Kyouen NG (共演NG)

No Co-starring? Is there such a thing?

Among the many taboos within this industry➡

it is the most important landmine to avoid stepping on.

To put it simply "If that actor is in it, then I refuse to appear in it."

Wow, what a nuisance.

Like if they argued on set before.

Or if they just plain hate someone for no reason.

Or they've never met but had bad things said about them.

Or there are rumors online that they don't get along.

So stuff like that really happens.

Or if their personalities overlap or their agencies are on bad terms➡

That happens in this industry.

Television dramas are cast while being careful ➡

to avoid stepping on landmines like that.

Well that's mainly a job for us producers though.

Well I'm off then. Oh, where to?

Excuse me, director. The production announcement is today.

Oh, is that right. Yes I'm Kusunoki.

Dramas are sure bothersome.

Kinda makes me want to go back to doing journalism.

But more than anything the most common "no costarring" reason...

What's that?

Former romantic partners.

-What? These two dated? -Huh? You didn't know?

-You didn't watch "Deeper than Love"? -What's that? -A romance drama masterpiece!

Average ratings: 28.5％ The series finale: 36.8％！

-They appeared in it？ -and after the series was finished➡

they started dating in real life. That was amazing.

They were a star couple of the top actor and actress.

For these two to appear in a TV Touyou drama is unbelievable.

In all honesty my generation doesn't really care about them.

So how do you see them?

When I was in elementary school I likely saw➡

several shows and movies starring Touyama Eiji.

But now he's just someone you see occasionally in a special drama.

Of course you can tell he's a big deal.

A long time ago in a women's magazine he was the number 1➡

-"man you'd like to marry" 3 years in a row. -Oh yeah?

Alright. Eiji, let's go. Yeah.

So what about Oozono Hitomi?

Even though I don't watch TV I know about Oozono Hitomi.

She's in a lot of dramas, movies, and commercials.

But of course lately she's the person who's➡

been playing a female prosecutor for forever.

For the past several years she has been➡

ranked the number one "actress you want as your boss".

She's got that strong woman persona. She's single, right?

You always look good in white.

So why did such a big couple

break up?

Touyama Eiji was going out with a younger idol at the same time.

What a sleazebag!

Touyama Eiji went ahead and married the idol, but Oozono Hitomi stayed single➡

and they haven't met once these last 25 years.

They are the best example of "no costarring".

Wow.

Well isn't it unpleasant for the 2 leads in this drama to have a "no costarring" rule!?

This is unpleasant.

I thought so.

You did?

Anyone can tell that would be unpleasant.

What kind of smoothie is it?

No! I meant this job.

I knew it would be unpleasant.

Why is that piece of shit listed first.

That again?

I brought up the issue with the credits many times.

They said it was because of the sponsers, right?

It's okay, just upstage him with your acting.

After all, you're already beating him➡

in number of dramas, commercials, popularity, and earnings.

It's too late to complain now.

The production announcement is in just 1 hour.

I'm just saying it's unpleasant.

What is?

Isn't it the mature love story you always wanted to do?

And you're the star.

Weren't you always lamenting that dramas nowadays➡

are just about doctors and detectives?

I was drawn in by the mature love story.

But how am I supposed to face her?

What was it again? That piece of shit's official title.

The piece of shit runaway. Haha! That's it.

He's a genius when it comes to running away.

As soon as things turn uncomfortable for him he runs away.

And he's not even remotely ashamed about running away.

At least Hoshino Gen knew running away was shameful but useful!

25 years ago you lost everything because of that bitch.

That's also because of my mistake. I know it was wrong of me.

But still she...

Was there a need for her to do such a breakup interview?

It's not like we were married➡

or had declared we were dating exclusively.

Thanks to her tearful interview I couldn't get a job for 3 years➡

and was shown hell. It wasn't just you.

I was also shown hell by that bitch.

She's a next level bitch.

Isn't she the biggest bitch?

I wouldn't take it that far.

It's already been 25 years and I've matured.

I just don't know how I should face her.

Anyway, Oozono. When you meet him are you gonna hit him?

Whoa I was just kidding! I won't him him.

I have grown up after all.

You know, it's a bit too late to run away now...

I didn't say I would run away! How should I put it?

I still don't feel ready to stand in front of the camera.

The camera's only there because it's a production announcement.

They're not filming the show yet.

Ah, but Eiji-san, you've said many times that attitude is important.

Like when Matsuda Yuusaku had his audition for Black Rain...

You mean Yuusaku-san.

You don't get to leave off the -san.

Oh and the worst thing➡

is when he says, "Yuusaku-san would have done it this way".

Even though Eiji's not of that caliber.

Back then he mustered all his emotion to take on the challenge.

He staked his whole acting career on a true to life performance➡

through which he acquired a passport to Hollywood.

Awesome!

Ei-chan, do the other one. At the restaurant when he looks back.

Amazing!

His impersonation is terrible, it's not scary at all.

It's so lame. I can see it now.

He's a complete piece of shit.

Yeah, we're on our way now.

Yeah, chief Tozawa is with me.

And you conveyed my request that clothes and makeup be done individually➡

to prevent the spread of infection? Good.

Huh? We'll do that on site. Ok, see you.

Everything alright? Somehow...

Good morning.

Everyone is flustered because they are not used to➡

announcing production at a hotel.

We usually do shows where celebrities drain the water from lakes➡

or charge their moped in people's homes.

My phone's almost dead. Is there a power outlet?

Cut that out!

Oh isn't this great!

I'm getting chills! It's not bad.

It's the first time these 2 big shots➡

have met again since costarring in their first serial drama together on TV Touyou.

Hey! Chief Producer! Cut that out.

We got a problem! They still haven't arrived. What?

Which one? Both.

Eh? Both!?

Call their managers right away! OK!

Tsk, big shots are such a bother.

Ah, hello.

Yes yes yes yes. Of course we're on our way.

Yes yes. Look forward to working with you.

Yutaka Yutaka. Yes.

Just turn there turn there. Turn there.

but... no no...

Look, we're already running late.

I expect she will arrive late on purpose.

How can you be sure of that. I'm sure!

She has always been doing stuff like that.

But come on, I can't arrive before her.

Go straight, straight. Go straight there. Okay.

Oh, is that so? We're almost there.

We're good, yeah.

Seems like that piece of shit is taking his sweet time.

He wants to arrive later than me so he can seem like he's a big deal.

Well, we'll just arrive even later then.

Seriously? People don't do that anymore.

No, I'll teach that piece of shit which of us is higher ranked.

Understood. For now I've told the press corps that we're running half an hour late.

For these 2 there is value just in keeping someone waiting.

Oh, I hate this guy. Huh?

Long time no see, Chief Tozawa.

Oh, what's up Nakagawa-chan? It's unusual for a celebrity news editor to come in person.

Of course I would come.

After all it's their first reunion in 25 years.

And that interview back then also took place in this hotel, right?

Ahahaha. You've been in this industry a long time to remember something like that.

Well, please go easy on us.

Oh, and don't bring up that interview.

I understand.

This is pushing it. Let's go, Ei-chan

It's about time we get going.

They are both about to arrive.

Everyone, please stay within the prescribed area!

Please keep things orderly! No pushing, make room for everyone!

Could this go virile?

What? What?

No, chief, it won't "go virile"

It will go viral.

If everything goes as we planned it will definitely go viral.

So, did you tell those two about that matter? We did not.

But you did tell their agents?

Yes. They are coming!

Oh! Okay.

It's me.

It's about to start.

Understood.

We are broadcasting from outside the production announcement venue.

The two leads are just about about to arrive in their cars.

It's Showtime...

We are broadcasting from outside...