Taiga Kyomoto, one of the members of SixTONES has taken on the staring role in the TV Asahi drama 霊験お初～震える岩 (Reigen Ohatsu ~ Furueru Iwa).

Based on Miyuki Miyabe‘s novel of the same name, in the first live-action adaptation of her work. The historical fiction piece also stars Mone Kamishiraishi and mixes elements of historical fiction with elements of supernatural and horror.

Thanks to Dumpling Box, I was able to get my hands on a translation of Kyomoto’s comments about staring in the drama.

Please tell us how you felt when you received the offer.

It had been a long time since I had done a period drama, and I didn’t have much experience in that genre to begin with, so at first, I was a bit hesitant. However, when I read the script, I was immediately drawn in by the lively pacing and the juxtaposition of tense and scary scenes that sent shivers down my spine. I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation about what would happen if this were brought to life, and I was looking forward to the filming.

What kind of person is your character, “Ukyunosuke”?

First of all, I felt a connection because the character’s name contains the kanji character “Kyō,” (京) which is part of my last name (京本). Ukyunosuke is a role of a young assistant constable, and he is a bit clumsy, shy, and has a natural airhead quality. 

In the beginning, he is portrayed as a completely unreliable character. However, he actually has a hidden charm, and as the story progresses, that charm starts to emerge. 

Furthermore, Ukyunosuke has a significant past with a major scar, and as it becomes linked to the story, it becomes more and more interesting. I would be delighted if you could look forward to Ukyunosuke‘s background as well.

I am actually 29 years old, which is a 10-year age difference from the 19-year-old Ukyunosuke. However, since I am often seen as younger than my actual age, I didn’t think too much about it and just tried to live this character of Ukyunosuke sincerely, thinking that the charm of the role would come out.

You play the role of a “herbivorous” type, how do you feel about portraying that?

There are quite a few frustrating roles like the herbivorous type. As for myself, if I’m asked whether I’m herbivorous or carnivorous… I’m not sure! I’m quite straightforward and not particularly shy, so I enjoy the contrast between Ukyunosuke and myself and portray it that way.

Please tell us your impression of Mone Kamishiraishi, with whom you’re co-starring with.

I have had many opportunities to appear in musicals, and I had the impression that Kamishiraishi-san had also challenged herself in musicals, so I assumed that we would meet someday on that kind of stage. Therefore, our first collaboration like this in such an unexpected way was a big surprise. Kamishiraishi-san has a personality that envelops the set with warmth, so I had a fun time filming every day.

What do you think the relationship between Ohatsu and Ukyunosuke is like?

Although the two have different social statuses, they gradually build a comfortable relationship based on mutual trust and a bond that grows over time. I have a feeling that Ukyunosuke will eventually be at Ohatsu’s beck and call, creating a power balance that makes you anticipate it (laughs). I hope that viewers will find them cute and heartwarming. They have a buddy dynamic similar to Holmes and Watson.

Please leave a message to the viewers!

This work not only depicts the relationship between Ohatsu and Ukyunosuke but also explores parent-child relationships and marital relationships. It also incorporates elements of horror and mystery, making it a truly rich and diverse work. I hope that viewers of all ages will enjoy it. If you can watch this work and feel various emotions and use it as energy for the next day, I would be very happy.

The series will start airing on 4 May at 2100 JST.

More SixTONES soon so…

Stay Tuned!