On October 28, Ae! group member Yoshinori Masakado took to the stage in Tokyo to accept the Local Drama Award for his lead role in “Moving In Kyoto” (京都のお引越し; Kyoto no Ohikkoshi) at the prestigious Tokyo Drama Awards 2024. The award, now in its 16th year, celebrates Japanese dramas with both artistic merit and “marketability” on an international scale, selecting shows with the potential to reach global audiences.
“Moving In Kyoto” combines a deeply personal story with the mystique and beauty of Kyoto. The drama follows Toshiya Omiya, a 27-year-old art school graduate played by Yoshinori, who is working in Osaka but feels aimless. Seeking a change, he visits Kyoto to reconnect with his cousin Saki, who owns an antique shop there.
The show opens with Toshiya exploring Kyoto’s picturesque Kamogawa River on his portable bicycle, capturing his fascination with the subtle changes in Kyoto’s landscapes, such as the hues of the sky and surrounding greenery.
All through “Moving In Kyoto,“ we get to see stunning insights into various shops in Kyoto, following Toshiya as he helps his cousin out with her antique store by running errands for her or watching the shop while she’s out. It gives us a great view of what Kyoto has to offer through the eyes of the young graduate.
This captivating storyline is complemented by Yoshinori’s natural charm and the heartfelt visuals that immerse viewers in the city’s beauty. The camera work thoughtfully portrays Kyoto’s serene atmosphere, while Toshiya’s gentle narration enhances the audience’s experience as they see the city through his eyes.
Each detail, from finding a replacement button for his coat to reflecting by the riverside, symbolizes Toshiya’s search for purpose. The seemingly minor act of replacing a button is a turning point, mirroring Toshiya’s need for change in his life, sparking his journey toward self-discovery.
It’s refreshing to see this kind of take on a drama – a mixture of a story and a documentary, but the natural acting of the cast makes it comfortable to watch until the end. Yoshinori‘s natural charm shines through in this role and you can’t help but be enthralled by the way he portrays Toshiya, down to the smallest details. The line between Yoshinori himself and his character might seem thin but the more you watch, the more you get enchanted by Toshiya and you forget that he’s portrayed by Yoshinori.
At the awards ceremony, Yoshinori expressed his honor and affection for the drama:
“Nice to meet you. I’m Yoshinori Masakado from Ae! group, and I had the honor of playing the lead role in this production. This work is very dear to me, so it’s truly an honor to receive such an award.
We filmed entirely on location in Kyoto, and while the characters and story are, of course, wonderful, I believe it’s the warmth of Kyoto itself, along with its culture, traditions, and charm, that truly brought these characters to life on screen.
It’s a work I hope can reach and resonate with audiences worldwide. I would be thrilled if more people became fans of this production through this opportunity. Once again, thank you very much for this prestigious award.“
His speech was accompanied by gratitude toward the production team, highlighting the dedication involved in creating such meaningful work.
With a documentary-style approach, “Moving In Kyoto” delivers an intimate look at Kyoto’s landscapes, history, and people. The storytelling and breathtaking visuals invite viewers to appreciate not only Kyoto’s physical beauty but also its cultural depth.
The production has achieved a masterful blend of narrative and visual artistry, presenting a drama that is both a love letter to Kyoto and an inspiring story of personal transformation.
As the audience walks with Toshiya through Kyoto’s hidden streets and meets its shopkeepers, they too experience a journey—one that showcases Kyoto’s timeless allure and encourages viewers to find beauty and purpose in their own lives.