Nagi Inoue, a member of the popular J-pop group Nogizaka46, has taken a significant step in her career by starring in the drama "Spring," a project that allows her to reflect on her own high school experiences overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This television drama, produced by TV Asahi, is based on the 23rd 'TV Asahi Newcomer Scenario Grand Prize' winning work, a notable achievement as it explored the less common theme of a "short essay" in its narrative. It portrays the emotional conflicts and budding romances of high school students, capturing the essence of youth and its challenges.
Inoue expressed that her debut in a terrestrial drama felt overwhelming and filled with tension. She shared, "I was really nervous because it was my first lead role. But the staff and the other cast members were so warm and supportive, which helped me feel secure during filming," highlighting the importance of camaraderie on set.
Playing the character Aoi Osako, who is characterized by her quiet demeanor and minimal dialogue, Inoue faced the challenge of conveying deep emotions without many words. She remarked on this difficulty, stating, "Because there weren’t many lines, I focused on conveying feelings in every single word," proving her dedication to the role and her craft.
To further embrace her character’s world, Inoue committed to mastering calligraphy, which her role required. She revealed, "I had to complete a penmanship practice book before filming. It was hard because I wasn’t very good at it, but I received compliments during shooting, which made me very happy!" This preparation showcases her enthusiasm and willingness to grow beyond her previous experiences.
Inoue’s actual high school experience, however, was starkly different from her role in "Spring." Reflecting on her lockdown years, she said, "I was unable to see my classmates' faces due to masks and had to eat lunch quietly, so I couldn’t share meals with friends outside." The pandemic brought significant limitations to her daily school life, forcing her and her peers into online learning and isolating arrangements.
Today's realities led Inoue to treasure her time acting in this drama. Through her experiences while filming, she felt she could relive aspects of student life that were otherwise lost due to circumstances beyond her control. With a smile, she noted, "Filming this drama allowed me to enjoy a student life that I couldn’t experience myself," underlining the emotional resonance of her performance and the narrative’s theme.
As "Spring" dishes out relatable high school experiences through Inoue’s captivating portrayals, it also sheds light on the wider impact of the pandemic on youth and their formative years. Inoue’s story serves as a reminder of resilience and the capacity for young people to find joy and connection, even in challenging times.