Kaito “Chaka” Miyachika of Travis Japan will appear in the Kantele/Fuji TV drama series “Omukae Shibuya-kun,” which will start on April 2. Chaka has been cast as the “biggest love rival” to Shibuya-kun, played by Taiga Kyomoto of SixTONES, who stars in the series as the main character.
Taikai Shibuya (Taiga Kyomoto) is a popular young actor with excellent acting skills and a charming smile. Women are crazy about him, but Taikai Shibuya has never been in love in his life. He has a 4-year-old sister named Rizumu, who attends nursery school. One day, Rizumu returns home with a scratch from the nursery school. Taikai Shibuya is concerned enough that he passes up on a drama series acting offer and decides to take Rizumu to school and pick her up after school. At his sister’s school, Taikai Shibuya meets Rizumu’s teacher Aika Aota (Momoko Tanabe). He gets attracted to her. Meanwhile, Aika Aota is a devoted nursery school teacher who likes children. She has a warm heart and cares about other people. — AsianWiki
Chaka plays Tatsuya Osaki, Aika’s ex-boyfriend. He is sociable, friendly, and easily accessible to everyone, unlike Shibuya, who is his exact opposite. He was in a relationship with Aika when they were both in college, but after graduation, they broke up for one reason or another. Osaki spends his days as a physical education teacher at a different school than Aika, but…
Interview comments from Chaka
Please tell us your honest feelings about when you received the offer.
It has been a while since I have been offered this kind of work, so I was genuinely happy and excited to be able to express something that is based on an original story!
How would you describe the character of Osaki, and how do you want to portray him?
I think he’s a solid and wonderful man. He probably enjoys being active and has a lively personality, so I’m trying to be a bit more active myself while thinking about it. I hope to portray Osaki-san, the cool and wonderful physical education teacher, while reminiscing about the kindergarten teacher I used to have when I was young.
Are you doing anything to prepare for the role, such as preparing for the filming?
I usually dance, so I stretch before that, but recently I have been stretching with the idea that I am playing the role of a physical education teacher. So, I think my joints and muscles are even more flexible now! (Laughs)
How is it to work with Kyomoto-san, whom you are close with, even in private?
Surprisingly, this is our third time working together in a film. I didn’t realize we had worked together that much. But having done various jobs and gained different experiences, I’m looking forward to working with Kyomo–san (Kyomoto) again after a long time, and I hope we can sense something new.
Have you recently “welcomed” anything new into your life?
I recently “welcomed” a bulk purchase of beverages from the internet because carrying lots of drinks from the supermarket or elsewhere can be heavy. They’ve been really helpful!
Finally, could you please give a message to the viewers?
This work is based on a beloved original story filled with so much love. I believe the drama, led by Kyomoto–san and Tanabe–san, will turn out to be a wonderful piece. I also want to do my best to add to its brilliance, so please look forward to it!
Taiga Kyomoto Comment About Chaka as Osaki
I’m honestly feeling a bit nervous about acting alongside Miyachika. However, since Miyachika joins the filming a little later than everyone else, I’m fortunate to have some time to get a feel for the atmosphere on set and to prepare for my role before he arrives. So, I think I’ll be able to approach him with a bit of composure. I imagine Miyachika might also feel pressure joining the set midway, so I hope I can support him in that regard.
I believe Osaki–sensei has a friendly and approachable charm that can easily captivate people, along with a softness that allows him to seamlessly blend into anyone’s company. Normally, it might be difficult to reconnect with an ex-girlfriend after a long time apart, but in Osaki–sensei’s case, he effortlessly returns to the same level of comfort as before, making the other person feel at ease and even comfortable around him.
Miyachika’s natural smile and refreshing demeanor make him a perfect fit for Osaki–sensei. I can imagine him wearing a whistle around his neck as a physical education teacher.
Interview comments by Taiga
Please tell us your honest feelings about when you received the offer.
This will be my second attempt at a romantic comedy, but the setting being a “nursery” and the role being an “actor” is quite a unique situation. So, I accepted the offer thinking it would be a wonderful experience.
What were your impressions when you read the original work?
In terms of the romantic aspects, not only were there heartwarming and adorable scenes, but also some innovative elements that really caught my attention. Above all, I have a soft spot for comedy, and it really tickled my funny bone. Although it does come with pressure, I hope to successfully balance both romance and comedy to create a wonderful piece.
How do you envision the character “Shibuya-kun” that you’ll be playing, and how do you plan to portray him?
Professionally, he’s very diligent and talented, someone admired by everyone, but personally, he’s inexperienced and clumsy. I think Shibuya-kun’s charm lies in this contrast, so I want to cherish this duality in my portrayal.
Are you doing anything to prepare for the role, such as preparing for the filming?
This might raise the bar if I say it, but I feel like I resonate with many aspects of the character, especially those that make romance anything but straightforward. However, I really can’t pull off the cool guy act, haha. Also, I’m paying attention to my appearance to ensure it’s heart-fluttering. I love to eat, but I’m currently restraining myself from things like having dinner and limiting myself to just two drinks, all to make sure I maintain that image (laughs).
What are your impressions of Tanabe-san, with whom you’ll have your first collaboration, and the other co-stars yet to be announced?
I feel a connection with Tanabe–san since we’ve worked together with the group, so I’m really looking forward to collaborating with her this time. We already found common ground in our favorite drama series and immediately hit it off! (laughs) Some of my co-stars are people I’ve eaten with before! However, we haven’t interacted much in a professional setting, so I might feel a bit embarrassed acting face-to-face. Still, I’m looking forward to meeting everyone on set. There are also some really wonderful people joining the cast. And, there’s Otomo–chan! I love children, so I’m excited to meet her. I have a feeling it’s going to be an atmosphere on set unlike anything I’ve experienced before!
Have you recently “welcomed” anything new into your life?
I enjoy cameras and have been shooting with a single-lens mirrorless camera for a long time, but I’ve become interested in film cameras. I finally made up my mind recently and welcomed a film camera into my life! Once I have some free time on set, I’ll make sure to take some pictures (laughs).
Could you please give a message to the viewers?
The interpersonal relationships and romantic developments of the characters, including the distance between the protagonist and heroine’s hearts, are depicted very delicately. The pacing is excellent, and there are plenty of hilarious scenes to keep you entertained. I hope this drama can be a healing experience for those who watch it when they come home tired, making them think, “Let’s do our best again tomorrow.” I’d be happy if you could watch it with a relaxed mindset!