Actress Mone Kamishiraishi takes the lead role along with Taiga Kyomoto from SixTONES, in the TV Asahi drama premium “霊験お初～震える岩” / “Reigen Ohatsu ~ Furueru Iwa”, scheduled to air on May 4th at 9:00 PM. This drama marks the first adaptation of Miyuki Miyabe‘s masterpiece novel into live-action.
From contemporary mysteries to historical fiction, horror, science fiction, and adventure fantasy, Miyuki Miyabe, known as the contemporary storyteller, showcases her versatility across a wide range of genres, with each new work consistently becoming a bestseller.
In this ambitious project, Miyabe blends historical fiction with horror, which is being brought to the screen for the first time through the collaboration of TV Asahi and Toei. Combining the expertise of the Kyoto Studio’s period drama staff, honed over more than 70 years, with cutting-edge VFX, they are creating a grand-scale drama special.
Set in the late Edo period, during the reign of the 11th Shogun Tokugawa Ienari in the year 1802, the story revolves around Ohatsu, the spirited daughter of a one-meal eatery in Nihonbashi Toricho. Despite her cheerful and lively nature that brings smiles to those around her, she awakens to a mysterious power – “Reigen,” allowing her to see and hear things that ordinary people cannot after a certain incident.
Recognizing Ohatsu’s abilities, the accountant of the magistrate of Minamimachi, Yasumori Negishi, seeks her assistance. He is a real historical figure known for collecting strange tales whispered among the people, compiling them into a book called “Mimibukuro,” which has left its mark in history. For gathering materials for what could be considered the “X-Files of Edo,” Negishi requests Ohatsu’s cooperation and introduces her to the support role of a diligent apprentice assistant, Ukyunosuke Furusawa.
Ohatsu and Ukyunosuke confront a bizarre case where a man believed to have died returns to life. Initially rumored as the work of “dead spirits,” which people call “dead men’s possessions,” it escalates into a series of murders thought to be the doing of these spirits.
As further mysteries unfold before them, they discover that a rock placed in the garden where Asano Naganori, also called Takumi no Kami, the lord of the Akō domain who initiated the story of the “Akō Incident” from the Chushingura, committed seppuku, resonates every night.
These mysteries intertwine, gradually revealing the hidden tale of a sorrowful and poignant couple buried deep within the story of Chushingura. Will Ohatsu and Ukyunosuke ultimately uncover the unknown truth behind the Chushingura?
Taiga Kyomoto (Ukyunosuke Furusawa) comments
――Please tell us how you felt when you received the offer.
It had been a long time since I had done a period drama, and I didn’t have much experience in that genre to begin with, so at first, I was a bit hesitant. However, when I read the script, I was immediately drawn in by the lively pacing and the juxtaposition of tense and scary scenes that sent shivers down my spine. I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation about what would happen if this were brought to life, and I was looking forward to the filming.
――What kind of person is your character, “Ukyunosuke”?
First of all, I felt a connection because the character’s name contains the kanji character “Kyō,” (京) which is part of my last name (京本). Ukyunosuke is a role of a young assistant constable, and he is a bit clumsy, shy, and has a natural airhead quality.
In the beginning, he is portrayed as a completely unreliable character. However, he actually has a hidden charm, and as the story progresses, that charm starts to emerge.
Furthermore, Ukyunosuke has a significant past with a major scar, and as it becomes linked to the story, it becomes more and more interesting. I would be delighted if you could look forward to Ukyunosuke‘s background as well.
I am actually 29 years old, which is a 10-year age difference from the 19-year-old Ukyunosuke. However, since I am often seen as younger than my actual age, I didn’t think too much about it and just tried to live this character of Ukyunosuke sincerely, thinking that the charm of the role would come out.
――You play the role of a “herbivorous” type, how do you feel about portraying that?
There are quite a few frustrating roles like the herbivorous type. As for myself, if I’m asked whether I’m herbivorous or carnivorous… I’m not sure! I’m quite straightforward and not particularly shy, so I enjoy the contrast between Ukyunosuke and myself and portray it that way.
――Please tell us your impression of Mone Kamishiraishi, with whom you’re co-starring with.
I have had many opportunities to appear in musicals, and I had the impression that Kamishiraishi-san had also challenged herself in musicals, so I assumed that we would meet someday on that kind of stage. Therefore, our first collaboration like this in such an unexpected way was a big surprise. Kamishiraishi-san has a personality that envelops the set with warmth, so I had a fun time filming every day.
――What do you think the relationship between Ohatsu and Ukyunosuke is like?
Although the two have different social statuses, they gradually build a comfortable relationship based on mutual trust and a bond that grows over time. I have a feeling that Ukyunosuke will eventually be at Ohatsu’s beck and call, creating a power balance that makes you anticipate it (laughs). I hope that viewers will find them cute and heartwarming. They have a buddy dynamic similar to Holmes and Watson.
――Please leave a message to the viewers!
This work not only depicts the relationship between Ohatsu and Ukyunosuke but also explores parent-child relationships and marital relationships. It also incorporates elements of horror and mystery, making it a truly rich and diverse work. I hope that viewers of all ages will enjoy it. If you can watch this work and feel various emotions and use it as energy for the next day, I would be very happy.
Mone Kamishiraishi (OhatsU) comments
――Please tell us how you felt when you received the offer.
When it comes to Miyuki Miyabe, I had a strong impression of historical novels, and I was very happy to be able to enter that world. Also, since I love Toei Kyoto Studio, I was excited to be able to create a new period drama with the staff.
――What kind of woman is your character “Ohatsu”?
Ohatsu has the ability to see things that others can’t see and hear things that others can’t hear. Unlike the original work, the drama depicts the awakening of that power, so I played the role while hoping that viewers could empathize with her real-life emotions of being scared or confused. At the same time, Ohatsu has a strong and courageous side unique to an Edo girl, so it was a fun character to portray.
――Ohatsu, who has a mysterious power, can see spirits and hear the voices of the dead. How was it to portray that?
Thanks to the makeup and costume artisans, on set, extraordinary things like zombies and spirits appeared, and the way the lighting was done was really terrifying. It was truly scary to portray (laughs). However, as the filming continued, I got used to it, and I had surreal and enjoyable conversations with the actors playing the spirits.
I heard that the footage shot on set will have new effects added through VFX, so I think the final result will be quite scary. But it’s not just the scary parts, there are also comedic and heartwarming moments, and scenes that highlight the depth of human emotions. It has become a drama with a very interesting balance.
――Please tell us your impression of your co-star Taiga Kishimoto.
Kyomoto-san is always down-to-earth and sincere, so I felt comfortable being with him on set without pushing myself too hard. He fits the role of Ukyunosuke perfectly, and I’m grateful for that because it helped me naturally become Ohatsu.
――What do you think the relationship between Ohatsu and Ukyunosuke is like?
Ohatsu and Ukyunosuke have quite different social statuses, but they are an interesting buddy pair who go beyond that and cooperate on an equal footing to unravel the mysteries. Ohatsu has her mysterious powers, and Ukyunosuke has a natural-born talent, so they complement each other’s shortcomings and help each other in their respective areas of expertise. It was uplifting to portray that dynamic!
――Please leave a message to the viewers!
Although it’s a story set in the Edo period, I think it’s a work that allows viewers to feel that “humans never change, regardless of the era” in various ways. I would be happy if you could watch it with familiarity alongside your loved ones. Please enjoy it!