Translation of an interview to Ichika for TV Life, published on the 6th! Enjoy getting to know Ichika a bit more!
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Q: What did you keep in mind in portraying a character adapted from an existing work?
I was very conscious about staying true to the character. Of course, a change in approach was needed in order to adapt the character first into a script and then in footage, but that’s one of the unique aspects of dramas, after all. However, if the core aspects of the character waver, everything turns into something completely different. So, I was very strict about that, and kept reading the novel and the script over and over again while acting. The novel contains very detailed depictions of Kotoha’s expressions and mannerisms, so I highlighted those parts to make sure I didn’t forget them and could incorporate them into my performance.
Q: What was the most challenging part of playing Kotoha?
To be honest, everything was difficult. Kotoha is someone who carries trauma, and I had a very hard time determining how much to hint at that with my acting. If I overemphasized it, I feared she might come across as some sort of attention seeker, and that would completely miss the point of the character. On the other hand, if I downplayed it too much, she could appear to be just shallow. I wanted to avoid both extremes, so I discussed this at length with the director. We created the character of Kotoha together, regulating these nuances, like “This should be a bit darker” or “Let’s do this part more lightly”. Another thing I paid close attention to was my eye placement. When checking the screen, I felt like even a slight difference was crucial in what was conveyed and how it would be perceived, so I reviewed the footage with my manager every single day, fine-tuning my eye placement in every scene.
Q: This was your first time working with director Yuuka Eda. How was it?
It was a lot of fun. I relied on her a lot and had the opportunity to discuss various things with her. Even outside of filming, we would chat for like an hour and a half during breaks. I’m known for being extremely talkative, but director Eda likes to talk just as much (laughs). I often feel bad when I talk with other people, because I usually end up being the one talking most of the time, but when talking with director Eda, I felt like I was also listening to her (laughs). The balance in our conversations felt really pleasant.
Q: You must have a very busy schedule. How do you usually spend your private time?
I’m a night person. I barely move at all during the day, and I always sleep in late on my days off. If I need to read a script I will wake up around noon, but normally I don’t start doing anything until nighttime!
Q: That’s quite surprising! I thought you were the sort of person who’s active in the morning.
Not at all! (laughs). My energy switch doesn’t turn on before dark, so I don’t go out to have lunches or anything like that.
Q: Filming often starts early in the morning, though, right?
I have no issues with waking up early, when it’s about work. In my personal life, I don’t move unless there's something I really want to do. But I love work (acting) more than anything, and when it comes to what I like, there’s no struggle I can’t overcome!
Q: In the print interview, you mentioned that you have in common with Kotoha being determined and intentional in your actions. Do you ever struggle with being swayed by others, or losing your sense of direction?
There are times in which I am concerned about other people’s opinions, but I always give priority to how I want to behave, what I want to do, and what I like. That’s the ultimate standard I follow whenever I have to make decisions.
Q: Does that apply to your work as well?
I would say so. I’ve always been very black and white when it comes to my likes and dislikes, but when I was in high school, as well as when I had just started acting, I used to feel a sense of discomfort I couldn’t find a reason or cause for. It’s really just recently that I’ve realized the importance of thinking about what I truly want to do, and I believe it’s something that I could only get to thanks to my past experiences.
Q: Has there been a specific turning point that led to that?
I believe it’s simply the result of facing my work head-on every single day.
Q: Even though you love your job so much, has it ever happened that you felt like a role just wasn’t right for you?
I’ve never thought, “I don’t want to play this role”, not even once. But there have been times, getting into character, when I felt “Ah, I really don’t want to say this line”. When that happens, instead of trying to impose my opinion, I’d talk with the director and cast, maybe asking “Does this line really fit the character?”, we’d share views and, ultimately, if I’m satisfied with what we get to, I end up going along with it and saying the line. I’m the type that needs to feel fully convinced, which I guess means I might be a bit stubborn.
Q: Can you share a memorable moment from filming?
That would be getting in the sea in the middle of winter. It was extremely cold that day and, quite surprisingly, it felt much warmer closer to the water. So much so that when the scene was over, I didn’t want to go back up (laughs).
Q: The drama is a girls love story. What is something you’ve been in love with recently?
Orcas! I’m in love with orcas!
Q: How did you end up falling in love with orcas?
I happened to watch a video of them, and it sent a shockwave right through me!
Q: So it was love at first sight?
It was, yeah! I was watching the video while taking a bath, and my heart started racing. That’s when I thought, “Oh, I think I’m in love with orcas!” (laughs). Since then, I’ve been researching their behavior, watching videos of them hunting and eating. I’m accumulating a lot of knowledge about them!
Q: What do you find most captivating about orcas?
The first thing would be the way they look! They’re also incredibly intelligent, and just watching them is enough to soothe me. I mean, I find everything about them super captivating (laughs).
Q: Have you gotten a chance to see an orca when you went to film in the aquarium?
I was hoping I would, but there were no orcas, unfortunately. I’d love to see one in the wild someday, so once my work schedule calms down, I’m thinking of going to Hokkaido to see them in their natural habitat!
Bonus - Q&A From This Clip
Since the first question is just her introduction, let's move on to the second!
2. What’s your charm point?
She says it might be her dimples. She often receives compliments about them (of course you do, Ichika! They're adorableeeee!).
3. What’s
your phone wallpaper?
It’s a HUNTER x HUNTER character she likes, called Hisoka (it’s this one. I know nothing about this manga/anime so I have no idea what kind of character it is, but he looks...unique lol).
4. What’s
one thing that you always end up buying in a convenience store?
Jelly drinks, because she gets hungry quite often.
5. What’s
your favorite side dish?
Cold roe! She basically doesn’t buy any other side dish.
6. What did
you have for dinner last night?
She ate octopus! (she’s indeed the Seafood Princess).
7. If you had
to compare yourself to an animal, what would it be?
She thinks she’d be either a dog, or a cat.
8. What’s
the thing you want to do the most right now?
She wants to go and see orcas!
The 9th question just asks her to show a super cute expression.
10. What
are the highlights of Call Me by No Name?
She says the beautiful visuals and the subtlety of the story!
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