■“There is some pressure to take on MMA, but since I am given the opportunity to do it, I want to give it my all, so I am actively working on building my body and practicing martial arts.” (Keito Kimura)
“Red Blue” is a popular MMA manga currently being serialized in “Shonen Sunday” (Shogakukan) and has been reprinted one after another and is loved by professional fighters.The sports manga “Red Blue”, which is currently the most popular in the boys’ manga world, will be released on MBS/TBS on December 17th. It will be made into a live-action drama in the drama-ism frame.
The TV drama version was released on September 18th, and fans of the original work said, “Can this be made into a drama? I can’t wait to see how it turns out!” “I’m happy that the MMA population seems to be increasing!” “The film adaptation is so hot! I can’t help but look forward to it!” Many people have been waiting for the drama to be made into a drama, and the main cast has finally been announced. Furthermore, it has been decided that it will be available exclusively for unlimited viewing on Netflix.
“Red Blue” is an unprecedented sports youth story in which a shadowy protagonist takes on MMA (mixed martial arts).
Aoba Suzuki, a shady first-year high school student who has followed the path of a shady person, has been living a happy school life, even though she is sometimes beaten down by Sannosuke Iwase, who is in the same class as her, calling her “pretending to fight”.
One day, in the class next to him, Kenshin Akazawa, a superstar in the martial arts world, saves him from a “pretend fight”, but Kenshin suddenly says, “You’re so empty…” and Kenshin can’t forgive him. He declares, “I want to hit him once.”
Through the introduction of Sannosuke Iwase, Aoba enters the ramshackle Shark Gym run by Kaneshiro Tokiwa, and enters the world of MMA (mixed martial arts). Under the guidance of his master Wataru Amaechi, he aims to reach the top of “MMA Koshien”, which determines the strongest high school fighter.
The role of Aoba Suzuki, the dark-hearted protagonist who has followed the path of a shady person, has been active as a performer in FANTASTICS, and in recent years has appeared in “Ameiro Paradox” and “Sacchan, Bokuwa.” Keito Kimura, who has starred in “” and has also appeared as an actor in “Mud on the Face”, which became a hot topic for his ladies’ visuals, has been selected.
The role of Sannosuke Iwase, who recruits Aoba to the Shark Gym and supports him behind the scenes, is played by a member of THE RAMPAGE who has starred in dramas such as “If You Fall in Love, Second Time Is Better” and “Divorce After Night.” Shin Hasegawa.
The role of Kenshin Akazawa, a prodigy in the mixed martial arts world, will be played by Taiga Tsubaki, a member of IMP., who also appeared in films such as “We Can Use Magic Only Once in a Lifetime,” which will be released in 2025.
In addition, the role of Tokiwa Kaneshiro, the representative of the Shark Gym where Aoba joins, also appears in the currently released movie “Eleven Thieves”, and has shown stable acting in dramas, movies, and stages, and has been shown in real life. Gaku Sano himself studies martial arts such as boxing, kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Kali.
The role of Wataru Amaechi, who becomes Aoba’s mentor at Shark Gym, has been an indispensable presence in popular works since the drama “Gannibal” and the NHK TV drama “Ranman”, and in recent years he has the ability to work overseas as well, such as in “Tokyo Vice”. Sho Kasamatsu has been decided.
The role of Kota Tamamatsu, Aoba’s former classmate, is active as the vocalist of ONE N’ ONLY, and is starring in the movie “Battle King!” ! -We’ll rise again-” and the drama “Ayaka-chan wa Hiroko-senpai ni Koishiteru” will be played by Eiku Yamashita, who is also active as an actor.
Haru Okubo, who is active as a member of DXTEEN and will be appearing in this drama for the first time, plays the role of Yumasa Hazuru, a karate high school champion who belongs to the Seiten Dojo, and Karimaru Nueji, a powerful puncher known as the “unsinkable ship of Kitakyushu” THE While active as a member of RAMPAGE, he is also active as a professional wrestler, and is the first person in history to win three times in a row on TBS’s “Strongest Sports Men’s Summit Showdown.” He will be played by Kaisei Takechi, who boasts outstanding athleticism.
Also, the role of Aika Hiiragi, a martial artist who is a medical school entrance exam student, is the cause of the problem. Sorato Okura, a member of the group, is the next breakout actor who is rapidly gaining popularity after appearing in the drama “Kimi to Nara Koi wo Shimitemo” and has a number of projects lined up.
Kazuma Sumi, who is a member of DDT Pro Wrestling and is actually active as a professional wrestler, was chosen to play the role of Mamoru Hachiya, a southpaw with a wrestling background, who brilliantly won the role in his first audition.
In order to prepare for their roles, the 10 main cast members, including leading actor Kimura, have been practicing martial arts even before participating in filming.As a mixed martial arts supervisor, they are active as top fighters in the major organization “UFC”, and are ranked the highest in the middleweight division. Yushin Okami, who rose to 3rd place, is also participating.
The first-ever sports drama based on mixed martial arts (MMA), in which the main character jumps into the world of MMA, overcomes numerous challenges, and grows by involving those around him.
The “battle for self-affirmation” that haunts anyone with a troubled or painful past is about to begin.
■Keito Kimura comment
I’m Keito Kimura, who plays Aoba Suzuki! When I heard that I might be able to play Aoba, I immediately read the original story. The more I read, the more I wanted to pay attention to each character, the more I was engrossed in it, and the more I felt passionately about it, and I remember being extremely happy when I was told that I had been chosen to appear in the drama. There is some pressure to take on MMA, but since I am given the opportunity to do it, I want to give it my all, so I am actively working on building my body and practicing martial arts. We have some similarities, so I would like to play Aoba in a way that only I can express. I would be happy if you could look forward to it!
■Shin Hasegawa comment
When I heard that it was a story about MMA (mixed martial arts), it was about a field I had never experienced before, so I got really excited when I imagined myself in a field I had never experienced before…! I thought it was really interesting to watch the main character run towards his dreams, the process of doing so, and the way he grows! I changed my hairstyle and color to look more like Iwase, and I’ve been working hard on my body, so I’m really motivated…! I will do my best to show you a new side of myself through my works! !
■Tsubaki Taiga comment
I’m Taiga Tsubaki from IMP., who will be playing the role of Kenshin Akazawa! I am very excited to be appearing in a drama since I was an elementary school student. Also, this is my first attempt at a work based on a comic, so I will do my best to live up to the expectations and expectations of the original author and the fans of the original work. A work with a new sensation that mixes elements of MMA (mixed martial arts) and the youth of high school students.
I want to play this role with great care. Please pay attention to her first makeover since her debut!
■Gaku Sano comment
I love martial arts and have read the original work, so I’m very happy to be able to dive into the realistic world of Red Blue. I was very attracted to the enthusiasm hidden within Tokiwa Kaneshiro, who I will play this time, and his pure love for martial arts, as his eyes change color when it comes to MMA. I would like to watch the characters’ internal growth and conflicts through their conflicts with those around them from his own perspective, and carefully weave them throughout the story. I would like to perform with all my heart and soul so that I can fully convey the excitement of the original work to the viewers. Please look forward to the broadcast.
■Masashi Kasamatsu comment
The other day in America, I met the director of a certain action film. Under the theme of “How do you come up with an attractive character?” I learned something like “Practice relentlessly.” To participate in this project, I spent more days practicing than shooting. Even so, there are still many things that are lacking, but I would like to prepare well and make a good work so that the people who watch it can enjoy it even a little. Our young actors and team will work hard to reach the fans of the original work, blazing red during practice and remaining calm during filming, so we look forward to your continued support.
■Eiku Yamashita comment
This is Eiku Yamashita, who plays Kota Tamamatsu in the drama “Red Blue”! I’m very happy to have had this opportunity! Since this is a work based on mixed martial arts, I personally love martial arts and regularly watch them and learn kickboxing, so I’m honored to be given the role of Tamamatsu. Tamamatsu plays the role of Bonbon, a rich man who is the heir of a major yakiniku chain, but his bitter memories from junior high school led him to change himself and take up martial arts, so we can clearly follow Tamamatsu’s life. I would like to do my best!
■Okubo Haru comment
My name is Haru Okubo and I will be playing the role of Yuiga Hazuru. I’m nervous because it’s my first time appearing in a drama, but on the other hand, I’m also really excited! I’ve been learning martial arts since I was little, so I’m very happy to be making my debut as an actor in this drama.I myself felt a strong connection to the role, as I had read the original story and wanted to play Hazuru. We will do our best so that as many people as possible can enjoy it!
■Umiao Takechi comment
My name is Kaisei Takechi and I will be playing the role of Ganmaru Nueji. I am honored to be able to appear in a drama, and I have always wanted to appear in a drama that makes use of my body.
It was a dream come true.
I will do my best so that the work Red Blue reaches as many people as possible and is loved by many people.
■Sorat Okura comment
My name is Souto Okura, and I will be playing the role of Airai Hiiragi.
Hiiragi is a medical school student and a martial artist who neutralizes enemy attacks with his intelligence and observational eyes.
It’s an all rounder.
I think he’s an attractive character because of his calmness in everyday life and the heat he hides inside during fights.
I will do my best so that everyone who loves the original work will also love it! Look forward to it!
■Kazuma Sumi comment
It was my first time auditioning, and I was nervous because I didn’t know what was right and what was left, but I was happy that I passed. When I heard that I would be playing Mamoru Hachiya, I was a little nervous, but after reading the original story, I fell in love with Mamoru Hachiya, and I wanted to play Mamoru Hachiya to the fullest.
I don’t have much experience filming dramas, so there are a lot of things I’m worried about, but I want to do my best to become Mamoru Hachiya! Please pay attention to the mad dog-like character “Hachiya Mamoru”! !
(C) Atsushi Nakiri/Shogakukan
■Original work: Atsushi Nakiri Comment
Thanks to everyone, we were able to make it into a drama!
thank you.
I’m looking forward to seeing Aoba, Kenshin and the others in action!
Program information
MBS/TBS Dramaism “Red Blue”
Broadcast starts on 12/17 (Tuesday)!
MBS: Every Tuesday from 24:59 from 12/17 (Tuesday)
TBS: Every Tuesday from 25:28 from 12/17 (Tuesday)
Cast: Keito Kimura (FANTASTICS), Shin Hasegawa (THE RAMPAGE), Taiga Tsubaki (IMP.), Eiku Yamashita (ONE N’ ONLY), Haru Okubo (DXTEEN), Kaisei Takechi (THE RAMPAGE), Sora Okura People (The cause is within me), Kazuma Sumi (DDT Pro Wrestling), Gaku Sano, Masaru Kasamatsu
Director: Takayuki Hayashi, Ken Furusawa
Action director: Keiya Tabuchi
MMA supervision: Yushin Okami
Screenplay: Shuho Takase, Akira Kimura, Keita Meguro
Production Production: C&I entertainment
Production: “Red Blue” Production Committee/MBS
“Red Blue” program site
https://www.mbs.jp/redblue/
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