It has been revealed that actress Tomoko Yamaguchi and Yuta Tamamori of the popular group "Kis-My-Ft2" will appear as mother and son in the April TBS Sunday drama "GIFT" (Sundays at 9 PM), starring Shinichi Tsutsumi. This will be Yamaguchi's first appearance in a Sunday drama in approximately 32 years, since "Sweet Home" in 1994, in which she co-starred with Hiroshi Fuse, and it will be her first time working with Tsutsumi.
Set against the backdrop of wheelchair rugby, a parasport, the story follows Wutetsu Fumito, a genius astrophysicist played by Tsutsumi, as he searches for answers to difficult problems facing his underdog team. Through genuine emotional and physical challenges, he learns the importance of friendship and family in this story of bonds and redemption. This is a completely original story, with the script written by Tomoki Kanazawa, who has worked on Netflix dramas such as "Sanctuary" and the TV series "Who saw the peacock dance in the jungle?".
Yamaguchi will play Hiroe Sakamoto, an artist with a unique sensibility that is difficult for ordinary people to understand. She has a very strong character, being unconventional and not afraid to take on new challenges. She is considered a prodigy in the art world and is expanding her activities, including holding solo exhibitions.
Tamamori plays Sakamoto Sora, Hiroe's son, who works as a composer's manager at a music agency. Having grown up surrounded by music, he taught himself piano and played his own melodies, dedicating himself entirely to music. He aspired to be a composer and graduated from a music university, but began to feel the gap in talent between himself and those around him, leading to frustration and days filled with a sense of unfulfillment.
It was also announced that the first episode will air on April 12th. Attention will likely be focused on how the father and son, who appear to have no connection whatsoever to Gotetsu (played by Tsutsumi) or wheelchair rugby, will become involved in the story.
◇Comment from Tomoko Yamaguchi
While it's a sports-themed work, it also explores themes of how to live one's unique life, the truth about human encounters, and grand, cosmic themes. Even people with no interest in sports will find themselves drawn into the story before they know it; I think it's a truly unique drama.
This is my first time working with the lead actor, Mr. Tsutsumi, but I feel like we're comrades who have challenged ourselves in this world together for many years, and there's a strong sense of trust that we can respond to each other. The character I play, Hiroe, is a mysterious artist. I have zero knowledge of wheelchair rugby, but please look forward to seeing how she will become involved with the team.
While acting, I kept thinking, "What exactly is a 'gift'?" What is a "gift"? I hope you all will think about it together with me through this drama.
◇Comment from Yuta Tamamori
I want to do my best to make this a story that many people can relate to. I found the dynamic between the mother and son interesting to portray, so I hope that comes across in the film. I would also be happy if viewers would watch and see how Sora interacts with the people around him.
There's so much drama unfolding through the sport of wheelchair rugby. I think it's a drama filled with passion, struggles, and a lot of emotions, so please do watch it!
