Ai Mikami and Juri Kosaka , the co-starring actors in the 2026 Asadora season's morning drama series "Kaze,Kaoru " (NHK General, Monday-Saturday 8:00 AM, etc.), which starts on March 30th, spoke to the actors about their impressions of each other and their current feelings as the broadcast approaches, now that about six months have passed since filming began.
◇One thing we feel we have in common is that "we're both bad at cleaning."
" Kaze,Kaoru" is a buddy drama set in the Meiji era, centering on two trained nurses, Chika Ozeki and Masa Suzuki. The two graduates of the same nursing school struggle with how to interact with patients and doctors, clashing and growing together, eventually becoming the "ultimate buddy duo." Rin Ichinose is played by Mikami, and Naomi Oya is played by Uesaka.
--You play the main character who is striving to become a nurse. What are your impressions of the role, and what do you keep in mind when acting?
Mikami: The character I play, Ichinose Rin, is a very lovable woman who is straightforward, kind, and a little clumsy at times. I want to carefully portray the balance between her strengths and weaknesses.
Uesaka: The character I play, Naomi Oya, is very human and has a strong desire to live. She's a cool woman with the strength to do anything to survive, even if it means sacrificing her pride. In playing Naomi, I've been conscious of her mannerisms and posture, and the mannerism coach advised me that instead of just sitting there, it would be okay for Naomi to cross her legs, or that she could be a bit more casual. I think that's how the character of Naomi is getting deeper and deeper.
--What were your first impressions of each other?
Mikami: The first time I met her was on the day of the press conference where she was announced to play the role of Naomi. She had such a pure and transparent aura that I got the impression she hadn't been influenced by anything. I thought it would be a great blessing to be able to watch Juri-chan become immersed in the character of Naomi, and I felt that beneath her gentle demeanor, there was a strong core, and that strength was something that resonated with Naomi.
Uesaka: I was so nervous that I don't really remember much of the press conference. I tend to get nervous easily, but when I'm with Mikami-san, I can relax, or rather, I can naturally let go of the tension in my shoulders. Just having her next to me is very reassuring. When I first met her, I thought she was really like sunshine.
--After about six months of filming, what are your current impressions of each other?
Mikami-san: When filming started, we didn't have any scenes together, so I was really looking forward to meeting Naomi. When I faced off against her as Rin and Naomi, I had this feeling that "Naomi is here!" Juri-chan says she's "very nervous" at press conferences and interviews, but seeing her always articulate such wonderful words, I think she's incredibly reliable.
Uesaka: Mikami-san is very observant of those around her on set, which is something she has in common with Rin. She has the ability to draw everyone in and is kind, but she also has a strength that makes you think, "I want to follow her!" We still have six months of filming to go, but I feel truly fortunate to be able to work with her as Rin and Naomi for such a long time.
--You play "buddies" who are both aiming for a career in nursing. Do you feel that you have anything in common with each other?
Mikami: We're similar in that we're both bad at cleaning (laughs). We also have similar tastes in food, and we can fall asleep anywhere right away (laughs).
Uesaka: That's right. There are a lot of things I can relate to. I forgot my toothbrush today. I went to the convenience store to buy one, and just as I was coming back, I happened to run into Mikami-san, and we had bought the same toothbrush (laughs).
Mikami-san: When I asked her, "What did you buy?", she replied, "A toothbrush." I had bought the same toothbrush, so we brushed our teeth together. I thought it was unusual for Juri-chan to forget her toothbrush, since she never usually does, and I thought the same about myself (laughs).
◇What do you keep in mind when acting?
--The main character of a Asadora is often talked about for his busy schedule. Could you tell us what motivates you to get through the daily filming?
Mikami: Once filming begins, I spend more time with everyone on set than at home, so I think it's important to make sure everyone feels comfortable during that time on set. The staff and cast members are also thinking about how to make everyone feel good, so I'm able to approach filming with a very calm mind. Also, I'm the type of person who can fall asleep easily, so even a 5 or 10 minute nap during breaks makes me feel really energized (laughs).
Uesaka: The moment I receive the script for the new week is a great source of motivation for me. Not only in terms of playing this role, but I'm also eager to find out what happens next. Also, there are many times when I feel the kindness of the staff. They made seats for Mikami-san and me in the waiting room (the waiting area in front of the studio), and before I knew it, there were two small sweets on the table... During the Hina Matsuri (Girls' Festival), there was a little Hina doll decoration in the corner of the studio, and I feel the kindness of everyone on the "Kaze,Kaoru" team in things like that, and I'm comforted by their warmth every day.
--It's been about six months since filming began, and you both say, "We might be spending more time as our characters than as ourselves." You portray the life of one person over a long period of time, so could you tell us what you keep in mind when acting?
Mikami: Speaking from my own experience, when I appeared in the historical drama "Dear Radiance (Hikaru Kimi e)," the character I played was 11 years old when she first appeared. At the time, I was 23, but I played a character who went from 11 years old to having a child and becoming a mother... and that's when I experienced firsthand how difficult it is to portray one person's life over such a long period. In the filming of "Kaze,Kaoru," I haven't yet played a character with a significant age change, but I think there will be changes such as meeting Naomi, having a child, and various other experiences that lead to the emergence of new values. So I'm trying to act in a way that allows the character to grow naturally without overdoing the changes that come with them, but it's still difficult... I'm still struggling with it while filming.
Uesaka: This is the first time I've played the same role for such a long time, so I'm still struggling with it. Just the other day, some time had passed (in the story), so I tried acting as if I was thinking, "Naomi must be like this now," but the director and the movement coach told me, "You're too composed, so bring back a bit more tension" (laughs). I was putting too much effort into it... I really felt how difficult it is to find that balance. I realized the importance of going back to basics and thoroughly reading the script. Right now I'm rereading the script for the first week, and I think there are parts that will remain the same, so I want to cherish those parts and continue to carefully and diligently engage with the role.
--Finally, with the broadcast just around the corner, could you please share your current feelings and a message for the viewers?
Mikami-san: I think it's very rare to have a show that airs for 15 minutes in the morning, five days a week for six months, outside of Asadora, so I feel that this experience is incredibly valuable. Morning time is very important, and I think how you spend your mornings can change how your whole day turns out. I would be happy if "Kaze,Kaoru" could add some color to the mornings of everyone who chooses to watch this 15-minute drama during that important time.
Uesaka: At the first press conference, I said that I hoped to grow together with Naomi Oya, and I still cherish that feeling, so I hope to continue working hard hand in hand with the character. Watching the Asadora before going to school was a part of my daily routine. I feel truly honored to be a part of a work that has been loved by so many people for so long. I'm very nervous, but it's a story that people of all generations can enjoy, so I would be happy if I could give viewers a little push or deliver a warm and gentle breeze.
