Fuji TV’s upcoming drama series “Billion × School” is creating a buzz with its star-studded cast and intriguing storyline. Scheduled to premiere on July 5th, this school comedy promises to deliver an entertaining blend of humor, drama, and romance.
One of the highlights of the show’s announcement is the reunion of actors Haruka Kinami and Ryosuke Yamada (Hey! Say! JUMP), who previously worked together on “Tantei Gakuen Q” and “Semi Otoko.” In “Billion × School,” they will portray unique roles as a “homeroom teacher and vice-homeroom teacher” and “CEO and secretary,” respectively. Their on-screen chemistry and dynamic interactions are expected to captivate audiences once again!
The drama revolves around Rei Kagami, played by Ryosuke Yamada, the CEO of Japan’s leading conglomerate and a billionaire who decides to disguise himself as a school teacher. As he navigates the challenges of teaching, Kagami forms unexpected bonds with his students and embarks on a journey of growth and self-discovery.
Class Zero of the private Eto Academy is filled with students with ‘zero motivation, zero talent, and zero future prospects.’ Known as ‘Class Zero‘ and ridiculed as the bottom class, they receive their new teacher, Kagami, who, despite his handsome appearance, has a peculiar personality. This teacher, who defies all school norms with his extraordinary wealth and energy, is actually the CEO who inherited a leading Japanese conglomerate and a surprising ‘billionaire.’
Haruka Kinami’s character, Ichika Serizawa, adds an intriguing layer to the narrative as Kagami’s loyal secretary and bodyguard. Despite her sarcastic demeanor, Serizawa’s unwavering dedication to protecting Kagami reveals her deeper emotions and complexities.
She has served the Kagami family since childhood and, when Kagami is assigned to Eto Academy, Serizawa also infiltrates Class Zero as the vice-homeroom teacher. She often sarcastically corrects Kagami’s eccentric remarks and makes witty remarks. Although her attitude may seem disrespectful towards Kagami, she actually understands Kagami’s true qualities and is a reliable figure who will do anything to protect him. However, she harbors certain feelings deep within her heart…
Her interactions with Kagami provide both comedic relief and poignant moments of insight into their relationship.
As recently announced, Travis Japan’s Genta Matsuda will also join the cast. Matsuda will portray Naoto Konno, a pivotal figure in Class Zero, the lowest-ranked group of students at Eto Academy. Due to his poor academic performance, to the extent that he can’t recite the multiplication tables (sound familiar?), he fell into Class Zero and ranks at the bottom even within this class.
He joins a group date as a fill-in, invited by Yu Jojima (played by So Okuno), which leads to him achieving his dream of becoming part of the ‘top tier’ within Class Zero. As a result, he starts paying attention to his appearance. His character wants to be popular with girls but doesn’t know how.
Konno’s journey from academic underachiever to aspiring “top tier” member within Class Zero promises to be a compelling storyline filled with humor and heart.
Other notable characters include Yukimi Todo, played by Ohara, the daughter of the school’s principal. Yukimi joins forces with several members of Class Zero in a pact of ‘not trusting teachers.’ She becomes the ringleader of a group that bullies her classmate Himeka Umeno.
As mentioned before, Okuno portrays Yu Jojima as a troubled student who finds himself in Class Zero after committing a violent act. Rina Matsushita, played by Kurasawa, adds depth to the school hierarchy as a popular “top-tier girl” with a complex social life outside the classroom and hangs out with bad seniors from other schools and college students from her part-time job. She becomes friends with Yukimi and starts acting together with the ‘top tier’ group.”
Comment by Genta Matsuda
―― Could you share your thoughts when you were cast for this project?
Above all, the reason I entered this industry was because of Ryosuke Yamada, who is the lead actor this time. He is still a senior, whom I deeply respect. I am truly, truly happy because I have always aimed to co-star with him in a drama someday.
―― Could you please give a message to the viewers and fans who are looking forward to the broadcast?
I’m Genta Matsuda, playing Naoto Konno in “Billion × School.” I hope the viewers can immerse themselves in this work and enjoy it as much as I do with my unique atmosphere and energy. I believe it will become a wonderful piece that resonates with many people, so I want to do my best to make this work one of their daily pleasures. Please look forward to it.
With its talented cast and engaging plot, “Billion × School” is poised to be a must-watch drama that explores themes of friendship, identity, and the pursuit of dreams in a refreshing and entertaining manner.
Don’t miss the premiere on July 5th, and join the journey of laughter and discovery with the students and faculty of Eto Academy!
“Billion × School” is unfortunately not available for streaming overseas at this time, but if you would like to watch it internationally eventually let the network know by commenting on their official X account @billion_t_sc!