Sequel of a Drama that Resonated Worldwide for its Lesbian Lead: Sugai Yuuka Shares, “I Choose to Follow My Heart and Take Risks”

*Written by Saitoh Takashi, Entertainment Writer/Editor*
*September 22, 12:30 PM*

The revenge drama with a lesbian protagonist, Chaser Game W: My Ex is My Abusive Boss, aired during the January season and received widespread acclaim globally. Now, the sequel Chaser Game W2: Beautiful Celestial Maidens has premiered. Sugai Yuuka continues to co-star with Nakamura Yurika, portraying their characters as they face new challenges after reuniting. Nearly two years have passed since Sugai graduated from Sakurazaka46, and she has broadened her activities, including becoming the host of Kaitai! Nandemo Kanteidan from April. Her acting career also shows signs of further growth.

Putting My Soul Into Every Moment

Question: Miss Sugai, you previously starred in plays written by Tsuka Kouhei during your group activities, but Chaser Game W was your first full-length drama. What did you gain from working on the show?

Sugai: Since it had been a while since I acted in a drama, I was desperate every day, trying to recall how the flow of filming works. I was anxious about how people would perceive the work, but I was grateful to receive feedback in various languages, not just Japanese. Hearing comments like “I’m glad Yuuka played Itsuki” gave me confidence.

Question: Was your anxiety related to how people would react to the lesbian protagonist?

Sugai: It was more about my own performance. I still have a lot to improve, but I’m happy that people enjoyed it. I never expected there to be a Season 2, so it was a big surprise for me to return as one of the lead actors.

Question: Did the fast-paced nature of filming ever overwhelm you?

Sugai: There were days where we’d shoot scenes from episodes 1 through 8 in a single day, so it was a race against time. There were many emotionally intense moments, with elements like power harassment and romance intertwining, making it feel like an emotional rollercoaster. It was very challenging, and I definitely felt the difference between acting in a stage play and in a film.

Question: It sounds like you had to switch gears often.

Sugai: I had to concentrate deeply and put my soul into every moment. Although I’m still figuring things out, the experience of working at that pace taught me a lot.

Holding on to the Hope of Meeting Again

Question: Was the sequel planned from the start?

Sugai: I don’t think so. I hadn’t heard anything about it, so when the news came, I was shocked.

Question: Season 1 ended with Itsuki, played by you, and Fuyu, played by Nakamura Yurika, reuniting a year after their breakup. Season 2 apparently depicts that one-year gap. Did you ever imagine what might have happened during that time?

Sugai: I imagined that Itsuki kept working at the café where they had so many memories, hoping to one day meet Fuyu again. I think she never truly forgot about her.

Question: In Season 1, Fuyu appeared as an abusive boss, and the story had elements of both love and hate. But in this season, the two seem full of affection despite their issues, right?

Sugai: The production team worked hard to meet the expectations from fans, which I could feel from reading the script. I’ve had discussions with the team about how to ensure the series will make the fans of Chaser Game W happy.

Question: So, there were many requests from viewers wanting Itsuki and Fuyu’s relationship to deepen?

Sugai: Yes, people wanted to see more of their happiness. We also explore parts of their past, which weren’t shown in Season 1, through flashback scenes.

Countless Kissing Scenes

Question: Have you gotten used to kissing scenes now?

Sugai: We’ve done so many, I’ve lost count (laughs). I wasn’t hesitant about them from the start. After filming Season 1, Yurika and I would often go out to eat together and talk, so by the time we started filming the sequel, I felt very relaxed. There wasn’t that extra nervousness, and I’m thankful I could consult with Yurika, who has more experience in these types of scenes since Itsuki often takes the lead.

Question: This time, Itsuki finds herself being fought over by both Yeoreum, who stayed at her house in high school, and Fuyu.

Sugai: Yes, I’m very grateful for that (laughs). Fuyu is an irreplaceable presence for Itsuki, but Yeoreum had a big impact on her personality. Both are important, and I wanted to convey that clearly. Yeoreum is a Korean influencer, so the drama has a multinational cast with actors from Japan, China, and Korea. Between takes, I’d learn Korean phrases like “masisseoyo” (delicious) from Chise, who plays Yeoreum.

Question: Yeoreum is very direct with Itsuki, isn’t she?

Sugai: She’s not shy about expressing her feelings, which I find cool. She’s been through a lot, but despite being a lesbian, she’s open about it and acts with others in mind. I admire that about her character.

A Shared Gaze That Took My Breath Away

Question: Looking at Fuyu again, how does she appear from your perspective?

Sugai: Yurika’s portrayal of Fuyu gives off a fragile and fleeting vibe at times, but she also has this hidden strength. She’s not so much hot/cold as just aloof (laughs), but when she’s affectionate, she’s very sweet. Her emotional depth is one of her charms. There were quite a few scenes where Fuyu acted sweet, and when our eyes met, it made my heart skip a beat (laughs).

Question: In this season, Fuyu seems even more fragile compared to Season 1.

Sugai: Yes, there’s even a scene where Itsuki is caught between Yeoreum and Fuyu, which puts a strain on their relationship. There’s a moment where I wondered if Fuyu might disappear. Both characters have their struggles, and despite their efforts to be together, things don’t always work out. It’s nerve-wracking, but that’s what makes their time together so precious.

Question: The series also addresses real-world issues like same-sex couples living together and dealing with a child’s kindergarten. Did that make you reflect on anything?

Sugai: No matter how much you cherish someone, it’s often not enough to keep you together in reality. Things are changing with time, but I’ve read many interviews with people who still experience challenges, and it made me realize how much I didn’t know. Playing Itsuki made me feel her pain deeply.

Creating an Environment Where I Could Perform Naturally

Question: Did you easily get back into Itsuki’s character when filming for Season 2 began?

Sugai: Before shooting, the director, Chise-chan, and I had time to gather and discuss the relationship between the characters and what might have happened beyond what was written in the script. That was a big help, and it allowed me to slip naturally into the filming process. The staff members were mostly familiar faces from Season 1, so I was able to act without feeling any unnecessary pressure.

Question: Did you feel the need to rewatch Season 1 before filming Season 2?

Sugai: Since it had been a while, I did go back and watch some scenes. There were retakes for scenes from Itsuki’s college days, so I wanted to ensure the continuity.

Question: This time, there are also scenes from Itsuki’s high school days. Did you make any adjustments to reflect the changes in her character over time?

Sugai: Yes, I worked hard to reflect the changes. I paid close attention to her background, and I carefully portrayed the nuances. In high school, Itsuki was withdrawn and didn’t want to attend school. She struggled to figure out who she was, but with Yoereum’s support, she was able to overcome those feelings. Then, during her university years, she was more radiant and able to talk openly. In the present day, she’s more mature as she solves problems with Fuyu. I paid a lot of attention to how Itsuki evolves from 16 to 28 years old, considering the shifts over those 13 years.

Question: Did you pay particular attention to her appearance during the high school scenes?

Sugai: The makeup, hairstyle, and outfits were all decided with the staff. We filmed at an actual high school, and seeing the students there reminded me of my own school days.

Feeling That Hardship Means Growth

Question: This drama deals with themes of making life choices. Have there been any major turning points in your own life?

Sugai: About nine years ago, I decided I wanted to take on the challenge of entering this world, which was a huge turning point. That moment changed my life completely.

Question: Did you take time to think before auditioning?

Sugai: It was more of an impulsive decision. I’m the type to just dive in without much hesitation. I like to be honest with my feelings and instincts, even if it means taking risks. I’ll consult with those around me, but in the end, I’m usually the one to choose the adventurous path.

Question: So you don’t seek stability as much?

Sugai: That’s right. As long as I have the support of those around me, I want to keep challenging myself. I believe there’s a lot to learn through each challenge, and I go for it wholeheartedly.

Question: It seems things have worked out well for you.

Sugai: There have been many times when things were more difficult than I imagined, and I felt like I was hitting a wall. But I still remember something a director told me during my first stage performance: “The times in life when things feel tough are when you’re undergoing the greatest changes.” Those words have stayed with me. When I’m struggling, I remind myself that it’s an opportunity. I trust that if I can push through, I’ll see a completely different world on the other side.

*Kaitai! Nandemo Kanteidan* Is Full of Genuine Surprises

Question: You’ve been hosting *Kaitai! Nandemo Kanteidan* since April. Have you done any special preparation?

Sugai: My predecessor, Katabuchi Akane, was very sharp and had a way of making quick comments that kept the show entertaining. I’m still finding my own style, but I’ve watched a lot of episodes from when she was the host to learn. *Kanteidan* is full of genuine surprises and discoveries, so it’s a lot of fun.

Question: For instance, you once guessed a pottery piece attributed to Rosanjin was worth 250,000 yen, only for it to be appraised at 3,000 yen! (laughs)

Sugai: I was absolutely convinced it was something special, and then it turned out to be 3,000 yen! (laughs). Things like that happen all the time. I’m always seriously thinking about my guesses, but I constantly realize how little I know, which makes it even more enjoyable. Watching veteran hosts like Imada Koji and Fukuzawa Akira have fun with their predictions is a real privilege. I’m also learning a lot from observing their conversation skills up close, and I try to figure out how I can contribute to the discussion.

Reading Interviews from Actors in My Favorite Works

Question: Last time we spoke, you mentioned buying a large TV to watch movies and dramas. Are you still watching a lot?

Sugai: I try to make time to watch things. While I can’t watch much during filming, I’ll binge-watch during breaks or after I finish a project.

Question: Have you seen anything recently that left an impression on you?

Sugai: *Jimenshi-tachi* was really interesting. It had a lot of depth, and I could see how Ayano Go carefully portrayed the passage of time. Even though his character remains the same person, you could clearly feel the different stages of his life. I also read interviews to understand the thought process behind how actors approach their roles. After watching the *Kingdom* films, I read articles about Yamazaki Kento and Osawa Takao to learn more about their acting.

Question: It sounds like you not only enjoy the works but also read interviews to gain insights as an actor.

Sugai: I like to understand how things are made and what happens behind the scenes. I recently read an interview with Sugisaki Hana on Yahoo about her role in *Unmet*, which touched on the emotional aspects of filming. That was very inspiring.

Getting My Driver’s License to Take Up Horseback Riding Again

Question: I heard you’re attending driving school.

Sugai: Yes, but I haven’t been able to go for about a month now, so I’m a bit nervous about driving again. When I was attending regularly, it was going well, but when a couple of days pass, I feel like I’m starting from scratch. Now that a whole month has gone by, I’m worried. The deadline is approaching, so I need to regain my sense of driving and study for the written exam too.

Question: Is driving something you’re excited about?

Sugai: I think having more skills opens up more opportunities, and now that I’m nearing 29, it feels like a good time to learn. I also want to take up horseback riding again, and driving would make it easier to get to riding clubs. That’s one of my motivations for getting my license.

Question: Filming for *Chaser Game W2* has wrapped up, but do you have any plans for the fall?

Sugai: I love sweet potatoes, so I’d bring dried sweet potatoes as snacks to the set or have them for breakfast. Whenever I see a roasted sweet potato stand at the supermarket, I can’t resist buying some.

Question: That’s surprisingly down-to-earth!

Sugai: In the fall, there’s an increase in sweet potato-themed snacks, so I’m looking forward to that (laughs).

Profile of Sugai Yuuka
Born on November 29, 1995, in Tokyo. She passed the first-generation audition for Keyakizaka46 (now Sakurazaka46) in 2015, where she became the first captain. After graduating in 2022, her notable performances include the plays *Hiryūden 2020* and *Shin Bakumatsu Junjōden*, and dramas like *Chaser Game W: My Ex is My Abusive Boss* and *Business Marriage – I’ll Divorce You If I Fall in Love*. She currently stars in *Chaser Game W2: Beautiful Celestial Maidens* (TV Tokyo, Thursdays at 24:30) and hosts *Kaitai! Nandemo Kanteidan* (TV Tokyo) and *KEIBA BEAT* (Kantele). She also appears on *Tokyo GOOD! TREASURE MAP* (TV Tokyo) and hosts the radio show *Yūka Sugai’s #Kyoumo Oshito Ganbariki* on Bunka Hōsō.

(Source: Yahoo JP)