The Days Immediately After the Quake: Filming, Filming, Filming

Thinking back, the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11th was the final day of filming for the drama series 'Misaki Number One!', and the day before, March 10th, was the script reading and meeting for the next drama series, 'Umareru.'.



Shortly after the earthquake, I was in Nagasaki for the filming of the two-hour drama 'Detective Sahomoji Shin'. Although things are tough now, we all worked together on filming for the sake of bringing joy to everyone in the future. I was surprised to see that dry batteries were already sold out even in the southern regions. On the few occasions I flew back to Tokyo, the airport was crowded with people heading south, which was said to be safe from the nuclear accident, and I was surprised by the number of pets at the airport.



After finishing filming in Nagasaki, I returned to Tokyo and joined the TBS drama series 'Umareru.' late. I believe that the theme of 'Umareru.' resonated even more deeply because of the times we were in. Amidst these busy days, Minami Tanaka, with whom I worked on the Nagasaki location shoot for 'Detective Sahomoji Shin,' passed away. Then, Ryohei Suzuki, who played my subordinate at the Double Ace Editorial Department in 'Umareru.,' happily got married, followed by Kei Tanaka, my co-star in 'Misaki Number One!', also getting married. It was truly a mix of joy and sorrow.

Encountering Children's Smiles Again in the Disaster-Stricken Areas

I attended a preview and stage greeting for the movie 'The Adventures of Anpanman' for the first time in a while. I went to Natori City in Miyagi Prefecture, one of the disaster-stricken areas, with Ryusei Nakao, who plays Baikinman. Seeing the smiles of the children in the affected areas truly makes me happy.


With Team Kinder Film, we visited Fukushima after Iwate. We performed live cinema dubbing for two shows in Fukushima and one outdoor show at night after moving to Koriyama. Here too, I was able to connect with the children's smiles and felt the strength of Kinder Film.

In Koriyama, the Self-Defense Forces were providing temporary baths and offered words of encouragement like, "Please keep up the good work!" I felt the same way. Everyone was still living in evacuation shelters as of July. It left me with a sense of frustration...

Sendai Anpanman Children's Museum & Mall

Let's turn back the clock a bit. I visited the Tohoku region again at the end of July. The "Sendai Anpanman Children's Museum & Mall" actually opened on July 22nd. It was originally scheduled to open in April, but the opening was delayed due to the Great East Japan Earthquake. This was a long-awaited opening for the people of Sendai.


Shortly before the opening, I saw an article in the newspaper saying that Mr. Takashi Yanase would be visiting Sendai on the opening day. Since I happened to have the day off, I asked the production staff if I could tag along. However, Mr. Yanase fell ill and couldn't make it, so I was asked to fill in for him at the last minute.

The Anpanman Museum is located very close to Sendai Station. It's designed to be enjoyable even for adults, so I'd like to take my time exploring it someday. They even have merchandise and T-shirts for adults. The restaurant, of course, uses Anpanman tableware. And as always, the bread from the bakery is a big hit! It's truly delicious.


Many children gathered on that day. I also met the duo Dreaming, who sing 'Anpanman March,' for the first time in a while. After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the children were thrilled with all the costumed characters! They were more excited about the characters than me, of course (laughs). I always tell Mr. Yanase that we can't compete with the costumed characters (laughs).

A "GIFT" Given by Heaven

Winding back the clock, on July 2nd, an event called "The GIFT," featuring artists with Down syndrome, was held, and I was invited as a guest. The event featured a diverse lineup, including calligraphy, African drumming, recorder, dance & theater (LOVE JUNX), and trumpet.


I collaborated with trumpet player Toshiki Sakakibara and sang two songs: 'Tobira' and 'Over the Rainbow.' Toshiki, who overcame heart disease, is truly amazing for challenging the trumpet, which requires so much breath! I'll never forget the high-fives after the performance.

For the "The GIFT" event, there was a request for towels that the performers could wave around, so we provided them as a gift from the BG brand. They were blue, the event's color, and of course, designed by Go Ueki. Everyone waved them enthusiastically on stage (laughs).


In Western cultures, "GIFT" is a word that signifies talent. It apparently means "to share the gifts given by heaven with others." I want to truly cherish that meaning.





──The next installment, "A Hectic Yet Fulfilling Summer: Part 2," is scheduled for release on Wednesday, October 12th. Please look forward to it!