Hey! Say! JUMP member and solo artist Ryosuke Yamada has been announced as one of eight new cast members joining the historical drama “Toyotomi Brothers!” (also known as “Brothers in Arms”), which airs Sundays at 6:00 p.m. on BS Premium/BS4K and at 8:00 p.m. on NHK General TV. The series tells the story of Hidenaga and Hideyoshi Toyotomi, whose unbreakable bond helped shape Japan’s unification.
Born into a poor farming family, Koichiro—who would later become known as Hidenaga (played by Taiga Nakano)—lived a quiet life working the land. One day, his older brother, Kinoshita—Hideyoshi (Sosuke Ikematsu)—returns unexpectedly after a long absence, brimming with confidence and ambition. Having entered the service of the young warlord Nobunaga Oda, he dreams of making a name for himself and asks Koichiro to join him as his retainer.
Unable to refuse his brother’s persuasion, Koichiro is thrust into the life of a samurai. Leaving behind his family and hometown, he embarks on a journey that will change both his fate and the course of Japanese history.
Beginning with Episode 29, which will air on July 26, the show enters its “Unification of Japan Arc” (Tenka Ittou-hen). NHK has revealed several new characters who will play major roles during this part of the story, including Hidetsugu Toyotomi (Nobuyoshi Miyoshi), whose fate will greatly affect the titular brothers, as well as new retainers serving Hidenaga and several women whose lives take unexpected turns.
Hidetsugu will be portrayed by Ryosuke Yamada, marking his first appearance in an NHK Taiga drama. Born as Manmaru, son of Yoshifusa Nagao, he is adopted during Koichiro‘s efforts to win over Keijun Miyabe and later becomes the adopted son of Yasunaga Miyoshi. Eventually, under Hideyoshi, he is expected to become one of the Toyotomi clan’s leading members and help achieve the unification of Japan.
Other newly announced cast members include:
- Sora Tamaki as Hatsu, the second of the Azai sisters.
- Airi Nishikawa will play the youngest Azai sister, Go.
- Anji Ikehata as Sue, daughter of Hidenaga and Kei.
- Takashi Sumita as Kuwama Shigeharu, one of Hidenaga‘s most trusted retainers in civil administration and military affairs.
- Kodai Matsuoka—also making his first Taiga drama appearance—as Kikkawa Heisuke, another of Hidenaga‘s retainers.
- Mamoru Hagiwara—returning to Taiga dramas for the first time since “Seiten wo Tsuke”—as Kobori Masatsugu, a former Azai retainer who later serves Hidenaga.
- Kinari Hirano as Hada Masachika, a retainer who rises through Hidenaga‘s household to become a chief elder.
Ryosuke Yamada’s Comments
—What was your honest reaction when you received the offer?
“I was very surprised. At the same time, I was incredibly grateful that they reached out to me even though I don’t have much experience with period dramas. I’ve always wanted to appear in a Taiga drama someday and become part of one, so it was a tremendous honor and made me realize the responsibility that comes with it.”
—What are your thoughts on “Toyotomi Brothers!“?
“Every character stands out in their own unique way, and I was completely drawn in by the performances of Taiga Nakano, Sosuke Ikematsu, and the rest of the cast. I also think the way the drama depicts the historical background of the Toyotomi brothers is wonderful. It’s a Taiga drama that radiates passion, and I’ve eagerly looked forward to every episode.”
— After joining the production, what impressions did you have?
“Since this was my first Taiga drama, I was honestly nervous before filming began. Once shooting started, I was struck by how deeply everyone understood each scene.
Although we’re told we’re free to interpret our roles naturally—including the dialogue and physical mannerisms—that freedom is built upon the tremendous knowledge the staff have accumulated over the years. They provide that solid foundation, then allow the actors room to create.
Even in a short amount of time, I could feel the strength and unity of the ‘Toyotomi Brothers!’ team.
On my first day of filming, Taiga Nakano greeted me and said, “I’m really happy to be working with you. If there’s anything you don’t understand, please ask me anything.” At that moment, I truly felt the generosity of someone carrying the enormous responsibility of leading a year-long Taiga drama.
It was only a brief exchange, but I could tell he was someone who had fully embraced that responsibility. He made me think, ‘I want to support this person. I want to be on set for his sake.’
Sosuke Ikematsu also impressed me with how deeply he understood every scene. He has an incredible ability to look at the entire cast and story from a broader perspective and serves as a balancing presence on set.
Nakano warmly embraces everyone on set, while Ikematsu pays close attention to every detail and inspires those around him. Together they create an ideal balance of offense and defense for the ‘Toyotomi Brothers!’ team.
Watching these two actors, who are from my own generation, has taught me what it means to shoulder a Taiga drama and shown me the difference in skill and experience. It’s a set where I can’t afford to let my guard down for even a moment.”
—How do you hope to portray Hidetsugu Toyotomi?
“Until now, I’d always thought of Hidetsugu simply as a warlord who met a tragic end.
I don’t yet know exactly how ‘Toyotomi Brothers!’ will depict him, but on set everyone calls him the “Gen Z of the Sengoku period.’
Whenever he wants to do something, he’ll raise his hand and speak his mind without hesitation, no matter who he’s talking to. Even when he fails, he doesn’t dwell on it or let it bother him.
I think it’s fascinating that someone with such a modern personality could have existed during the Warring States period. I want viewers to watch him and think, ‘Who is this guy?’
I hope to bring a fresh new energy to ‘Toyotomi Brothers!‘ through this character.”
