Actors Nagisa Saito, Nanoha Hara, and ano, who play the idol group B Komachi in the live-action adaptation of Oshi no Ko, reflect on their experiences bringing the story to life. This project, jointly produced by Amazon and Toei, marks a significant milestone for the cast:

Nagisa Saito, formerly of the idol group =LOVE, portrays Ruby, daughter of legendary idol Ai (played by Asuka Saito).
ano, a former idol herself, takes on the role of influencer MEMcho.
Nanoha Hara, who debuted as a child actor in 2009, plays Kana Arima, a former child actress and first-time idol.

In this interview, the trio discusses the pressures of embodying beloved characters, their dedication to preparation, and their thoughts on the live-action project.

Facing Pressure and Crafting Their Roles

Q: This project extends beyond the screen, allowing you to embody B Komachi as an idol group. What were your thoughts when the offer came in?

Hara: I had read the original manga, so while I was thrilled, I felt overwhelmed by the scale of the project. My initial reaction was, “How am I going to approach this?”

Saito: Like Hara, I was familiar with the manga, and I couldn’t help but feel the weight of responsibility. But at the same time, I was so excited to take on this role.

ano: I also felt the pressure, but being part of Oshi no Ko and playing MEMcho—such a different character from myself—was exhilarating. I was nervous but also really looking forward to it.

Q: How did you overcome the pressure and uncertainties?

Saito: I haven’t completely overcome it, and sometimes I wonder if I was the right choice. But I immersed myself in the manga and spent a lot of time understanding Ruby. That dedication helps me feel like I made the right choice.

Hara: I spent more time watching the anime and reading the manga than working on the script. It was challenging to bring something 2D into a 3D space, but I approached the set determined to give it my all. The scenes with these two [Saito and ano] were so enjoyable, and that really supported me emotionally.

ano: I also delved deeply into the anime and manga. Translating MEMcho’s personality into live-action was tough, but I experimented with her voice and mannerisms, which gave me confidence in the end.

Channeling Idol Experiences and Hara’s Growth

Q: Saito and ano, you both have idol experience. Did that help you during filming?

Saito: Absolutely. Things like interacting with fans during performances or quickly memorizing choreography came naturally because of my idol background. It was a huge advantage, especially with the amount of dancing and singing we had to learn.

ano: I agree—having idol experience made learning the choreography faster, though it was still challenging. MEMcho is the opposite of me in terms of stage presence—she engages directly with everyone, whereas I tended to avoid eye contact with fans. That contrast made it easier to approach MEMcho’s character.

Q: Hara, this was your first experience performing as an idol. How did you tackle the challenges of singing and dancing?

Hara: Everything was difficult (laughs). I had to learn four routines and record songs during filming, all while keeping up with the acting. I just kept thinking, “I have to keep up with these two!” But it was also incredibly fun.

Q: The production team mentioned your hard work and praised your determination. What did Saito and ano think of Hara’s efforts?

Saito: She was always asking questions and picking things up so quickly. It was clear she was putting in so much effort.

ano: I agree—her dedication was incredible. Learning lines and choreography simultaneously is overwhelming, but she handled it with so much grace.

Q: Hara, how did it feel to perform alongside seasoned idols?

Hara: Watching them perform was inspiring. Their expressions and gestures during the music video shoot were captivating, and I learned so much just by observing them.

Looking Ahead

In Part 2, the cast discusses their relationships formed during production, the original music created for the project, and their impressions of Asuka Saito, who plays Ai.

Part 2 is Here

About Oshi no Ko

Serialized in Weekly Young Jump from 2020 to 2024, Oshi no Ko is a collaboration between Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari. The story follows Aqua, a young man reincarnated as the child of his favorite idol, Ai, combining fantasy, suspense, and a raw look at the entertainment industry.

The live-action project includes a six-episode drama streaming on Prime Video (final episodes debut December 5) and the film Oshi no Ko -The Final Act- premiering nationwide on December 20.

Oshi no Ko Drama&Movie Official Site (JP)

Source : ORICON NEWS