#cross talk

Next time they saw her was in the lobby of the court. She was wearing a comely black suit with a pencil skirt and a white blouse, her Senegalese twists laying in curling rivers against her nape. She flashed Mitsunari and Ieyasu a friendly smile.

“Are you ready?”

“As ever,” Ieyasu huffed. “Judge Neal is presiding, so--”

Her expression blanked. “Hell. I don’t suppose you have a spare tie?”

“A what?”

She was already mid-change. Up went the twists, tightened and coiled until it was in a professional and effortless bun. With practiced hands she sealed her shirt to the collar, even to the very last tiny button. “He’s got a track record for making commentary about women’s attire.”

Ieyasu paused, then slowly undid his own tie and offered it to her. “Here.”

“No no, I couldn’t possibly--”

“I’ll be fine,” he snipped. “Just--you asked for it. Take it.”

Her smile was almost bewilderingly beautiful. She took it in a graceful hand. “Thank you. Yellow is my favorite color, too.”

The jury selection was contentious.

For every potential juror Ieyasu rejected, she refused a dozen more. Ieyasu crumpled a bit of paper in rage, grinding his teeth.

“Is she trying to piss us off?” He hissed. “She’s just trying to prolong this now.”

“In fairness, Mr. Tokugawa,” Mitsunari started, his eyes never leaving her back, “I understand what she’s doing. The last few jurors indicated that they had very slight biases against women--”

“Where did you get that?”

“--it was slight phrasing, but notable.” He watched Ms. Williams parse over a piece of paper again, her brows furrowed and full lips set. “And she’s doing a commendable job detailing the questioning and picking through the particulars--”

Ieyasu shot him an icy stare. “So you’re saying you’re following it, too? You’d do the same?”

“Yes. I would.”

The shorter man scowled. “This is why I don’t like Yale.”

Mitsunari had seen many opening statements in his career. He’d sat in the gallery and watched Nobunaga deliver cutting, willful words that Mitsunari himself would never consider. He had, of course, seen Hideyoshi speak in his humble, familial way, leaving the jurors swooning in their chairs at his homegrown manners and charming smile.

Ieyasu blew them both out of the water every time.

“Awful. Abhorrent. Reprehensible. Unconscionable. These are a few words you might use to describe the heinous act that has brought us all together today. It was a vicious crime. An assault on the fundamental, inalienable right to life we are granted. Murder. Call it what you will: a crime of passion, a crime of cunning, a crime that only the worst among us could commit. But this murder must be called what it is. A crime committed by one Mrs. Jacqueline Ailes.”

Mitsunari tried to squash the rush of chills dancing up and down his arms. How could he? Ieyasu was unquestionably the most commanding speaker he’d ever seen. Kenshin Uesugi was chilling and ethereal. The few times he’d seen Shingen Takeda testify for his own private investigation firm was arresting. Mitsuhide Akechi could talk his way through a brick wall. But oh--nothing really compared to watching Ieyasu. His green eyes flashed like fire.

“When faced with the facts, when faced with the law, we have no choice but to find Ms. Ailes guilty of murder, that most heinous of crimes. I’m sure you’ll agree.”

Something about his words made him grow ten feet. Ieyasu was short--only barely shorter than him--but his words sat him among giants. Mitsunari wondered if that was the voice he heard when he died; self-assured, strong, utterly at home among the most powerful and defenseless in one.

Ieyasu had set the earth spinning. His turn was over. She spoke and the world stopped all over again.

“There are two victims of this crime. One is the man buried too early and too young. The other is this woman who has been wrongfully accused of her husband’s murder.” With long, purposeful strides, she took her position before the court. “No amount of rhetoric or staging will change this. Mrs. Ailes is an innocent woman who wandered onto the scene of a horrific crime when she hoped to have a quiet walk--and now she is taking the fall for it.”

Oh. Once again Mitsunari felt the bewildering thrill of shivers. No one aside from Ieyasu had done that to him before. She was so clear, so crisp, so clean and decisive and removed. He watched her analyze every word before it came from her lips. Where Ieyasu had set the court ablaze, she soothed them again effortlessly.

This was going to be difficult.

---

“Now, you’ve said that the family regularly goes for these walks, is that correct?”

“Yes, ma’am.” The neighbor who’d phoned the police was an older woman of around fifty years old, with fading blonde hair and crow’s feet. She looked like the kind of lady who played tennis at the country club on the weekends--and she was the only witness. Ms. Williams rested casually before her, every calming word setting them at ease.

“An evening routine, perhaps?”

“Yes. I see them almost every night.”

“And when you see them out for their walk, is the whole family present?”

“Yes.”

“Now that includes their daughter, isn’t that right?”

The neighbor paused. “Renée, yeah. Renée Ailes. I’ve never seen them without her.”

“Never?”

“W-well I, on the walks, I mean.”

“Of course, of course. And was Jacqueline aware that you saw them on their walks?”

“I think so. We would wave to each other, or… or sometimes I would step out to chat with her, but mostly I just waved.”

“So was Renée out with them the night of the murder?”

“They weren’t out at their usual time—”

“Ma’am,” the attorney politely corrected, “I’m sorry. Was Renée with them?”

“...No, not that I saw.”

“In fact, according to the statement you gave to the police at the scene, and according to your phone call—”

Ieyasu, who simmered quietly through the interrogation, stood with fire in his eyes. “Objection. Your honor, what relevance does this have?”

“Your honor, Counsellor Tokugawa addressed elements of the police report in his own line of questioning,” she answered, crisp and polite as ever. “I believe that makes it not only fair, but entirely appropriate that I consider the report as well.”

The judge cast his eyes skyward. “Overruled, Tokugawa.”

Ieyasu slumped back into his seat. She continued. “According to the police and the phone call, you reported that you only saw the defendant over her husband’s dead body. Is that correct?”

The neighbor nodded. “Yes.”

“But no screaming?”

“No.”

“No stabbing?”

“No.”

“Hm.” The attorney made a small show of thinking before following up with a simple, “So no murder? Just a distraught woman in shock over a dead body?”

“Yes.”

A few jurors stirred. Ms. Williams schooled a tiny smile and pressed on. “Didn't you also report a car in the cul-de-sac a few hours prior to the murder? You said it was a black Ford Focus with a peeling bumper sticker. It was unfamiliar to you, wasn’t it?”

“That’s correct. I don’t think there was a follow up on it.”

“Have you seen that car since then?”

“No.”

Mitsunari almost wanted to smile. If it were cross-examination from Ieyasu they would have counted it a fantastic victory. Even then he wanted to applaud her. How had they never run across this woman before?

And beside that--he’d already had doubts.

When finally the court adjourned, Ieyasu was fuming.

“Let me guess: you also think there’s merit to her smokescreen.”

Mitsunari shoved the papers back into the briefcase and shot out the door after his partner. “She brings up valid points that I know I addressed with you: the lack of a witness, the strange car--”

“She was over her husband’s body!” Ieyasu snapped. “She got off the phone just beforehand for no reason! Just because no one saw--”

“There were also no screams. I think there’s validity to the skepticism.”

The bond between Hijikata Toshizo and Okita Souji that was cultivated naturally

Okada: I feel like it is sort of like fate that I get to play Hijikata Toshizo. I can't explain it well, but I always thought it would be a role that I would play. When we were filming, it felt like the [character] was looking at me.  

Yamada: On the contrary, I was not familiar with the history at all. I also had to learn about the Shinsengumi from scratch.  It was my first time participating in an authentic historical drama, so everything on set, including sword fighting, was new to me.

Okada: But Yamada-kun is a once-in-a-millennium talent. Your sword fighting was really perfect.

Yamada: (Tongue tied) I'm happy [to hear that] ...  

Okada: Before we started shooting, he said to me, "Please teach me all the things I don't know." We would rehearse together and explore ways on how he could show an Okita-like fighting style. That said, Yamada-kun could do it right away. That's [why you are] a once-in-a-millennium talent. Did you enjoy your practice?  

Yamada: Very much.

Okada: [The training] included wrestling. You must have wondered, "Why wrestling?" (Laughs) 

Yamada: At first (laughs). [That’s because] you need to use your waist when you swing the sword, right?

Okada: Yeah. Including the approach, he learned things really quickly. 

Yamada: I think there are many actors who want to play Okita Souji. Moreover, Okada-san is Hijikata. However, I would hate for people to think "I'm [only selected for the role] because I'm his kouhai." That's why I want to play [the character] properly.  Unfortunately, I didn’t have the ability [to do it on my own]. So facing that [problem], if I could ask for help, there was no reason for me not to.  But it was not just me [who asked for help].  All members of the Shinsengumi called Okada-san "Teacher!" (Laughs)

Okada: I had the opportunity to choreograph sword fighting scenes in which I was involved. Every time someone finished a sword fight, everyone would look at me as if they were asking "How was it?" (Laughs)

Yamada: We did look.

Okada: Right. That kind of atmosphere sometimes made me feel like Hijikata. Suzuki Ryohei (who played Kondo Isami) was also very good at mood making on set and just like the director of the Shinsengumi, he brought everyone together. In that setting, the relationship between Hijikata and Okita also became apparent.

Yamada: It worked well.

Okada: Yeah. I feel that we were able to play that naturally. We never talked about "Let's do this!"  It just worked (laughs).

Yamada: Perhaps because you are a senpai who I already know...  But on the other hand, you are my actual senpai, right? Nevertheless, [my character] in the movie was cheeky and I poked Okada-san. That definitely wasn’t something I could do normally.  

Okada: Ah ha ha.

Yamada: However, I was surprisingly not nervous when I did it. Since Okita would surely do this.  

Okada: The relationship between Hijikata and Okita was like that of sworn brothers. Although the members of the Shinsengumi might be like that too, but among them, Hijikata, Kondo and Okita had the deepest ties.  I think women like that sort of relationship.

Yamada: That’s true...  

Okada: I asked myself “Why is the Shinsengumi so beloved throughout the times?”, after all, it is an important point. They did cruel things and although objectively speaking, you can’t understand them sometimes, there was a trust that existed among these men. There was a bond between them, right? In a sense, this connection transcends life and death.  

Yamada: Okita really liked Hijikata-san and Kondo-san. Whether it was during his childhood in his hometown or after he joined the Shinsengumi, Okita's feelings [towards them] had not changed at all.  Although there was a hierarchy and discipline [in the group], they didn't matter. He had always thought that, "I like Hijikata-san and Kondo-san, so I'm in the Shinsengumi."  That's why I wanted to cherish that feeling when I was performing.

Okada: After all, movies that depict human [relationships] are good. Hijikata, Kondo and Okita were historical figures. That's why it was easy for us to play them and we were able to emphasize the connection between these characters. No matter how much Hijikata was feared at that time, the connection between these friends remained the core. Hijikata once said "the purpose of a man’s life is to create beauty" and that represented what he held dear to his heart. Although things were cruel, there was beauty within them. As you see the [story of] the people and the era unfold on screen, it will be nice if this idea is reflected as well.  

Yamada went through extreme weight-loss under the guidance of Mr. Okada

Okada: Yamada-kun is cute no matter what. When I watched him working hard, I loved him more and more. Because (of the role), he had lost 8kg, you know. It must have been hard.  

Yamada: Yes ... (laughs).

Okada: Suzuki-kun and I are familiar with that (laughs). When he consulted me [on weight-loss methods], I casually said, "You should try dehydration."  It was a hellish method that I don't want to do again, but it is very effective if you need to do it quickly. Yamada-kun really did it. It was hard, right?

Yamada: That was really something...  

Okada: You often had to act in that condition. Time passed slower and your movements also became more [laboured]. Although that annoyance... was brewing, you didn’t say it out loud (laughs).

Yamada: Was it brewing? Honestly, on the last day [of the extreme diet period], I thought “it might be good to die” (laughs), but the day after “my” death, I had to film sword fighting [scenes].  

Okada: You muttered, "I have sword fighting on this day", I thought you must be concerned (laughs).

Yamada: “What should I do?” I thought and panicked. However, I thought Okada-san and others have experience in [losing weight in a short period of time] and they taught me a lot. Okada-san and Suzuki-san were so detailed that I almost asked, “Are you doctors?”

Okada: I said "Do OO and OO!"  

Yamada: "Huh?", I asked as I took notes to research later. However, if I were doing this alone without any knowledge, I might have used some dangerous methods [to lose weight]. Instead, I was able to trim down to the goal weight correctly.  

Okada: That was cute. Quietly~ eating almonds while conserving energy (laughs). You were very endearing that way.

Yamada: But when I was filming my “weak” scenes, I was scolded a little by Director Harada (Masato).  

Okada: Is that so?

Yamada: I was taking too much time between movements.  

Okada: You couldn’t move right (laughs)? I don't think people who have not experienced it would understand. But I like that scene. Hijikata laid down next to Okita, who was suffering from tuberculosis, and said, "I'm going to sleep here today." It showed their relationship. Although it would not come out of his mouth, I think Hijikata felt calm being next to Okita.  

Yamada: That's right. For Okita, I think Okita was very lonely. Both the Shinsengumi and Hijikata-san were steadily changing. But when Hijikata-san was in front of the sick “me’, he turned back to the old Hijikata-san and snuggled up to him. He showed “me” a side of himself that he never let others see, and “I” liked it.  However, when we were filming the scene, I was just not able to move... that night, when I went to the sauna by myself to reflect [on the mistake], Okada-san also came to the sauna.

Okada: I remember that. But you weren’t scolded [by the director] so much to be worried though. That was just like Yamada-kun.

Yamada: Hm~... 

Okada: As expected, a once-in-a-millennium talent will be a perfectionist. Although that's fine.  

Yamada: I'm really glad you said that. I'm glad we were able to act together and get closer.  

Okada: Hm~.  

Yamada: Eh?! We did not get closer?  

Okada: Nah, we weren’t that distant to begin with. Well, if we compare [our relationship now] to when we were rehearsing before the shoot, I think we have gotten closer. Yamada-kun gave me the most delicious strawberries I’ve ever eaten.  

Yamada: Is that so?! But I'm glad you liked them (laughs).  

The movie scenes and lines that left an impression

Okada: In "Joker", the cut when Joker raised his chin and looked up to the sky was memorable.  The lighting was exquisite. I wanted to know the behind-the-scenes scoop for that scene. It was really amazing that the lead actor could push the momentum forward in the movie with just that. He acted like he was invincible. I think it may be an eternal theme for people in the movie business, it is jam packed with the hopes of the actor who wanted to become that*.

*I’m not entirely sure if I interpreted this correctly, but it’s kind of the filler part of the cross-talk anyway, so I am not too concerned about it.

Yamada: The last scene of "Romeo & Juliet". Juliet revived and looked at Romeo with a smile, but Romeo just drank poison. I cannot forget the surprised face of (Leonardo) DiCaprio when he realized that Juliet was alive. He was in pain and then just died...  Couldn’t he wait another 20 seconds?! (Laughs) This is my favorite movie.

Hijikata & Okita

Okada Junichi

Memorable scene: Okita looking outside grabbed my heart

When the increasingly sick Okita looked at the [view] outside from his room with a hollow expression, the cut was beautiful. The trailer included that scene but when I watched it as part of the finished movie, it definitely left an impression. I saw up close the hard work Yamada-kun himself put in. Since he asked me for advice on how he should [show Okita] using the sandanzuki (the 3 stage thrust, Okita’s special move) while he was ill, I knew about the scenes he was filming. I didn’t actually see the filming of the scene where he was vacantly staring outside and fading away quietly. I saw it for the first time in the final cut of the movie and it grabbed my heart.

Message from Senpai to Kouhai: The image of Yamada-kun doing his best made me cry (laughs)

Yamada-kun is very smart. A good guy. That’s why I think you can indulge yourself a bit. However, you are not in a position to be indulgent, so you won’t do that and that is Yamada-kun [in a nutshell]. There are also a lot of responsibilities you must shoulder in the group.  There are many things you need to care about, to think about, and when I saw you working hard to bring smiles to everyone’s faces, I wanted to cry (laughs). Well, you are great. I hope you can fly high and soar in this splendid era.

Yamada Ryosuke

Memorable scene: I wanted to fight with everyone in Goryokaku

The Goryokaku scene was one where I thought “I wanted to be there”. I wanted to fight together with Hijikata-san, if not, at least I might watch the filming. What was I doing then… I was probably at another job. It was Hijikata-san’s final battle scene, the fight was crackling, he rode a horse too, anyway, it was cool! Although it was a sad scene, you could instantly understand Hijikata-san’s way of life. I was fascinated. It was so cool. I also wanted to ride a horse (laughs).

Message from Kouhai to Senpai: As my senpai in life, I respect Okada-san.

Okada-kun was unusually gentle. Really, like a teacher. When I asked you about things I didn’t know, you would answer no matter what I asked. Moreover, you are not annoyed [by the questions] even a little. It’s not just with me, the way you accept everyone is amazing. There is no distance between you and the staff. As a leader, Okada-san, you made sure the mood was harmonious, so everyone wanted to get close to and talk with this Okada-san. Not only on set but in other places as well. As my senpai in life, I respect you from the bottom of my heart.

Back Shot Story

Yamada: At that time, Yuma ... was like an imp (laughs). I was seriously thinking, where did they find this kid? Well, you grow up into a beautiful [man]. Johnny-san’s eye for people is amazing!

Nakayama: In contrast, Yamada-kun was already fully formed at that time. I was shocked that "a person with such a beautiful face exists!”

Yamada: No, no. Before I debuted, I was also a bit of an imp (laughs). We started really hanging out after the formation of NYC, right?

Nakayama: That's right. (Looking at the interview from that time) At that time I was still living in Osaka, so I had to come to Tokyo every time we had NYC related interviews ... it took 5 hours to make the trip for a 2 hour interview and photo shoot. I thought “did I really have to come to Tokyo?” (laughs).

Yamada: It was tough to commute, wasn’t it? But at that time, Chinen (Yuri) or I did not know how to talk [in interviews] at all, so we relied on Yuma for the heavy lifting.

Nakayama: No, I feel like I was was just following Yamada-kun.

Yamada: No that wasn’t right, I think you helped us a lot. ... Anyway, I enjoyed NYC's activities. Even now, Chinen and I will say "I want to do that again someday".

Nakayama: It is the same for me! It was such a great experience.

Yamada: As we worked together, our camaraderie grew. Now, when I see a program where Yuma appears, I will go like "Oh, you can do it, my friend".

Nakayama: Since I usually work alone, I am happy to know that you look at me as a comrade! ... From that time till now, we have never once fought with each other, right?

Yamada: No, not at all. Often, I am pretty strict with people, but I have never once said such [harsh] things to Yuma. Yuma is someone who [always] do things properly, and I recognized that. Anyway, because you were getting into the role for the drama "Hokuto", you cut off all interactions with those around you and was living without a television or a mobile phone! There are not many people who can do that. I really admire this professionalism!

Nakayama: Well, I happen to be in an environment that [allowed me] to do so.

Yamada: Also, the director of the drama was Takimoto (Tomoyuki)-san*, who is a perfectionist (laughs). I understand that very well because he took care of me in my movie. However, I do appreciate the tough [love] since it allowed me to grow. Even now, when I met him somewhere, he would challenge me by saying "Nakayama’s performance is sooo amazing" (laughs).

*Takimoto Tomoyuki was the director of Grasshopper.

Nakayama: He did the same thing to me, he told me "had it been Yamada, he would be able to act beyond [my] imagination..." (laughs).

Yamada: We each have to thank Takimoto-san for the definite change in our understanding of acting... Someday, don’t you think it will be nice if Yuma and I can work together in Takimoto-san’s work, in whatever format it will take?

Nakayama: That will be great. It will be nice to co-star after we mature more [as actors]!

I want you to move forward in a peaceful manner.

Nakayama: Speaking of Hey! Say! JUMP, you guys can play instruments and dance and sing ... I think you are an almighty group. It is fun to watch!  [T/N: Yuma actually said almighty, so I am keeping it even though it sounded a bit intense.]

Yamada: I am happy to hear that.

Nakayama: In addition, Yamada-kun is also in charge of the choreography. Really what skills do you have! (laughs)

Yamada: It was indeed hard to choreograph for nine people (laughs). However, I was able to see the group in a new light and I learned a lot.

Nakayama: Also, I like the relationship between members. I hope it will remain unchanged, and that you guys can move forward [step by step] in this peaceful manner.

Yamada: (smug look) Got it.

Nakayama: "Got it" [you say] (laughs).

Yamada: Hahaha, no really, rather than setting some lofty goal and trying to work towards that, as Yuma said just now, I rather steadily work on the things in front of us one at a time. I think something [good] will naturally come out of this.

Nakayama: I will cheer for you. After our talk today, I again realize that Yamada-kun is someone who is walking ahead of me. I want to catch up too, but despite chasing [after you] desperately, this guy will move ahead at an even greater speed (laughs).

Yamada: (smug face again) Got it!

Nakayama: So it is “Got it!” again. (Laughs)

Yamada: Hahaha, but for me, other than the members, Yuma is the only one in the same generation that I recognize!  You are a one and only existence.

Nakayama: I'm glad to hear that.

Yamada: I don’t think our relationship will change. It seems likely we will keep having this relaxed atmosphere between us.

Nakayama: It is usually like this.

Yamada: For some reason, at the moment Yuma meets me, he will switch to keigo (polite form of speech), it is something that never changes~ (laughs).

Nakayama: I guess that is my innocent side coming out.

Yamada: Is this your last ditch attempt at increasing your likeability?

Nakayama: Lies, lies (laughs). Congratulations on the 10th anniversary of your debut.

To Yuma,

I am saying what I usually say (laughs).  Yuma will definitely continue an active role as an actor and I think you will have a work that can be your masterpiece. However, I do not want you to [just] say “I am an actor”, as a Johnny’s talent, please take the opportunity to challenge different genres one at a time!

From Ryosuke

To Yamada-kun,

I enjoyed our talk today as usual. As for me who is in the "Yamada Ryosuke generation", I think it will be nice to work with Yamada-kun, whether it is NYC, or on stage, in movies, or on television. For the sake of that day, I will definitely accomplish the things in front of me! Let's go fishing as well.

From Yuma