"Unmet: The Diary of a Brain Surgeon" production press conference

Kansai TV/Fuji TV monthly drama starting next week on Monday, April 15th"Unmet medical needs: The diary of a neurosurgeon"A press conference to announce the production of the film was held on the 7th. The film is based on the manga "Unmet - The Diary of a Brain Surgeon" (original story: Kojika Yuzuru / manga: Otsuki Kanjin), which is currently being serialized in Kodansha's "Morning", and is a medical human drama in which the protagonist, Kawauchi Miyabi, a "brain surgeon with memory impairment" played by Sugisaki Hana, saves the patients in front of her and also regenerates herself.

The production announcement press conference featured leading actress Sugisaki Hana, as well as Wakaba Tatsuya, Okayama Amane, Ikuta Erika, Chiba Yudai, Kichise Michiko, and Iura Arata. We spoke to the cast, each with their own unique thoughts, about their current state of mind, anecdotes from the filming set, and behind-the-scenes stories.

■How was the shoot?

Sugisaki-san: It's very moving to think that I've spent hundreds of hours working on this project with everyone involved in Unmet until now. Last year, I met with the scriptwriter, Shinozaki-san, and after hearing his thoughts about the series, I decided to play Kawauchi Miyabi. The atmosphere on set was very friendly, and I looked forward to going there every day. Even so, when it came to the actual shoot, there was a good sense of tension, and the series is packed with many incredibly wonderful scenes. As the broadcast date approaches, I feel like I'm breathing faster.

Wakaba-san: I wanted to respond to Producer Yoneda's passionate feelings, so I took on the role. Also, Sugisaki called me directly and asked me, "You'll do it, right?", so I decided to do it.

Sugisaki-san: I thought, "Wakaba-san is the only one who can play the role of Dr. Sanpei!" and before I knew it, I was already calling him (laughs).

Iura-san: Each and every one of us was facing the work and our roles head-on, and even though I'm the oldest, I was nervous. Everyone is active at the forefront of various genres, and with the exception of Chiba, it was almost my first time acting with everyone, so I was able to take on the work with a good sense of tension.

Yoshise-san: I was offered this role early on, so I made a conscious effort to grow my hair long and look closer to the original. I played a character who is described as a "safety demon," but I'm also a serious and nervous person, so I felt that I had a lot in common with the character I played, Tsubata Reiko.

Ikuta-san: I'm also the type who gets nervous easily, but they gave me time to communicate with the other actors and staff when the cameras weren't rolling, so I was able to do my best with the encouragement of those around me.

Okayama-san: The first scene I shot was with Ikuta-san, but when I saw Sugisaki-san in the corner of the set, my acting suddenly became stiff (laughs). I felt like I got punched by the leader (laughs). Despite her busy schedule as the leader, she came to see the set even though she didn't have any scenes, and it made me want to do my best.

Sugisaki-san: I wanted to see my co-stars start filming as well. It was a really great scene, so I was really fired up.

Chiba-san: It was my first time to do a full-scale medical drama, so I received a lot of guidance from actual doctors. Personally, I was a little embarrassed to be repeatedly told that I play the role of a "passionate mood maker" (laughs). On set, Sugisaki's carefree smile lightened the atmosphere.

■What was popular on the job?

Wakaba-san:Is this anastomosis practice?

Sugisaki-san：Was it popular? (laughs)

Wakaba-san: The vascular anastomosis scene was carefully practiced before filming. Anastomosis practice is a very hot topic. During the actual shoot, Sugisaki actually anastomosed the fake blood vessels, and the medical supervising doctor was so blown away by it. Sugisaki's dedication was a great inspiration for everyone. I didn't have any anastomosis scenes, though.

Chiba-san: I've been practicing anastomosis for a while now, and Wakaba also practices anastomosis in her spare time.

Sugisaki-san: That's right. The problem is that Wakaba-san is really quick to get the hang of it. I spent a lot of time practicing anastomosis, but when she asked me to lend her my hand, I lent it to her and she was able to do it right away. I wish she'd stop (laughs).

■Message from Sugisaki

Living these days, I feel like the world is full of anxiety, and I think a lot of people feel the same way. But if someone close to you tries to understand or imagine the things you're scared of or bad at, I think it can make you want to accept yourself a little more and think about tomorrow. "Unmet" literally means "unfulfilled," and I'd be happy if this drama could envelop you in that same light.
Everyone involved with Unmet works hard every day, willing to take on difficult paths in order to create a great work. I feel happy to be able to work together with such a spirited team. I'm sure there will be many dramatic moments, but I hope this will be one of the greatest masterpieces of all. I hope everyone is looking forward to it.

Interviewed by Student Newspaper Online on October 7, 2024 by Chuo University third-year student Renpo Maeda
Article composition: Minami Yoshikawa, second-year student at Sophia University