On April 3, 2025, actors Keita Kiritani, Rio Miyase, and Neru Nagahama made a surprise appearance at the entrance ceremony for approximately 800 new students at Rikkyo University in Tokyo. The three stars are set to appear in the upcoming ABC TV drama, "Itsuka, Heroine ni," which premieres on April 6, 2025.
The ceremony was filled with excitement as the trio stepped onto the stage, prompting enthusiastic cheers from the audience. New students shouted expressions of disbelief and excitement, such as "Kyaa!" and "Eh! Really!?" when they realized who was addressing them. One student even shouted, "I love you!" when Nagahama looked towards the third-floor seats, causing laughter throughout the venue.
Kiritani, who is 45 years old, took the opportunity to congratulate the students, saying, "Everyone, congratulations!" His warm words were met with applause and cheers from the audience. He continued to share some personal insights, reflecting on the challenges and hardships he has faced in life. He advised the students to keep thinking about what they want to do and who they want to be. "There are many things, troubles, and hardships, but I believe that ultimately, we can move in the direction we are facing," he stated.
Miyase, who is currently 21, expressed a sense of closeness to the new students, many of whom are around the same age. He emphasized the importance of giving their all to the tasks at hand, saying, "When you focus on what’s in front of you, you’ll look back one day and realize how quickly time has passed."
Neru Nagahama, who graduated from the popular girl group Keyakizaka46 at the age of 20, shared her own experiences with the students. When she mentioned her time in the group, cheers erupted from the audience, showing the impact she has on her fans. She offered advice based on her journey, stating, "There will be moments when you have to make various choices, but what’s important is how you spend your time after making those choices. Don’t put too much pressure on yourselves; just enjoy the journey!"
During his speech, Kiritani also quoted a line from the upcoming drama: "Life is a resurrection battle until you die." He encouraged the students to embrace life fully, saying, "I hope you enjoy life to the fullest and find happiness in everything you do. No matter how many times you fall, get back up and keep going!"
The drama "Itsuka, Heroine ni" is an original work by renowned scriptwriter Hiroshi Hayashi, known for creating numerous hit social dramas such as "Code Blue," "Hagetaka," and "Rikon Bengoshi." This marks his first original project in five years. The story follows Koji Akayama, a former child welfare worker who, despite lacking money and a job, seeks revenge against a corrupt powerful figure alongside his former students who have lost their dreams.
The entrance ceremony not only served as a welcoming event for the new students but also highlighted the connection between the actors and their audience. The heartfelt encouragement from Kiritani, Miyase, and Nagahama resonated with the students, many of whom are navigating their own paths as they step into university life.
As the ceremony concluded, the three actors left the stage to raucous applause and cheers, leaving a lasting impression on the new students at Rikkyo University. Their surprise appearance was a reminder that, even in challenging times, there are opportunities to rise above and find joy in the journey ahead.
"Itsuka, Heroine ni" will air every Sunday at 10:15 PM on ABC TV, and the anticipation for the show is already building among fans eager to see the performances of Kiritani, Miyase, and Nagahama.
