What if, one busy morning, an earthquake derails a train carriage and catapults a group of strangers into a post-apocalyptic future? 

This is what happens on Pending Train, a Japanese sci-fi suspense drama, which dropped globally on Netflix last August. In it, Naniwa Danshi’s Joichiro Fujiwara plays the supporting role of Daichi Yonezawa, a young aspiring game developer with a jolly disposition and an active imagination. As in other series with a similar premise, the show explores the technicalities of time travel and catastrophic events, but delves further into the deeply emotional journeys of the characters in a story where nothing and no one is ever at they seem – and Yonezawa is certainly one to keep an eye on. 

Bandwagon had the chance to send some questions to Fujiwara, who enthusiastically shared his insights about the series. 

Pending Train has a very intriguing premise and features a powerful cast of young talented actors. What was it like working alongside such a dynamic ensemble on such a project, and how did this influence your performance and overall experience on set, and if applicable, outside the drama?

The theme of this series is so grandiose! Going to the future, but not just any future, the future after a major apocalyptic event and what we as the players have to do to survive. It was one thing to just read the script on my own, which I thought was interesting, but it took on a whole new level when all the cast got together for the readthrough and once again when we were on set for filming. There really is something almost magical when the words on the page become real and are all around you.

I’ve had many opportunities to perform in stage shows before, but since I don’t have a lot of experience with film and television work, I really wanted to follow the cast closely and learn from the ones who have done more with this medium. I was very excited to take on this challenge, and I learned so much from my castmates, though I would be lying if I said it wasn’t tough. It was a two-hour hike up a mountain to get to the set from where we had to park, and I’m glad that isn’t shown on screen *laughs* 

But it was totally worth it, and now, no matter what location I’m out on with Naniwa Danshi, I can take comfort in the fact that at least it will be easier than climbing that mountain! Though, of course, even the hardest parts were a lot of fun, and I really got to know everyone on set during those two hours way more than I do in a regular TV drama or variety show.

The drama is making its way to a global audience on Netflix. What message would you like to convey to your present fans and potential viewers?

Even though this is such a sci-fi story, at its core, it’s about believing in people. I hope that everyone who watches it comes to recognise that they should not take anyone, or anything, for granted. 

I also can’t believe the impact that being in a drama with global reach can have! When one of my co-stars was on location in France, they mentioned how local people on the street would come up to them and ask, “Aren’t you in Pending Train?” It was amazing to hear because it meant that people all over the world were watching it on Netflix, and I hope that some people might read this and recognise me as the loud big-mouthed guy in red.

What do you think would happen if Naniwa Danshi were to get stuck in a similar situation as the characters in Pending Train? What type of role would each of the members play?

Our leader Ohashi is good at cooking, so if we were ever in a situation like the characters in Pending Train, I think he would be the one who would be able to decide if we should “eat this or eat that,” sort of thing.  I think Michieda, Nishihata, and Onishi would stay in the shade, making umbrellas out of large leaves, because nothing is more important to them than maintaining their complexions. Takahashi and Nagao love to play, so they can go catch fish in the sea for us to eat. As for me, I'm more like the director, so I would gladly take on the role of bossing everyone else around! 

(Staffperson, from the next room): Maybe more like a dictator…?

If it comes to that, yes! Someone has to keep everyone in line, and it might as well be me.

Pending Train is available to stream worldwide on Netflix.