The new cast of the NHK Taiga drama "Toyotomi Brothers!" starring Nakano Taiga, which will be broadcast in 2026, was announced on April 8th on the official NHK drama X (formerly Twitter), revealing that Leo Matsumoto, who appeared in the NHK Asadora drama "Omusubi" that aired its final episode in March, will play Ishida Mitsunari. This is Matsumoto's first appearance in a Taiga drama. He revealed that he "thought it was a dream" when he was selected for the role of Mitsunari from a large-scale audition that attracted over 1,600 applicants, mostly actors in their 20s and 30s.
Matsumoto was born on April 27, 2000, and is 24 years old and from Ehime Prefecture. In the Asadora"Omusubi," she played the role of "Kazami Senpai," a calligraphy club member whom the heroine also admired.
Mitsunari, who will be played in "Toyotomi Brothers!", is a feudal lord born in Omi Province who was highly valued by Hideyoshi. He played an active role in the Battle of Shizugatake, where Hideyoshi fought against Shibata Katsuie, and was also good with numbers, and demonstrated his strength in the Taiko Land Survey and other events. In Hideyoshi's later years, at the young age of 25, he became one of the five magistrates and played a central role in the Toyotomi government. "A loyal retainer of Hideyoshi who supported the Toyotomi government."
Matsumoto said, "Since last year, I've been writing something on a piece of paper every day, and that was 'I've been chosen to appear in a taiga drama!' I'd secretly fantasized about appearing, but to be honest, when it was actually decided, it didn't really feel real. I've been looking forward to playing the important role of Ishida Mitsunari, a role that has been played by many famous predecessors, in 'Toyotomi Brothers!', and it's the greatest honor and challenge I've ever had in my acting career. I'm going to set aside all my anxiety and tension, face what is expected of me and what I can express, and do my best to play the role of Ishida Mitsunari."
"Toyotomi Brothers!" is a success story of hope and dreams depicting the miracle of the Toyotomi brothers who accomplished the great feat of unifying the country with their strong bond, with Hidenaga, the younger brother of "the ruler of Japan," as the main character. The script is written by Hiroyuki Yatsu, who is known for "Naoki Hanzawa" and the TV drama series "Ochoyan."
