The second episode of the TV drama "Ignite" (TBS, Friday 10pm) starring actor Shotaro Mamiya was broadcast on April 25th. Kaito Miyachika of the popular group "Travis Japan", who played the ace of the powerful rugby team, Hayato Nishida, became a hot topic on social media.
◇The following contains spoilers
The drama is a dark legal entertainment about a lawyer who makes a lot of money by inciting lawsuits. Rookie lawyer Ryo Uzaki (played by Mamiya) jumps into the "Peace Law Firm," known in the industry as "lawless." He ignites the hearts of potential plaintiffs and makes them file lawsuits. The drama depicts a "group of legal outlaws" who use all means to win their cases.
In the second episode, the next source of conflict that the Peace Law Office has set their sights on is a suicide attempt that occurred in the powerful rugby club of Toshu University, which is rumored to have been caused by bullying. Their target is Hayato, the younger brother of Makoto Nishida, who is unconscious after attempting suicide. Hayato, who is a member of the same rugby club as his brother, is also a member of the Japanese national team for his age group, and was an essential member in the team's quest to win the Kanto League.
Towards the end of the film, Hayato is informed by Uzaki of the existence of Masato's suicide note. "Your brother was subjected to severe bullying. This suicide note is written about his pain, regret for his failed dreams, and his feelings for his younger brother," Hayato seems surprised to hear Uzaki say. After hearing Masato's story about how he silently endured the bullying in order to not ruin his younger brother's future, Hayato lashes out at his father for hiding the note, saying, "Why did you hide the suicide note? There's no way he'd be happy about succeeding like this!"
Furthermore, Uzaki tells Hayato, "There may be various reasons why you couldn't face this fact. But you must have had a vague feeling about it. It may be cruel, but you are one of the people who turned a blind eye. It may be too late now. But I think you should take the right action now." Hayato is then shown deciding, "Lawyer, I want to sue."
On social media, comments were posted such as, "I was surprised at how good Miyachika's acting was," "Miyachika's portrayal of Hayato made my chest feel like it was being squeezed...!", "Even in scenes without lines, Miyachika was able to express emotions with just his facial expressions and eye movements - he was truly amazing," and "His acting without lines, using only facial expressions, was truly amazing!"
Miyachika's rugby scene was also featured, and on social media there were comments such as, "The way he took a step and then made a quick sprint was super cool in the rugby scene," and "He looks great in rugby! He's the coolest!"
