The final episode of the TV drama series "The Travel Nurse" (TV Asahi, Thursdays 9pm) starring actor Masaki Okada was broadcast on December 19th, with singer-songwriter Saito Kazuyoshi, who sang the theme song "Nakanu Glory Moon", making a surprise appearance. This was Saito's first time appearing in a drama. He appeared as a backpacker after Okada, who appeared in the music video for the song, begged him to appear in the drama.
It was in the final scene of the last episode, when Ayumu (Okada) and Shizuka (Kiichi Nakai), who had been reunited at a hospital in the Philippines, were walking around while engaging in a lively verbal quarrel, when a backpacker (Saito) surrounded by children started playing the theme song on his guitar.
Saito explained the circumstances of his appearance, saying, "Actually, it's my first time appearing in a drama...I believe that I should be a specialist, so acting is embarrassing and there's no way I could do it (laughs). So when Okada-kun jokingly asked me to appear in a drama, I was like, "No, no, I don't think so...". But my staff said, "You should appear," so I was like, "Seriously!?" Okada-kun also appeared in the music video, and I didn't have any lines so I thought it would be okay if I just played the guitar... so I appeared in it. I felt a bit out of place, but it was a memorable experience!"
Regarding filming a drama for the first time, he said, "The atmosphere was completely different from usual, so it was a little embarrassing. Also, I was surprised at how large the filming team was. Music sets don't have that many people, and they don't shoot in detail, so I had no idea what to do...It was a fresh experience, thinking, 'So this is how they film it. It must be a tough job.' But at the same time, I thought, 'If I miss the timing to start playing the guitar, I'll have to start all over again. And if that happens, all these people will have to move again. That's scary!' (laughs)."
Okada, who made the offer, expressed his delight, saying, "I was really happy that Kazuyoshi decided to appear in the drama as a way of giving back to me after I had appeared in the music video for 'Nakanu Glory Moon.' What's more, I even got to hear the theme song melody live...! It feels like everything has come together, and I'm overwhelmed with emotion."
