Open filming session of new NHK Taiga drama "Onna Joushu Naotora"

The open filming session of new NHK Taiga drama "Onna Joushu Naotora" was held at the Kurumeki no Tanada (Kurumeki terraced paddy fields) at Hamamatsu City in Shizuoka Prefecture on 7 October where the cast members Shibasaki Kou, Miura Haruma, Takahashi Issei and Maeda Gin met the reporters. This was the first open filming session since the drama's filming began on 6 September. Shibasaki plays the heroine Ii Naotora while Miura plays her fiance Ii Naochika. Takahashi plays the role of Ono Masatsugu, the chief retainer in the Ii household while Maeda plays Ii Naohira who is the great grandfather of Naotora. On this day's filming, Shibasaki appeared in a nun's costume as Naotora was a nun in her early 20s before she became the castle lord. In order to keep her promise to marry Naochika made when they were children, Naotora became a nun to prevent anyone from forcing her to marry another man.

Shibasaki commented that when she read the script, she felt that there was a bond deeper than love between Naotora and Naochika who couldn't get together due to the chaotic war situation. Despite being someone who is poor at and uncomfortable with initiating communication with others, Shibasaki tried to improve on this by being more open to interaction and not setting any barriers at her end in a bid to prepare for her role. When asked about her similarity with Naotora, Shibasaki said that their unyielding spirit is the same and that she would still charge ahead even if the people around her try to stop her. Since this is the first time she is appearing as a nun, she also engaged in active discussion with the staff to decide on the clothes and headdress she should be wearing in the drama. Last but not least, Shibasaki revealed that she had been a regular visitor to Shizuoka during her primary school days since she would visit a friend's house during summer vacation so she hopes to be able to interact with the locals who have been very supportive whenever they see her.

As for Miura who was recently reported to be dating dancer Sugawara Koharu, he was asked about his character Naochika who was forced to be apart from his beloved Naotora for 10 years due to enemies who wanted to kill him. Miura commented that even though Naochika and Naotora liked each other when they were children, their feelings after becoming adults had an added aspect of their consideration for their hometown and futures together so he hopes to be able to convey this serious feeling in the drama. He also said that Naotora is a very wonderful woman for being a firm believer and taking action when it's needed.

Sources: Nikkansports / Sanspo / Sponichi