On September 20th, the new cast for the NHK Asadora drama "Bakebake ," starring Akari Takaishi , which will begin airing on September 29th in the second half of 2025, was announced. Sugita Rairin, Toki Matsuno Yukito, and Shimokawa Kyohei will appear as students at Matsue Junior High School of Lefkada Heaven (Tommy Bastow), who will become the husband of the Yukito Hidaka Matsuno Toki (Takaishi). The three were selected from an audition that saw 287 participants. This will be Shimokawa's first appearance in an Asadora.
Sugita plays Nishikori Takeru, the younger brother of English teacher Nishikori Yuichi (Ryo Yoshizawa). He respects his older brother, who is said to be the most intelligent person in Matsue, and follows in his footsteps.
Hidaka plays Masaki Seiichi, a brilliant player who is seen as the next great player since Nishikori, and is expected to have a bright future.
Kotani Haruo, played by Shimokawa, is a pure, honest and good-natured young man, but because of that he also has a tendency to jump to conclusions...
"Bakebake " is based on the life of Lafcadio Hearn Yakumo Koizumi and his wife Setsu, and depicts the story of a ghost story-loving heroine who lives an ordinary, everyday life with her foreign husband. The script is written by Mitsuhiko Fujiki, who has worked on NHK's "Asagaya Sisters' Relaxed Life" and WOWOW's "Shooting Break Series."
◇Comment from Sugita Rairin
My name is Sugita Rairin and I will be playing the role of Nishikori Takeru. My role this time is a student at a school where elites gather, and also the younger brother of Nishikori Yuichi, who works as a teacher. When I first read the script, I felt that the character was a bit unexpected for me. But that's exactly why I'm excited to be able to take on the role of an "elite." The best part of being an actor is being able to become someone completely different from your usual self. I'm looking forward to having as much fun as I can in this role and bringing out a new side of myself!
◇Comment from Yukito Hidaka
My name is Yukito Hidaka and I will be playing the role of Masaki Seiichi, a student at Matsue Junior High School. Masaki is a character with great ambitions for the future of Japan, and although he is a brilliant student, he also has a slightly childish side. While he is aware of his role as a "student" in the Meiji era, which is the setting of the story, I hope you will pay attention to his interactions with his classmates Takeru and Kotani, as well as his worldview when he is engrossed in something. As you interact with this Masaki, I hope to convey to everyone his somewhat lovable side. When I read the script, I got the impression that "Bakebake" was full of laughs, and I am really looking forward to seeing it brought to life on screen. I'm excited! Thank you very much.
◇Comment from Kyohei Shimokawa
My name is Shimokawa Kyohei and I will be playing the role of Kotani Haruo. Kotani is a student at Matsue Junior High School, where the elite of this era gather, but he is also somewhat absent-minded and approachable, and his clumsy yet straightforward personality makes him a charming character that is heartwarming to watch. I have always respected Akari Takaishi ever since I was inspired by her on-the-spot acting when we co-starred in a completely improvised film, so I am very happy to be working with her again this time. Please also pay attention to the relationship between Toki and Kotani. Thank you!
◇Comment from Production Director Kuniomi Hashizume
Students from Matsue Junior High School, who are students of Heaven and Nishikori, held auditions and were selected from 287 applicants.
Sugita's character, Nishikiori Takeru, is a man who chases after his older brother, Yuichi, played by Yoshizawa. Sugita's acting, which is imbued with a unique warmth that is similar to that of Yoshizawa, who plays his older brother. I'm really looking forward to the upcoming filming to see how the bond between the brothers will be portrayed.
Masaki, played by Hidaka, is a particularly outstanding student at Matsue Junior High School, which is filled with excellent students. The honesty that emanates from Hidaka himself overlaps with Masaki's way of life, as he looks single-mindedly towards the future. Please pay attention to his passionate acting, which makes you feel that there must have been a student like this in the Meiji era.
Kotani, played by Shimokawa, is a bit different from the other two, a bit absent-minded and lovable. I'm sure his determination to push forward in his own way will bring a smile to the faces of many viewers. Shimokawa plays this difficult role, which requires exquisite balance, with an amazing sense of balance.
There is only one week left until the broadcast. Together with the wonderful cast, we hope to bring you a time to look forward to every morning!
