Pandora II ~ Kiga Retto, the sequel to the critically acclaimed medical suspense drama, Pandora, begins this April. The drama reunites popular scriptwriter Inoue Yumiko and the rest of the production team behind WOWOW’s first drama series in 2008. “At the time of the first series, Drama W was not well-known to people. But because of the many accolades that the resulting drama received, it is now a drama slot that actors and fellow writers describe as ‘desirable, enviable’. I’m happy to be able to make a drama with a theme that will only be taken up on Drama W with the same team again,” Inoue says.
Amid a world faced with an unprecedented global food crisis, brought on by an increase in grain prices as a result of its conversion to biofuel, and crop failure because of climate change accompanied by global warming, an agricultural scientist called Suzuki Mamoru, develops genetically engineered maize ‘God Corn’ which can grow four times faster than usual after seven years of research. Sato Koichi plays the protagonist, Suzuki, who finds himself engulfed in a world swirling with desire and intrigue as the Japanese government and fund companies set their sights on the rights and huge profits of this new invention.
Sato has great empathy for his character. “We’re alike in that we’re buoyed by a fragile pride. Mamoru presses forward with ideals and a sense of justice that has been cultivated by past experiences. He could live without regard for his surroundings because he had that pride, but it changed when he was swayed by corporations and the government. I understand that vulnerability.”
Suzuki Kyoko stars as Yagisawa Shuko, a detective from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police’s First Investigative Division, who suspects that Suzuki was involved in the murder of his subordinate. Sato and Suzuki have co-starred in numerous productions including the 2007 drama, Tengoku to Jigoku, and seem to have great chemistry. Pandora II will be the sixth time that they are working together.
“I’m able to spontaneously bring out the emotions of my character because Koichi-san turns completely into Suzuki Mamoru, Japan’s most pitiable man, whenever he performs,” Suzuki says as Sato flashes a wry grin. “As an actor, I’m happiest to be able to closely observe Koichi-san’s exquisite portrayal of this complex role. I hope we can continue to act together again and again.”
When asked what she thinks of a man like Mamoru, who is totally immersed in one thing, Suzuki says, “I personally keep thinking that such a man is fantastic. It may not be good to be unable to see what is around him because he is focused on one thing but I feel that it is nice to get a glimpse of his devotion and passion.”
In contrast, Mizukawa Asami, who has a role as a secretary to a company president plotting to monopolise ‘God Corn’, quips, “I want to reach out a man like Mamoru. Because Koichi-san played him like a whimpering, drenched puppy, I cannot help but want to protect him but I guess it’s because that’s Koichi-san’s portrayal. Getting engrossed in something requires energy, but a person who can spread it over a multitude of things is …,” and she makes the ‘NG’ sign. When the emcee asks, “Is a person who is good at dividing his energies is better?” to clarify her remarks, Asami immediately replies, “Yes. A person who is good at dividing himself is better,” eliciting strained laughter from the male cast members including Sato and co-stars Katsumura Masanobu, Yamamoto Koji and Takuma Shin.
The seven-part drama will be broadcast every Sunday at 10.00 p.m. from 18 April.
This is my most anticipated drama of the spring season. I can never get enough of WOWOW dramas, even though they may make the occasional dud. Pandora was unprecedented for a drama of the suspense genre and signalled that WOWOW’s approach to dramas would be a significant departure from the other television networks. A brilliant production with a boldly ambitious theme and superb acting from the cast of veteran actors. And this time, there is Sato Koichi … enough said. Pandora II will probably seal WOWOW’s reputation for quality Japanese dramas.
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