Production press conference of "Shomuni 2013"

The production press conference of FujiTV summer 2013 drama "Shomuni 2013" was held on 1 July which was attended by cast members Esumi Makiko, Becky, Honda Tsubasa, Ando Sakura, Horiuchi Keiko, Mori Kanna and Miura Shohei. The drama will begin its run from 10 July at 10pm on Wednesdays. The Shomuni series began back in 1998 where Esumi played the role of Tsuboi Chinatsu, the "leader" of a group of office ladies who work in Manpan Shoji and help to solve various problems despite being seen as worthless employees in the Shomu 2nd section (Shomunika). This time, Esumi is the only original member from the Shomuni ladies and everyone will be wearing the same blue and white uniforms just as in the previous installments of the series.

Esumi revealed that the cast of Shomuni would always gather on the death anniversary of their fellow co-star Ito Toshihito who passed away suddenly in May 2002 and discuss how they want to revive the Shomuni series. As such, this new installment which is the first in 10 years, was like a dream come true to all those who had been involved with the series since the beginning. In addition, Esumi said that the role of Tsuboi had been a life-changing catalyst for her because she always thought it was difficult to be an actress with her big build as a former volleyball athlete and low and husky voice. However, Tsuboi made it possible for Esumi to use these perceived weaknesses as her advantage. On the flip side, because the role was so memorable to viewers, people always had the impression that Esumi is like Tsuboi in real life and there were weird rumours about how she throws melon buns to her children for them to bring to kindergarten even though she makes bento lunches for them every day or how she disciplines her children by checking their attire at the entrance of the kindergarten while using a whistle.

Source: Nikkansports / Sponichi