The 6th episode of the drama ‘対岸の家事～これが、私の生きる道！～’ will be broadcast on May 6, 2025, from 10:00 to 10:57 PM on TBS. This week, an interview was conducted with Mako Ishibashi, who plays Kiina Nakatani, the wife of Tatsuo Nakatani, portrayed by Dean Fujioka. In the interview, Ishibashi discussed her thoughts on her role as Kiina, a ‘career woman’ mom thriving in a foreign-affiliated venture capital firm, and shared anecdotes from the filming set.
The series is based on a novel by Seiko Zhuye, which was previously adapted into a drama in 2019 titled ‘わたし、定時で帰ります。’. The story follows Shino Murakami (played by Mako Tabe), a woman who chose to be a full-time housewife, as she interacts with various individuals, including working mothers and elite bureaucrats on parental leave, whom she refers to as ‘people on the opposite shore.’
Throughout the show, Shino struggles to find companionship among other housewives, feeling a sense of isolation. She often reflects, “...Wait, have I not spoken to anyone again today!?” However, she soon discovers that, despite their different circumstances, they all face similar challenges related to household chores. The drama humorously explores the never-ending job of housework, reminding viewers that everyone deals with the daily grind of chores.
Ishibashi expressed her surprise at receiving an offer for a continuous drama, stating, “I never expected to get a call for a series.” She was also intrigued by her character, having previously played a mother of a sixth-grader in ‘After-School Cult’ (2024). She shared, “I rarely get the chance to work closely with children, so I’m thrilled to be involved in this project.”
As she read the original work, Ishibashi found herself moved to tears, empathizing with the characters. “I wondered if mothers felt the same way as Shino and her friends,” she recalled, connecting her personal experiences to the narrative. In contrast, she noted that reading the script gave her a different sensation, emphasizing the unique rhythm and tone of the visual medium.
Describing Kiina, Ishibashi remarked, “She’s a very cool woman who’s honest about her feelings.” The character is depicted as someone who has traveled the world for her career while successfully achieving her personal goals, such as marriage and motherhood. Kiina is also characterized as being older than Tatsuo, giving her a composed perspective on life. Ishibashi noted that Kiina often responds to her husband’s surprising comments with a gentle, “Well, things like this can happen, you know?” reflecting their unique family dynamic.
When asked about the director’s requests, Ishibashi mentioned the emphasis on being cheerful and strong. She was encouraged to deliver lines clearly and firmly, while also embodying the nuance of “not reading the air but daring not to read it.”
One memorable scene for Ishibashi was the hug in the fifth episode. “The director wanted me to capture an open, overseas feel and express it strongly,” she said. Though she is familiar with the culture of hugging, she found the abruptness of the scene to be a unique touch for Kiina.
Ishibashi shared her impressions of Dean Fujioka, stating, “From the first meeting, he was already Tatsuo to me, so I could accept him fully in that role.” As the episodes progressed, she enjoyed the playful exchanges between them, likening it to a battle of wits. “He absorbs everything I say, which makes it easy to collaborate,” she noted.
In the upcoming sixth episode, Ishibashi highlighted a scene where the Nakatani couple has a disagreement. “That scene is one of my favorites,” she remarked. “The couple’s ability to speak frankly to each other stems from their deep trust.” She finds Tatsuo’s earnestness endearing, stating, “He’s so dedicated; you don’t see many husbands like that.” In this scene, Kiina empathizes with Tatsuo’s earnestness while also pointing out his occasional missteps, showcasing their dynamic relationship.
Regarding her co-star Miu Imanishi, who plays the child Yuka, Ishibashi expressed her affection, saying, “Imanishi is just adorable. When we first met, she opened her arms and hugged me, which was heartwarming.” She was amazed by how quickly children grow, noting that Imanishi learns new words with each shoot. “It’s impressive to witness their rapid development,” she added.
On the subject of Mako Tabe, Ishibashi described her as a reassuring presence. “She creates an atmosphere that allows everyone to be natural,” she said. “Even during rehearsals, she can make everyone laugh with just a line, and she conveys emotions with just her eyes, which is a skill that comes from experience.”
As for the overall appeal of the drama, Ishibashi believes that every scene is worth watching. “The characters are genuinely facing their situations, which resonates with viewers,” she explained. “There might be new perspectives to discover, and you can enjoy the adorable growth of the children.” She hopes audiences will tune in every week and find joy in the series.
