■ “We often say, ‘Let’s work hard so we can meet again somewhere,’ when we wrap up filming, but I really felt that way on set.” (Hokuto Matsumura)
The Tuesday drama “Saionji-san Doesn’t Do Housework,” starring Matsumoto Wakana and Matsumura Hokuto (SixTONES), will finally air its final episode on September 17. With the final episode about to air, Matsumoto, Matsumura, and Kurata Eima have wrapped up filming after about three and a half months.
“Saionji-san Doesn’t Do Housework” is based on the comic book of the same name by Satoru Hiura (serialized in Kodansha’s “BE・LOVE” magazine). This heartwarming love comedy explores the question, “What is happiness? What is a family?” through the unusual cohabitation of the protagonist, Saionji-san (Matsumoto), who never does any housework, and the younger single father Kusumi (Matsumura) and his daughter Ruka (Kurata).
The final scene was a scene with the “fake family” of Nishizonji, Kusumi, and Ruka. The staff called out “All done,” and the three received bouquets with smiles on their faces, earning a big round of applause.
Matsumoto took on this work with extraordinary feelings as it was her first lead role in a primetime drama series. Though her voice was choked with tears, she reflected on her days so far, saying, “It was so much fun that there wasn’t a day that I didn’t laugh out loud.” She then expressed her gratitude and appreciation to all those involved, and ended with a smile, saying, “Saionji Kazuki, it was the best, happiest days!”
With Matsumoto as the “leader” and creating a bright, sunny atmosphere on set, Matsumura also spoke of his deep feelings, saying, “I really looked forward to coming here every day.” Kurata also said shyly, “Thank you everyone for playing with me. I’m sad to say goodbye,” bringing comfort to the set until the very end.
The final episode of the Tuesday drama “Saionji-san Doesn’t Do Housework” will be broadcast on September 17th at 10pm. What kind of happiness and family will Saionji-san, who has been moving forward with the idea of ”when in doubt, choose the direction that excites you,” find? Let’s keep an eye on the outcome of this “fake family.”
[Final episode summary]
Luca (Kurata Eima) suddenly disappears, leaving a note saying “Goodbye.”
Nishizonji (Matsumoto Wakana) and Kusumi (Matsumura Hokuto) feel guilty that they may have hurt Ruka by falling in love with each other. As they desperately search for Ruka, they discover that he is heading to an unexpected place… And there, Nishizonji and Kusumi meet an unexpected person.
Although they share a heartfelt connection, Saionji and Kusumi continue to think about what their “fake family” should be like and what the right answer is for the sake of Luca, who is the most important person to them. What answer will Saionji and his friends, who have built a “family” through discussion and compassion, arrive at?
(C)TBS
Cast comments
■ Wakana Matsumoto
I woke up this morning and thought, “Today is the last day!” But it still doesn’t feel real. I can’t help but feel like I’ll be able to see you all again tomorrow. This is my first lead role in the GP season, and I’ve seen wonderful lead actors on various sets, and I thought, “I want to be like those actors someday,” so I went to the set trying to imitate them, but I ended up relying on everyone’s help… I had so much fun that there wasn’t a day that I didn’t laugh out loud. And the members who are here now, my co-stars, everyone involved in the editing and other people involved, the people who came to support me, the people at the agency who supported me behind the scenes, my manager, and Ema-chan’s mother must have had a hard time every day. I think I’ve been able to get through to this day because of everyone’s kindness. Nishizonji Kazuki, it was the best, happiest days. Thank you very much. Until we meet again someday!■ Hokuto Matsumura
I was very scared to participate because I was inexperienced, but just like in the film, there was not a single bad person on set. Nishizonji-san was at the forefront, and I really looked forward to coming every day. We often say “Let’s work hard so we can meet again somewhere” when we wrap up filming, and I really felt that way on set. Thank you for the wonderful experience. I’ll work hard so we can meet again somewhere!■ Ema Kurata
Thank you everyone for playing with me. I’m sad to say goodbye. Thank you.
Program Information
TBS NetworkTuesday Drama “Saionji-san Doesn’t Do Housework”
09/17 (Tue) 22:00-22:57 *Final episode
Original work: Satoru Hiura “Saionji-san Doesn’t Do Housework” (serialized in Kodansha’s “BE・LOVE”)
Screenplay: Takeshi Miyamoto
Theme song: BUMP OF CHICKEN “strawberry” (TOY’S FACTORY)
Cast: Wakana Matsumoto, Hokuto Matsumura (SixTONES)
Kenjiro Tsuda, Kayo Noro, Mayu Yokota, Eri Murakawa, Airi Matsui, Shingo Mizusawa, Urajinuno, Takeo Otsuki, Ema Kurata, Rina Ohta
Takashi Fujii Mari Hamada Takashi Tsukamoto
Kazuyuki Asano
Atsuko Takahata
Program site
https://www.tbs.co.jp/saionjisan_tbs/