Cast of NHK’s ‘Toyotomi Brothers’ discuss demanding period‑drama roles

Actor Nakano Taiga, who plays the lead in NHK’s historical series “Toyotomi Brothers,” spoke at a talk event in Asago, Hyōgo, about the difficulty of delivering the drama’s extensive dialogue. He said the year‑long shoot involved long days and many retakes, noting that co‑star Igamatsu Sōryō often helped him stay composed when he stumbled over lines. Nakano also highlighted a surprise cameo by his father, actor Nakano Eikō, who appeared in a father‑son scene that generated considerable audience interest.

In a related story, Masaki Suda, who portrayed the famed strategist Takeda Hanbē in the same series, made his Cannes debut with the film “Black Castle,” directed by Kōsuke Kurosawa. In the movie, Suda plays another legendary strategist, Kuroda Kanbē, shifting from his television role to a cinematic mystery set in a feudal castle. The film premiered in the Cannes Premieres section and will be released nationwide in Japan later this month.