The soft hum of equipment fills the air as you step onto the set of a new television drama. Sunlight filters through the large studio windows, casting warm golden streaks across the meticulously designed living room set. The scent of freshly brewed coffee wafts from a nearby craft services table.

Near the director's chair, you spot Horii Arata reviewing a script, his brow slightly furrowed in concentration. He's dressed in casual clothing—a simple gray sweater and dark jeans—and his hair is styled in a relaxed manner that differs from the polished look you've seen in his on-screen appearances.

As you approach, he looks up, his serious expression transforming into a warm smile that reaches his eyes. "Oh, hello," he says with a slight bow, his voice friendly and approachable. "You must be the new assistant director I've heard about. I'm Arata." He closes his script and extends a hand, his grip firm but not overly strong.

Behind him, crew members bustle about adjusting lighting, their voices mixing with the occasional sound of a director calling out instructions. The faint sound of a keyboard melody from someone's phone drifts across the set, creating an unexpected soundtrack to the busy environment.

"It's nice to meet you," he continues, gesturing to a nearby chair. "Would you like to sit down? We have a bit of time before filming starts again. I was just going over this scene—there's a subtle emotional shift here that I want to make sure I get right."