I found this on the archived drama website.

What kind of personality do you have in mind when playing Kouji?

At the beginning, Tsutsumi-san told me that while it’s one thing to create a character and carry them through to the final episode, humans are messy creatures, so for this version of Kouji, I didn’t need to think about a specific character.

So right now, I’m not limiting myself to a specific personality, but just reading the script and trying to act the way I first felt. He gets passionate when he’s passionate, absent-minded when he’s absent-minded, and makes a witty remark when it’s time to make a joke.

However, when it comes to football and women, he changes. I wonder if it’s okay to be like that. At first I thought he had three personalities, but now I’ve become more like quintuples. Kouji has multiple personalities (laughs). Roles like this are fun to play because you get to do so many different things. So I try to incorporate as many things I come across in my daily life as I can into the role… that’s the kind of thing I try to do.

Among the multiple personalities (laughs), are there any that are similar to you?

My moods vary quite a bit from one moment to the next. There are times when I’m coolly negative, and times when I’m strangely energetic from the morning, and I think Yamapi secretly thinks I’m being noisy (Yamapi, who was listening nearby, muttered that he didn’t think I was noisy).

Among them, I’m quite a passionate boy, so I think we’re similar in that we’re both crazy about soccer. When I was in high school, I played baseball more than soccer. After soccer, I started playing futsal, but I don’t play much now. I’m not very good at it (laughs).

What were your high school days like, Oguri-san?

I used to hang out a lot. My school was really close to the downtown area, so I’d wander around until late at night (laughs). I wasn’t a delinquent, but there were times when I felt a bit rough.

But in the end, I was able to do what I wanted, and it was probably the most enjoyable time of my life.

Is the vibe you had with your friends back then being put to good use in this production?

I’d say I communicate very well with the three co-stars I’m working with this time, so I hope that vibe comes across on screen.

Do you discuss how you should act?

We never talk about acting. We just talk about things like, “What do you usually like to do?” or “You used to do this when you were a kid.”

What are the DB4 members like from your perspective, Oguri-san?

Nino is… amazing. There’s a lot I learn from him when it comes to acting. Even the movement of his eyes and his facial expressions are exquisite. I regret that I’d never thought of that before, and it makes me realize that acting is all about this, and it’s impressive. He’s like a cute little brother in his everyday life. We can talk about all sorts of things and it’s really fun.

Yamapi is even cuter than Nino. He’s really cute (laughs). I can see that he’s trying all sorts of new things when it comes to acting. I think he’s really working hard. I’ve said this many times before, but he’s such a good kid. I can’t help it (laughs).

Nari’s also a really good kid. We’ve been working together for the past year, so we’re really showing each other our true selves. I think this role is a real challenge, and I think it’s actually turned out to be interesting, and Nari is working hard too.

Me? This is my first time playing a role where I have to be so sarcastic, so I’m doing my best. This drama is really interesting, so it’s rewarding. I think all dramas work toward being popular, but I don’t think I’ve been in such an interesting drama recently, so I’m happy.

Were you already in a Tsutsumi drama, for example “Ikebukuro West Gate Park”?

Yes, I was in episode 2. But it was only a brief guest role. This is the first time I’ve actually been directed.

Tsutsumi directed episodes 1 and 2. Kato directed episodes 3 and 4. Are there any differences between the way the two of them direct?

I think Tsutsumi is a “weirdo” in a good way. I’m always amazed at how he comes up with ideas like that. Kato is sincere, and I can really sense his passion for the work. But there’s rumors that Kato is a romantic celebrity, so maybe he’s actually different from what you think? (laughs)

What was the most fun scene you’ve filmed so far (currently filming episode 3)?

Every scene has been fun. If I had to struggle with a scene, it would be my appearance in episode one. I had to hit the ball at the head of the standing goalkeeper. I kicked the ball as many times as my age. It was a really hot day, and the ball kept either hitting the back of my head or I was falling over.

You were practicing soccer in preparation for filming, right?

Yes. But I haven’t been doing that lately (laughs).

Are there not any more soccer scenes?

No, I think there will probably be some. You have to go all out! I think Kou-kun is more into savage attacks than technique. He respects the Italian player Vieri more than Beckham. Kou-kun’s cell phone strap has Vieri on it. Vieri is an incredibly strong, beastly player. Of course, they have the skills and are physically strong, but in Ko’s case, I think it’s good to leave out the skills and just be savage, charging headlong towards the goal. Kenken and Sho-chan are quiet, and Udayan is by far the loudest, so I think it’s Kou-kun who should be the physical type. I’ll try to move aggressively. If the chance arises, I’ll try to move like a goalkeeper even though I’m not one. Of course I’ll also move forward.

We play Jujan. But I’m not good at it, so I haven’t done it since I lost 3,000 yen (sigh…).

Kou-kun always wears clothes that leave his arms exposed.

I bet he likes to soak up the sun in the park or somewhere.

Is the outfit he’s wearing now (from episode 3) supposed to be his battle gear?

Yes, it is. He wore it to fight a girl, but it feels like he chose the wrong place to fight (wry smile).

Will he continue to wear such slightly unfashionable clothes?

Right now, I’ve asked costume designer Uchida-san to prepare a T-shirt for me. It’s a T-shirt from an anime that Kou-kun supposedly loves. I really want to wear it. When it does happen, please look forward to the broadcast.

His father gives off an intellectual vibe, and he has a different vibe from Kou-kun.

I think it’s because he has a complex about his father, or maybe a rebellious spirit, that he’s so driven to be so barbaric. Having said that, out of the four of them, he’s the second smartest after Kenken. He’s smart, but he’s also a wild child.

What if you had a friend like Kou-kun?

Hmm, I don’t have one. If one were to show up, I’d probably bully him (laughs). If I had to choose, I’d lean more towards Kume. But it’s not a love story.

How would you like people to view this drama?

I think there are parts that ask a lot of questions, but I think it’s a work that you can watch for an hour and laugh without thinking about anything. I feel like you don’t need to look for a reason for entertainment. I think it’s fine if people watch it and think it was interesting. I hope people will enjoy watching it without thinking too deeply about it, and think, “Ah, that was refreshing!”