"Nagatan to Ao to - Ichika no Ryōrichō - 2," a drama series currently airing and streaming on WOWOW, starring actress Mugi Kadowaki and co-starring Ryuto Sakuma Sakuma of the popular group "ACEes," has recently wrapped filming. Ahead of the final episode (episode 10) airing and streaming on April 24, comments from Kadowaki, who plays the main character Ichika Kuwanoki, Sakuma, who plays Shu Kuwanoki, and the other three cast members have been released.
The drama is based on the manga of the same name by Yuki Isoya (Kodansha). Set in Kyoto shortly after the war, it is a gourmet love story that begins when the protagonist, chef Ichika Kuwanoki (played by Kadowaki), enters into a political marriage with Shu Yamaguchi (played by Sakuma), the third son of the owner of a long-established hotel in Osaka, in order to save her family's struggling restaurant, "Kuwanoki". In this sequel, a "new family" arrives for the couple, and with the arrival of Sakae (played by Toranosuke Kobayashi), the second son of the Yamaguchi family and Shu's older brother, Kuwanoki, who had just begun to overcome his financial difficulties, faces another trial.
In the previous episode 9, Ichika (Kadowaki), who was suffering and blaming herself after miscarrying their child, was embraced by Shu's immense love, and their bond grew even stronger. Furthermore, there was a shocking development in which it was suggested that Shu's father, Shigeru (Iida Motoki), may have been involved in the machinations of Hazaki (Yano Masato), who had put Kuwanoki in a difficult position.
In the final episode, the three Yamaguchi brothers—En (Shunya Shiraishi), Sakae (Kobayashi), and Shu—who had been separated until now, come together. Shu, having learned of their father's intentions to not give up on acquiring Kuwanoki, summons En and Sakae. The three brothers talk, but a shocking truth is revealed. Meanwhile, Fujiwara (Takehiko Ono), who once harshly criticized Ichika's cooking, visits Kuwanoki and entrusts Ichika with the planning of his daughter's wedding celebration. What dish will Ichika serve after much deliberation...? And so, the story of Ichika and Shu walking hand in hand with their family reaches its grand finale.
The final episode will air and stream on WOWOW Prime and WOWOW On Demand from 11 PM on April 24th.
◇Comment from Mugi Kadowaki, who plays Ichika Kuwanoki
Thank you for your hard work during the month and a half of filming! I thought it was such a wonderful set to be on during Season 1, and I never imagined we'd get to do Season 2, so it really felt like a reward. Thank you so much. We still have narration recording to do, but we'll do our best until the very end. Thank you for all your hard work!
◇Comment from Ryuto Sakuma, who Ryuto Sakuma
Surrounded by almost the same staff as the previous season, and with the addition of new cast and crew members, I was reminded once again of what a wonderful city Kyoto is. It was such a fantastic set that it made me think again about wanting to live in Kyoto in my old age. As for season 3... back in season 1, I said, "I want to do season 2!" and somehow it came true, so whether it's season 3, a movie, or anything else, I'd love to do "Nagatan to Ao to" again. Thank you very much.
◇Comment from Toranosuke Kobayashi, who plays the role of Sakae Kawashima
Thank you for your hard work over the past month and a half. I had a lot of fun, and I looked forward to coming to the site every day. I believe I was able to do my best in Sakae thanks to all of you. Thank you very much!
◇Comment from Shunya Shiraishi, who plays the role of Yukari Yamaguchi
Is this really the last one? I'm so happy to have worked with these amazing members again; I hope there will be a sequel, and I'll be sad if this is the end. I'm really looking forward to the finished product. Thank you very much.
