On January 14, 2025, the stars of the upcoming drama 'Ensemble,' Haruka Kudō and Hokuto Matsumura of SixTONES, graced the illumination lighting ceremony held at Yomiuri Land, Tokyo. This event not only marked the official launch of their new series, set to premiere on January 18, 2025, every Saturday at 10 PM on NTV but also provided insights about their characters and experiences during filming.
'Ensemble' introduces viewers to the contrasting worlds of 'realist' lawyer Sena Koyama, portrayed by Kudō, and 'idealist' rookie lawyer Yu Matoi, played by Matsumura. The legal romance explores the challenges the two face with various romantic disputes as they learn valuable lessons about love along the way.
The evening included the ceremonial lighting of colorful illuminations, with both actors sharing their thoughts afterward. Kudō expressed her delight, stating, 'I’ve never really experienced such an illuminated amusement park without people. It will definitely remain as one of my wonderful memories since we participated in the lighting.'
Matsumura added, 'The moment the lights turned on, I felt my heart sparkle. That sensation resonates closely with what our drama aims to depict, so the experience felt meaningful to me.'
The interaction between the two stars lightened the atmosphere as well. When asked about his impression of Kudō, Matsumura playfully remarked, 'Currently, she feels like a senior colleague from our agency. There was this incident where she mentioned wanting gyoza. I hesitated to eat, but she insisted, 'Just eat! I'll get you two!' She’s incredibly cool and dependable!' Kudō echoed these sentiments, noting, 'Working with Matsumura has allowed me to relax as he is very casual and engaging.'
Both actors also discussed their personal principles when it came to their work. Matsumura, who has been part of the industry since elementary school, revealed, 'My motto is to not quit. There have been moments where I felt overwhelmed, but I have learned over time to say to myself, as long as I don’t give up, I can overcome the challenges.'
On the other hand, Kudō spoke about her approach, stating, 'My driving forces are ambition and curiosity. It’s important to maintain your interests and not take the job too heavily.' The interplay of their characters’ philosophies—Kudō's pragmatic nature versus Matsumura's idealism—will be central to their story and relationships throughout the series.
During the press conference, Kudō also teased viewers about her character's golf hobby, hinting at upcoming scenes imbued with humor and charm, and how her initial challenges with golf have been met with encouragement from Matsumura, who remarked, 'You put up quite the effort, and I was pleased with your progress!'
Finally, Matsumura shared his views on the show's lighter moments, including comedic scenes brought to life by co-star Jirō, pointing out how enriching their interactions have become both professionally and personally. 'Every week we'll bring you new experiences and reflections, and I hope you’ll enjoy the blend of romance and law within our show.'
'Ensemble' promises to be not just about legal battles but also about personal growth, friendships, and the delicate dance of romantic relationships. With the charisma of its leading actors, it aims to captivate audiences with its heartfelt stories and dynamic chemistry. Viewers are expected to tune in from January 18 as the drama takes over Saturday nights on NTV, ensuring entertainment filled with laughter and poignant moments.