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

---

Here’s Yuji Oda & Yuto Nakajima’s exclusive interview from Fuji TV’s Monday night drama series, ‘SUITS season 2.’ Let’s see what they have to say!

Q What are the areas we should be looking out for in this new series?

Yuto Nakajima

Like the previous season, we get hurled into a whirlwind of new cases with the story moving forward smartly and thrillingly, however this time round, you can sense the ‘family’ aura even more.

Yuji Oda

I think that the drama is something which you could think of as one ‘big family.’ And this time round, we get to see the appearance of the ‘chief’ of the firm who we never had the chance to see in the past. Apart from the latter half of the last series, most of the stories concluded within a single episode. However, this time round, you can really get the sense that the stories are continuous throughout. In the first season, it was all about finding ways to see how we could have each of the episodes as one complete story. But, now it feels even more like the stories are linking up week by week, and I think it’s very thrilling.

---

Q So how about the roles? What has changed?

Yuto Nakajima

So, as regards to Daisuke, he was told at the end of the last series to “go to Boston” and so I think he has grown as a character since coming back in some ways. I think that he had learned a lot, like human relationships over there. But then, I think that after coming back to Japan and seeing his performance on the actual job, he hasn’t grown that much... (laughs). However, I’m sure that the viewers will begin to realize how his general aura has changed in one way or another.

Yuji Oda

But, I think that your character had a lot to learn during the early years on the job (laughs). This is why it is very evident that he has grown so much as a character. However, looking at his background before he came into the job, nobody will expect to see someone like him, to all of a sudden stand on one’s two feet as a competent lawyer. A lot more experience is needed. Usually, you would require at least 10 years to become a competent lawyer. But in Kai’s case, he has necessary reasons to make sure that this is achieved as quickly as possible. This is because the character doesn’t have official certification to be a lawyer (laughs). Ever since season one, the character Kanie has been so concerned with having a background from Harvard University. But this isn’t the case for Kai and he believes otherwise. Also, we have the paralegal character played by Yuko Araki. Her character has a fear of examinations. But, in fact, she’s a really capable one, when you compare to other paralegals from Harvard who are certified.

---

Q After coming back to filming from the last time and working with the other members, were there anything that you felt were unique to “SUITS” once again?

Yuto Nakajima

We had an on-set rehearsal two days before we actually started filming. The set was ready much earlier than we had expected, so we did it with the actual costumes and makeup. It was then that I once again had the chance to practice some lines with Yuji. The staff members had changed a lot, and working with the new director is my first time. He was really keen on working on “SUITS,” so when he saw us doing the lines together, he was like, “oh yes...that’s SUITS!” (laughs) It was like he’s one of the big fans. This feels kind of positive in a way, because it’s interesting to see how “SUITS” is being perceived from a third-person’s point of view, and we can learn a lot from his advice. Above all, it doesn’t really feel like it has been a year and a half since the previous season. How was it for you, Yuji?

Yuji Oda

As regards to this drama series, some may describe it as “cool and stylish” on surface levels, but the story itself has been produced by serious and determined creators, who enthusiastically put in everything to make the show so great. I think that the story can be seen as something which portrays the growth of the two of them, and I believe that this can be said especially for him. In my character’s case, he’s a first-class lawyer who courageously challenges in everything he embarks on. But he will continuously look for his next aim. The last time round, it was a step up from junior to senior partner, a position that involves management roles. So, what will be his next objective? Could it be the representative now? But, then why has Kai not climbed up to this rank yet? One reason may be due to its level of experience. As a lawyer, he’s first class, but maybe there’s something he lacks as a ‘manager’? Even though he’s caring about the people who are directly around him, how about the peripheral employees or associates and lawyers who have far more experience than him? To become a representative, you require the voting majority of more than half of the senior partners. Maybe Chika has some doubts about Kai’s abilities as a manager, despite his top-class skills as a player. In that respects, we could say that Kanie might possess more qualities than Kai as a leader. Even though he might be ‘second class’ as a player, he’s quite involved in the direction of others including associates. So, I think, hey, maybe he’s actually higher than Kai? Is Kai losing out? So, if you think about having experiences as a manager, maybe Kanie is above him in that respects. Therefore, this should be his next goal. Like these areas, I think that the story intricately pays attention to the minutest details such as this. And in whatever exciting scenes you see, it never fails to include the important meaning behind the main concept of the ‘work’ itself, without making it seem too serious and heavy, so this is something that I want to treasure as the filming continues.

---

Q We saw the fantastic relationship between Kai and Daiki the last time round. Are there any new scenes you would like to challenge with this time?

Yuji Oda

Despite the busy and intense aura with the job itself, what’s amazing about the drama series, is that it still manages to portray the elements of close ties within the family and love and affection. You might not be able to see it always, however, you will be able to catch these sides with Kai too, so I hope everyone doesn’t miss it.

Yuto Nakajima

This time round, you will be able to see new sides and ways of expression from many of the characters. Through this, you will be able to see and feel the characteristics and more new personalities of the characters and their appealing elements too.

Yuji Oda

I think that our character’s father-son relationship is something which both of them can always take something positive out of. That’s why it’s seems attractive without all the complications.

Yuto Nakajima

Yeah, that’s true in a way.

---

Q You were saying that you have so much respect for Yuji. Which kind of areas do you mean by that?

Yuto Nakajima

It’s everything. For example, apart from his own character, he kindly thinks and advises us about everyone’s roles, and how to deal with each scene in detail, so that the characters are able to act accordingly. It’s like he’s being a brilliant leader for us, and we are a one big family. Vice-versa, he asks us for new ideas in some scenes too.

Yuji Oda

We rarely see “I’m the main character, so everyone follow me!” kind of actors anymore right? That’s so “Showa Era” (laughs).

Yuto Nakajima

For me, it’s the ideal “lead actor aura.” It might take a long time if I explain this now...so please trust me. I know that I’ve been given the chance to observe these aspects of you from such a close perspective. From even the mannerisms of how to sit down properly, you try to make sure that it is done in the ideal way with perfection. I hope to learn so much more from you, so that I could influence my every own acting in a positive way.

---

Source:

Yuji Oda & Yuto Nakajima exclusive interview Summer 2020 from "SUITS Season 2"
(Fuji Television Network, Inc. All rights reserved.)