Fuma Kikuchi:"It all happened in an instant" - Drama "The Reason We Fall in Love" wraps up with 2 episodes remaining "Enjoy it until the very end"

The drama series "The Reason We Fall in Love" (TV Asahi, Saturday 11pm), starring Fuma Kikuchi of the three-man group "Timelesz", has wrapped up filming. After about two months of filming, Kikuchi said, "It felt like it happened in an instant, and the filming went by in a flash. That's because the cast and staff created a wonderful and warm atmosphere on set, and I'm very grateful."

He took on a new role, that of a taciturn and cool character, and said, "When I started working on this production, I was told to forbid smiling and ad-libbing, and people around me often said to me, 'Isn't it tough without any ad-libbing?' But let me say this to everyone: I don't usually ad-libbing because I want to, I only do it when it's required. Ad-libbing is very hard! But this time, because I forgot about that, I was able to focus more on the role and I think I was able to dig deeper into the role than ever before."

He then promoted the drama, with only two episodes remaining, saying, "We have worked hard on this series so that viewers will watch it on Saturday night, and after Sunday, will be inspired to try their best starting on Monday. We hope you will keep this feeling in the back of your mind and enjoy it until the very end!"

Kumagaya Rinka, who played Kikuchi's co-star, said, "There were a lot of heart-pounding scenes right up until the final episode, and I was constantly thinking about how to make the viewers' hearts skip a beat, so I had to stay on edge until the very end (laughs). But whenever I was in doubt, Kikuchi would always speak up, which was really reassuring, and I was able to just give myself over to the role and film." She talked about how she was supported by her reliable leader.

Ryuya Shimekake, who became a hot topic for his perfect role as the "puppy boy," said, "It was only because I met Sakamoto-kun that I was able to take on the look of black hair and glasses. Playing this pure and straightforward character allowed me to spend my days filled with sparkle and joy. I'd like to say 'thank you' to Sakamoto-kun." He exuded love for the role.

The drama is a live-action adaptation of the manga of the same name by ma2, which won the grand prize in the adult romance category at the 2nd Minna no Oshi Romance Manga Awards (2023). Set in an office, it depicts the "pure adult love" of three couples. The total number of views for the catch-up stream has exceeded 12.3 million, making it a hot topic. Episode 9 will be broadcast on December 14th.