On March 14, 2025, Hashimoto Kanna shared heartfelt gratitude toward her co-star Sano Hayato during a live appearance on NHK's morning information show, Oimusubi. Both actors reflected on their experiences filming the morning drama, noting the long hours spent together and the chemistry required to portray their characters convincingly.
Hashimoto, who plays the lead role of Musubi, expressed her appreciation for Sano during the broadcast, saying, "I am just grateful to Hayato. Thank you, thank you!" This sentiment stemmed from their collaboration on the show, emphasizing how Sano's supportive and bright personality helped her during their time working closely as on-screen partners.
While discussing the dynamics of the show, Hashimoto noted, "We both have difficulty expressing ourselves directly, but I was truly happy when we exchanged letters at the end of filming. His note included, 'It was good to have Kanna as my ending partner.'" This acknowledgment was not only uplifting for Hashimoto but also solidified the bond they formed throughout the production.
Appearing on Oimusubi marks Sano's debut appearance on NHK's morning serial dramas, something he has aimed for for years. The actor shared, "I thought the offer was some kind of prank. It was surreal at first." Sano has auditioned for morning and Taiga dramas several times, often making it to the final stages but never receiving the callback he hoped for, leading him to think he may have fallen short. He recalled, "I received no news until seeing someone else carry the role on air, at which point I understood I had not succeeded. It was as if I learned through the broadcast."
Sano portrays Tsubasa, Musubi's husband who has been with her since high school. The couple welcomes their first child, showcasing family life throughout the story. This role has been well received by audiences who appreciate the realistic representation of their relationship.
During this same broadcast, the audience learned more about Sano's local affiliations as he is also the Okazaki Tourism Ambassador. He spoke about participating last year as Tokugawa Ieyasu during the Ieyasu Parade held in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture. Excited about his involvement, Sano concluded, "This was something I always dreamed of doing, so it was fantastic for me!" His small-town charm and connection to local events have endeared him to fans, who appreciate the tie to his roots.
By the end of the program, Sano's playful nature came to light when he stumbled during a question about his cooking skills. When asked what his specialty dish was, he enthusiastically answered, "Onigiri!" only to quickly correct himself, adding, "Oh, I meant Oimusubi!" This humorous slip-up garnered laughs both from the studio audience and online viewers, highlighting Sano's affable personality even when he found himself feeling embarrassed. Co-host Hakata Daikichi joked, "You're already out!" adding to the lighthearted atmosphere of the segment.
Online comments reflected viewers' amusement at Sano's blunder, with many expressing their support and ability to relate to his mistake. Fans remarked, "He said exactly the wrong thing; how could he?" reinforcing the affectionate rapport between Sano and his followers who enjoy observing his growth both as an actor and as part of the popular girl group M!LK.
Regarding their future aspirations, Sano admitted, "I want to appear not only more on morning dramas but also aim for a Taiga drama or even the Kohaku Uta Gassen." This desire reflects his commitment to honing his craft and dedication to embracing opportunities within the entertainment industry. Both Sano and Hashimoto remain symbols of youthful passion, contributing positively to their narrative through hard work and persistence.
With such respectable contributions, Hashimoto and Sano continue to endear themselves to their audience as they light up the screen, embodying the essence of love, friendship, and the challenges faced within life’s pursuits. Oimusubi not only showcases their acting ability but also serves as a reminder of the art and chemistry needed to connect with viewers emotionally.