■ “This is my first time playing the role of a reporter, so I hope to grow with each episode.” (INI, Takumi Ozaki)
It has been announced that INI’s Ozaki Takumi will be appearing in the October drama “Lion’s Lair” (TBS), starring Yagira Yuya.
This human suspense story follows brothers Komori Hiroto (played by Yagira), a kind, ordinary, earnest young man who works at city hall, and Michito (played by Bando Ryuta), who has autism spectrum disorder, as they become embroiled in a certain incident after meeting a mysterious boy who suddenly appears and calls himself “Lion.”
Starring Yagira, Bando, and child actor Sato Sora, the film also stars Saito Asuka, Okazaki Taiiku, Hirai Masaaki, Mori Yusaku, Okayama Amane, and Denden. This is a completely original story that comfortably combines a warm human drama woven by highly skilled actors with an unpredictable, thrilling suspenseful plot.
It has now been decided that Sakurai Yuki, Kakizawa Hayato, Iriyama Noriko, and Ozaki Takumi (INI) will join the cast as new regular cast members.
Yuki Sakurai plays the role of a forceful weekly magazine reporter who approaches Ko and the others.
Yuki Sakurai has been cast as Kudo Kaede, a weekly magazine reporter who approaches Kou and his friends. Kaede was a reporter for a major newspaper, but was forced to resign due to her strong sense of justice and her strong-style work style that did not choose the means, and reluctantly became a reporter for a weekly magazine. While refusing to do the job she was given and searching for a big story that would be worthwhile, she learns of a “certain incident” that occurred in Yamanashi Prefecture and begins to sniff around Kou and his friends.
Sakurai, who plays the role, has played a variety of characters, from strong women with a strong core to soft women, and has demonstrated her charm in movies and dramas. This will be her first appearance in a TBS drama on terrestrial television in five years since the Tuesday drama “You and I on the G String” (2019).
■ Hayato Kakizawa plays the detective in charge of a “certain incident” that occurred in Yamanashi Prefecture.
Kakizawa Hayato plays Takada Kaiji, a detective with the Yamanashi Prefectural Police who is in charge of investigating a “certain incident” that occurred in Yamanashi Prefecture. He is an excellent detective who is loved by the locals for his carefree personality and smart work, but he has one flaw. That flaw leads to Kaede discovering his weakness…
Kakizawa is one of the actors currently leading the Japanese theater world, having received the Yomiuri Theater Award for Best Actor and the Kikuta Kazuo Theater Award. In addition to stage productions, he is a talented actor who is active in a wide range of fields including movies and dramas, and his excellent performance in the Friday drama “Fukokuni mo Hodo Aru!”, which aired in January 2024, is still fresh in our memory.
■ Noriko Iriyama’s appearance has been confirmed
Noriko Iriyama plays Sugano Kasumi, the owner of a karaoke bar called “Kasumi” in Yamanashi. She is a local informant who always has highly reliable information and is the first person to give information about a “certain incident” to Kaede, a reporter.
Iriyama has appeared in many productions thanks to her acting skills. In this film, she plays the mysterious yet beautiful Kasumi with her unique clarity.
■Takumi Ozaki (INI) will also be appearing. This will be his first appearance in a TBS drama!
Takumi Ozaki of the popular global boy band INI plays Amane Yuuma, a junior reporter under Kaede. He’s not very tactful, but he’s a “beloved junior character” who is loved by others. He gets dragged around by Kaede and together they investigate “a certain case,” occasionally hitting a miracle hit and getting closer to the truth.
Ozaki is a member of “INI”, which was born from “PRODUCE 101 JAPAN SEASON 2” broadcast in 2021, and is expanding his range of activities in the music scene. Recently, he has been active as an actor, such as his performance in “Unmet” (2024, KTV). This will be his first appearance in a TBS drama.
With the addition of new members, the human and suspense elements of the Friday drama “Lion’s Lair” are becoming more intertwined, and the outline of the story is becoming clear. After the 10th episode of the Friday drama “Laughing Matryoshka” airs on August 30th at 10pm, the second teaser video for this work will be released for the first time.
A heart-warming human suspense drama depicting the familial and sibling love of people who live desperately to protect their loved ones no matter what the circumstances. Look forward to the Friday drama “Lion’s Den” starting in October.
■ Yuki Sakurai’s comment
Reading the drama script, I was reminded that the happiness and learning that can only come from interacting with others is truly precious. When I look back on the times I find annoying, I realize that they are actually very warm.
As we go about our daily lives, we tend to get left behind in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but I think this drama will allow us to savor each and every one of those experiences.
That being said, Kudo Kaede is a character who cuts through that warmth, but she also has her own sense of justice and feelings.
How will they intertwine?
I would be happy if you could watch it.Comment from Hayato Kakizawa
I couldn’t stop reading the script, wondering how the story would go and where the truth lies. With such a wonderful cast and staff, including Yagira-san, I’m sure it will be a great drama. I play the role of a detective who gets closer to the truth. Although I am a little unreliable. I will do my best.■ Comment from Noriko Iriyama
When I was approached and read the proposal, which was kind and passionate, and saw the names of all the performers and staff, I was so happy that I immediately said, “I’d like to do it!” and accepted. As each person faces their own difficulties, clashes, and helps each other, the atmosphere deepens, and even though it’s nerve-wracking, I feel like my heart is gradually becoming more rounded. I will do my best to help create a kind atmosphere.■ Comment from Takumi Ozaki (INI)
First of all, I am honestly happy to be able to participate in this project.
As this is an original work, I am very excited to see how the story will unfold for the main characters, Kouto, Mijito and Lion.
Also, this will be my first time playing the role of a reporter as Amane Yuuma, so I hope to grow with each episode.
Most of the people I will be working with are new, so I think I will be nervous at first, but I will try to approach it in a positive way and be myself.
Please look forward to it.
(C)TBS
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, Sora Sato (child actor), Hayato Kakizawa, Noriko Iriyama, Taiiku Okazaki, Takumi Ozaki (INI), Masaaki Hirai (male swing), Yusaku Mori, Yuki Sakurai, Amane Okayama, Denden
Screenplay: Koji Tokuo, Yoshino Ichinohe
Directed by Toshio Tsuboi and others
Program site
https://www.tbs.co.jp/lionnokakurega_tbs/
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