The final episode of the TBS Sunday drama 'Mr. Ueno', starring actor Tao Matsuzaka, is set to air on March 23, 2025, at 9 PM. The series features a total of 29 students from Class 2, Grade 3 of Keitoku Gakuen, who have been sharing graduation messages leading up to the finale. The fourth installment introduces students numbered 19 to 24, including Airu Kurisaki (playing Kota Nijigen), Maru Nouchi (as Kana Togakushi), Kotao Yatsumura (as Jin Tokumori), Kazura Tomita (as Ran Tominaga), Misora Shirokura (as Tomika Namekura), and Takeyuki Hatsuno (as Yuna Hatano).
'Mr. Ueno' is a unique story that explores the intersection of life in schools and the complexities of government bureaucracy. The protagonist, Takashi Ueno, played by Matsuzaka, is an elite Ministry of Education官僚 who becomes a high school teacher with the aspiration to reform Japanese education. The series bravely confronts the harsh realities of power struggles and the inconsistencies that often govern education in the Reiwa era, where teachers and students alike struggle against entrenched systems.
The students’ messages, provided in attendance order, reflect their experiences throughout this transformative journey. In the most recent message from Airu Kurisaki, who portrays Kota Nijigen, he expresses how the constant encouragement from Mr. Ueno to “think critically” shaped their approach to problem-solving. “I hope viewers pay attention to how the students confront challenges and make decisions,” Kurisaki stated, adding a personal note on his character’s bedroom, which is filled with nostalgia and a tribute to 'Lupin the Third'.
Maru Nouchi, portraying Kana Togakushi, spoke about the emotional impact of the final words delivered by Mr. Ueno, highlighting how they resonate in the hearts of the audience. “There are so many scenes I love, but I hope viewers feel the emotions in the classroom during those interactions,” she said.
Meanwhile, Kotao Yatsumura, who plays Jin Tokumori, reflected on the growth experienced by the entire class due to Mr. Ueno’s guidance. He emphasized how society often persuades individuals to seek easy answers without questioning the status quo. “In the final episode, it's important to observe how the class has matured,” he noted poignantly.
Kazura Tomita (Ran Tominaga) described a particularly memorable scene from episode six, regarding Mr. Ueno's conversation about his brother. “It was heartbreaking to witness, perhaps for the first time, Mr. Ueno sharing his personal life,” she remarked. “We all took his words to heart with utmost respect.”
Misora Shirokura, who plays Tomika Namekura, mentioned needing to revisit the series to appreciate how each character evolves. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to portray her character alongside such a remarkable cast and crew. “It truly has been a short but significant three-month journey,” she said.
Finally, Takeyuki Hatsuno (Yuna Hatano) shared insights into the ensemble's collective experience while declaring, “The culmination of our journeys can be witnessed in the series’ conclusion.”
Throughout the series, the vibrant dynamics between characters set against educational issues foster powerful narratives. Ueno's role as both a bureaucrat creating policies and a teacher confronting these realities gives viewers a glimpse into the real world of education. Current societal norms and standards are challenged, encouraging both viewers and seemingly typical characters to engage in self-reflection and growth.
As the final episode approaches, anticipation builds not only for resolutions in character arcs but also for the messages instilled upon the audience—a call to question and think critically about the system. Ultimately, Matsuzaka’s portrayal, alongside the talented ensemble cast, leaves an indelible mark of inspiration in this innovative and poignant drama.
