It was revealed on February 26th that actor Kyouya Honda will be appearing in the April TBS Sunday Theatre drama "GIFT" (Sundays at 9pm), starring Shinichi Tsutsumi. This will be Honda's first Sunday Theatre appearance. In this production, he plays Keijiro Asaya, a man who behaved badly in high school and ended up in a wheelchair after a motorcycle accident. It will be interesting to see how Gotetsu and the others will interact with Keijiro, who continues to commit crimes and live off his parents.
The story is entirely original, with the screenplay written by Kanazawa Tomoki, who has worked on Netflix's drama "Sanctuary" and the network's serial drama "Who Saw the Peacock Dance?" Set in the parasport of wheelchair rugby, the film tells the story of bonds and rebirth, as a weak team comes to understand the importance of teamwork and family through serious physical and mental challenges, while figuring out the answers to difficult problems facing them.
Tsutsumi, who will be starring in the Sunday Theatre for the first time in 27 years, will play Gotetsu Fumito, an astrophysicist with a genius mind and knowledge. Gotetsu is an associate professor at a university who studies black holes, but by chance he comes across wheelchair rugby and becomes involved with the underdog team, the "Braze Bulls," who have not won in three years, have no sense of unity in their play, and are disjointed and have no chance of winning.
Isolated from those around him, never confronting or facing anyone, this lonely man's only purpose in life has been to find and solve difficult problems that interest him. But when he sees a team piled with problems and, despite not even knowing the rules of wheelchair rugby, he declares, "I can make them win. I'll make this team the best in Japan." At first, he only intends to solve the problem of "not being able to win," but as he works out the solution to the Bulls' problems, he comes face to face with his own problems as he comes into serious contact with the players and learns about the scars each of them carries in their lives.
Yamada Yuki will play Miyashita Ryo, the lone ace of the Bulls who has lost his luster; Arimura Kasumi will play Kiriyama Hitoka, a magazine reporter who becomes involved with the Bulls after doing an interview; Yoshise Michiko will play the Bulls' head coach; and Yasuda Ken will play the head coach of the rival team, the Sharkheads.
In addition to Honda, it has been announced that the cast will include Yoshihiko Hosoda, Wan Marui, Keita Koshiyama, Rintaro Hachimura, Yasu-san from the comedy duo "Zun," Ron Mizuma, Ami Tomite, and comedian Novo Semon Nabe, who will play players on the Bulls team that Yamada's character, Miyashita Ryo, belongs to.
The role of Bulls captain Tachikawa Natsuhiko will be played by Hosoda, who will be appearing in Sunday Theatre for the first time since Anti-Hero (2024). Tachikawa is a calm and gentle man, a pacifist who hates conflict. He is like an older brother to the team and serves as a moral pillar for the other players.
Kimishima Catherine Akiko will be played by Marui, who is currently appearing in the NHK morning drama "Bakeke." Catherine is a returnee who returned to Japan from Australia due to her father's work as a scholar. With her leadership skills, high analytical ability and broad perspective, she is the unsung hero who gives accurate advice to the entire team.
Bando Takuya will be played by Koshiyama, who played the childhood rival of the main character in the film "National Treasure." Bando is the youngest member of the Bulls. He respects Ryo and tries to imitate his playing style in an attempt to get closer to him, but he lacks confidence and feels powerless.
Nakayama Kotaro will be played by Hachimura, who made waves for his role as a student in the drama "Mikami Sensei" (2025). Nakayama is a naturally outgoing person with a proud side, but he takes his training seriously.
Yasu will play Takematsu Kenji, the oldest member of the Bulls. Mizuma will play Li Wuchen, who has a poker face but a bird's-eye view of the team. Tomite will play Ureri Yayoi, a fearless parent who still retains a gyaru vibe. Novo Semon Nabe will play Kubota Kazunobu, who is the main cheerleader during practice and keeps the team excited.
It will be interesting to see how the team changes when Tsutsumi plays the main character, Gotetsu Fumito, who becomes the coach of the Bulls.
Honda's comments are as follows:
◇Kyouya Honda (role of Keijiro Asatani)
I'm Kyouya Honda, who plays Keijiro Asatani. As the play is about wheelchair rugby, I began preparations in July of last year to get my body used to the role. Under the guidance of active wheelchair rugby players and staff, I've been learning everything from how to row to the delicate and skillful techniques, and I'm giving my all to both my wheelchair and my role every day.
Keijiro is a man who was confined to a wheelchair after a motorcycle accident in high school, and has since closed his heart and developed a personality that snaps at anyone. Keijiro was originally an honest, straightforward and passionate man, but he discovers wheelchair rugby, meets the people he connects with through it, and I hope you will watch to see how he grows as a person.
As we go through life, we receive many gifts without even realizing it, and in fact we give many gifts as well.
I hope you can experience these wonderful moments through this drama.
And enjoy the exciting and heart-pounding world of wheelchair rugby!
