■ “I think this work will give people a chance to think about the things and environment that are important to them.” (Saito Asuka)
Saito Asuka, Okazaki Taiiku, Hirai Masaaki of Danshi Buranco, and Mori Yusaku have been confirmed to appear in “Lion’s Lair,” starring Yagira Yuya, which will be broadcast on TBS’s Friday drama slot (every Friday at 10pm) in October.
This is a human suspense story about brothers Komori Koto, a kind, ordinary, earnest young man who works at city hall, played by Yagira, and Mijito, who has autism spectrum disorder, played by Bando Ryuta, who become embroiled in a certain incident after meeting a mysterious boy who suddenly appears and calls himself “Lion.”
This ambitious work, which seamlessly intertwines a heart-warming human drama with an unpredictable, thrilling suspense plot, is delivered with a completely original story.
■Asuka Saito, who will be making her first appearance in a TBS drama, will play Kouto’s junior.
Saito Asuka has been cast as Makimura Mio, a junior colleague of the main character Koto who works at the same city hall. Mio is in her second year at the company and is in charge of the children’s consultation desk in the Children’s Support Division. She has a strong sense of responsibility and is a reliable person who can do anything on her own. She loves children and previously worked as a nursery teacher but quit. Mio learns about the relationship between the Komori brothers and the lion and becomes a person who keeps a close watch on them. It will be interesting to see how Mio interacts with them.
Saito has been active as an actress, appearing in popular dramas such as the TV series “My Home Hero” (2023, MBS) and as a main cast member in the movie “Oshi no Ko” to be released in 2024. This will be Saito’s first appearance in a TBS drama.
Saito Asuka
■Multi-talented artist Okazaki Taiiku plays Koto’s classmate
Okazaki Taiiku plays Sadamoto Yota, a colleague of Kouto’s. Sadamoto works in the same welfare department as Kouto and has a cheerful, kind personality. He doesn’t seem to think too deeply about what he says or does, and although he doesn’t mean any harm, he can stir up trouble. On the other hand, he is a doting father, and for Kouto, who is now in charge of the lion, he becomes a reliable presence, just like Mio. One of the charms of this work is the heartwarming exchanges between the city hall members, such as Mio’s comments when Sadamoto makes a remark.
Okazaki is primarily a singer-songwriter, but she is also active in many other fields, including TV dramas and variety shows. This will be her first appearance in a TBS drama since the Sunday Theatre drama “DCU” (2022).
Okazaki Sports
■The members of the company where Mijito works are Masaaki Hirai and Yusaku Mori of the comedy duo Danshi Buranko
Masaaki Hirai of the comedy duo Dansei Buranko plays Mao Funaki, the designer and CEO of Planet Eleven, the design company where Mijito works. Funaki is proactive in hiring artists with disabilities, highly values Mijito’s talent for illustration, and supports him in both his personal and professional life.
Hirai’s comedy duo Danshi Buranko came in second at King of Conte 2021, advanced to the finals of M-1 Grand Prix 2022, and has been active in a variety of variety shows, including appearing as a regular on Ravit! on Thursdays every other week. This will be Hirai’s first regular appearance in a drama series. It will be interesting to see how Hirai, who is popular for his manzai and comedy sketches, will play the characters in the drama.
Yusaku Mori plays Takehiro Onodera, an artist with autism spectrum disorder who works at the same company as Mijito. He is a senior artist to Mijito and they have a good relationship. Later, Onodera causes an incident that encourages Mijito’s growth.
Mori has appeared in various dramas and movies so far. Her stunning acting in the movie “Missing,” released in 2024, became a hot topic. Expectations are high for the difficult role she will play in this film.
Masaaki Hirai (Male Swing)
Yusaku Mori
With the addition of new members, the storyline of the Friday drama “Lion’s Lair” is becoming clearer. It will be interesting to see how the characters who are indispensable to depicting the daily life of the Komori brothers will be involved in the story.
A heart-warming human suspense drama depicting the family love and brotherly love of people who desperately live to protect their loved ones no matter what the circumstances. Look forward to the Friday drama “Lion’s Den” starting in October.
(C)TBS
■ Comment from Asuka Saito
In playing this role, I felt that what was important was human qualities.
Although he has many rough edges, I believe his compassion for those around him comes from having lived his life to the fullest.
I am also looking forward to seeing how Makimura Mio will interact with the Komori family and the lions, and how she will be influenced by them.
As we approach the end of the year, I hope this work will give you an opportunity to think again about the things that are important to you and your environment.
Please take a look. I hope I can help you, even just a little.■ Comment from Okazaki Taiiku
My name is Okazaki Taiiku. I was cast in “Lion’s Den” and was given the opportunity to face autism spectrum disorder in the right way.
I’m happy to be able to create a drama with such wonderful co-stars and staff, and since I’ve been given the role of Sadamoto, I hope to be a good mood maker both on and off the screen!■Masaaki Hirai (Male Swing) Comment
Hello. My name is Buranco Hirai, a comedian. When I heard about the offer, I was happy, honored, and humbled, as it was my first time to appear in a TV drama.
The story of “Rai Hidden House” (pronounced “Rionchi”; sorry, I’m shortening it without permission) is full of excitement, suspense, and wonder, “What will happen?”, all of which coexist in a wonderful harmony.
I’m really looking forward to being a part of this wonderful production. Please keep your eyes open and watch until the end!■ Comment from Yusaku Mori
I am very happy to be appearing in the TBS Friday Drama slot, as it is a time slot where I have watched many great dramas.
Anyway, I will do my best to approach the project honestly and with enjoyment.
Please look forward to the exciting ensemble of actors, including the star of the show, Yagira-san, that will excite you even as a viewer.
Program Information
TBS NetworkFriday Drama “Lion’s Lair”
Starts in October
Every Friday from 22:00 to 22:54
Cast: Yuya Yagira, Ryuta Bando, Asuka Saito, Tasuku Sato (child actor), Taiiku Okazaki, Masaaki Hirai (male swing), Yusaku Mori
Screenplay: Koji Tokuo, Yoshino Ichinohe
Directed by Toshio Tsuboi and others
Program site
https://www.tbs.co.jp/lionnokakurega_tbs/
