Naniwa Danshi member Ryusei Onishi has been announced to star in “BLESS” (ブレス), a Prime Original series scheduled to stream next spring. Based on the popular youth manga by Yukino Sonoyama, this is a coming-of-age drama featuring real makeup techniques. A teaser visual and a special illustration newly drawn by the original creator have also been revealed.
The protagonist is Aia Udagawa, a high school student. Aia once worked as a model while pursuing his dream of becoming a makeup artist, which he eventually gave up on due to the fear of not living up to the expectations of those around him. One day, Aia meets Jun Sumizaki, a quiet classmate who hunches over to hide the freckles on his face. The two decide to enter a school festival competition, taking on the roles of stylist and model. Having kept his passion for his dream a secret, Aia begins to pursue his authentic self through the power of makeup.
Ryusei Onishi, who has built an impressive acting career through starring roles in productions such as “Beni Sasu Life” (2023), “We Don’t Know Love Yet” (2024) and “Yokohama Neighbors” (2025–2026), and is known as one of the Japanese entertainment industry’s biggest cosmetics enthusiasts—so much so that he writes a regular column for a beauty magazine—visited SABFA, the hair and makeup school operated by Shiseido, before filming began. To prepare for the role of Aia, he thoroughly studied the techniques, mannerisms, and knowledge of professional makeup artists, undertaking extensive preparation before stepping onto the set.
Shiseido’s top hair and makeup artist Ikuko Shindo is also participating in the production as makeup supervisor. She has been involved in coaching the young characters—including Aia—who aspire to become makeup artists, as well as supervising the makeup featured throughout the show, resulting in high-quality makeup scenes.
The newly released teaser visual shows Aia holding a makeup brush between his lips as he applies makeup around his own eyes. True to the drama’s story of Aia overcoming his fear of showing his true self and discovering his individuality through makeup, the visual captures a sense of confidence and passion in Aia‘s eyes as he applies his makeup.
An original illustration drawn by Yukino Sonoyama specifically for the drama has also been unveiled. Set against a background of colorful flowers, the vibrant illustration depicts Aia and Jun smiling brightly.
Comment by Ryusei Onishi
“This time, I am very happy to have been entrusted to play the role of Aia Udagawa. At the same time, I wanted to portray Aia’s passion for his dreams, as well as his internal struggles with great care.
With the cooperation of Shiseido SABFA-san, even before the filming began, I was not only taught makeup techniques but also how to conduct myself and the mindset of a makeup artist. It was a wonderful learning environment. For someone like me who loves makeup, nothing could’ve been any more luxurious than this. Furthermore, this drama realistically portrays everything from the “appliance of makeup” to the cosmetics used in the drama.
I am filled with happiness to have been able to create this drama carefully, piece by piece, together with the original author, Yukino Sonoyama, and other professionals in various fields.
I hope the drama ‘BLESS’ can encourage everyone who continues to challenge themselves to pursue their dreams.
I can’t wait for spring 2027!”
