Cast members of drama “Tokyo Tower” starring Ren Nagase (King & Prince) express deep emotion at the end of filming

■ “I think it was a really stimulating filming period right up until the very end.” (Nagase Ren)

Filming for the drama “Tokyo Tower” (TV Asahi) starring Ren Nagase (King & Prince) has been completed without incident. Nagase, Yuka Itaya, Genta Matsuda (Travis Japan), and MEGUMI shared their overwhelming feelings as the filming wrapped up.

“Tokyo Tower” was filled with first-time challenges for Nagase, Itaya, Matsuda, and Megumi, for whom this was their first lead role in a romance drama.

It took a month and a half for each of them to face a new version of themselves and continue to take on new challenges – the cast and staff worked hard to create “Tokyo Tower”, which became a hot topic on social media with each broadcast, ranking highly on the trends list, and topping TVer’s viewing rankings for every episode. It also continues to break the all-time record for the Oshidora Saturday slot in terms of the number of catch-up broadcasts.

“Tokyo Tower” is finally entering its final chapter. Be sure to check out episode 8, which will air on June 8th at 11pm.

■ Comment from Ren Nagase (role of Toru Kojima)
Q. This film was a new challenge for you as well. How do you feel now that filming has wrapped up?
For me, the challenge went by in the blink of an eye, and each and every day was very intense. I had a lot of fun going through the trial and error process with Yuka Itaya, who played Shishi.

Q. Which scene from your film is the most memorable?
It’s the Karuizawa scene. For Tohru, it was a very happy time, but then he started to feel sad, so it was a busy time in many ways.

Q. This work was such a big challenge, and it has generated a huge response, with each episode trending at number one, ranking first in TVer’s viewing rankings, and the number of catch-up broadcasts is currently breaking the all-time record for the Oshidora slot. How do you feel about this?
I myself am surprised and very happy, and I am filled with gratitude to everyone who has watched it. It is a work that you will enjoy until the very end, so please look forward to it.

Q. The final chapter, episodes 8 and 9, will be broadcast soon. Please give a message to the viewers as we approach the climax.
Please watch over both Tohru and Koji as they grow to the very end, seeing what they think, how they act, and what decisions they make in light of their current situation.

On set as filming wrapped up
For me, the role of Tohru was a new challenge, and I think I was able to grow as a person in many ways. I don’t think I’ll come across a role like this very often, so I’m very grateful to the producers who had the courage to offer me the role, and to all the staff who supported me.
And because Shishi-san played the role of Itaya-san, Tohru’s goodness and straightforwardness came out — as I acted with Shishi-san, I felt that he really brought out a side of Tohru that I hadn’t imagined, and it was a very enjoyable month and a half. At the end, I was even given the opportunity to try out the director (laughs), and I think it was a really stimulating filming period until the very end. Thank you for all your hard work.

■ Comment from Yuka Itaya (role of Shishi Asano)
Q. This film was a new challenge for you. How do you feel now that filming has wrapped up?
When I first started playing the role of Shishi, I was worried about whether I could do it, but I’m relieved that I was able to team up with Nagase-kun and make it to the final round without any problems.

Q. Which scene from your film is the most memorable?
This is the scene in episode 1 where the two meet.
It was a very important scene for Shishi because it was where it all began, and when I saw the finished product, it was clear on screen that the two of them had fallen in love, so it left a strong impression on me.

Q. This work was such a big challenge, and it has generated a huge response, with each episode trending at number one, ranking first in TVer’s viewing rankings, and the number of catch-up broadcasts is currently breaking the all-time record for the Oshidora slot. How do you feel about this?
I’m honestly very happy and would like to thank everyone who watched it.

Q. The final chapter, episodes 8 and 9, will be broadcast soon. Please give a message to the viewers as we approach the climax.
I think that this work allows viewers to empathize with various characters. I hope that viewers will enjoy the world of “Tokyo Tower” until the very end while watching the fate of Tohru, Shishi, and other characters.

On set as filming wrapped up
This time, it’s been a while since I’ve done a love story, and I fell in love with someone 20 years younger than me, so I was quite hesitant at first, but thanks to the costume and makeup departments and the technical departments who were helping me prepare, I think I was able to create the perfect image of Shishi. They really helped me out. Thank you very much.
I’m glad that it was Nagase Ren-kun who I was able to work with. I’m happy. Thank you. It was a short time, but I’m glad we were able to fall in love. Thank you for all your hard work. I’ll miss you!

■Comment from Genta Matsuda (role of Koji Ohara)
Q. This film was a new challenge for you. How do you feel now that filming has wrapped up?
I’m still inexperienced and not very skilled, so I learned a lot from the director, the staff, and my co-stars. It was a challenging role, and I was able to face myself during the filming period and try things one by one, thinking about what I can and can’t do, so I think I’ve grown a bit.

Q. Which scene from your film is the most memorable?
I really don’t understand this.
I wanted to give my all and act carefully, so every scene was wonderful and memorable, and I love all the scenes featuring Koji, the character I played.

Q. This work was such a big challenge, and it has generated a huge response, with each episode trending at number one, ranking first in TVer’s viewing rankings, and the number of catch-up broadcasts is currently breaking the all-time record for the Oshidora slot. How do you feel about this?
I’m grateful to everyone who watched it. Thank you so much. I’m happy that we were able to achieve such a wonderful record and to have been involved in this production. And I’m happiest of all that so many people were able to feel the atmosphere of “Tokyo Tower.”

Q. The final chapter, episodes 8 and 9, will be broadcast soon. Please give a message to the viewers as we approach the climax.
Keep an eye on how Koji and Kimiko’s love story goes, and what they think of each other and what they realize. I hope you look forward to the climax.

■ Comment from MEGUMI (role of Kimiko Kawano)
Thank you everyone. This is my first time playing a role like this, so I wasn’t sure what to do at first, but after 20 years of doing this, there aren’t many new things I can do, so thank you so much for giving me this opportunity.
Thanks to everyone’s support, I was able to film with peace of mind, and seeing Travis sensei (Matsuda Genta) so sincerely interacting with me made me feel even more motivated to act properly. Thank you so much!

Program Information

TV AsahiOshidora Saturday “Tokyo Tower”
Every Saturday from 23:00 to 23:30

Cast: Ren Nagase, Yuka Itaya, Genta Matsuda, MEGUMI
YOU Masahiro Komoto, Riko Nagase, Naenano, and others
Original work: “Tokyo Tower” by Kaori Ekuni (published by Magazine House and Shincho Bunko)
Screenplay: Haruka Okita

Drama “Tokyo Tower” program site
https://www.tv-asahi.co.jp/tokyotower/

TV drama “Tokyo Tower” here
https://tver.jp/series/srf5d5tl55