Back in July, it was announced that Abe Hiroshi, Yamaguchi Tomoko, and Miyazaki Aoi are starring in an upcoming fall family drama, which has recently been given the title 'Going My Home' (Fuji TV).

Yamaguchi hasn't appeared in dramas for 16 years, and Miyazaki's last appearance in a non-satellite drama was also more than a decade ago. Moreover, the drama's original story, script, and direction is handled by famed director Koreeda Hirokazu ('Kiseki', 'Air Doll').

Abe and Yamaguchi recently gave an interview and discussed the director as well as their thoughts about the drama.

Abe commented, "What kind of drama would someone like Director Koreeda want to create? He and I have actually talked about this many times prior to the filming. He's seeking to entertain by showing things that aren't like what they seem. I couldn't really imagine what he meant, but it sure sounded interesting. As a director, he always thinks about the actors first. He's attentively listening to every idea you have and always makes time for you if you need to discuss something with him. As an actor, you can just follow him and never lose your way."

He added, "So, I think there is no need for me to prepare for the role (laughs), since the director is doing all the work for me. I find the way he's working interesting, as he naturally makes the�territory�for each role."

He continued, "The script was written really well, so I think it would be good if I just stick with how I feel at the time. If I try too hard to work on the character, I end up straining my attention, so it's better to take it naturally. When you create something and put all your energy into it, you might be able to create something you can be proud of in the future and not only at the moment when it's done. I think this is going to become a very well thought out drama, while also overthrowing the unspoken agreement and rules of drama productions."

Yamaguchi seems to agree with most of his points: "When I first received the offer, I read the script, and was impressed how fun it was. I was raised as a child sitting in front of the TV and watching countless family dramas, and I have to say: I'm dying to watch this drama. And even moreso, I want to participate in it. The pure pleasure to really be able to participate in this defies any logic. This drama is so interesting, even I myself can't wait to watch it on TV!"

She added, "I'm allowed to tackle this drama without having to worry about anything. Whenever I happen to worry about something, I can always consult the director, and he always gives me an answer right away. That's the kind of director he is."

They also revealed their impressions of one another. Abe said, "Yamaguchi is probably more manly than most men. The woman she's portraying couldn't be a nicer and more loving person, which is exactly how she's in real life." She returned the favor, and replied, "I'm falling for him every time I meet him! I truly love him!" The actor became all bashful after her comment.

'Going My Home' is Koreeda's first drama project and features a very deep, refreshing story that depicts the humor, warmth, and grieving heart of each character. Koreeda wrote the script and is handling the directing alone. He already surprised the staff by using a real mansion instead of a studio set to film the scenes set at the home of the protagonist's family. It made it more difficult to film, but he wanted those home scenes to feel as real as possible. Moreover, he was able to cast an exceptional ensemble of actors, and with the great story, it's one of the top candidates to become the drama everyone is going to talk about during the fall season.

Abe and actor Nishida Toshiyuki recently filmed a teaser for the drama. This unique teaser is set inside the dental clinic of Nishida's character. In addition to their script, they both are said to have had a lot of fun making up stuff that fit the setting. Check it out below!

Fuji TV will air the first episode, which will have an extended runtime of two hours, on October 9th.



Sources: Dogatch, KTV