Japanese actor Ryusei Yokohama, 28, recently took the spotlight during the completion preview of the highly anticipated NHK historical drama "Bura Burā - Tsutaya Jūzaburō’s Dream Tales". The event, held on December 16, 2024, at NHK's headquarters, marked the beginning of excitement for the series set to premiere on January 5, 2025.
Yokohama plays Tsutaya Jūzaburō, known as the "Media King" of Edo. His character is depicted during his youthful years, filled with energy and daring spirit. Director Taku Ohara praised Yokohama for his infectious smile, stating, "The power of his smile is outstanding." Scriptwriter Yoshiko Morishita echoed this sentiment, expressing her enthusiasm, saying, "I might be falling dangerously in love with him!"
From the onset, Tsutaya's character is set against the backdrop of historical events, including dramatic action sequences during the significant Meiwa Great Fire. Viewers will watch as Tsutaya leads children and courtesans from the chaos of the fire, showcasing both physical and emotional resilience. The trending portrayal of the Edo media power reflects the destruction and challenges faced by the young entrepreneurial spirit.
Visually stunning, "Bura Burā" utilizes advanced technology, including VFX and drone photography, to depict the Edo period like never before. Morishita commented on her writing's transformation, stating, "What I wrote was the seed, and what has come out is the forest," indicating the grand scale the series has reached.
Yokohama, thrilled with the show's direction, shared, "During filming, I sensed we were creating something distinct. I hope people will love this Tsutaya Jūzaburō." His excitement hints at the innovative structure, as the portrayal diverges from traditional themes often found in historical dramas.
While Yokohama is known for intense action roles, this time he takes on the part of the "underdog", emphasizing growth instead of battling on the front lines. He remarked, "Though I may be down and out now, I will gradually start to take action. While there's no battle per se, the business conflicts will be thrilling and entertaining!"
Hiroshi Abe, who previously portrayed Tsutaya, showed his support for Yokohama, affirming, "Your performance always has the power to capture the audience's heart." This mentorship suggests the weight of expectations on Yokohama's shoulders. The immense pressure to maintain the character's legacy is met with equal enthusiasm from him, who is determined to make the role his own.
Yokohama's costume choice—a unique green outfit—also holds significance. Green has been pivotal for him since his youthful days as Green Ranger (Tokkyu - #4) in the Super Sentai series back in 2014. He associated this with energy and vibrancy, explaining, "This color symbolizes my spirit, allowing me to stand out among other characters. It makes me feel energetic!"
Perhaps most enticing about "Bura Burā" is its shift away from the classic war scenes often portrayed in historical dramas. Instead, the focus lies on Tsutaya's ascent within the print media industry against the vibrant backdrop of Edo. The screenplay defies expectations, offering uniqueness and freshness to genre fans.
One of the firsts for NHK’s Taiga dramas, it captures the essence of Edo during the mid-17th century with innovative visual storytelling, emphasizing character development over conventional battles. This portrayal not only speaks to the historical significance of the time but also to Yokohama's belief in the power of the narrative.
With the recent average viewership ratings for prior Taiga dramas not living up to expectations—evidenced by "Hikaru Kimi e's" dismal ratings—NHK aims to capture new audiences with this fresh approach. The last series ended with ratings lower than anticipated, sparking concern about the future of traditional storytelling formats.
Morishita has expressed her passion for the character, declaring, "I have always adored Tsutaya, and with Yokohama's gorgeous visuals and smile, this project is going to be extraordinary!"
Yokohama's return on stage is met with hopeful anticipation. Looking forward, he expressed his desire for viewers to connect with Tsutaya Jūzaburō, stating, "I hope they will fall for this character just as I have." His enthusiasm is palpable, and Yoshiko Morishita's artistic vision, coupled with the cast's talents, steers 'Bura Burā' to earn its place as one of the most exciting dramas to come.
