"HERO" Interview: Kitagawa Keiko who plays Asagi Chika
With a clear distinction between black and white,
she's the type who pushes ahead with a sense of straight-forwardness
when she thinks of something.
Q: What were your thoughts when it was decided that you were going to act in "HERO"?
A: I was absolutely shocked. It was already shocking that "HERO" would get a sequel 13 years later, and on top of that, I was the heroine. Every time I get the chance to be in a big production, I always feel shocked, but it's never been a feeling that lasted until the time of the actual filming. However, this time, even after we began, I was still in shock (LOL). The set that I've seen on television (Josai Branch), in that set, Kuryu-san and I exist. When I checked the monitor [1], it felt like a trick. I was in middle school when I watched the first series, and to think that I am now in that same series, the feeling of surrealism lasted even until the filming of the first episode was over. Also, this was a Getsu9 [2] drama, which is aired only four times a year, and on top of that, the chance to act as Kimura Takuya-san's partner is a rare opportunity. I think, every actress, no matter who they are, this is something that we never stop yearning for. For that to become a reality, and furthermore, it's "HERO". That "sense of wonderment"; it is a feeling that grows within me even as I am filming the drama.
Q: The "shock" that you felt, was it pressure?
A: It was only "enthusiasm/enjoyment". But, right after that, I had an interview and was asked, "In the previous series, the heroine was Matsu (Takako)-san; do you feel any pressure?", and for the first time, I thought, "When you put it that way, it is a pressure?', and that was the extent of how little pressure I felt (LOL). Seriously, I'm just really happy that I get to co-star with Kimura-san again after "Tsuki no Koibito" four years ago. At that time, I wasn't in the role of Kimura-san's partner, and I thought, "One day, I want to act as Kimura-san's partner"; when that dream was realized, the joy I felt was immense.
Q: This time, your role of Chika, what kind of character is she?
A: At the core, Chika is someone who has a clear distinction of black and white; I think she is a character who doesn't have "greyness". With a personality that's straight like a bamboo shoot, she's the type who straight-forwardly pushes ahead when she thinks of something. Passionate and kind, and to sum it up, she is someone who has a sense of seriousness/earnestness. She has lines where she expresses her non-attachment to her job as an administrative officer, but she is probably a woman who will work hard no matter what type of job she does.
Q: What is the difference between her and Kuryuu's previous administrative officer, Amamiya Maiko?
A: She is a completely different character. Firstly, Amamiya-san is closer to Kuryuu-san in terms of age, so there is room there for a love that goes beyond friendship to grow. Between Kuryuu-san and Chika, there is an age gap; in that sense, there is also a difference there. There are many who have watched the previous series and think, "Kuryuu-san's administrative officer is Amamiya", and actually, I am one of them (LOL). That's why, even from the get go, I never thought of surpassing Amamiya-san in Chika's relationship with Kuryuu-san. But, the reality is, the pairing of the prosecutor and the administrative officer will never be the same people forever. And, that's why, with this new combination of Kuryuu-san and Chika, I think it is good to just enjoy their relationship as something that is "interesting in its own right".
Q: So, what about the romance between Kuryuu and Chika?
A: I've touched on it a little previously, but for me, and the fans of the previous series, there is the feeling of Kuryuu-san's romantic partner is Amamiya-san. For Chika, more than romance, I think her admiration for Kuryuu-san as a senior in life will grow stronger. Also, even if Chika really fell in love with him, there is the feeling of what about Kuryuu-san? If something happens between Kuryuu-san and Chika, I think Amamiya-san wouldn't stay silent about it (LOL).
Q: Once again, what is your impression of Kimura-san?
A: As expected, he is an amazing person. Normally, because the lead actor/actress has a lot of screentime, even when you go home, there are all kinds of preparations, like memorizing your lines, and it gets really tough; inevitably, you have less time to sleep and naturally, you lose your freedom/time/composure. Because of this, during filming, it's hard to think of anyone, but yourself. When I was given the chance to become a lead actress, this was something I tended to do. But, Kimura-san, when he is with us on the set, all his lines are already in his head, and nobody has ever seen him with his script. While acting, he doesn't make NGs [3]. On top of that, not only is he sensitive to the feelings of the actors around him, he also takes care with the feelings of the staff. I should be supporting Kimura-san; instead, in reverse, it is he who pulls me along. It might actually be kind of similar to the relationship between Chika and Kuryuu-san.
Q: Well then, what do you think is "HERO"'s charm?
A: It is something that I thought even while watching the previous series, but it is the relationships between people and the detailed characterization of every single character who appears onscreen. Because the stage is a public prosecutor's office, the stories revolve around the cases that are handled, but the actual focus of the drama is on the people working in the office. That's why, even though it is based on public prosecutors and their administrative officers, it has a concept that would connect to anyone no matter the type of work place they are in. It's something like, "a group of people who have gathered to work". Salary men and OLs [4], the moment someone steps out of their office, they have their own lives. I feel that that is kind of what the drama portrays. This time, the cast has changed, but I reiterate my point. We are also acting out the complexities of these human relationships, so I would love it if people could watch for that.
Q: Lastly, a message for the audience.
A: I am confident that this is a production which will satisfy both the fans of the previous "HERO" and people who are watching it for the first time. I think that it will become an opportunity for adults to think once again of questions like, "What does a HERO mean to me?" and "What is a HERO?", and also for the children, it can become a link between their admiration of a HERO to their future dreams, so please do watch it!
Source: http://www.fujitv.co.jp/HERO/interview/interview_02.html
Notes:
[1] This is something that is usually done once a scene has been filmed. Actors/Actresses (along with the director and staff) watch a replay of the scene on a monitor to check their performance.
[2] "Getsu9". Also known as "Getsuku" or "Gekku", and it is a term used to refer to the Monday 9.00pm - 10.00pm time slot, which is considered to be the most prestigious time slot for Fuji TV dramas.
[3] "NG". An abbreviation for the term "No Good", which literally refers to mistakes that actors/actresses make when they are filming a scene.
[4] "OL". An abbreviation for "office lady", which refers to women who work 9-to-5 jobs in offices.