Ninomiya Kazunari Reflects on His Role in Oshi no Ko

Kazunari Ninomiya of Arashi and actor Kaito Sakurai appeared at the stage greeting event for the movie Oshi no Ko -The Final Act- in Tokyo on December 25. Ninomiya, who plays the enigmatic Kamiki Hikaru, candidly shared his feelings about the role, calling it "terrifying."

Although his appearance as Kamiki Hikaru began midway through the drama series, Ninomiya humorously addressed the audience: "Even though my role was brief, here I am standing on stage so boldly. Sorry for being such an audacious talent." He expressed gratitude for the positive reception, saying, "I’m relieved that it has reached everyone and that it seems to be hitting the mark as intended. It’s been a joyful experience."

The Challenge of Playing Kamiki Hikaru

Discussing his portrayal of Kamiki Hikaru, Ninomiya admitted, "It was scary. The expectations were so high, and that was terrifying. Hearing that it has been well-received was such a relief."

Sakurai revealed the extreme secrecy surrounding Ninomiya’s involvement, stating, "Only a limited number of cast and staff knew about it." Ninomiya added, "On the first day, there wasn’t even an introduction like, 'This is so-and-so playing this role.' I just slipped in, and even the extras were whispering, ‘Isn’t that Nino?’ We shot the scene quietly, and then later, in the remote mountain scene, it was announced, ‘This is Kamiki Hikaru’s actor.’ It was a collective effort to protect the secret."

The Movie and Its Significance

Based on the manga by Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari, serialized in Weekly Young Jump since 2020, Oshi no Ko tells the story of twins Aqua (played by Sakurai) and Ruby (Nagisa Saito), who are reincarnated as the children of legendary idol Ai (Asuka Saito). They navigate the complex entertainment industry, driven by their individual goals and the shadow of their past lives.

The film picks up where the drama series left off, unraveling Aqua’s relentless pursuit of the truth behind Ai’s murder. The journey leads to the revelation of a long-hidden truth—the identity of their biological father. Ninomiya’s portrayal of Kamiki Hikaru, a mysterious figure who becomes Aqua and Ruby’s greatest adversary, adds an intense layer to the narrative.

A Global Project by Amazon and Toei

The live-action adaptation of Oshi no Ko is a collaborative project between Amazon and Toei. The drama series is exclusively available on Prime Video worldwide, with the movie continuing the story. The film premiered in theaters across Japan on December 20, drawing fans eager to see the conclusion of this gripping tale.

Source : ORICON NEWS