NHK's historical drama "BROTHERS IN ARMS （Toyotomi Brothers!）", starring actor Taiga Nakano (NHK General, Sundays at 8 PM, etc.), aired its 20th episode on May 24th, "The Real Hiragumo," in which Matsunaga Hisahide, played by Naoto Takenaka, entrusts Koichiro (Nakano) and Hideyoshi (Sosuke Ikematsu) with "a drawing related to the treasure left behind by the Southern Court" (or so we'd like to believe), before laughing and exploding himself, a magnificent end that has become a topic of discussion. Takenaka, who believes that "a true historical drama is one that rewrites history," spoke about what he felt while playing Hisahide.
Takenaka is best known for his memorable portrayals of Hideyoshi in historical dramas such as "Hideyoshi" (1996) and "Gunshi Kanbei" (2014). He says, "The set of historical dramas is filled with so many popular actors of the moment. It's just the best to be able to experience their acting firsthand."
Regarding his role as Matsunaga Hisahide, Takenaka revealed, "When I received the offer, I felt very honored, but I also wondered, 'How much screen time will I have?'"
When asked about the reason, he said, "It's a project that takes over a year to create, so it's a set where the actors can develop strong bonds with each other. That's why it's really heartbreaking when a character dies midway through. However, when it came to playing Matsunaga Hisahide, I thought, 'Oh, I'm definitely going to die midway through... I wonder which episode it will be?' And I was most curious about how screenwriter Yatsu (Hiroyuki) and the producers would portray Matsunaga Hisahide."
I am well aware that "the scriptwriter ultimately holds the key to a character's existence." Even so, I have harbored a glimmer of hope that "Hisahide, who was supposed to be dead, might actually be alive...!"
Of course, Takenaka understood, saying, "That's not going to happen (laughs)," and added, "I'm looking forward to seeing how Hidenaga (Nakano) will transform and demonstrate his talent as a strategist more than ever before. I'm also really looking forward to the new image of Hideyoshi that Ikematsu (Sosuke) will create! I believe that a true historical drama is one that rewrites history." He then offered his support to the "Toyotomi brothers."
"BROTHERS IN ARMS （Toyotomi Brothers!）" is the 65th Taiga drama. With Toyotomi Hidenaga (Koichiro) as the protagonist, it depicts the miraculous feat of unifying Japan together with his older brother Hideyoshi (Tokichiro) through their strong bond, a success story of dreams and hopes.
