The TBS Friday drama "Takusari Brothers," starring Masaki Okada, will air its final episode on June 19th (Fridays at 10 PM). We spoke with Okada, who played Makoto Takusari, a character who, along with his younger brother Minoru (Shota Sometani), investigates the truth behind their parents' murder, about his experiences during filming and his thoughts on the final episode.
◇The latter half of filming was "very difficult, both mentally and physically."
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.
--As the story progresses, there are scenes that show the brothers' relationship wavering. Were there any scenes in particular where you felt the brothers' relationship was important while acting?
I often talked with Shota about the part with Mocchan (Koki Mogi, played by Takashi Yamanaka). I don't have any brothers, so I would ask Shota, who actually has brothers, things like, "What kind of relationship did you have with your older brother?"
Within that context, we worked on the set, discussing how much emotion to convey from the perspective of the older brother and the younger brother in response to what was happening, and the sense of distance in how they would interact with each other, all while creating the character through repeated dialogue.
It's a very heavy topic, but the two of them have to overcome it together, and their ultimate goal is to find the person who killed their parents. Will Minoru stop there and be encouraged, or will they stop and think things over together? I think that aspect is explored in detail, especially in episodes 8 and 9.
The second half was very challenging, both mentally and physically. However, because the staff and cast all supported each other during filming, I think we were able to create some really great scenes.
--Do you feel that your relationship with Mr. Someya is linked to the character you're playing?
Of course, I thought it would be good to link them. It would have some impact on my private life as well, so I was thinking about Shota all the time during that period, and I felt that the story would change depending on how he acted. That's why, "as an older brother," I wanted to fully accept it and face it head-on, including my words and actions "as an older brother," and I had that feeling from fairly early on.
I think showing that relationship from the very first episode was crucial to this drama. So, the fact that Shota, who I've known for a long time, was working with me was a truly wonderful gift. I was so happy to have a partner who could get through this difficult journey with me.
--I feel that the trust between the cast members, as well as with the production staff, is wonderful.
Having Mr. Yamamoto (Tsuyoshi) direct and Mr. So (Kenjiro), the director of photography, capture it was incredibly meaningful for us.
Since I've worked with these people many times before, there's a relationship of trust between us, and within that context, I was able to clearly express what I thought and felt, whether it was right or wrong.
We were able to have conversations like, "This is how I felt, so maybe we should do it this way," even during downtime, which made it feel like a more creative filming environment.
-- Are there any conversations you had with Director Yamamoto or Mr. So that stand out in your memory?
When it was decided that we would be doing this drama, the three of us were out playing golf (laughs). Even then, we were talking about how we wanted to deliver this work to the audience.
I'm not entirely sure what constitutes "drama success" right now, but I believe it's incredibly important for this work to be seen by as many people as possible. This project began with the desire to convey the message that "there are brothers living lives like this."
We made a promise to overcome challenges together, including the creative process, and I think that was the moment that elevated this work to a whole new level.
-- Are there any differences from your usual dramas?
I think the overall feel of the production has changed dramatically since Mr. So joined us. I believe the visuals are now suitable not only for television but also for the big screen. I myself would have loved to see this drama on a large screen.
When I saw the finished film, I thought the way they portrayed these brothers, including the visual beauty, was wonderful.
◇Words from Producer Arai that gave me the push I needed
--This is your second project with producer Junko Arai. Could you tell us what you felt was particularly appealing about her work after working on this project, and what you think was unique about this filming set?
Junko is truly powerful. Not only are the characters she portrays powerful, but the stories she weaves are incredibly profound, and every one of her works leaves a deep impression. That's why I find the roles I receive from Junko very rewarding.
When we worked together on the film "The Last Mile" (2024), I felt that having Junko at the center of things, including the morale of the staff, allowed everyone to maximize their potential on set. I think she's the kind of producer who can create that kind of filming environment.
--Did you talk about anything related to your own approach to preparing for the role?
That's right. Including my 20s, I haven't had many roles where I'm in the position of an older brother, so when I was offered this role, I said, "I might have the image of being a younger brother." And they said, "You can play an older brother."
Because we had those kinds of conversations, I was able to consult with him about any difficulties I encountered in each scene, or when things felt a little awkward, and Shota was there to support me through it all.
Looking back at episodes 1 and 2, I feel like a different side of myself is emerging as we progress through the series. It made me realize once again how fortunate I am to have been able to create this drama with this team, and it really gave me a lot of encouragement.
--It looks like you'll be getting more roles as the older brother in the future.
I may get more roles as an older brother as I get older, but I really love these brothers so much that I'm sure I'll remember them even if I get another offer to play a brother.
It was a huge experience for me to play these brothers with this team. The title is "Takusari Brothers," so I filmed with the hope that the lives of these two, which had stalled, would also move forward for me.
There were certainly times when it was emotionally difficult, but I think it turned out to be a good final episode.
--What are some points you'd like viewers to rewatch before the final episode?
What left the biggest impression on me during filming was the importance of continuing to be the older brother and supporting my younger brother.
By the time of the first episode, the brothers are already adults, but I'm sure the older brother must have gone through a lot of hardship to get to that point... I think Makoto has always prioritized his younger brother, even at the expense of himself.
In episode 6, there's a scene where Makoto accidentally lets slip his true feelings, the feelings he really holds deep inside. For that one moment, Makoto seemed to revert to being a child. That scene is very memorable for me, and it was also a scene where I felt, "I'm so glad I got to play this role."
I feel like this scene deepened and strengthened the brothers' relationship even further. I think it's a crucial scene leading up to the final episode, so I hope you'll watch it again.
