The highly anticipated second episode of the TBS drama "IGNITE: Lawless Lawyer," starring Kento Kaku, will feature guest appearances by Travis Japan's Kaito Miyachika and M!LK's Jinto Shiozaki. Set to air on April 25, 2025, at 10 PM JST, this unique series tackles the complexities of Japan's litigation culture and the saturated legal profession, presenting a fresh take on the legal drama genre.
In "IGNITE," Kaku portrays Ryo Uzaki, a rookie lawyer who finds himself entangled with a dubious law firm known for its unscrupulous methods. The show's title, which translates to "ignite," hints at the firm's tactics of igniting lawsuits by provoking potential plaintiffs, raising questions about the ethical boundaries of legal practice.
Kaito Miyachika steps into the role of Hayato Nishida, a rugby player whose life takes a dark turn when his brother becomes comatose following a suicide attempt. This tragic event, suspected to be linked to bullying, adds layers to the character's motivations as he strives to uphold the expectations placed upon him as a star athlete.
Meanwhile, Jinto Shiozaki plays Naoki Iiyama, a former rugby teammate and close friend of Hayato's brother. His character's connection to the unfolding drama is pivotal, potentially unlocking deeper secrets surrounding the circumstances of the suicide attempt.
Miyachika expressed his excitement about joining the cast, stating, "Filming was a truly enjoyable experience. Although I had no prior rugby experience, portraying the ace of the rugby team was a valuable opportunity for me. I look forward to how the members of IGNITE will tackle the issues surrounding my university."
Shiozaki echoed similar sentiments about his role, saying, "I had a challenging time playing a character who might lose a dear friend. My previous impression of Kaku was that he was very cool, and working alongside him confirmed that. The second episode promises unexpected developments that will keep viewers hooked."
In the storyline, Ryo Uzaki grapples with the moral implications of winning cases through questionable means, a conflict that intensifies as he investigates a case linked to Hayato's brother. The law firm’s next target is a bullying-related suicide attempt at a prestigious rugby club, where Hayato is a key player. This storyline is expected to unfold dramatically, showcasing the complex interplay between ambition, ethics, and personal tragedy.
Adding to the excitement, renowned rock duo B'z has been announced as the theme song artists for "IGNITE." Their new song, "Osoreru Nakarare Hai wa Hai ni," will premiere during the show's first episode, marking B'z's return to TBS drama themes after an eight-year hiatus. The track is described as a hard-hitting anthem that resonates with the show's dark themes, featuring powerful lyrics that inspire resilience amid struggle.
Takayoshi Matsumoto of B'z commented on the collaboration, saying, "I hope listeners can feel the explosive power of human emotions when one truly wants to be the person someone needs. I'm excited to see how this song resonates with the drama." Kaku also expressed his gratitude, noting that this is the third time B'z has provided a theme song for a project he is involved in.
The drama's narrative centers around Ryo Uzaki, who, after the death of his father, leaves his corporate job to pursue a law career, ultimately landing at a law firm that thrives on conflict. His first case involves a tragic workplace accident, where he must navigate the murky waters of ethics and justice.
As Ryo faces challenges both personal and professional, the series promises to engage viewers with its gripping storylines and moral dilemmas. With a talented cast and a compelling theme song, "IGNITE: Lawless Lawyer" is set to captivate audiences and spark discussions about the nature of justice in today's society.
As the premiere date approaches, anticipation is building for the second episode, where viewers will delve deeper into the lives of the characters and the dark legal world they inhabit. The combination of intense drama, ethical questions, and the dynamic performances of Kaku, Miyachika, and Shiozaki are sure to make for an unforgettable viewing experience.
