It has been revealed that Ryusei Fukada of the popular group "ACEes" will star in "Natsuiro no Kumo ga Koi to Arashi wo Makiokosu," which will air in the July "Oshidora Saturday" slot (TV Asahi, Saturdays at 11 PM). Co-starring with fellow ACEes member Hidaka Ukisho, this coming-of-age home drama/romantic comedy will be Fukada's first solo leading role in a drama series. He expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "I'm quite nervous, but I'll do my best with the help of Ukisho-kun!"
Natsuki Takemiya (Fukada), a high school senior with terrible grades who is preparing for university entrance exams, is offered a tutoring job by her sister's boyfriend, Sota Kobayakawa (Ukisho), who attends the same university. At first, Natsuki finds the overly charming Sota annoying, but she can't help but feel a flutter in her heart when she sees his unexpected smiles and when he innocently strokes her head and says, "You did a great job!" The story refreshingly depicts Natsuki's innocent crush on Sota, the "person she shouldn't fall in love with," and her growth over the summer.
The script is an original work by hitmaker Yuko Matsuda, known for works such as "Hanasaki Mai Doesn't Keep Quiet," "It's Love! ~Yankee-kun and the White Cane Girl~" (both on Nippon Television) and "Revenge Spy"(TV Asahi). Fukada said, "Things I talked about with the scriptwriter beforehand and my own personality were reflected in the script, and that's how the character of Natsuki came to be. I have a lot in common with Natsuki, so I think that's something viewers will enjoy."
Furthermore, it has been decided that ACEes will be in charge of the theme song for the drama, "Mayonaka no ZOO" (Midnight Zoo). Written by singer-songwriter Ishizaki Hyui, it is a straightforward romance song, and Fukada commented, "I still can't quite believe it and feel a bit floaty, but I'm really happy that it will be the theme song. The lyrics are quite linked to the drama and it's a song that makes you feel 'youth'." Ukisho also appealed, "It's a song that suits a blue sky. There is a part in the final chorus that Fukada and I sing together, so I hope you will pay attention to that, and I hope you will be able to see the performance soon."
"Summer-Colored Clouds Stir Up Love and Storms" will air every Saturday at 11 PM starting July 11th.
◇Comment from Ryusei Fukada (who plays Natsuki Takemiya)
--Please tell us your honest feelings when you received the offer.
I was so happy because it's my first drama in a year. It's a strange feeling to be working with the ACEes members on a video project for the first time, but I feel reassured to be working with Ukisho-kun, so I'll do my best!
--What were your impressions after reading the script?
It really felt like "youth!" and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I met with the scriptwriter, Yuko Matsuda, beforehand, and what we talked about then, as well as my own personality, were reflected in the script and became the character of Natsuki. I have so much in common with Natsuki, so I think that's something that viewers will enjoy.
--What do you keep in mind when preparing for a role?
I had always been interested in Ukisho-kun and watched him often, but after receiving the offer for this project, I wanted to learn more about his different sides, so I started observing him even more (laughs).
--Ukisho-san is also a member of ACEes, what do you find endearing about him?
Ukisho-kun is the type of person who doesn't compromise on anything and charges ahead headfirst, and he seems to live life to the fullest. I really respect him and get a lot of inspiration from him. I hope he stays that "wild boar" forever.
--Did any of the ACEes members have a message for you regarding your starring role in this film?
The group has only been together for about a year and a half, so it seems like everyone finds it refreshing to see me and Ukisho-kun performing together. Everyone is looking forward to it, so I'll do my best! ...Having said that, it's actually quite embarrassing to be seen by the other members (laughs).
--What would you do if you fell in love with someone's partner, like Natsuki did?
It depends on "who" it is, but basically, if I like someone, I don't give up. If it's someone I don't know, I don't think I'd give up, but if it's my best friend's boyfriend, for example, I probably wouldn't even develop feelings for him in the first place.
--Please give a message to our viewers!
I'm quite nervous because this is my first time starring in a TV drama series on my own, but I'll do my best with the help of Ukisho-kun! Please look forward to it!
◇Comment from Hidaka Ukisho(who plays Sota Kobayakawa)
--Please tell us your honest feelings when you received the offer.
I'm really looking forward to seeing Fukada's acting live; it's a fresh experience! I've actually acted with other members before. When we tackled a project together and overcame challenges, we became much closer, so I hope we can become even closer this time around.
--What was your first impression after reading the script?
A beautiful blue sky came to mind! Moreover, Sota has some similarities to myself. Just like with Fukada, some of the things I had discussed with the scriptwriter, Yuko Matsuda, beforehand were included in the lines, which was a strange feeling.
--What do you keep in mind when preparing for a role?
The character I play, Sota, is a calm, warm, and relaxed person. I'm more of an impatient and hasty type, so lately I've been trying to live my days more calmly and peacefully.
-- Ms. Fukada, you're also a member of ACEes. What do you find endearing about her?
He's such a straightforward guy. He's a real "man." And when he laughs, he shows all his teeth... That smile somehow makes my heart flutter (laughs).
--Did the members of ACEes have any messages regarding their appearance in this film?
They said they were looking forward to seeing how the two of them would co-star. Fukada seems a little embarrassed to be seen by the other members, but I've already overcome any embarrassment since I've watched my own works with the other members (laughs). I think we'll all find the situation amusing even if we end up watching this drama together.
--What would you do if you fell in love with someone's partner, like Natsuki did?
I can't give up. I can't stop these feelings. But, if the girl I like ends up fighting with him because of me, I'd feel terrible... so I can't help but think about it.
--Please give a message to our viewers!
I want this to be a show that makes everyone think, "This summer was wonderful," and that makes them think, "It starts at 11 PM, so I'll stay up a little late tonight and wait for the broadcast." Please watch our relationship until the very end!
◇Comment from Emiko Kanda (TV Asahi Producer)
This project was born from the idea of wondering what would happen if a romantic comedy unfolded within a family drama. I think the summer vacation of a high school senior is a fun, slightly bittersweet, and somewhat special time, so I wanted to depict that summer with plenty of youthful energy. I think viewers will find both the romantic comedy and family drama parts relatable.
I had previously looked up Fukada-san, the lead actress, because I thought she shone particularly brightly in a drama she had appeared in before and wondered who she was. When she agreed to appear in this drama, I wanted to reflect her charm in the role, so I arranged a meeting with screenwriter Matsuda Yuko to discuss it. When I spoke with Fukada-san, I found her to be hardworking and straightforward. She's naturally charming, but I also felt that she's a sensitive person. I will work together with the staff to reflect Fukada-san's cuteness and sparkling aura in the drama.
Mr. Ukisho has a bright and energetic image, as he is active in variety shows and other programs. During a meeting between Mr. Ukisho and the scriptwriter, I felt that he is a considerate person who pays close attention to those around him, has his own opinions, and is a kind person. I think these aspects are reflected in his role, so I hope viewers will also appreciate Mr. Ukisho's charm as an actor.
This summer, we'll be bringing you the most refreshing, gentle, and effervescent home drama/romantic comedy, so we hope you'll look forward to it!
