Akari Takaishi plays the prostitute Nami in the NHK morning drama series "Bakebake" (General TV, Monday to Saturday 8:00 AM and other times), starring Honami Sato Akari. She spoke about her feelings after auditioning for the heroine and being cast, the role she will be playing, and her impressions of her co-stars, including Takaishi.
◇What kind of character is the prostitute Nami that you play?
"Bakebake" is based on the story of Koizumi Setsu, the daughter of a fallen samurai from Matsue, and her husband Yakumo (Lafcadio Hearn), and depicts the heroine, who loves ghost stories, going about her everyday life with her foreign husband. The script is written by Fujiki Mitsuhiko, who has worked on NHK's "Asagaya Sisters' Relaxed Life" and WOWOW's "Shooting Break Series."
"Actually, I auditioned for the heroine role in ' Bakebake,'" Sato revealed.
"My age was just about out of the recruitment requirements!? (laughs) So I thought it would be impossible, but when I actually went to the audition, I had a lot of fun! It was a fun audition where I met some nice people, and I went home feeling happy even if I didn't get the role, when I was offered the role of Nami. I was really excited because I'd get to see everyone again."
Nami, who I play, was born into a farming family and, as the eldest of eight siblings, supported a poor life. To support her family, which was in debt, she became a prostitute at the Tengoku brothel. She is a cheerful and strong woman who does not let her circumstances get her down. She is always concerned about Toki (played by Takaishi), who has fallen on hard times and moved nearby.
Regarding Nami, he says, "I think Nami's determination to sell herself and become a prostitute in order to show her filial piety to her parents and her eight siblings, despite not being from a blessed family, was incredible."
"I was asked to play Nami as a cheerful, unyielding person, but when I researched the role of a prostitute, I realized that life is not one in which you can live a cheerful life. When I actually went to the Ohashi River in Matsue, the wind was very strong and the bridge was very long, and I could really see how the river was a huge obstacle for Nami, who was unable to leave the red-light district."
Sato laughs and says, "When Nami can't keep her composure on her own, I feel that the people of the town, such as Otoki and Osawa (Wan Marui Wan), support her. There is prejudice against prostitutes, but everyone Nami comes into contact with is warm and welcoming, except for Kan'emon (Fumiyo Kohinata)."
"Nami has lived in a small town with a big river right in front of her eyes, so she must think of Otoki as a 'soulmate.' That's why she's happy to see Otoki, and she really wants to help her. Osawa doesn't like her at the moment, but I think Nami probably likes her too. I get the feeling that Osawa is thinking, 'But you actually like me!' I hope that in the future Otoki, Osawa, and Nami will grow closer and the three of them will become good friends."
◇What are your impressions of Akari Takaishi and Wan Marui?
He describes the atmosphere on set as "friendly," saying, "Everyone is enjoying their own time at their own pace, but it's a very cohesive and good atmosphere."
Regarding Takaishi, who plays Toki, he said, "When I work with him, he has a strong gaze that really makes you go 'Ka-chan!'"
"When I play Nami, I somehow feel like getting close to people and I end up staying at zero distance, so I often get stared at with intense gazes. I think her own comical and cute nature really shines through in her acting. She can go either way, be it comedic or serious, so it's really fun to watch her."
Marui, who plays Sawa, said, "I get the impression that she acts simply and flatly," and praised her acting ability, saying, "It's like she's doing something even when she's not doing anything, and she's performing her skills even when she's not even prepared!"
Finally, he addressed the viewers, saying, "The scriptwriter Fujiki said, 'Nothing happens,' but I'm reading the script thinking, 'How?! Everything is happening!?' (laughs). The script is really interesting, and I think it takes on even more power when it's made into a drama, so even though you may be busy in the morning, I hope you'll stay glued and watch every last bit. It's sure to be a soothing drama to watch in the morning!"
