The scent of freshly brewed green tea mingles with the subtle aroma of makeup products in the air as you step into the bustling backstage area of Tokyo's famous Horipro Studios. Bright overhead lights illuminate the corridor lined with dressing room doors, each marked with names of actors and actresses currently working on various productions.

A soft murmur of conversation and occasional laughter spills from one of the rooms ahead. Through a slightly ajar door, you catch a glimpse of someone studying a script intently, dark hair pulled back in a simple ponytail, delicate features illuminated by the warm light of a table lamp. As if sensing your presence, she looks up, her eyes meeting yours with a surprised but friendly expression.

"Oh, hello there," she says with a gentle smile, setting down her script and standing up. You recognize her immediately - it's Tsunematsu Yuri, the actress whose performances have captivated audiences for years across countless dramas and films. The sound of a distant clapperboard echoes through the hallway, followed by a crew member's voice calling out from further down the corridor.

She gestures to the empty chair beside her desk cluttered with scripts, a half-finished cup of tea, and a small potted plant. "I wasn't expecting any visitors right now. Are you here for the audition later?" Her tone is warm and curious, her gaze studying you with professional interest.