At the center of the story is Ryo Sabasaki (Genta), a shoemaker who approaches women he finds interesting regardless of whether they have a partner or spouse—a man almost excessively honest about his desires. While enjoying a convenient “sort-of romantic relationship” with Momo Tsutsui (played by Rosa Kato), a dentist ten years his senior, Ryo also becomes interested in Momo‘s best friend, Kyoko Hotta (Akane Osawa), a mother of three, and follows his desires as he moves back and forth between the two women.
Although Ryo is a free-spirited man who repeatedly engages in casual relationships, he also possesses an innocence that makes him difficult to hate, while harboring a loneliness deep inside that no one can fill. The combination of danger and innocence in his demeanor makes him an even more irresistible presence, disrupting the lives of women who have lived within the boundaries of conventional expectations.
The production team behind the 2024 drama “Tokyo Tower,” in which Genta gave an intense and highly-praised performance in as Koji Ohara, is reuniting for this project, including screenwriter Haruka Okita, director Shinji Kuma, and composer Naoyuki Chikatani. They will bring to life the original work’s beautiful yet raw emotions and its worldview, which leaves a lingering resonance deep in the heart even after the story ends, through stunning visuals set against the streets of Omotesando, Tokyo.
In addition, Travis Japan‘s new song, “EGO,” has been selected as the official theme of the series.
Pre-order “Jewelry Basket” here.
Also check out the album’s special website.
Comments by Genta Matsuda (pre-filming)
Q: “Hadakanbotachi” is a romance novel by Kaori Ekuni and is being adapted for the screen for the first time. How did you feel when you found out you had been chosen to star in it?
A: “In ‘Tokyo Tower,’ I had the opportunity to take on an incredibly adult romance drama, and I’m very grateful and happy to have been offered another wonderful project this time. And on top of that, I never expected to be the lead, so I’m really fired up! I want to carefully portray Kaori Ekuni’s indescribably poignant and beautiful world.”
Q: You’ll be filming again with the production team from ‘Tokyo Tower.’ How does that feel?
A: “When I shared my opinions during the filming of ‘Tokyo Tower,’ everyone on the staff offered their thoughts from various perspectives, and I could really feel how seriously they approached the work. That’s why I feel a sense of security this time as well. I hope we can have lots of discussions, face the role with ambition, give my all to Ryo Sabasaki, and make it into a great production.”
Q: What were your impressions after reading the original novel and the script for the drama?
A: “While reading it, I found myself almost getting intoxicated by the character Ryo Sabasaki, to the point that I felt sick. He’s the kind of person who makes you think, ‘Wow, someone like this actually exists…’ I felt that he really is like a creature with ‘arms and legs grown out of desire.’
Although he has some negative aspects, he’s also extremely innocent, and I think he has a certain charm that catches women’s eyes. All of the characters have their own identities and are portrayed realistically as people with strong inner convictions, so I also found it appealing that they aren’t too far removed from reality. I’m really looking forward to playing Sabasaki.”
Q: What kind of image do you have of Sabasaki?
A: “I feel like there’s a gap between how Sabasaki sees himself and how the people around him see him. From a third party’s perspective, Sabasaki might be what you would call a ‘jerk.’ However, because of the environment in which he grew up, I don’t think Sabasaki considers himself a jerk.
I also think he may naturally adapt himself to the person he encounters. He’s a very human character—or, to put it more strongly, a character whose ‘humanity is too much.’ I’m really looking forward to playing that side of him, so before filming begins, I want to reconsider Sabasaki from many different angles.”
Q: How are you preparing for the role ahead of filming?
A: “I’ve heard there will be scenes where I’ll be wearing very little clothing, like in ‘Tokyo Tower,’ so I’m paying attention to getting my body in shape. For the promotional photos as well, I worked on my physique, including managing my physical condition, so that my muscles would look good.
Before filming begins, I want to develop the necessary muscles without getting too muscular or, conversely, becoming too thin. Also, since Sabasaki is a shoemaker, I want to portray him carefully while learning various things from the shoemaker who is supervising the production. I’ve started by observing how shoes are made and getting acquainted with the shoes themselves.”
Q: As you approach the start of filming, is there anything you’re particularly looking forward to on set?
A: “I’ll be working with senior actors, so I’d like to have lots of conversations with them. The atmosphere of the work itself isn’t particularly cheerful and friendly, but on set, I hope to follow the lead of my seniors, receive everyone’s help, and enjoy the experience.”
Q: Please give a message to viewers who are looking forward to the drama.
A: “This ‘Hadakanbotachi’ brings the ‘Tokyo Tower’ team back together, so I want us to communicate even better with the staff and give it everything we have to create the best production possible.
The character I play, Ryo Sabasaki, has way too much humanity, but please don’t hate him! While I want to play him the way everyone expects, I also have a desire to betray those expectations in a good way. Above all, just thinking about filming gets me excited!
When it airs, I hope you’ll watch it in front of the TV and get excited along with me.”
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