It has been announced that Masakado Yoshinori of the popular group "Ae! group" will play his first lead role in a serial drama, "Musashi no Rondo," which will start on April 19th on TV Asahi's "Oshidora Saturday" slot (Saturdays at 11pm). He will play a man who is devoted to a woman 10 years his senior, and this will also be his first attempt at a romance drama.
This is a drama adaptation of Kawachi Haruka's manga of the same name (Shodensha, currently being serialized). The protagonist, Agawa Ryuhei (Masakado), has been in love with a girl next door who is 10 years older than him since he was a child, but she has never seen him as a romantic interest. When a love rival appears, he begins to aggressively approach her, and after 10 years, his unrequited love begins to move forward... This is the story. While depicting pure love, it is also an "adult love story" that involves a love triangle and unpredictable and shocking developments. Takanashi Rin plays Musashibara Tamaki, the ballet instructor and object of Ryuhei's unrequited love and the heroine of this work.
Shomon is the guitarist for "Ae! group". He is also active as an actor, having attracted attention for his role as the protagonist's younger sister's lover in the NHK morning drama "Scarlet" (2019-20), and has appeared in the drama "The Men of the Wada Family" (2021) and the movie "Grand Maison Paris" (2024).
Regarding his feelings about being the lead in his first drama series, he commented, "I was really nervous because I never expected it to be like that. Moreover, it is based on a comic beloved by many fans, and it is my first romance drama. On top of that, I fall in love with someone 10 years older than me... I couldn't help but be nervous (laughs)." He continued, "However, it is a great honor to be the lead in the Oshidora Saturday time slot, where many of my seniors (from the same agency) have also appeared, so I will do my best and enjoy the role!" he said enthusiastically.
Masakado and Takanashi cut their hair to match the visuals of their original characters. Masakado said, "Everyone (Ae! group members) said 'Congratulations!' and the hairstyle I changed to suit the role was well received (laughs)." Takanashi also gave Masakado's new hair a thumbs up, saying, "It suits him very well and is a perfect fit for Agawa-kun's aura."
Author Kawachi said, "The good thing about picture stories is that you can present undifferentiated words and feelings in their undifferentiated form... but I was thinking, "I'm amazed that some brave people have come forward to boldly turn my manga, which I've been working on in a state of chaos and half-excusing resignation," and expressed his expectations, saying, "I can't wait to see what kind of rondo will be spun by these colorful and wonderful actors."
