TBS Sparkle Inc.
Entertainment Headquarters Drama and Film Department
Producer/Director
Ayuko Tsukahara

You control your own life. Make choices with responsibility and determination.

TBS Sparkle Inc.
Producer and Director, Drama and Film Department, Entertainment Division
Ayuko Tsukahara

■ Profile
He made his directorial debut in 2005 with the TV drama "Let's Meet in Our Dreams." Since then, he has directed a succession of popular TV dramas, including "Nighttime Ferris Wheel" (13) and "For N" (14), and in 2015 he won the first Oyama Katsumi Award, given to outstanding TV drama creators. He has since produced a string of hits, including the TV dramas "Unnatural" (2018) and "MIU404" (18). In 20, he made his film directorial debut with "Before the Coffee Gets Cold."

What motivated you to start your current job?

During my university days, I was constantly working part-time jobs and joining clubs in search of friends. I had written plays in high school, and I also belonged to a theater group and directed at university, so I think that's what formed the foundation of who I am today.
During my job search, I applied to publishing companies and companies that participated in ATP seminars, but when I first got a job offer from a production company, I joined. At the time, men were directors and women were producers, and I was scolded for saying I wanted to be a director. However, when I felt that I wasn't suited to producing, which involves managing money, and there was no one willing to work on a film I produced, I tried shooting one myself. Someone who saw it said, "You could do it." At that point, the company's policies and atmosphere changed, and I started directing.

■What do you value most in your work?

The director's role is to take full responsibility. We work hand in hand with the writer to give shape to the seeds of the producer's ideas, but I believe that if the result is bad it's the director's fault, and if it's good it's thanks to everyone. I'm particular about keeping the on-set environment fluid. Because a film is a comprehensive art form, I think it's best to be flexible and incorporate opinions from the on-set. I also value the distance I maintain with others as colleagues working together to create a project.
I also absorb knowledge and ideas from a variety of other content. I'm often inspired by anime and documentaries, and I also learn from the cuts in novels and games, paintings, and short videos.

■Message to students

What we like changes quite a bit depending on our age and position. But what we dislike doesn't change. If you're unsure because you don't know what you want to do or what you like, I think it's best to do something you don't dislike. It takes courage to say "I like something." I tend to crush my own hopes without confidence, so I think the things I dislike can be a guide.

Student Newspaper April 1, 2023 Issue Sophia University 4th Year Student Yagi Ayaka

"わたしの幸せな結婚"
Now showing and a huge hit!

Starring: Meguro Ren (Snow Man)　
Mio Imada
Director: Ayuko Tsukahara Screenplay: Tomoe Kanno
Release date: Friday, March 17, 2023
Ⓒ2023 "My Happy Marriage" Film Production Committee