In a dramatic culmination of personal and societal struggles, the finale of the popular Fuji TV Thursday drama, Nihon de Ichiban Hikui Otoko *Watashi no Kazoku wa Nise Mono Datta, aired on March 20, 2025. Starring the beloved actor Shingo Katori, the series centers on a character described as the 'lowest man,' whose journey through familial aversion and societal rejection captures the complexities of modern life.
The show dives deep into the narrative of a man on the edge, grappling with a deep-seated disdain for family and children. As fate would have it, this 'lowest man' is compelled to live with his single-father brother-in-law and the latter’s children in a bid to overcome his constant misfortunes and, ultimately, to change not just his family dynamics, but also the fabric of society and the nation itself.
On the day of the last scene, several key cast members gathered to mark the end of filming. Actor Kanna Yasuda, known for portraying a childhood friend of Katori's character, was among the first to complete his segment, poignantly concluding with a scene shared with Katori. In reflecting on their time together, Yasuda expressed, "It was an honor to act alongside Katori for the first time—thank you, Katori san," solidly shaking hands with his co-star before exiting.
Soon after, other members, including Jun Shison, Risato Masuda, and Aiko Tominaga, followed suit, commemorating their experiences on set. Casual hugs and heartfelt words underscored their appreciation for each other, as Katori engaged warmly with his cast members, reflecting the collaborative spirit they nurtured throughout the series.
Shison, who played the role of the brother-in-law, articulated pride in what they had created together: “I am proud to have made a wonderful piece for our viewers,” he revealed with genuine emotion. “It was a happy time working with Katori san.”
As filming wrapped up, both Shison and Masuda enthusiastically called for a sequel with smiles, stating, “We want to do Nihon de Ichiban Hikui Otoko 2!” in a spontaneous moment that infectious energy radiated through the set. Tominaga, making her first appearance alongside Katori, chimed in with delight about their shared time portraying a family—“Being a part of everyone’s family while working was joyous and unforgettable,” she remarked.
Additional sentiments were echoed by the cast, expressing gratitude to directors and production teams who made the storytelling possible. Shison expressed during interviews: “We aimed for a set where the children could enjoy working as well,” demonstrating the cast’s dedication to fostering a happy and nurturing environment on set.
Speaking of their collaboration with Katori, both Masuda and Tominaga were animated about their shooting experiences. Masuda passionately stated, “I’d like to take this new challenge and work toward making Nihon de Ichiban Hikui Otoko Season 2 a reality! I’m eager to strive even harder and meet everyone again!” Her enthusiasm captures the palpable excitement that seemed to define their collaborative efforts.
Meanwhile, powerful nostalgias were felt when Goro Inagaki, Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, and Shingo Katori gathered for an iconic 4-shot photo. The trio, who had not collaborated in 21 years, embraced each other in a moment filled with shared history and triumph. Additionally, Ken Noguchi, another well-known figure, joined them in the camaraderie, introducing a dynamic energy to the emotional day.
Together, the cast and crew have contributed to a narrative that resonates with many viewers, skillfully weaving in contemporary social themes relevant to today's audience. The story of the 'lowest man', a character evolving through trials and reactions to an often unfriendly world, emphasizes not only personal struggle but also hopes for greater societal change.
The close of Nihon de Ichiban Hikui Otoko is sure to leave a lasting impression—a blend of laughter, struggles, and heartfelt moments that reflect the real journey many undertake in life's wonderful yet arduous tapestry. As the credits rolled, it marked not just an end to a series, but the hopeful anticipation of what might come next for this talented ensemble.
As viewers look back on the series, it is clear that the relationships forged on-screen will leave an indelible mark—not only in their narratives but also in the hearts of the audience who have been passionately invested in the lives of these characters. The journey of the 'lowest man' has just begun, and fans eagerly hope for the next chapters to unfold.
