Actress Yui Narumi appeared in the fifth episode of the drama series "Chihayafuru -Meguri-" (Nippon TV, Wednesdays at 10pm), which aired on August 6th, playing the role of the advisor for the Adore Girls' Academy Competitive Karuta Club.
In fact, Narumi says that his involvement as an extra (a spectator at the finals) in the 2018 film "Chihayafuru: Musubi" led him to embark on the path to becoming an actor. "I was surprised and grateful that such a dreamlike thing could actually happen, and I was filled with emotion as I recalled the days of filming when I was an extra. I am truly happy not only as an actor, but also as a fan of Chihayafuru," he said.
Regarding his appearance in this production, he revealed, "From the moment I stepped onto the tatami mat, I was immediately drawn into the world of this production." He reflected, "The passion that the cast members have for karuta went beyond their acting and was palpable, and I approached the performance with the desire to fully absorb that and not miss anything."
"Chihayafuru" is a manga by Yuki Suetsugu that was serialized in "BE・LOVE" (Kodansha) from 2007 to 2022. The story follows Ayase Chihaya, who awakens to the charm of competitive karuta after meeting transfer student Wataya Arata, and becomes passionate about the game alongside her childhood friend Mashima Taichi and the other unique members of the karuta club.
The novel was adapted into a film starring Hirose in 2016, with two parts, "Kami no Ku" and "Shimo no Ku," being released. The final film, "Musubi," was released in 2018. This drama is an original story set 10 years after the events of the film. Touma, who will be starring in a drama series for the first time, will play Aizawa Meguru, a second-year high school student and ghost member of the Umezono High School Competitive Karuta Club.
Episode 5 was broadcast under the title "The Fifth Poem: Oeyama."
