A Gourmet & Sauna Journey Across Japan Featuring Two Complete Opposites
It has been announced that Snow Man’s Hikaru Iwamoto and Travis Japan’s Genta Matsuda will serve as double leads in the Prime Video original drama Karachan to Shito-san to, set to stream from 12:00 a.m. on March 28. The series will run for eight episodes, and marks the pair’s first-ever drama collaboration.
Based on the manga of the same name by Mito Takano and Futon Chirashi, the series is a “healing drama” that follows the two leads as they travel across Japan, exploring local cuisine and saunas.
A Journey of Food, Saunas, and Quiet Healing
The story follows Karachan (Hikaru), a fashion model who loves good food, and Shito-san (Genta), a hair stylist devoted to saunas. As they travel from place to place visiting saunas across Japan, they enjoy local meals and gradually find both physical and emotional healing.
Through time spent together—sharing saunas and meals—the two slowly loosen the tension built up in their bodies and minds. Along the way, they open up about small daily frustrations and work-related worries. Though their personalities are complete opposites, being together brings an unexpected sense of calm. The series gently portrays the richness of such a relationship.
In the midst of hectic everyday life, the drama invites viewers to quietly acknowledge their own efforts, give themselves small rewards, and appreciate the happiness of having someone by their side to share those moments with. Karachan to Shito-san to, and you, the viewer, are invited to surrender to the gentle flow of time that permeates the series—offering a slow, soothing escape.
Full Comments from Hikaru Iwamoto & Genta Matsuda
▼ Hikaru Iwamoto
— How did you feel when you received the offer?
Honestly, my first thought was, “This sounds interesting!” I already love saunas, so I was really curious about what kind of project this would become. I’ve never worked one-on-one with Genta before, but we’ve always communicated naturally, so I’m genuinely looking forward to growing closer through this project.
For my role as Karachan, a fashion model, I’ve been conscious of not letting sweat show on my face. Karachan runs regularly, and since I’ve been running for a while myself, I’ve kept that up. I’ve also started watching fashion shows with a slightly different perspective—thinking, “So this is how runway models carry themselves.”
— Karachan and Shito-san have opposite personalities. In what way do you feel you and Matsuda are opposites?
Genta has a very bright, outgoing energy—someone who could get along with anyone. I’m not really that type, so I think that’s where we’re most different.
— The drama depicts healing days off. How do you relax personally?
I try to intentionally create time where I don’t think about anything. Going to the sauna with friends, moving my body together with others—those moments where I don’t let my thoughts race ahead are the most relaxing for me.
— A message to viewers looking forward to the drama
Most of the food and saunas featured in the drama actually exist, so I think one highlight is that viewers may find themselves wanting to visit these places. Karachan’s love for food and Shito-san’s love for saunas—and the way they respect each other’s passions—feels very fitting for the times we live in. Through their small kindnesses and their comfortable friendship, I hope viewers will feel relaxed and at ease as well.
▼ Genta Matsuda
— How did you feel when you received the offer?
I was really happy. I’m still not entirely sure what a “healing drama” is (laughs), but I thought I’d be able to enjoy “getting in the zone” right along with the show. Since I play Shito-san, a hair stylist, I’ve started observing my own hairdresser more closely—watching their movements and how they handle scissors.
This is also my first time working so closely with Hikaru-kun, so I’m really excited. He’s always felt like an “older brother” figure to me since our Junior days, and we’re both from Saitama, so it feels reassuring to create a project together with a senior who’s easy to work with.
Recently, I spoke with Daiki Arioka from Hey! Say! JUMP, who loves saunas, and when he heard about the project he said, “What!? I want to be in it too!” I joked, “Well, you could be an extra,” and he replied, “I’d still do it even as an extra!” (laughs)
— Karachan and Shito-san are opposites. In what way do you feel you and Iwamoto are opposites?
Hikaru-kun is literally a leader—he’s the leader of Snow Man. I’m probably the furthest thing from a leader type, so I think that’s where we’re most different.
— Your personal way of relaxing?
I like places with lots of nature and I love food, and since getting this role, I’ve been going to hot springs and saunas even more. It really feels like Shito-san’s ideal day off. When I can’t go out, I dim the lights as much as possible, play relaxing music, and stay home.
— A message to viewers
I’m really looking forward to working with Hikaru-kun and to delivering this project to everyone, and I’ll do my best during filming. I hope we can express ordinary, everyday moments and spaces in a relaxed way together. Please relax and enjoy the show with us!
Original Creator Comments
▼ Original Author: Mito Takano
“Because I love saunas and good food.”
That simple motivation led to this work, which I’ve built together with Tonchira–sensei—and to think it would become a live-action drama! On top of that, we’ve been blessed with an incredible cast and staff. Everything we’ve achieved is thanks to our readers. Thank you so much.
This project wouldn’t have been possible without the cooperation of real saunas and restaurants, and I’d like to express my gratitude here. When we started serialization, we thought seriously about what we wanted to deliver to readers, and set the concept: We want you to feel like you’re traveling together with Karachan and Shito-san, and feel healed. I hope that message carries through in the drama as well.
Though I’ve written about this like an outsider, I’ll also be participating not only as the original author, but as a screenwriter. In fact, my career as a screenwriter is longer than my career as a manga author, so I’ll take full responsibility in making this a good drama.
I hope this journey becomes something irreplaceable for everyone.
▼ Original Manga Artist: Futon Chirashi
The very first story I drew of Karachan and Shito-san was an 18-page original doujinshi!
Then it became a series!
And now—unbelievably—a live-action adaptation!
I’m so happy!!
So many people are now involved in Karashito. At this point, I feel less like “the original author” and more like the one in charge of the illustration of Team Karashito as a whole—manga and live-action alike! None of this would have been possible without our readers—thank you so much.
I’m looking forward to watching Karachan and Shito-san’s travel log together with everyone, as just one viewer among many!
Streaming Schedule (Subject to Change)
- March 28, 12:00 a.m. — Episodes 1 & 2
- April 4, 12:00 a.m. — Episodes 3 & 4
- April 11, 12:00 a.m. — Episodes 5 & 6
- April 18, 12:00 a.m. — Episodes 7 & 8