Arata Iura:Driven by screenwriter Akiko Nogi's request that "this role should be played by Arata Iura," he appears in TBS's New Year's drama with Lily Franky and Honoka Matsumoto

It has been revealed that actor Arata Iura will appear in TBS's New Year's special drama "Slow Train," starring Takako Matsu and written by Akiko Nogi, which will air on January 2, 2025. He will play Meguro Tokio, a man connected to the past of the main character, Yoko Shibuya (played by Matsu). This work is a new-age family drama set in Kamakura, depicting the "way of family." Matsu will play the eldest daughter, Yoko Shibuya, Tabe Mikako will play the second daughter, Tomoko Shibuya, and Matsuzaka Tori will play the youngest son, Ushio Shibuya. In addition, Gen Hoshino will play the troublesome writer, Doumeki Mi, and Joo Jeong-hyuk will play Oh Yun-soo, a young man who works at a food and beverage investment company. Iura said, "I usually don't sew any work unless there is something special because I want to work carefully on each and every project, but when I was offered the role, I was motivated by the message that Nogi-san attached, 'This role is for Iura Arata,' even though it was a hectic time! I wanted to play the role no matter what!" He also commented, "My filming was the last day of all-out shoot. On set, both Director Doi and Matsu-san welcomed me with smiles, and the warm and gentle sense of unity with the staff was very impressive, and it was filled with the trust and respect that had been built up over the long filming period." He commented, "I hope I was able to be like a gentle breeze blowing through this wonderful family drama wrapped in a warm and gentle atmosphere on set." It was also announced that Lily Franky will play the role of Nikaido Katsumi, a veteran writer, and Matsumoto Honoka will play Yahagi Kanna, a junior at Hibichisha Bookstore, Yoko's former workplace. In addition, talented actors such as Nobue Ikeya, Yuki Kura, Kanji Furudate, Shohei Uno, Satoshi Iizuka from "Tokyo 03", Daikichi Sugawara, Yuko Nakamura, and Nono Maita will also appear. "Slow Train" will be broadcast from 9:00 pm on January 2, 2025. It will also be available for catch-up streaming on "TVer" and other services.