A Star-Studded Premiere Event

The premiere, held in Tokyo, featured an extravagant stage that mirrored the glitz and drama of the series. Major cast members, including Kaito Sakurai, Asuka Saito, Nagisa Saito, Nohana Hara, Mizuki Kayashima, Ano, and acclaimed actors Kotaro Yoshida, Kana Kurashina, Nobuaki Kaneko, and Jun Kaname, along with directors Smith and Hana Matsumoto, received a rapturous welcome from fans waving penlights as they made their grand entrance.

Saito’s Initial Reluctance

Saito, who portrays Ai—the radiant center of the idol group B-Komachi—shared her initial hesitation about taking on the role. “To be honest, I didn’t want to do it, so I initially turned it down,” she admitted with a smile, prefacing her statement by asking the media to present her decision lightly.

However, she eventually changed her mind after learning about the creative vision behind the adaptation. “When I heard specifically what the live-action aimed to depict, I thought, ‘If that’s the direction, maybe I could portray Ai.’ The passion of the production team convinced me to give it a try.”

A Personal Connection to the Role

Having spent over 12 years as an idol herself, Saito acknowledged the emotional and psychological challenges of playing such a role after graduating from idol life. “Taking on this role required a lot of determination,” she explained. Reflecting on her past, she added, “Many of my fans probably thought they’d never see me as an idol again. I hoped they’d enjoy seeing that side of me one more time through this role.”

The Everlasting Appeal of 【Oshi no Ko】

Adapted from the hit manga by Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari, the series delves into the darker complexities of the entertainment industry, blending suspense with fantasy elements. Serialized in Weekly Young Jump since 2020, the manga has sold over 18 million copies as of August 2024, captivating audiences with its bold storytelling and shocking twists.

Streaming and Theatrical Release Details

The live-action drama series premieres globally on Prime Video on November 28 at 9 PM JST, exclusively for Amazon Prime members. The story will continue in a feature film, distributed by Toei, hitting theaters in Japan on December 20.

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Source : ORICON NEWS