Ayami Nakajo appears in the TBS Friday drama "Takusari Brothers" (Fridays at 10 PM). She plays Shiori Miyato, a detective who partners with Makoto Takusari (Masaki Okada). We asked Nakajo about the behind-the-scenes aspects of her character preparation and what she felt on set.
◇ "I've always wanted to appear in a drama produced by Arai-P."
The drama follows Detective Makoto and Medical Examiner Minoru (Shota Sometani) 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.
--What were your thoughts when you received the offer to appear in this film?
Many of the dramas produced by Junko Arai have strong mystery elements, and I've always thought, "I'd like to be in one someday," so I was very happy. When I read the script, I found that the more the story progressed, the deeper the mystery became, which I thought was very interesting.
Along with the excitement of participating, I also felt pressure about whether I could handle this role and whether I could perform it without ruining this wonderful work.
--What kind of person is Shiori Miyato?
Shiori didn't have a particularly easy upbringing; her father left, and her mother was what you might call a toxic parent. Yet, she became a police officer and is striving to live an honest life. I'm playing her as a strong and admirable woman who doesn't blame fate or the past, but takes responsibility for her own life.
In terms of being a "cool woman," there are similarities to Tsubaki Kashiwakura (the president of a mail-order company) that I played in "Jaa, Anta ga Tsukutte Miro yo It" (aired in 2025), but the characters are completely different. Since we started filming without much time passing after the previous work ended, I was initially confused by the gap and found it difficult.
Since we were filming multiple episodes simultaneously, I reread the script many times to solidify the character. Shiori is not only strong but also serious, which I think makes her well-suited to being a detective. She also has a rebellious spirit and a hunger for success, wanting to climb the corporate ladder.
What I can relate to is her strong sense of justice. I myself am the type who thinks, "I'll take responsibility," so I think we're similar in that respect. However, Shiori is more serious and sensitive, so I'm finding it difficult to portray that balance.
--Were there any requests from the director or producer regarding your performance?
Because of Shiori's background, for a while after we started filming, people were saying she was "too gloomy." It's true that her background is heavy, but she's not always a gloomy person. I was asked to show that she switches on when she's working and that it's important to clearly show the difference between her work and off-duty time. Since Shiori doesn't have much time off, I consciously try to portray that "off-duty" feeling in the scenes where she's talking to Makoto or with Haruko (Ashikaga, played by Haruka Igawa).
--This is your first time playing a detective. What kind of preparation did you do?
I researched various aspects of police conduct and legal knowledge. I figured that a detective like Shiori would have a lot of knowledge, so regardless of whether I myself can remember everything (laughs), I thought that just knowing, for example, "this kind of incident results in this kind of punishment," might change my perspective. Regarding conduct, I spoke with a police consultant who taught me realistic details such as what to look at at a crime scene and how to interact with a suspect.
◇ Masaki Okada& Shota Sometani are "mood makers"
--Mr. Okada, what are your impressions of Mr. Someya?
People often say I'm "unusual," but they're just as unique (laughs), and they're really interesting people.
Perhaps because they've worked together before, the two of them get along like real brothers, and it's always fun to watch them chatting and having a good time. Plus, the way they look at me is just like a grandfather (laughs). Even when I'm just standing there, they'll kindly say, "You look good," and treat me like their grandchild. Thanks to them, the atmosphere on set is very comfortable, and I think they're both great mood-makers.
--The violent crimes division also includes Goro Kaito Miyachika, who plays detective Naoki Ishizaka. What are your impressions of them?
Both of them are very unique and charming. Perhaps it's because I'm seeing them in their roles, but Kishitani-san really looks like Koike and Miyachika-san looks like Ishizaka; their respective characters are very well-defined.
Mr. Kishitani is like a father figure who watches over the entire filming set, and he's a reliable person who always gives accurate advice.
At first, I couldn't really get to know Miyachika-san, but as filming progressed, we started improvising more, and now we're both the younger members and get teased together.
--What was it like actually participating in a project produced by Producer Arai?
Producer Arai often comes to watch the filming, which creates a sense of unity and a family-like atmosphere. I feel that everyone is working together as one to create this film.
This is the first time we've filmed with cameras rolling from the rehearsal stage, and I feel like there's a constant sense of tension, just like the real thing, which naturally heightens my concentration on set. Everyone is serious from the start, creating a unique atmosphere, like a gathering of true professionals. The feeling of the atmosphere becoming more focused from filming the rehearsal was also a refreshing experience.
-- Do you have a message for our viewers?
Filming is progressing in a very positive atmosphere. Mr. Okada, Mr. Someya, and all the other cast and crew members are working together with the goal of creating a great film.
The story begins with Makoto and his partner having only been together for three weeks. Initially, Makoto seems unmotivated, but the story depicts his gradual engagement with the cases and the evolving trust between them. I hope you'll pay attention to the process of the team at the Qingwei Police Station solving various cases and the developments that follow. From here on, the mystery deepens, and a thrilling, fast-paced mystery unfolds, so I hope you'll enjoy the individual charms of each character.
