The following contains spoilers about the story.

Asuka Saito, former Nogizaka46 ace and top idol, takes on the challenging role of Ai in the live-action adaptation of Oshi no Ko, spanning both a drama series and a feature film. Shortly after her graduation in 2023, Saito was offered this pivotal role—one she initially declined. In this second part of the interview, she opens up about filming the pivotal opening scenes and her complex emotions playing Ai, particularly in the dramatic death scene that sets the story in motion.

Read Part 1 here

Post-Nogizaka46: Watching Her Juniors Shine Brightly on Stage

—The drama opens with B-Komachi performing on stage. After graduating from Nogizaka46, how did it feel to step back into an idol performance?
[Saito] At first, I honestly thought, “This might be impossible” [laughs]. I had performed on stage for over a decade, but once you step away, you inevitably lose that sense of rhythm and comfort. I was worried that I might come across as someone who’s forcing it.

But once I stepped onto the stage and heard the voices of the extras in the audience, it all started to come back to me. I could feel the same energy I had during my Nogizaka46 performances, and I ended up enjoying the experience. The choreography was catchy and easy to pick up, which helped a lot.

—That live performance scene is a striking moment that establishes both your presence as Ai and her magnetic personality.
[Saito] Thank you. While respecting the original manga and Ai’s strong presence as a character, I approached the role by carefully balancing my portrayal. Instead of erasing my own personality entirely, I adjusted how much of “myself” and “Ai” I brought into each scene.

—Playing Ai must have given you a new perspective on idols. Did watching your Nogizaka46 juniors perform after your graduation evoke any new feelings?
[Saito] I’ve watched their performances online a few times, but seeing them live was a completely different experience. They sparkled so brightly that it was hard to believe I had once been part of that same group. Everyone looked so radiant.

—You even attended Mizuki Yamashita’s graduation concert at Tokyo Dome, held exactly one year after your own.
[Saito] Yes, I did. My graduation concert gave me the strength to conclude my idol career on a high note, and I consider it one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever received. I always hoped that my juniors could have similar experiences with their own graduation concerts. Watching Yamashita’s concert, I could see how much thought and joy she put into it. I felt so proud and kept thinking, “I just want her to be happy” [laughs]. It was such a heartwarming experience.

Filming Ai’s Death Scene: “It Wasn’t Fun at All”

—The child actors who played young Aqua (Haruto Iwakawa) and Ruby (Yuna Saito) delivered extraordinary performances, especially in the death scene. What was it like watching them work up close?
[Saito] I was amazed. They’re so young, yet they dyed their hair and practiced their lines diligently. They seemed genuinely happy to play their roles. In Ai’s death scene, Aqua is by my side, and I saw him preparing intensely on his own before the take. During the actual filming, he was crying so hard. Watching him made me feel this overwhelming sense of affection.

—Their professionalism is impressive. That death scene is one of the most iconic moments in Oshi no Ko. How did you approach it?
[Saito] That scene is incredibly important for both the story and Ai as a character. The director told me, “This scene is crucial, so we’re going to shoot it multiple times in various ways and locations.” No pressure, right? [laughs]

We ended up spending two full days on that scene, using a variety of filming techniques. It was an intense process, but the entire cast and crew created such a supportive atmosphere that I was able to get through it.

—Did filming those emotional moments bring you closer to the child actors, as though you were a parent figure?
[Saito] Not really [laughs]. Ai becomes a mother, but it’s only in her final moments that she finally says, “I love you.” Even though she appears to interact cheerfully with her children, I think she’s constantly questioning herself internally. “Do I really love them? Do I truly care for them?” That inner turmoil defines her character.

The director and I agreed that Ai shouldn’t feel overly maternal or too robotic. We worked hard to strike the right balance, and I kept a deliberate distance from the child actors to maintain that dynamic.

Concluding Thoughts on Playing Ai

—This role was a departure from the characters you’ve played before. Do you feel a sense of accomplishment after portraying Ai?
[Saito] Even now, I’m not sure if I got it “right.” I don’t think it’s something I can give myself 100 points for. But I do believe I gave everything I had at this point in my life.

—Lastly, did you enjoy playing Ai?
[Saito] Not at all [laughs]. It was tough. Saying Ai is “pitiful” might be too strong, but I couldn’t help wishing someone had loved her more.

About Oshi no Ko

Oshi no Ko is a manga collaboration between Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari, serialized in Weekly Young Jump since 2020. With over 18 million copies in circulation as of August 2024, the story captivates readers with its fantastical premise: a legendary idol, Ai, and the reincarnation of her child. The series combines suspense, shocking twists, and an unflinching exploration of the entertainment industry, appealing to audiences across generations.

The live-action adaptation, a joint project by Amazon and Toei, includes a drama series streaming exclusively on Prime Video starting Thursday, November 28, at 9 PM JST for Amazon Prime members. The follow-up film, Oshi no Ko -The Final Act-, will be released in theaters nationwide on Friday, December 20, distributed by Toei.

Source : ORICON NEWS