizaka, a detective in the same violent crimes division of the Aomori Police Station as Makoto Takusari (Masaki Okada). We asked Miyachika about the behind-the-scenes aspects of his character preparation and his impressions of his co-stars.
◇Second time playing a detective: "I think I was able to take a good approach in my own way."
The drama follows Detective Makoto and Medical Examiner Minoru (Shota Sometani) 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 impressions when you read the script.
I read it without knowing anything about the story, so rather than thinking about my role, I felt like I was experiencing a "new work," and I first followed the story itself. What impressed me was that I honestly thought, "I want to see this on screen."
As I received the scripts for episodes 1 and 2 in order, I was very excited to read them and see how past events intersected with the present, and I felt that it was a work that made me want to know what happens next.
-- Is there anything you keep in mind when playing the role of Ishizaka?
Ishizaka is a young and capable member of the violent crimes division. However, precisely because he is in that position at such a young age, he is also passionate and serious, learning from his seniors. On the other hand, his way of speaking and the way he ends his sentences give off an impression of youthfulness, a lightheartedness, and a touch of playfulness.
While picking up on those elements from the script, the director and staff also gave me some feedback during the script reading, such as, "As the story progresses, it might be good to have a bit more of a relaxed feel to it."
This work contains many shocking events that would be unbelievable if they actually happened, and the overall content is serious, so I am trying to portray the character in a way that provides some contrast, paying attention to the emotional range and the range of emotions he can express.
--Have you received any other requests from producers or directors?
The scene where I get hit by Miyato (Ayami Nakajo) wasn't in the stage directions (direction instructions for actions, emotions, etc.), but Director Yamamoto (Tsuyoshi) suggested, "Is it okay if you get lightly hit?" It's fun to have a directorial choice like that to introduce the relationship between the characters, and I'm looking forward to seeing how it will be portrayed on screen.
--This is your second time playing a detective. Did you do any preparation beforehand?
This is my second time playing a detective, but since I previously played a forensic investigator in a detective drama (TV Asahi's "Tokuso9" series), I felt like I could easily understand the technical terms without having to look them up again.
Having learned from watching the detective actors' delivery and how they explained cases on the set of that drama, I realized that simply stringing together technical terms isn't very effective. So, in scenes where explanation is necessary, I try to make it easier for viewers to understand, while still maintaining the nuance of a detective speaking.
Because of those experiences, I feel that I was able to take a good approach in my own way, rather than starting from scratch.
--Was it easy to get used to the role?
That's right. I don't usually wear suits, so there were times when I thought I looked unfamiliar. However, the experience of being a detective, with its atmosphere and mannerisms, was very valuable to me.
◇A comfortable filming environment: "There's a lot to learn."
--Mr. Okada, what are your impressions of Mr. Someya?
Both of them give off the impression of being "the quintessential actor," and having played a variety of roles, I knew them more by the image of the characters they've portrayed than by who they are as individuals. But when I actually worked with them, they had a very gentle demeanor and seemed to be enjoying themselves on set. Seeing the contrast between their on-camera personas and their real selves up close, there were many moments when I thought, "Wow, they're amazing."
I have many scenes with Mr. Okada in the same violent crimes unit, so we communicate quite a bit. When Mr. Someya is playing brothers with Mr. Okada, the atmosphere between them is very natural. However, since his character isn't a very dramatic one, it's interesting that I can't tell if that's due to the character of Minoru or just the aura he himself exudes.
--What are your impressions of Goro Kishitani, who plays Shunta Koike, the head of the violent crimes division, and Nakajo?
Mr. Kishitani is truly like a "dad" to me. He has a long history of physical expression, not only in film but also in theater and musicals, so there are many overlaps with my own activities, and he tells me all sorts of things. I learn a lot from him, not only about acting, but also about other things I didn't know before, and I feel like he's someone who broadens my experience.
We have many scenes together this time, and from the very beginning, he has called me by my first name, "Kaito." I'm not usually called by my first name, so I appreciate that sense of closeness, and he's a very kind person who creates a comfortable atmosphere.
Ms. Nakajo is the closest in age to me among the cast, but because the character she plays, Mr. Miyato, is such a solid character, at first I thought he might be like that in real life. In reality, he's very cheerful and talkative. I think he's challenging himself with a new role that's different from what he's done before, and he sets the rhythm on set, often as the starting point for scenes with Mr. Miyato.
--How is the atmosphere and comfort level on set?
The atmosphere is wonderful. Everyone, from the cast to the staff, is so kind, but when it's time for filming, the mood instantly becomes serious. I'm learning a lot from that contrast, and I feel very comfortable being there.
Of course, the two lead actors are great, but there are also many other people, including Nakajo-san, who make sure the set doesn't become too serious. They naturally lighten the mood between takes, so I'm able to relax a lot, and it's been a very fruitful experience in terms of acting.
--Please tell us what you felt about participating in Producer Arai's work for the first time.
I feel that this project is less about assembling pre-made parts and more about shaping it as we create it. Even on set, we were thinking about various things while filming, and I find that multitasking approach and the creative aspects that arise from the interaction with the director very interesting. I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of world it will ultimately become after editing.
Ms. Arai is a very friendly person who will casually drop by the set and say "Good morning!" Even though she has worked on numerous projects, she doesn't give off an aura in a good way, and she interacts with those around her in a very natural manner. That contrast was very impressive, and I thought it was wonderful.
--Finally, do you have a message for our viewers?
First of all, I want to tell everyone who's watching to please not miss the final episode. If you don't miss the final episode, you'll end up having to watch the episodes in between to understand the story. You'll probably think, "I have to watch episodes 5, 6, 7... too!", so please watch all the episodes! (laughs)
