King & Prince is set to make waves with the release of their latest single, "HEART," scheduled for release on March 12, 2025. This eagerly awaited track serves as the theme song for the new drama, "Shodo Kaisha ni Koi wa Muzukashii," starring Ren Nagase. The drama will debut on January 7, 2025, on the Kansai TV and Fuji TV network during the prime time slot on Tuesday nights.
The single, described as the quintessential love song, aims to uplift listeners from all generations, encouraging them to embrace positivity and feel affection. Nagase, expressing his excitement for the song, stated, "This is a love song filled with our love for the fans. I believe we’ve created the perfect match for the drama with the lyrics and sound, which includes the message of the ‘heart’s arrow’ reaching directly to everyone’s hearts.”
Takahashi Kaito, another member of King & Prince, echoed Nagase’s sentiments, saying, "This is the ultimate love song representing us right now. I hope it reaches the hearts of our fans with all our dreams and love encapsulated within."
The song's debut will coincide with the first episode of the drama, where viewers can expect to hear it for the first time. But the excitement doesn't stop there; King & Prince will also be participating in the monumental "2025 Superstars Red and White Entertainment Awards" airing on January 28, 2025, on the Taiwanese TTV channel. This annual event is akin to Japan’s famous Red and White Song Festival, featuring artists from Taiwanese and broader Asian locales, divided to perform for their respective teams.
This will mark King & Prince's first appearance on this prestigious Taiwanese program. Due to scheduling conflicts, their performance will be pre-recorded, yet they graciously managed to send video greetings to the audience. They expressed their fondness for the Taiwanese audience by stating, "We’ve recorded our performance with love from Japan to all the people of Taiwan. Please be sure to watch it on the show’s airing on New Year’s Day! Happy New Year! I love you all! We hope to meet you someday in Taiwan!"
The recording took place on January 5, 2025, at Taipei Arena, gathering about 13,000 excited fans. This gesture not only strengthens King & Prince's fanbase but also bridges cultural ties between Japan and Taiwan through their music and entertainment showcases.
On January 6, the cast attended the drama's production announcement event, discussing the story’s plot and their roles. The plot centers around Tendo Subaru, portrayed by Nagase, who is depicted as the rich, spoiled heir of a giant apparel company. Throughout the series, his character grapples with the challenges of work, love, and friendship, experiencing various emotional ups and downs for the first time.
"The more I learn about Subaru, the more I see his charm and endearment," reflected Nagase during the event. His co-star, Yamashita Mizuki, who plays the ordinary girl Hanakura Madoka, commented, "She’s a girl who enjoys saving money and getting creative with it, which I believe many will resonate with." Mizuki's ability to connect with her character is showcased by bringing homemade bento to the filming set, staying true to her role.
Handing over shovel support to Subaru is his friend, Kusakabe Tomoya, played by Nishihata Daigo, who noted, "My role involves supporting Subaru from behind as he endeavors on his romantic and career journeys. It’s our first time playing friends together, but I believe we’re beginning to capture those character insights beautifully. The atmosphere on set is always lively thanks to their chemistry!”
The production features notable talents working behind the scenes as well. The script is penned by Haruka Ohkita, and the music is composed by Kana Yuuki, ensuring the audiovisual experience aligns perfectly with the romantic narratives unveiled throughout the episodes.
Ahead of the drama's premiere, fans can look forward to various merchandise tied to the show being released through the official stores and online platforms starting January 7. Items like logo keychains, pens like the ones portrayed by characters on-set, and collection cards will be available, allowing fans to feel even closer to the series.
Overall, the stage is set for King & Prince's and the drama "Shodo Kaisha ni Koi wa Muzukashii's" grand launch, promising to deliver heartfelt performances and engaging storytelling aimed at enchanting audiences both locally and internationally. With the major highlights of their upcoming events, the drama looks to captivate viewers, potentially setting King & Prince on the path to becoming significant cultural icons beyond Japan.