Inoue Mao : First lead role after graduating from Meiji University

Actress Inoue Mao (22) finished filming for the movie 'Boku no Hatsukoi wo Kimi ni Sasagu' on 3rd May (movie opens nationwide on 24 October). She has just graduated from Meiji University in March but in the movie, she plays a high school student. "Perhaps this is the last time," she said, clad in a uniform.

During the days of Kids War and Hana Yori Dango, she appeared in school uniforms. While her long hair makes her more adult-like now, she still looks like she fits in the school set, with her uniform and blazer.

"The very next day after graduating from university, I had the school uniform on. I was worried how it would turn out. So how is it? Can I still pass off as one? (Graduating) made me feel like an armour has come off. It was difficult but it felt natural to be doing school assignments together with work. I'm still thinking of how to make use of time now. I hope to absorb a lot from watching plays and movies and reading."

Following on last year's hit movie 'Hana Yori Dango Final' which made 7.7 billion yen, she again plays a high school girl in love, a role which she might have a monopoly on.

"The role of Makino Tsukushi in HanaDan was someone younger-sister like who is helped by the people around her. The character this time, Taneda Mayu, is the one who supports her boyfriend."

The role of her boyfriend is played by Okada Masaki (19), a promising actor with a string of recent movies like Honokaa Boy, Halfway and Gravity Clown.

"It's the first time with someone younger, at first, when he used polite terms I felt embarrassed. And furthermore since I have graduated from university, I ended up in that position. I felt unsure. To the staff, our roles were about the same. But I think it's because even at the same age, girls mature a little faster."

During interviews, she plays pranks on Okada and on location, she is affectionate to him like a sister is to a younger brother. It is a different atmosphere than on the set of HanaDan with the older Matsumoto Jun and Oguri Shun.

"Looking at such a fresh Okada-kun, thinking of those two in student roles anymore is just impossible (*laugh*). Well, I'm thinking, this is probably the last for me too. It was my intention to give my everything to this movie."


Take out with full credits.
Credits:nikkansports
Translations credits to unleasthegeek