Actor Makiya Yamaguchi Talks New TV Drama Role on NHK's "Asaichi"
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Japanese actor Makiya Yamaguchi appeared on NHK's morning program "Asaichi" for a Premium Talk interview, discussing his new historical drama "Toyotomi Kyodai!" and his recent career milestone.
In the drama, Yamaguchi plays Shibata Katsuie, a samurai warlord from Japan's Sengoku period, a turbulent era of civil war.
During the interview, he reflected on filming scenes alongside actor Aoi Miyazaki, who portrays the character known as "Oichi-sama" in the same production.
Yamaguchi, who has been working as an actor for 27 years, spoke about finally achieving his first leading role in a feature film this year, titled "Samurai Time Slipper".
He expressed deep gratitude toward his late mentor, veteran actor Fujita Makoto, crediting him with guiding his early career and shaping his path as a performer.
Fujita Makoto has since passed away, but Yamaguchi said he continues to feel thankful for the support and direction his mentor once provided.
"Asaichi" is a long-running morning program broadcast by NHK, Japan's public broadcaster, known for featuring interviews with public figures across entertainment, culture and daily life.
The Premium Talk segment specifically allows guests to speak in greater depth about their personal and professional journeys, offering audiences insight beyond typical promotional appearances.
Yamaguchi's appearance drew attention both to his long-standing acting career and to his breakthrough success after nearly three decades in the industry.
His story reflects a theme familiar in the entertainment world: recognition sometimes arrives only after years of persistent, lower-profile work.
The upcoming drama "Toyotomi Kyodai!" continues to attract interest, particularly given its historical setting and the cast's connections to previous acclaimed productions.
Details about the drama's broadcast schedule were not fully specified in the original report, though anticipation appears to be building among fans of Japanese historical television.
Vocabulary7 words
- warlord
- a powerful military leader, often in charge of an army
- leading role
- the most important part an actor plays in a show or movie
- gratitude
- a strong feeling of thanks
- mentor
- an experienced person who guides someone younger
- broadcaster
- a company that shows programs on TV
- segment
- one section of a TV program
- breakthrough
- a sudden big success after a long effort
Quiz
Answer key
1. The Sengoku period 2. Getting his first leading movie role after 27 years 3. False
Discussion questions
- What does Yamaguchi's story suggest about persistence in creative careers?
- Why might historical dramas about Japan's Sengoku period remain popular with audiences?
- How can mentorship influence the trajectory of an actor's career, based on this story?
- What kinds of insights might a 'Premium Talk' format offer that shorter interviews cannot?