Mariko Akama appears in the TBS Friday drama "Takusari Brothers" (Fridays at 10 PM). She plays Emi Takeuchi, the head of the Violent Crimes Section of the Aomori Police Station, where Makoto Takusari (Masaki Okada) works. Akama has previously appeared in dramas produced by Junko Arai, the producer of this series, such as "MIU404" (aired in 2020) and "The Diamonds Sleeping in the Sea" (aired in 2024). We asked Akama about her impressions of her co-stars and what she felt on set.
◇I read the script while wishing, "I hope these two will be saved."
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 honest impressions when you first read the script.
The fact that it's about two brothers is striking. I think boys are unstable beings, a mix of immaturity and an urge to be strong. These two have lived with the burden of such an incident. I didn't know how it would end, but I read it hoping that these two would be saved.
--What kind of person is Emi Takeuchi?
I felt that it must have been incredibly difficult for a woman to rise to the position of Chief Inspector (Detective Division Chief). In a male-dominated society, she must have possessed strength, motivation, and guts, but without any misplaced pride, and also had flexibility and a humble side, which is how she rose through the ranks.
Also, there was Shunta Koike (played by Goro Kishitani, a police inspector and section chief of the violent crimes division), who was Takeuchi's first senior officer (during his time working at a police box). I felt that he had come this far because of Koike, and that he had worked hard for Koike's sake, so I perceived the character as such.
--What preparations did you make for playing a police officer?
I asked a police officer I know what it's like to be in a position like Takeuchi's (closer to management), not on the front lines. He said that it's surprisingly laid-back, with people eating snacks and it seems like an easy job. He said that because they have experience on the front lines, they can look at things from a broader perspective and are the ones who ultimately reach the top, always remaining level-headed.
So, without putting too much pressure on myself, I wanted to be someone who could be relaxed and approachable when those who had been working hard on the front lines returned, someone they could talk to about anything.
However, I wanted to convey a sense of impatience and restlessness, so I set the character to walk quickly, eat a rice ball along the way, and carry a coffee. As part of that, I had them carry a tumbler.
--So, Ms. Akama, you proposed it to the director and producer, right?
I had heard from Mr. Arai and Director Yamamoto Takeshi about the backstory that he had a special attachment to Ms. Koike, and I thought, "That makes sense." I could imagine that this was why he was able to work so hard.
I requested a tumbler and reading glasses to give the character more depth. I wanted to convey a sense of busyness, and since Ms. Koike is very composed, I thought that having her wear reading glasses would give her a slightly older appearance, befitting a section chief and someone in a position of authority.
◇ "A very enjoyable" filming set: What are the unique characteristics of Arai P's works?
--Mr. Okada, what are your impressions of Mr. Someya?
Since it was the first time we'd met, I thought he might be cool, quiet, and a little unapproachable. But in reality, he was very kind and considerate. I was really surprised by the incredible depth of his acting, seeing how he transforms on screen.
It wasn't expressed in a grand, over-the-top way, but I was deeply moved to witness firsthand the incredible brilliance of their acting, which I've always admired, and to realize that it lies in these subtle nuances.
--How is the teamwork in the violent crimes division?
Everyone has such diverse and interesting personalities. I'm not a particularly interesting person myself, so I enjoy just watching everyone interact; that's the kind of team we are.
Mr. Kishitani gives off an absolute sense of security, and I feel a great sense of reassurance knowing I can rely on him. Ayami Nakajo, who plays Shiori Miyato, and Mr. Miyachika Kaito, who plays Kaito Miyachika, are also the kind of people who naturally make you feel like they are cute subordinates. It was the first time I met everyone, but there were absolutely no barriers between us, and we were able to talk about all sorts of things when we were together, making it a very enjoyable set to film.
--Could you tell us about the unique characteristics of Producer Arai's works?
Mr. Arai is someone who works meticulously behind the scenes, and before you know it, he's already got things done. I'm sure the staff have unwavering confidence that "if Mr. Arai is involved, it's bound to be something interesting," and on top of that, they have the determination to "create something even better." I think everyone's efforts are truly wonderful.
I felt the same way when we were working on "Diamonds Sleeping in the Sea," and it's the same this time too; I feel the passion of working on a proud film set.
--Finally, do you have a message for our viewers?
I think this is a really interesting series because it gradually reveals in each episode what the brothers are trying to achieve with their lives. This violent crimes team is also made up of unique and individual members, so I hope you'll pay attention to their teamwork as well.
Also, I've been working on my own interpretation of Takeuchi's feelings towards Koike-san, consulting with the director along the way, so I hope you'll take a look and see what I've been doing.
