Kasumi Arimura appears in the TBS Sunday drama "GIFT" (Sundays at 9 PM), starring actor Shinichi Tsutsumi. She plays Hitoka Kiriyama, a magazine journalist who becomes deeply involved with wheelchair rugby and the "Blaze Bulls" through her reporting. We asked Arimura about what she keeps in mind when playing Hitoka and what she felt on set.
◇Playing the role of Hitoka, I feel I've grown over the past 12 years.
The drama follows Wu Tetsuya, a genius astrophysicist played by Tsutsumi, as he solves difficult problems facing the underdog team "Blaze Bulls" from his unique perspective. It's a story of redemption where the team, friends, and family reconnect.
--Hitoka is a character who usually acts cheerful as if to escape from past trauma. Are there any particular things you do to make the character more interesting, such as facial expressions or turns of voice?
In many scenes, Hitoka's character responds to Wu Tie's story by asking, "Why is that?", and the story unfolds from there. For example, when the same line, "Amazing," is said multiple times, I try to figure out how to convey emotion and give a different reaction each time.
Regarding the trauma she carries, I wanted her to be a character where the cheerfulness she usually shows and the darker side she harbors inside intertwine as the story progresses. I didn't want her to be a character that was too dark, so I didn't focus on that too much, and instead discussed it with the director to adjust how to portray that darker side.
--You've taken on a variety of roles before, but in playing Hitoka, were there any new challenges, discoveries, or aspects you found difficult?
About 12 years ago, I had the opportunity to work on a TV drama series called "Even If You're Weak, You Can Win" (Nippon Television Network, aired in 2014), where I played the manager of a weak baseball team. Since then, I've had various experiences, and this time, I've been involved in a story where everyone grows together towards a common goal. Looking back, I've realized things I couldn't do technically back then, and it was a new discovery for me to understand things like, "Oh, so that's what that was all about."
--Compared to 12 years ago, in what specific areas have you felt you have grown or changed?
Back then, I was so preoccupied with thinking about my own role that I didn't have many opportunities to talk in depth with the other cast members. Now, I'm able to sense what the director is looking for and many other things, so I feel that I've changed in that respect.
◇The filming location was "very lively."
--What is the atmosphere like on set?
It's a very lively atmosphere, like everyone from different generations is together. On the other hand, when we see the younger cast members looking very frustrated because they couldn't express what they wanted to, we watch over them with people like Yamada (Yuki), who plays Ryo, saying, "We all went through a time like that too, didn't we?" It's also a set where we feel those kinds of pure emotions.
Also, having thoughtful people like Nobosemon Nabe (who plays Kazunobu Kubota) around who always brighten up the set and liven things up gives me a lot of inspiration outside of filming.
--You've actually watched wheelchair rugby matches, and through filming, you've deepened your understanding of the sport. Were there any inspirations or influences you received from that experience?
It's not that there's any difference based on whether someone has a disability or not; rather, there are many people who started playing wheelchair rugby because they were captivated by it and had their own beliefs. I could feel the strength of that passion when I saw people like Yasushi Mineshima, who actually helped with coaching. I've received a lot of courage from them.
--Are there any scenes from episodes 1 and 2 that stand out in your memory, or any scenes that you would like viewers to watch again?
I highly recommend rewatching the confrontation scene between Ryo and Keijiro (Honda Kyoya) in episode 2. The introduction of Keijiro, a sharp and exciting character, and his challenge to Ryo for the ace position, was one of the major highlights of the story's opening.
--From episode 3 onwards, attention will likely be focused on the relationship between Hitoka and the Bulls players.
I'd also like you to pay attention to the relationship between Hitoka and Keijiro. Hitoka is strongly encouraged by Keijiro's relentless and powerful determination to move forward, so I think he will become a key person in her life.
--What are the highlights from episode 3 onwards?
Episode 3 is a crucial episode that marks the beginning of a gradual change in the hearts of everyone on the Bulls team. It's an episode that hints at new developments to come, showing how everyone takes Wutetsu's words to heart and how they change with the introduction of a new character, Keijiro.
I also hope you'll pay attention to the details of each character. The cast members have really put a lot of thought into even the smallest details, and those elements are scattered throughout the film, so I would be happy if you would take the time to look for them.
