Fuji TV 50th anniversary drama Fumou Chitai production pictures in New Zealand

August 26, 12:26 AMJapanese Entertainment ExaminerHannah Buerano

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Photo by Sanspo News

Coinciding with Fuji TV’s 50th Anniversary, the network has decided to air a drama adaptation of Fumou Chitai (The Wasteland) that will last for six-months. The drama is based on a novel by Toyoko Yamasaki who penned other works such as Shiroi Kyoto (WhiteTower) and Karei Naru Ichizoku (The Grand Family). The drama is about a staff officer in a POW labor camp in Siberia in WWII, who becomes a successful business man. This will be the third adaptation of the novel.

As announced in May of this year, the drama will star Toshiaki Karasawa (36) as Tadashi Iki, the staff officer. The production of the drama has begun filming the Siberia scenes in July at Snow Farm, a ski area near Wanaka, New Zealand.

Photo by Sanspo News

Karasawa, known for his roles in dramas Shoroi Kyoto and Love Complex, has delved in to his role since the beginning of filming. Braving the harsh New Zealand winter in the open set 1500 meters above sea level, according to Sanspo, the actor is quoted saying,

“Whether it [the production] succeeds or fails is my responsibility.”

His dedication to his craft is clearly evident as he lost 7 kilograms (15.4 pounds) for this role. To achieve this, Karasawa, since April, relied on a special diet juice from morning to night that dropped him from 63 kg (138.6 lbs) to 56 kg (123.2 lbs). Seeing him in the snow, he appears to have captured the spirit of Tadashi Iki impressing those around him. Director Kensaku Sawada (40) notes, “He [Karasawa] is a very stoic. He waited for the snow for an hour without complaining. He has captured the feeling of heroism.” Karasawa states, “The protagonist is not a typical hero. It’s interesting.”

Joining Karasawa in the cast are several veteran actors such as Emi Wakui, Toshiro Yanigaba, Koyuki, Isao Hashizume, Atsuo Nakamura, Sasaki Kuranosuke, just to name a few. With a star studded cast like this, there is no doubt Fuji TV is aiming for ratings above 20%. Fumou Chitai is shaping up to be the must-see drama this Fall.

This drama will start airing in October on Thursdays at 10 PM, on Fuji TV.

For more information: Visit the Fumou Chitai website