Kaito Miyachika of Travis Japan and actress Wakana Aoi will star in the upcoming TV Asahi Saturday drama series Honnou Switch, premiering January 11, 2025. This live-action adaptation of the popular manga by KUJIRA promises to deliver a heartwarming tale of rekindled love between childhood friends.
The drama revolves around Hijiri Akiyama (Miyachika), a game planner, and Koyori Hoshi (Aoi), his childhood friend and colleague in a neighboring game company. Set against the backdrop of their professional and personal lives, Honnou Switch explores the poignant and tender emotions of a “late-blooming first love.” Miyachika and Aoi bring to life the pure, nostalgic connection between these two characters, supported by a talented cast.
Notably, Ken Kojima of Ae! group makes his first on-screen collaboration with Miyachika in this series. Kojima portrays Koyori’s lively and extroverted colleague, Shu Enomoto, showcasing a stark contrast to his previous roles. Adding depth to the story are Junki Totsuka as Koyori’s ex-boyfriend, Sosuke Yoshida, who abruptly ended their relationship due to a shocking revelation, and Maho Nonami as Yoko Kihara, a supportive and nurturing mentor figure for Koyori.
Miyachika and Aoi marked their first day on set with a cozy scene set in Koyori’s apartment. Despite their initial nervousness, the two quickly found their rhythm, creating an atmosphere described as “gentle” and “warm.” Reflecting on the collaboration, Miyachika shared, “Working with Aoi-san has been inspiring. Together, we’re creating the unique atmosphere that defines Hijiri and Koyori’s relationship.”
Aoi echoed the sentiment, stating, “Miyachika-san’s calm and approachable nature makes the process so enjoyable. I’m committed to portraying the warmth and nuance of these characters to resonate with the audience.”
The buzz surrounding Honnou Switch is already palpable. The initial teaser aired during the December 14th episode of The Reason We Fall in Love (streaming on Rakuten Viki), generating over 1.5 million views across social media within 24 hours. A second preview, featuring Miyachika, Aoi, Kojima, and the rest of the cast, will debut during the series finale of The Reason We Fall in Love on December 21st.
For Kaito “Chaka” Miyachika of Travis Japan, stepping into the role of Hijiri Akiyama in Honnou Switch has been an exciting and reflective journey. The highly anticipated TV Asahi drama kicked off filming with a sense of optimism and warmth, perfectly mirroring the story’s heartfelt tone.
Miyachika shared his excitement about the project finally coming to life, “I was looking forward to finding out when we’d start filming, so I’m really happy we’ve officially begun. At first, I was curious about how everything would unfold, especially with a team I was working with for the first time. But the story itself has such a warm atmosphere that I was able to approach the first day with a relaxed mindset.”
The actor expressed his enthusiasm for diving deeper into his character, Hijiri, as filming progresses, “From here on, I want to bring more energy and depth to Hijiri’s character. I’m eager to get comfortable on set and work together with everyone to create something truly special.”
Miyachika spoke highly of his co-star, Wakana Aoi, who plays Koyori Hoshi, Hijiri’s childhood friend and love interest.
“Aoi-san is incredibly calm and fully dedicated to her craft. It makes acting alongside her so much easier and enjoyable. Her focus and approach to her role are inspiring, and I’m excited to collaborate with her to build the unique atmosphere that defines Hijiri and Koyori’s relationship.”
Reflecting on the journey ahead, Miyachika acknowledged the responsibility and opportunities that come with creating such a heartfelt drama, “Today was the first day, so tomorrow will be the second (laughs). From here on, so many different scenes await us. How we approach them and how the story takes shape is entirely up to us. With a sense of responsibility, I want to work with everyone to create the best possible atmosphere and deliver an amazing drama.”
Likewise, Wakana Aoi steps into the role of Koyori Hoshi with excitement and determination as she brings to life her beloved childhood friend. Reflecting on her first day on set, Aoi shared her thoughts on the project, her co-stars, and the journey ahead.
“I was nervous, but it wasn’t the type of nerves that kept me up all night. Once the first day arrived, it turned out to be okay. I didn’t know what the atmosphere on set would be like or how Koyori’s room would feel, so I was filled with a mix of anticipation and excitement,” she shared but found herself pleasantly surprised by how smoothly things unfolded.
Now that the cameras are rolling, Aoi is eager to develop on-screen chemistry with her fellow cast members and explore the different relationships within the story.
Working with Kaito Miyachika, who plays Hijiri Akiyama, has already left a positive impression on Aoi.
“On the first day, I was amazed at how calm and composed Miyachika-san was. He didn’t seem nervous at all, which I found really impressive. He has such a flat, peaceful demeanor that makes the set feel comfortable.”
Aoi is particularly excited about diving into more dialogue-heavy scenes with Miyachika, as she feels his calm energy complements the tone of the story and the relationship between their characters.
“His tranquil nature really suits the atmosphere of the project and the dynamic between Hijiri and Koyori. I want to follow his lead and create something special together.”
Looking ahead, Aoi expressed her dedication to portraying the warmth and unique connection between Hijiri and Koyori, “There’s still so much to build as we go, but I want to carefully and joyfully bring out the warmth of Hijiri and Koyori’s relationship. I hope we can capture their unique atmosphere in a way that leaves viewers feeling comforted.”
Joining them is Ken Kojima, a member of Ae! group, is stepping out of his comfort zone and into the spotlight with his portrayal of Shu Enomoto. Known for his earlier role as Naoya Takashiro in Kaette Kitara Ippai Shite. (帰ってきたらいっぱいして。) (2023), Kojima takes on the challenge of playing a vibrant and upbeat character who brings a lively energy to every scene.
He is currently playing a gloomy table tennis club boy in the “Azato Serial Drama” variety show “What’s Wrong With Being Azatokute?“; あざとくて何が悪いの？ but in this production, he plays the complete opposite: a bright, loud, outgoing boy.
“Right now, I’m playing a very reserved, introverted character in the Azato Serial Drama, so it’s been fun to switch gears and dive into such a bright, cheerful role like Enomoto,” Kojima shared. “This is my first time playing such an outgoing character, and I’m genuinely excited about it.”
Enomoto, described as a mood-maker and the kind of person “you’d want in any group,” is a significant departure from Kojima’s own personality despite his usual quirky and loud portrayal in Ae! group.
“I’m not naturally super bright or loud,” Kojima admits. “So, I’ve been trying to channel more ‘brightness’ into my daily life. I even practice speaking louder in private, so it feels natural in front of the camera.”
He also highlights Enomoto’s “KY” (kūki yomenai, or socially oblivious) traits, which required extra effort to understand and portray.
“I’m usually the kind of person who reads the room too much,” Kojima confesses. “So playing a character who doesn’t is a learning experience for me.”
This marks the first collaboration between Kojima and Miyachika. Kojima shares his enthusiasm about working with his fellow agency member, “I’ve never really had the chance to talk with Miyachika-kun before, so I was really looking forward to this. We had a brief chat earlier, and he was so kind—it made me happy.”
For Kojima, the ultimate goal is for viewers to connect with the story and feel emotionally moved by the characters’ journeys.
“I want everyone to simply enjoy the story. There are plenty of heart-fluttering moments, but also scenes that might make you feel a bit lonely or reflective. I’d love for this drama to stir emotions and resonate with those who watch it.”
Honnou Switch premieres January 11, 2025, airing every Saturday at 11:00 PM. With its heartfelt narrative, dynamic cast, and the undeniable chemistry of Miyachika and Aoi, this series is set to be a highlight of the winter drama season. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in this tender story of love and rediscovery.