Ren Meguro (Snow Man) has been announced as the lead actor in the upcoming drama “Umi no Hajimari,” which will start in July.
With Natsu and Umi’s expressions and the breathtaking coastline, it captures the essence of the special and precious moments that the story seeks to convey, resembling a page from everyday life.
The scriptwriter and director duo Miku Ubukata and Hiroki Kazama and producer Ken Murase, who worked together on “silent,” have reunited to deliver a completely original work for this summer. It focuses on the theme of “parental love,” and in an era where it’s crucial to communicate love between people and families, they aim to delicately depict a story that resonates with audiences.
Ren will portray the protagonist, Natsu Tsukioka. During their university days, Natsu and his classmate Mizuki Nagumo enjoyed happy days together after spontaneously starting a relationship. However, one day, as they were about to embark on their job-hunting journey, Mizuki suddenly decided to break up with Natsu, leaving them to go their separate ways. Seven years later, Natsu receives a message from a college friend informing him of Mizuki’s passing.
Despite not having seen each other since their breakup, Natsu attends the funeral without fully comprehending the reality of Mizuki’s death. It’s there that he meets a young girl named Umi, played by Rana Izatani. Natsu is taken aback when he learns that Umi is Mizuki’s daughter. As he comes to terms with the fact that Mizuki had a child he knew nothing about and raised her without saying a word, Natsu reflects on the seven years that Mizuki and Umi spent together.
A major theme of the drama is “parental love.” It delves into the real and meticulous portrayal of the emotions that arise between parents and children, such as the relationship between Natsu, who had no idea his child had been living for seven years, and Umi, who suddenly appeared in his life as well as the relationship between Mizuki, who passed away, and her daughter.
In this project, Ren once again collaborates with the “silent” team. The direction will be helmed by Hiroki Kazama, who worked diligently on “silent” and will collaborate with Miku Ubukata for the third consecutive time, as well as John Eunhee.
Ren Meguro Comment
What were your impressions on receiving the offer for the lead role in this project?
I was incredibly happy. I remembered the day when I was 20 years old, not yet debuted, and unsure if I would continue this career. I wrote in my dream notebook about wanting to star in a Getsu 9 drama, even though it seemed impossible, just to motivate myself. It feels truly like a dream come true.
What are your impressions on making your debut as the lead in a Getsu 9 drama, and do you have any special feelings regarding your participation?
Senior colleagues in the agency, as well as many actors who have contributed to Getsu 9 dramas in the past, have made it feel very special. When I looked at it from afar, it seemed extraordinary, like an amazing place. But now that I’m actually appearing in one myself, I realize the offer isn’t just about me getting a chance; it’s about being chosen as part of everyone’s efforts to create the drama. I want to honor that sentiment by giving it my all and delivering a performance that moves the hearts of those watching, in my own authentic way.
What are your thoughts upon reading the script, your impressions of the character Natsu, and your enthusiasm for portraying the role?
Given that the production team knows me well, I naturally felt a sense of connection with the character. We had many discussions, even during the scriptwriting stage. However, there are inevitably aspects of Natsu that differ from me. So, I’m excited to see how I can bring Natsu’s character to life as a unique individual, and I can’t wait for summer to arrive.
A message to the viewers?
I want to approach this project with all my heart to create a world that becomes a cherished memory for everyone this summer, something that remains in your hearts in some way. I hope it becomes a beloved piece of work for many. I’m excited about the filming process, and I hope you all can look forward to it, too.
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