Tomokazu Miura and Hikari Ishida:Appearing as a new cast member in "Second to Second to Last Love"

It has been revealed that actors Tomokazu Miura and Hikari Ishida will be appearing in the Fuji TV Monday 9pm drama "Second to Last Love," which will begin airing on April 14th.

The drama is a romantic, home-comedy set in the ancient city of Kamakura, depicting the love story between a TV producer played by Kyoko Koizumi and a civil servant working at Kamakura City Hall played by Kiichi Nakai. The first season was broadcast in 2012, the second in 2014, and the third season will be set 11 years later. Following the first and second seasons, Yoshikazu Okada will be in charge of the script.

Miura plays Senji Naruse, a local doctor who inherited his family's clinic. He is a generous and somewhat playful physician who opens his waiting room to the neighborhood ladies during his breaks.

Ishida plays Ritsuko Hayata, the only daughter of "Ichijo-san," a perverted but lovable character who appeared in previous works. After losing her husband, a trading company man, she works as an interpreter for foreign tourists in Kamakura, where inbound tourism is on the rise.

◇Comment from Tomokazu Miura

As a newcomer joining an already established team, I was feeling nervous on the first day of filming, remembering the time when I transferred schools in elementary school. However, I was relieved to see that everyone welcomed me warmly, without any bullying or ignorance (laughs).

Most of my scenes are with Koizumi-san and Nakai-san. Although we are different ages and have different ways of expressing ourselves, we have a common sense as if we both attended the same temple school, so I feel very comfortable with them...or so I think. I feel that strongly even though this is my first time acting with Nakai-san. The script is by Okada-san, who is both fascinating and formidable, and I am also impressed that there is a rehearsal day, which is rare these days. I will do my best as a newcomer!

◇Hikari Ishida

I really, really loved this drama and watched every episode. When I heard about the role, I never even dreamed that I would one day be in it, so I wondered, "Am I the right person for the role?"

A mysterious widow who is closing in on Nagakura Kazuhira... Everyone in the Nagakura family gets along well and seems to be having a lot of fun. That makes me feel a little lonely and nervous as a newcomer, but everyone talked to me a lot and gave me a place to belong. I am working hard on filming every day, savoring the happiness of hearing the voices of my beloved Nagakura family and Chiaki-san. I will be able to meet you soon! Please look forward to it!