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The new Thursday drama “Roppongi Class” will start broadcasting on Thursday, July 7, 2022. This work is a remake of the Japanese version of the popular Korean drama “Itaewon Class”. It will be sent out as a Japan-Korea joint project with the full cooperation of the director and production company, including the original author of “Itaewon Class”.
Ryoma Takeuchi, who plays the main character, Shin Miyabe, Yuko Araki, who plays Yuka Kusunoki, who is a new classmate and her first love partner, and Yurina Hirate, who plays Aoi Asamiya, a staff member of the new Roppongi izakaya “Miyabe II”. At cinemas PLUS, we interviewed three main cast members of the “Roppongi class”.
There are lots of addictive elements such as a magnificent revenge drama triggered by a certain incident, a love triangle over a sad love triangle, and a youth group image that heats up like a small restaurant. What kind of “Japanese style” will be infused in front of the original, which already has many fans?
Relationships that synchronize with the story
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――It’s been about two months since you were cranked in, and soon the first episode will be broadcast. From the perspective of Mr. Takeuchi, who plays the lead role, what kind of atmosphere does the filming site of the drama “Roppongi Class” have?
Ryoma Takeuchi (hereinafter referred to as Takeuchi): With each round, the number of characters, including the staff of the izakaya “Miyabe II”, will increase. The feeling that the relationship of trust is gradually strengthening in the field naturally overlaps with the role, which is interesting.
Also, it is very rare to actually shoot in Roppongi, the stage of this work, so it is refreshing and fun to feel the city of Roppongi and gradually deepen the teamwork with everyone.
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――Is there a lot of opportunities for you to talk with each other between the shoots?
Yuko Araki (hereinafter referred to as Araki): Mr. Takeuchi and Mr. Hirate were excited about watching “Stranger Things”.
Takeuchi: That’s right! When I heard that Mr. Hirate was also watching, I knew that all the izakaya members were also watching.
Yurina Hirate (henceforth, Hirate): I also started watching after being recommended by people.
Araki: I didn’t just look at it, I wanted to mix it with everyone’s story, so when I started looking at it, it was fun and addictive.
Takeuchi: The timing is late (laughs).
Araki: Thank you for your patience. Please join us next time!
“Roppongi class” with colors unique to Japan
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――The main character, Shin Miyabe, played by Mr. Takeuchi, is a role like “a man who does not bend his beliefs” that inherits the teachings of his father. How conscious is the existence of the original?
Takeuchi: The original “Itaewon Class” is very interesting and is loved by people all over the world. I’m reading the script with the intention of “working from scratch again” rather than trying to go beyond that.
When I’m shooting, I sometimes flash back saying, “It’s the same situation as that scene in the original.” However, I consult with the director about what I felt after reading the script, and I mix the expressions of each cast on the spot. By doing so, I think it will be a “Roppongi class” unique to Japan.
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――Yuka Kusunoki, played by Mr. Araki, and Aoi Asamiya, played by Mr. Hirate, are in conflict with each other over the new role.
Araki: That’s right. In the film, I tend to be disliked by Aoi. Looking at Mr. Hirate’s performance, I think that switching ON / OFF is amazing. I’m inspired by the fact that I can see her different from her during the break.
Takeuchi: If you had a palette called “Yurina Hirate,” you would have an image of many colors. I have a lot of ideas and I’m not scared. I’m also surprised at the ad lib that is sometimes set up. “I was done!”
Hirate: I thought I had to continue because I couldn’t cut it … (laughs).
When I saw the plays of Mr. Takeuchi and Mr. Araki, I felt that they were completely different from me. Originally, there was an adult-like calm image for the two of them, but it seems that the impression has become even stronger.
Araki: Mr. Hirate, who says that, is the most calm and mature!
The highlights are the “individuality” and “lifestyle” of each character
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――Please tell us the recommended points of the “Roppongi class” from three sides.
Hirate: I think there are many Korean fans, including myself. While maintaining the axis of the story, I would like you to enjoy watching how the elements unique to Japan are added.
Araki: I think we can deliver the fun of the “Roppongi class” that is unique to Japan, where each character’s individuality shines. I think that those who like the Korean version will enjoy it with a fresh feeling, so please look forward to the broadcast of one episode.
Takeuchi: There is a feeling that the “greedy” way of life of all the characters emerges in conjunction with the cityscape of Roppongi. I hope you will see the story of human beings trying to survive in a muddy manner while struggling.
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(Stylist = Sayaka TakahashiChai 﨑 AyeNao Ishikawa/ Hair make = Yukari HaradaSachiko Wakabayashi、Mao /Photography = Marco Perboni / Source / Text = Kitamura Yu)
<Yuko Araki Costume Cooperation = Jacket / One Piece: Dior, Earrings: Tree Piste (Rhodes), Bracelet Ring: Vendome (Vendome Aoyama Main Store) / Yurina Hirate Costume Cooperation = DANKE SCHON, (LHP Harajuku 03-5474- 0808), PINKO (Sun Frere 03-3265-0251), ERAS, Three Four Time (JIONE PRESS ROOM 03-5792-8008 URL: threefourtime.jp) ＞