Original Link: https://www.bs-log.com/20200527_1408192/
Published: 2020/5/27
Features:
Takeuchi Shunsuke (Saionji Fuji in Oresama Residence)
Saito Soma (Saionji Gen in Oresama Residence)
※Only the Shunsuke+Soma interview has been translated in this post. I haven’t listened to this drama CD yet so I’m not sure if the new character’s name is pronounced Mikado or Tei (or something else). I’ll use Mikado for now and change it later if need be.
Q: What were your impressions after reading the script for the prequel story?
Shunsuke: Mahiro had a strong impact. I was also surprised that we got imprisoned. *laughs*
Soma: The story had Mahiro’s dangerous plan progressing, another new antagonist named Mikado, and the six men building a stronger bond. It really felt like the “twist” part of the classic narrative structure.
Q: Your characters had many dialogues. Were there any scenes that particularly stood out to you from the prequel story?
Soma: The conversation with Miori. I think he’s the type of person that doesn’t express his emotions in an easy-to-understand way, so I was glad that Gen was the one who got to hear his true feelings. I was truly impressed by their scene.
The scene where he flares up at Mikado was also memorable. Also, who would’ve thought the day would come when Gen would pat Miori’s head? I can’t believe they’ve come so far *laughs*. This was the first time Gen showed that he could accept people outside of his family, so I was glad to see his growth. Miori also came a long way and can say how he truly feels now, and as someone who was involved with that, it left an impression on me.
Shunsuke: Gen might be the character who’s made the most rapid growth. It’s like he’s become a man. I think Fuji’s direction has changed a bit…
Soma: It’s like he’s changing in a way that makes him more stable.
Shunsuke: Yeah, Fuji’s become a good guy too. *laughs*
Soma: His bad nature is mostly gone now. *laughs*
Shunsuke: I don’t think the past Fuji was liked because he rubbed people the wrong way, but he did have a persuasive power to his words, making you think that he was correct. Now people listen to his opinion because of who he is, not just because he’s the oldest son or because he’s so amazing. I’m glad that he can show his cooperative side now.
Soma: Even if he says “Because I’m Saionji Fuji-sama!”, they accept it for what it is *laughs*. At first it was more like “Shut up, Fuji-kun,” but now they can nod in agreement.
Q: The characters all have wildly different characteristics. Did you have a favourite character in the story this time?
Shunsuke: I’d say Mahiro. I liked how he was presented. I can’t say he has an attractive personality, but I don’t think there are many people who have his kind of love and whose feelings are that hard to read. It’s like he personifies what happens when one becomes pure. The story revolves around him desperately trying to save people who can’t save themselves, showing the most beautiful aspect of humanity. It really left an impression on me.
Soma: I think that Mahiro himself wanted to be released from his own desires, futility, life, fate, and his younger sister. Even though he made it to England this time, it seemed like he was wishing for his own destruction in another way… I think those who listened to the drama CD will understand.
Every character had their chance in the spotlight this time, but since the story was about Mahiro’s life, he left the biggest impression on me. It was saddening to watch him set his heart on the path to destruction.
Q: Please give us a message for the customers who’ll be buying this CD, based on the highlights of the prequel story.
Shunsuke: This is the third volume of a long-running series, so I think it’s extremely satisfying to hear how the Saionjis’ and the Arisugawas’ circumstances cross over all at once. I also think it’ll be fun to speculate on just what kind of man Mahiro is as we head towards the next volume. Please focus your attention on Mahiro.
Soma: Thank you for always supporting Samareji. When you listen to this CD, I’m sure your first thought will be “I want to listen to the last volume now!”, but please look back on all of the past volumes and imagine what the conclusion might be while you wait.
Personally, I think that Samareji as a whole is doing a very noble job of depicting a person’s half-lifetime, and the story is enjoyable whether you look at it from Mahiro’s point of view or us six’s.
Please re-listen to the previous volumes as you await the ending. Thank you for your support.