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On May 16th, it was announced that Kis-My-Ft2 member Tamamori Yuta will star in TBS’ upcoming drama “Pintokona” as the son of a noble Kabuki family. This will mark the first serial drama to feature the world of Kabuki, a Japanese traditional performing art.

“Pintokona” is a live-action drama adaptation of Shimaki Ako’s ongoing manga, which is being serialized on monthly Shoujo manga magazine “Cheese!” (Shogakukan).

Tamamori will play the protagonist named “Kawamura Kyonosuke”, who is born into a noble Kabuki family Kijima-ya. Tamamori said, “It’s such an honor to be able to play the world of Kabuki that has a long history of 400 years, in a drama.” After actually viewing a Kabuki play, he left the comment, “They had the power and presence beyond description. Now I’m even more interested in Kabuki, and I want to challenge on all kinds of things.”

Reportedly, Tamamori has begun practicing to play the role of a Kabuki actor. “I realized in person that it cannot be mastered in a day, as I have to use the muscle I usually don’t use, and have to be concerned about each of my actions,” he said.

One of the main cast members is NYC’s Nakayama Yuma. He will play “Sawayama Ichiya”. Though Ichiya is from a family with no relation to Kabuki, he still tries hard to aim high in the world of Kabuki using his own ability. Nakayama commented, “By learning about Kabuki, I hope I can come to know more about Japanese traditional performing art, as well as the pride of Japan.” As Nakayama is currently practicing for “Oyama” (male actor playing female roles in Kabuki), he jokingly said, “Since I’m consciously acting womanly in the way I walk or sit, I’m worried if I will be able to return to how I used to be after the filming ends.”

The heroine of the drama “Chiba Ayame” will be taken on by Kawashima Umika. She will be involved in the love triangle between those Kabuki actors. “I was amazed at Tamamori-san and Nakayama-san when they dressed in the costume with the Kabuki make-up. I can’t wait to see their Kabuki scenes in the drama,” Kawashima said.

Other cast members include Johnny’s Jr’ Matsumura Hokuto (as “Sawayama Shohei” who burns with jealousy toward Ichiya), and Jesse (as “Sakamoto Haruhiko”, the best friend of Kyonosuke), as well as Yamamoto Koji, Takashima Masahiro, Enoki Takaaki, Enami Kyoko, and Kishitani Goro. There is also a plan for real Kabuki actors to appear in the drama.

“Pintokona” is scheduled to begin airing in July.

Source & Image: Oricon

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