Source: © Fuji Television Network, Inc. All rights reserved

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: “Absolute Zero 4” Special Talk: Ikki Sawamura, You Yokoyama & Tsubasa Honda

Note: This text is reproduced verbatim and provided courtesy of © Fuji Television Network, Inc.

Drama series “Absolute Zero 4” is currently airing on Fuji TV’s popular Monday night 9PM prime-time, and the stars of the hit program got together for a special talk interview with us!

Q So the sequel comes about a year and a half since the last series. How are you guys feeling about it all?

Ikki Sawamura

We were all kind of chatting about the possibility for a sequel whilst filming for the last series. I'm so excited that another one is underway!

You Yokoyama

When I was filming in Kyoto, Ikki was also filming there, and we had a brief conversation about the possibility of a sequel.

Tsubasa Honda

With any drama series, a sequel always means that the previous series was supported by fans, so I was simply really happy. I think that one of the important things to keep in mind when making a sequel, is understanding the significance of doing it.

Q I'm sure that the viewers are really enjoying the current series. What were your impressions about the script when you first read it?

Ikki Sawamura

Filming is so exciting as we now have new cast members in the team. Also, as I'm getting older, I have to be careful about getting injuries on set (laughs). Well, I'm always stretching before my scenes to loosen up but that's pretty much it. This time round, we have been assigned a special budget for the investigation unit which has boosted its potential, so I'm sure that we are bringing a new series which the viewers had been hoping for.

You Yokoyama

I immediately felt so thrilled when I read the script for the first time. There were many scenes which are sure to blow you away!

Tsubasa Honda

Wasn't everyone astonished with the beginning scene!? The climax of the story was already included in the opening sequence. It has been structured so that the story goes back to the past after this dramatic start and the ways they have done this really excited me and made me wonder how this thrilling storyline will continue to develop. Also, with mystery or suspense stories, you can kind of imagine who the main criminal is, but I think it's clever how you can't foresee it in this one.

Q What are the areas you guys are trying to focus on whilst playing the roles?

Ikki Sawamura

Compared to the past series, you can sense the darker side of the characters even more. Plus, there's also a strange tension between Izawa and Yamauchi. So, as the mood tends to be toned down, it's important to alter the general mood between the characters depending on the scenes. Like, after coming to the current investigation team, Izawa is renowned for his 'goofy' characteristics (laughs) which always lightens the mood up on set. So, I think it's necessary to be flexible to match each of the atmosphere of the scenes, right? I also wonder how the relationship between Yamauchi and Odagiri develops too.

You Yokoyama

I was a newcomer the last time round, but we now have new team members, and my character is someone who is kind of now used to undercover operations. Like the other day, we were filming for an undercover scene, and the location was so incredibly real! Along with enjoying these areas, my character will also try his best to support Izawa, so that he doesn't get allured into the dark shadows.

Tsubasa Honda

As always, there are many undercover operations, so my character will be showing new sides to herself. There's also many action scenes so I'm really trying my best at the gym, about 4 times a week.

Q We are sure that the teamwork has now become even stronger. Could you tell us some of the attractive areas of one another?

Ikki Sawamura

I think that it's great how everyone is relaxed on set. We are all very frank with one another and it's very comfortable. But when the filming begins, we can all become incredibly focused, and everyone has a good sense of balance on and off shooting.

The atmosphere is different compared to the last series, but even this time round, I'm sure the two of you will be spending the filming sessions at your own paces (laughs). In the last series, You Yokoyama was practicing his trumpet in mute mode off-filming. As there's going to be live performances this time round, it's going to be the same, right? It's nice how everyone makes one another feel at ease here.

You Yokoyama

But, that's because Ikki is acting as a leader for us, and is making the comfortable atmosphere. I'm really thankful to him for making a relaxing environment on set.

Tsubasa Honda

I really think you guys are so nice. Like we all went for a meal together two times or so? Above all, it feels like a big nice family. I love it!

Q There are various positive messages from fans as regards to this sequel on the official website. How important does the series feel to you guys?

Ikki Sawamura

I always enjoy watching action movies, but when I actually try these scenes, I feel that it's kind of a big challenge. But, following on from last time, we have a specialist for action scenes, so I continue to enjoy learning new and exciting techniques from him. It's something I look forward to!

Along with the atmosphere from the last series, I hope to be able to create something which is even more exciting and thrilling. But this should be balanced, so that rather than simply making it into something brand new, we should think about what positive elements we can take on from the previous series too. I have also been receiving a lot of positive reactions from the viewers for this role, and it astonished me think about some of the new possibilities for my acting career.

You Yokoyama

Along with a comfortable atmosphere on set, there's always so much to learn from everyone who are all professionals in each of their specific fields. I cherish this environment as it is being such a positive influence on me and my acting career too.

Tsubasa Honda

It was the first time for me to play a role which entails a lot of action scenes in the last series. I feel that this drama series is also something which is helping me to find new possibilities for myself.

Q At the end of the last series, it made us all think about each of the member's attitude towards justice. We feel that this aura of 'justice' is also very apparent this time round?

Ikki Sawamura

Over the past year and a half, the word "AI" has become a major part of our society. So, I think that the viewers are enjoying the new series with even more of an anticipation as to what will happen in this new series. However, one of the important themes of the drama include vital elements such as the influence of human emotions on decision making, rather than computers and machines deciding the final course of an action. So, as we have seen from the previous series, I hope to carry on with having the idea of 'forgiving' someone as a crucial way of thinking as the drama progresses. The idea of forgiveness is one of the main themes of the story! After all I hope that the latest AI technology and human emotions can work side by side.

You Yokoyama

In the first half of the series the last time round, my character had feelings of antipathy towards Izawa, and that the way he thinks is completely different from my character. However, as we moved more further into the story, Yamauchi began to see what he was doing as the right thing and that eventually connected to an ideal form of justice. So, the more he becomes attracted to the human qualities of Izawa, the more he feels the need to protect him from being allured to a dark world.

Tsubasa Honda

As for my character Odagiri, I think she hasn't changed so much from the last time round. But, as there are more action scenes this time round, I guess the idea of justice has naturally increased, right?