It has been announced that the voice actor Tomokazu Seki, known for the roles of Suneo Hanakawa from “Doraemon”, Shinazugawa Sanemi from “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba”, Panda from “Jujutsu Kaisen”, and many others, will appear in the dorama “Sakura no Tou”, which has been broadcasting on TV Asahi from April 15, 2021.
Based on the original story by the scriptwriter Mutou Shougo, this work depicts “The top of the Metropolitan Police Department = The fierce battlefield over the position of the Police Chief ” and “The fierce human drama” under the cherry blossoms. Focused on Tamaki Hiroshi playing the role of Kamijo Ren, the director of the Metropolitan Police Department’s Investigative Cooperation Department, the cast includes Hirosue Ryoko, Okada Kenshi, Naka Riisa, Mitsuishi Ken, Yoshida Kotaro, and Shiina Kippei.
This time, it has been announced that Seki will play Makizono Takafumi, the head of the First Investigation Division of the Criminal Division of the Metropolitan Police Department, to which Mizuki Sou (Hirosue) and Togashi Yuma (Okada) belong. He confessed about his surprise when he got the role, “I think it was a joke!”, but he went to shoot with extraordinary enthusiasm.
He expressed his bitter happiness about the shooting place, “To be honest, I was very nervous on my first day. I am grateful to all the staff and co-actors for being so kind. The only problem I had is that I keep getting excited every day and can’t sleep at night.”
He talked about the future with shining eyes, “I’m not so ambitious, but I’d be happy if I could be myself, who has long been needed as a voice actor and an actor. I would like to cherish the opportunity I received this time and take on the challenge of doramas and movies. I also love historical dorama, so I would be happy to play there.”
The dorama “Sakura no Tou” is on air every Thursday from 09:00 P.M. on TV Asahi from April 15, 2021.
Comments from Seki Tomokazu (Makizono Takafumi)
――Please tell us how you felt after you received the role in “Sakura no Tou” and read the script.
When I received the role, I thought it was a joke (laughs). I couldn’t believe it, but I was very happy! I read the script of the work featuring a power struggle inside the police, which I have never seen before all at once. I’m worried about how it will turn… (laughs).
――How about the dorama shooting?
To be honest, I was very nervous on my first day. I am grateful to all the staff and co-actors for being so kind. The only problem I had is that I keep getting excited every day and can’t sleep at night.
Meanwhile, there are differences in the required expressions for voice actors, stages, and doramas, but if you care too much, you will not be able to concentrate on the play, so I decided to enjoy it while feeling everyone’s vibes. I haveto switch on the elaborate set, costumes, and the world view created by various staff.
――What have you taken in the notice for playing the role of Chief of the Investigation Division, Criminal Department, Metropolitan Police Department? Also, are you particular about the expressions of your voice?
Of course, I knew it because it is a position that appears in various doramas, but I also saw a lot of actual inaugural press conferences of the first investigative section manager (laughs) and looked for various things. Basically, it is a position for an excellent person who can deal with things, so I was worried whether I would be able to handle the role, but I try to act showing the obsession and responsibility for arresting criminals.
Regarding the voice acting, I am careful not to become Suneo even when I make a mistake (laughs).
――Please tell us what you would like the viewers to pay attention to.
To the exquisite relationship between Tamaki-san (Hiroshi) and Hirosue-san (Ryoko), dialogues between Shiina-san (Kippei), Yoshida-san (Kotaro), and Mitsuishi-san (Ken). You will not be able to stop watching.
――This time, a career advancement battle over the position of police chief is depicted. Do you have any “ambition” for Seki-san?
I’m not so ambitious, but I’d be happy if I could be myself, who has long been needed as a voice actor and an actor. I would like to cherish the opportunity I received this time and take on the challenge of doramas and movies. I also love historical dorama, so I would be happy to play there.
――Finally, please give a message to the viewers.
“Sakura no Tou” is a series with amazing development. Every time I feel nervous and my heart is throbbing. I think it’s the most exciting dorama. I’m not used to doramas but I’m thrilled with this one. Please enjoy ii!
