On March 29, 2025, the TBS DRAMA COLLECTION 2025 Spring event took place at the Akasaka BLITZ Studio in Tokyo, showcasing the cast of several upcoming dramas. The event featured 12 prominent actors from three different series that are set to premiere in April. Among them, Sadao Abe leads the Sunday drama "Casper," which is centered around Susumu Shindo, the main caster of the struggling news program "News Gate." This drama aims to delve into the behind-the-scenes world of news reporting, exploring themes of truth and justice.
In "Casper," Shindo, played by Abe, is tasked with revitalizing the failing news program. His character is described as someone who will go to great lengths to uncover the truth, which leads to the growth of his team as they pursue a significant event's true story. Joining Abe in the cast are Yuina Nagino as Kisa Kubo, Kento Doeda as Motohashi, and Takashi Okabe as Kaima. The program is set to premiere on April 13, 2025, airing every Sunday at 9:00 PM.
During the event, Abe humorously shared how he memorizes his lines by shouting them out while driving on the highway. This quirky method drew laughter from the audience and his fellow cast members. Nagino, who plays Kubo, shared a light-hearted moment from her recent cherry blossom viewing experience, where she enjoyed a jumbotron okonomiyaki all by herself. "I went to see the cherry blossoms alone yesterday!" she exclaimed, adding a touch of personal charm to the gathering.
Doeda, another cast member, revealed a surprising side of Abe, stating, "Abe-san often brings fruit sandwiches to the filming location. I was shocked to see him enjoying them because he seems to love sweets!" This revelation led to Abe confirming his sweet tooth, as he stated, "I eat sweets often!" He also expressed his joy in providing snacks for the crew, saying, "It makes me happy to see everyone enjoying the treats during breaks."
Throughout the event, the cast engaged in a fun two-choice quiz, which tested their compatibility regarding their personalities on set. One question asked whether they would initiate conversation on the first day of filming or wait to be approached. Both Abe and Mikako Tabe, the lead of the Tuesday drama "The Affairs of the Other Shore ~This is the Way I Live!~" answered that they would start a conversation. However, a humorous misunderstanding occurred when Abe thought the question was directed at him instead of Tabe, prompting laughter from the attendees.
In addition to "Casper," two other dramas were highlighted at the event. The Tuesday drama "The Affairs of the Other Shore" features a talented cast including Tabe, Noriko Eguchi, Dean Fujioka, and Wataru Ichinose. This series, set to begin on April 1, 2025, at 10:00 PM, explores the complexities of life and relationships from a unique perspective. The Friday drama "Ignite - The Illegal Person -" will premiere on April 18, 2025, at 10:00 PM, featuring Shota Matsuda, Moka Kamishiraishi, Ryuji Miyama from BE:FIRST, and Toru Nakamura.
The TBS DRAMA COLLECTION event not only provided insights into the upcoming dramas but also showcased the camaraderie among the cast. As Abe expressed his embarrassment over a mix-up during the quiz, he playfully urged the announcer to speak more clearly, which further lightened the atmosphere.
As the anticipation builds for the April premieres, fans can look forward to a mix of entertainment and social commentary that these dramas promise to deliver. With Abe at the helm of "Casper," viewers can expect a gripping narrative that explores the challenges of modern journalism while also providing a glimpse into the personal lives of those who pursue the truth.
In summary, the TBS DRAMA COLLECTION 2025 Spring event served as a vibrant introduction to the upcoming dramas, showcasing the talent and personalities of the actors involved. As they prepare to bring their characters to life, the excitement among the cast and crew is palpable, promising an engaging viewing experience for audiences.
