Amano Yu is a child actor who plays Souta, the son who suddenly appears in the TBS Tuesday drama "Mirai no Musuko" (Tuesdays at 10pm), starring Shida Mirai. He has been praised for his natural acting, which is very moving. Yu was born on April 24th, 2020, and is 5 years old. He won the role in an audition that had around 200 participants. Last year, Yu appeared in the TBS Sunday Theatre drama "19th Me no Karute." Yu said, "I want to continue working in acting!" We spoke to him and his parents.
◇ Parents reveal how Yu is doing these days: "He's looking forward to going to the filming location"
The drama is based on the popular manga "My Future Son: A Son Came Down From Heaven After 10 Years of Singles!" written by Kumiko Aso and illustrated by Hajime Kuromugi. Mirai, who is unsatisfied in love, work and dreams, suddenly becomes a mother. Through raising a child, she learns about the importance of living and supporting others, and starts living again. This will be Shida's first role as a mother in 20 years, since the 2006 drama "14-Year-Old Mother" (NTV).
With each episode, Mirai not only grows as a person, but her love for Souta also deepens. This change is conveyed not only in the drama but also naturally in the atmosphere on set.
A peek into the filming location reveals a cheerful, talkative Yu-kun. He is not only actively communicating with the cast members, including Shida-san, Shiono Akihisa who plays Yoshizawa Masaki, Kotaki Nozomu who plays Matsuoka Yuta, Hyodo Kokai who plays Yano Makoto, and Nishino Nanase who plays Imai Saori, but also with the staff.
Yu-kun's routine is to go and give a big hug to Shiono-san, Kotaki-san, and Hyodo-san in particular. Yu-kun's happy expression makes everyone around him fall in love with him. This "power to be loved" was also glimpsed at the production announcement press conference and on the drama's official SNS, and he is an indispensable energy on set.
Regarding the start of filming, Yu's parents revealed, "We had been practicing a lot in preparation for the start of filming, so we were really excited and looking forward to the first day. Since filming began, he has been looking forward to going to the set every day, and even during his lunch break he tries to go see everyone right away."
Yu-kun is deepening his friendship with his co-stars, including Shida-san. "All of my co-stars listen carefully to my ramblings without interrupting me. Everyone, including the staff, is tolerant and accepting. They sometimes praise me, sympathize with me, and make suggestions, and everyone lifts my spirits, so I can work with confidence and have fun," he said, describing the warm atmosphere on set.
◇ "You'll remember the lines if you practice them about five times!"
When asked about his impression of Shida, Yu-kun replied, "She's kind and a really good actress!" He also said, "She's good at crying scenes," so it seems he is inspired by Shida's acting, being up close and inspiring her every day.
When asked what he enjoys most about being on set, he answered without hesitation, "Acting!" His eyes lit up. Yu-kun also likes the memorable line "Dannai," which means "It's okay" and is used by Mirai, who is from Toyama Prefecture, to encourage herself and those around her.
When asked how she memorizes her lines, she gave a reassuring answer: "My real mother teaches me, and I can remember them if I practice about five times!" Her assertion that there are "no lines" that she finds difficult conveys her genuine confidence and enjoyment in acting.
Regarding the crying scenes, he revealed his unique approach to the role, as befits a five-year-old, saying, "I remember the sad feelings I had and cry while putting myself in Souta's shoes."
◇He also has a stoic side when it comes to acting. "Tomorrow I'll make up for today and get 120 points!"
Yu-kun's motivation for jumping into the world of showbiz was his older sister, who had been active before him. From a young age, he would regularly watch his sister practice acting, and sometimes accompanied her to lessons, so the hurdle of acting was not high for Yu-kun. At that time, he received an invitation from his sister's agency. Yu-kun says that being able to take on the same world as his beloved older sister was the greatest joy of all.
Yu-kun, who is such a carefree guy, also has a very stoic side when it comes to acting. When he wasn't able to act the way he wanted to or when he had a frustrating experience on set, he would return home and express his regrets. When listening to him, it seems he understands most things and also knows the answer to what he needs to do to make the most of what he learned next time.
His parents smile and say, "He declares, 'Tomorrow I'll make up for today and get 120 points!' and heads to the set the next day. Even as a parent, we learn a lot from seeing such a positive attitude."
◇ With the words "It's real!", Souta's expression instantly changes.
Once filming began, his expression changed completely. He listened intently to the instructions of the director and staff, not missing a single word, and showed an ability to read the mood that was hard to believe for a five-year-old.
"The director and staff are talking to him at eye level, so I think he is listening intently so as not to miss a single word. At first glance it may seem like he's really listening, but even as a parent, I can clearly see that he is thinking deeply about what he should do, and trying to read and sense the atmosphere on set, even though he is young."
Even though there are moments when he seems completely nonchalant and doesn't seem nervous at all, the moment the "It's time for real!" voice is heard, he switches completely. "At that moment, the atmosphere changes completely. You can feel him switch from the spoiled, mischievous Yu he is with his family to Souta's facial expression in an instant," his parents say, giving their stamp of approval to Yu's professionalism.
◇ Yu's parents see his growth
As the filming progressed, his parents realized that Yu had grown significantly mentally.
"I think the biggest growth for me has been the ability to be considerate and imagine how the other person is feeling. Through the script, I've learned about the subtleties of the human heart, and in my daily life, I've had many more opportunities to be considerate of those around me, so I think appearing in the drama has really helped me grow. I also think that through this work I've gained the mental strength to take on challenges without fear of failure, and to set my own goals and try to overcome them."
Yu-kun, who actually watched the broadcast, was not only moved by his own acting, but also drawn into the world of the story. When asked about his dreams for the future, he answered with confidence, "I want to continue working as an actor!"
