To Kyoto for 'Iryu Sōsa' Filming

Kyoto in the summer is hot! No, it's hell. A scorching inferno! Outdoor shoots were grueling. Even the studio was sweltering! It was a battle against the heat. I think I had heatstroke once and was confined to my hotel room. Even with careful hydration, my body just couldn't regulate its temperature.

And the fatigue, of course. It's unsettling to fall ill while traveling... I couldn't relax in the hotel. But work couldn't stop! I had to memorize lines! It was quite a harsh summer.

Lines for detective dramas are full of explanations and quite troublesome. No, extremely troublesome. (laughs) It wasn't just me; the entire regular cast was struggling. If it weren't for that, I could have enjoyed Kyoto's streets.

Page 02.A Love Confession on LINE?

A Love Confession on LINE?

It was a reunion with lead actor Takaya Kamikawa for the first time in a while on a regular series. We worked together on 'Mizu no Hanamichi' for two seasons. He remains cool in his performance, always mindful of those around him, and keeps the set running smoothly.

Dai Nagai was also a reunion. We played father and son before, but this time we're colleagues. We're an unlikely duo. The height difference made me laugh. (laughs)

Masahiro Koumoto, another reunion. Perhaps our first time co-starring in a drama? But we've known each other for a long time, and we've appeared together at events, so he's always friendly whenever we meet.

Soji Iwakura, my first time co-starring. He always brought a sense of freshness to the set.

And Chiaki Kuriyama, another first-time co-star. A cool beauty. I found her dedication to her role truly beautiful.

After filming wrapped, I received a LINE message confessing love for me? (laughs)

Chiaki said, 'From the moment I knew I'd be working with you, Toda-san, I was overjoyed because I admire you so much, and at the same time, I was nervous.'

It's incredibly heartwarming, and we've become quite close now.

And Yasunori Danta. I'm truly delighted to be able to work with him again on a drama after our stage collaboration. I truly respect him! He's an actor I've always admired. Including stage rehearsals, we spent half the year together this year. It's lonely not being able to see him after the drama ended. (laughs)

Page 03.A Small Enlightenment at Fushimi Inari

A Small Enlightenment at Fushimi Inari

Amidst the busy filming schedule, I also managed to go out for some delicious meals. Kyoto's cuisine is truly comforting.
I even visited my favorite local spots. And the Shaolin Shrine too.

The day after filming wrapped, I went to Fushimi Inari. It was incredibly beautiful. Though the mountain was steep. It's not something to climb in the summer. (laughs)

It was hot, I was drenched in sweat, and I took breaks along the way, taking about two hours. I thought about dedicating a torii gate myself for my 60th birthday, so I climbed with that in mind.

There were times I truly wanted to turn back, it was so tough. I lamented my lack of exercise, lamented getting old. Each time, I rested, then started walking again. When I finally reached the summit, I had a small realization: humans can move forward if they rest. (laughs)

Perhaps it's about knowing one's limits. I can't run like I did when I was young, but I learned that by using my wisdom, I can achieve things. A pleasant fatigue remained. And, of course, intense muscle pain. (laughs)

Immediately after finishing in Kyoto, I had a lecture at Kōya-san, and spending consecutive days in such a solemn place was very fulfilling.

Keiko Toda 60th Anniversary Live Show "Happy Birthday Sweet 60"

September 8 (Fri) - 10 (Sun), 2017
Shinagawa Prince Hotel Club eX

Performers
Keiko Toda /
Go Ueki, HILOMU, TAKAHIRO /
Ichiro Yatsui (Elec Comic)

<Rotating Guests>
September 8 (Fri) 7 PM: Zun
September 9 (Sat) 1 PM: Robert
September 9 (Sat) 6 PM: Knights
September 10 (Sun) 1 PM: Nicche
September 10 (Sun) 6 PM: Shota Funpūtei