The TBS Sunday Theatre drama "The Royal Family" (Sundays at 9pm, with the final episode extended by 15 minutes), which will air its final episode on December 14th, has completed filming for the entire cast, including lead actors Satoshi Tsumabuki and Ren Meguro, and wrap-up photos have been released.
Tsukamoto, who played the main character, Kurisu Eiji, choked up with tears and said, "To be honest, I still can't believe that filming is over," but added, "I really felt the love of each and every one of the cast and staff, and I wish I could have gone to the set for as many days as possible so I could act with everyone."
Meguro, who played Nakajo Koichi, an owner of inherited horses who carries the hopes of Sanno Kozo (Koichi Sato) and works hand in hand with Kurisu to reach the top of Arima Kinen, said with a look of accomplishment on his face, "In terms of acting, I was able to find something new for myself and inherit the role on set."
The moment filming finished for Tsumabuki and Meguro, the last of the cast, Koichi Sato and Wakana Matsumoto, who had rushed to the set without telling the two, made a surprise appearance. The cast and staff who had gone through the grueling shoot together celebrated the finale with tears and smiles, bringing the three and a half month shoot to a close.
Comments from the cast on the wrap-up are as follows:
◇Comment from Satoshi Tsumabuki
To be honest, it still doesn't feel like filming is over... As I filmed, I felt every day that it's rare to find a set with so much love. The love of each and every one of the cast and staff was truly palpable, and I wanted to go to the set and act with everyone for as many days as possible. Kurisu, Kozo, and Koichi were aiming for the top in Arima, but I really wanted this drama to be one that everyone would love, and I thought that we had to face up to the question of "what are we entrusting to it?" I truly hope that we can continue to see the continuation of our dream together with everyone. Thank you so much for the past three and a half months!
◇ Comment from Ren Meguro
I was narrating from the first episode, but I only started appearing in the second half of episode 4. I'd never been involved in a production like this before, so I was really nervous. But everyone around me really helped me out, and Tsukamoto-san was always watching over me with a warm gaze, as if to protect me, so I was able to be on set with great confidence. I also learned a lot from (Sato) Koichi-san and Director Tsukahara through acting, and it was a set where I was able to discover new things in my own way in terms of acting and receive inheritance. I want to continue working hard so that I can become a great person who can pass on what I learned on this set to someone else. I was so happy to have come across such a wonderful production and set! Thank you very much.
◇Comment from Wakana Matsumoto
The three and a half months went by in a flash. Tsukamoto-san, the rest of the cast, and the entire staff all worked so carefully, down to the smallest detail, and I felt that every day. They say that God dwells in the details, but I really felt once again that the expression that comes from being so particular is something so beautiful. And I'm really proud to have been involved in this production. It was a truly enjoyable three and a half months. Thank you!
◇ Synopsis of the final episode 10
The family has made a miraculous comeback, but in order for Kurisu and Koichi to take part in the Arima Kinen, a race they have always dreamed of, they must first win a major race.
Nobuyuki's (Taishi Nakagawa) So Perfect had won the Triple Crown and emerged as the leading candidate for the Arima Kinen as the "champion of the era."
Team Royal holds a rally to confirm their unity, and Koichi quietly expresses his unwavering resolve...
After meeting Kozo, Kurisu began his journey with the dream of winning the G1. After countless setbacks, the door to destiny finally opens!
