The Kansai Television drama Zenra Meshi, starring Yutaro, is getting an official photobook release on June 23, 2023 titled Zenra Meshi Official Photobook -Our Recipes Start Here-.

The unusual romantic comedy follows an elite businessman hiding an incredible secret–he loves to eat naked to relieve his stress. One day, this habit is revealed, and Ichijo finds himself quickly falling in love.

The official photobook will include over 30 pages of gravure photos of Yutaro (Miki Mahiro) and Shori Kondo (Futa Ichijo). Set as an epilogue taking place after the main story shown in the series, Futa and Miki can be seen enjoying a picnic date with a handmade bento and spending cozy time together in PJs at home.

Also included are 20 pages of solo photos of Futa wearing a suit and posing in front of a beautiful night scene and Miki wearing a hoodie in a restaurant that smells of spices. Both shoots were intended to look as though a lover snapped the images. The photobook also includes Mizuchi’s Recipe Notebook, highlighting recipes from around the world with comments by popular cookbook author Yummy. Fans can also look forward to plenty of interviews with the cast and crew along with behind-the-scenes filming and production details.

Licaxxx and Yutaro are currently appearing in a new ad for Meta Rubber, a new series of products from Mandom’s ‘Gatsby’ hair styling brand.

A total of nine cast members from all areas of the entertainment world appear in the ad, from voice actors and video creators to idols and DJs. The video features the song Kororon by the popular artist Eve.

Be sure to check out the ad for a glimpse into the Meta Rubber lineup, which aims to transcend standard hair styling techniques.

The recitation play Shitaitoka, Shitakunaitoka no Hanashi Janai (It’s Not About Whether or Not I Want To) will be performed at the Haiyuza Theater in Tokyo starting on April 20. Yutaro will appear in the drama that will be shown as part of the production.

The recitation tells the story of a sexless couple and raises pertinent questions about the state of married couples and child-rearing today. AOI Pro., which has produced many theatrical films and TV dramas including the film Shoplifters and the drama series silent, planned and produced this performance.

For the stage production, the recitation will be staged with full-scale video footage from the play. It tells the story of Takashi, an unsuccessful screenwriter and husband, who was dumped by his lover. After his wife, Kyoko wins an award for excellence in a screenwriting contest she entered without her husband’s knowledge, she tries to break free from her conventional life of housework and childcare into a new world. The original drama shown during the performance will detail Takashi and Kyoko’s life when they were young and their first meeting before later becoming husband and wife.

The drama was produced exclusively for the performance by Izuru Kumasaka, the director of Pretenders and other popular films. Yutaro will play the role of Takashi.

<Comment from Yutaro>
“This story is both sweet and bittersweet. It tells the tale of two young people who, I think, should be adults by now, but they can’t seem to grow up.
I had never met Seira Hayakawa before this, but I’ve gotten to know her so well through this role. I hope you’ll enjoy the realistic struggles of two people through this reading!”

<Comment from Director Izuru Kumasaka>
“There’s a specific shot used in the play that Yutaro filmed with his smartphone. He managed to get a lot of great expressions out of Ms. Hayakawa, saying things like “the camera’s rolling,” and “the mic was in the shot, so is it okay if I resize the footage a bit?” It was a really novel experience. The last shot of the last day of filming was also done by him. The two of them really gave it their all until the end. There’s a scene where Hayakawa has to confess that she’s carrying her husband’s child, and it was so incredibly convincing despite how young she is. I was shaken. Please come to the theater to see their performance.”

<Comment from Producer Yusuke Kurozawa>
“Since we’re a video production company, we had to look at this theatrical performance in a unique way. We incorporated a lot of visual effects even though it’s largely a recitation. On stage, you see a fast-paced conversation between a couple on the verge of separation, but on the screen, you see them when they first met–when they were in love. You see how happy they were, and you wonder how their relationship became so incredibly warped. I was thrilled to work with Izuru Kumasaka on location in Chigasaki, since I’m a huge fan of Southern All Stars and Chigasaki Story – My Little Hometown, which he directed. I hope you’ll come to the theater to experience this blend of recitation and drama!

Yutaro will appear in the new Kansai TV drama series Zenra Meshi. The series is scheduled to begin airing this April during the EDGE time slot.

The romantic comedy follows the protagonist Ichijo, a professional man hiding an incredible secret–he loves to eat naked. One day, this habit is revealed, and Ichijo finds himself quickly falling in love. Yutaro will play the role of Miki Mahiro, a young man who runs a fruit and vegetable store in Ichijo’s hometown.

One highlight of the show is the number of tasty-looking dishes supervised by Yummy, a cooking expert who has gained incredible popularity for sharing simple recipes that anyone can make. The dishes that Ichijo and Mahiro prepare using foreign spices are especially noteworthy, and viewers will definitely want to recreate them at home.

<Comment from Yutaro>

“My name is Yutaro and I play the role of Miki Mahiro.

When I first heard the name of the series, I was so confused. I’d be naked? And eating? I thought I’d need to strip, but I was told that my character didn’t need to. I was so relieved…

My character is a young man who runs a fruit and vegetable store and likes to cook, so I tried to cook for myself as much as I could after being cast. Be sure to look forward to the cooking scenes–I did all of it myself!

I’ve previously worked with Shori Kondo, who plays Ichijo, so we already had a good relationship. So, there were some scenes where we get pretty close to each other, but it wasn’t stressful at all. Everything went smoothly from day one. The staff has been amazing–everyone has been fun to work with, and even during darker scenes, everyone starts laughing as soon as the director yells “cut!”

Even though this is a romantic comedy, there are sad scenes scattered throughout that will make your heart ache, and I think it will touch a lot of people’s hearts. Please look forward to it!”

Yutaro will appear in the upcoming stage production of How Many Sins are There, written, directed, and performed by Shigeyuki Totsugi. The play will begin in April 2023.

5D2-FIVE DIMENSIONS is a solo project by members of TEAM NACS, giving each member space to express themselves. This play will be Shigeyuki Totsugi’s first new work in nearly four years.

Yutaro will play the role of Raido Beppu, a transgender inmate on death row who is interviewed by the reporter protagonist.

<Comment from Shigeyuki Totsugi>
“Four whole years have passed since my last solo project, MONSTER MATES. I’m incredibly happy to finally be able to return to my professional solo career in this big way.

Moreover, as with previous performances, I’ve assembled the best possible cast. We’re all grateful for this opportunity and we’re determined to bring audiences the best possible performance. Please look forward to it!”

Yutaro will appear in the upcoming drama series Tokyo no Yukiotoko airing on NHK E starting February 4, 2023.

The family-centered series is packed with both humor and sorrow and tells the story of humanity living alongside a mysterious other species–the Snow People. Kouichi Yajima, known for his work on Kazeyo Arashiyo, Kounodori, and Busujima Yuriko no Sekirara Nikki, penned the screenplay.

The sequel to the May 2022 suspense drama series Nani ka Okashii (Something’s Strange) is now streaming on the Paravi streaming service. It has been announced that Atarashii Gakko! will provide the theme song titled Suki Lie.

The original series featured a mysterious radio program and a murder mystery. The story was first written by occult horror writer Uketsu, whose bestseller Strange House sold over 300,000 copies.

<Comment from Atarashii Gakko!>
“We’re honored that our song Suki Lie will be used as the theme song for Nani ka Okashii 2! Thank you so much!
The song is a strange pop tune, and that strangeness makes it perfect for this show. We’re looking forward to the show’s ending, where Uketsu will dance to our choreography! We also get to appear as radio guests in the drama in Episode 12, so keep an eye out!”

Atarashii Gakko!

<Comment from Yutaro>
“I’m Yutaro and I’ll be starring in the series as a listener. I’ve been watching Uketsu’s YouTube channel last year, so I was so happy to hear this new story. I really hope you’ll enjoy this unique drama series.”

Yutaro

<Comment from Director and Screenwriter Yu Ota (TV Tokyo)>
“Nani ka Okashii 2 is complete. In every episode, someone gets badly hurt, but a bad ending is rarely seen in Japanese dramas. The show sees someone hurt, and the malice born from that action splashes up and hurts someone else, and so on.
The cast for this series is incredible and extremely varied. The people on the radio booth side–who will be playing themselves–were asked to be calm with no connection or interest in horror or drama. On the other hand, those on the other side needed to have stronger personalities.
I’m also so happy to hear the theme song by Atarashii Gakko! Many people on the staff are fans of their music, and we thought it would be incredible to have Uketsu dance to their bizarre choreography as part of the series.”

©テレビ東京

Yutaro will star in the TV Tokyo Paravi original drama series Raise de wa Chanto Shimasu (I Will Do It in the Next Life).

The series is based on the manga of the same name written by Itsuma-chan and serialized in Shueisha’s Grand Jump. Characters in the series live their lives without boundaries, from sex addicts and BL otaku to virgins and idol addicts. The erotic comedy blends risqué topics with tender and sometimes sad storytelling, giving hope to those facing troubles in their love and sex lives.

Prior to the start of the broadcast, the series will pre-stream on the Paravi video service starting December 28, 2022.

<Comment from Yutaro (Nagi Kuriyama)>
“This series began in 2020.
I’m so happy to play Nagi-chan in Season 2, the New Year’s Special, and now again. I’m also honored to start 2023 by starring in this series that I have such a strong attachment to. I’ve started feeling the pressure of everyone’s rising expectations for Nagi, and before filming started, I enhanced my sense of beauty, going on a diet to create an even better version of the character. The same incredible director has led me for three years, and I think I’ll be lonely when this is all over.
I’m sure plenty of viewers are wondering if Nagi will have a happy ending after so much bitterness and sadness emerged from him last time. Will he become more powerful in Season 3? After all, a new character is about to appear. Be sure to tune in!”

(C)いつまちゃん／集英社

(C)「来世ではちゃんとします 3」製作委員会

The sequel to the May 2022 suspense drama series Nani ka Okashii (Something’s Strange) is now streaming on the Paravi streaming service. Atarashii Gakko! will provide the theme song titled Suki Lie. The show will air on TV Tokyo in 2023. In addition, actor Yutaro stars in episodes 9-12. 

The original series featured a mysterious radio program and a murder mystery. The story was first written by occult horror writer Uketsu, whose bestseller Strange House sold over 300,000 copies.

<Comment from Atarashii Gakko!>

“We’re honored that our song Suki Lie will be used as the theme song for Nani ka Okashii 2! Thank you so much!

The song is a strange pop tune, and that strangeness makes it perfect for this show. We’re looking forward to the show’s ending, where Uketsu will dance to our choreography! We also get to appear as radio guests in the drama in Episode 12, so keep an eye out!”

<Comment from Yutaro>

“I’m Yutaro and I’ll be starring in the series as a listener. I’ve been watching Uketsu’s YouTube channel last year, so I was so happy to hear this new story. I really hope you’ll enjoy this unique drama series.”

<Comment from Director and Screenwriter Yu Ota (TV Tokyo)>

“Nani ka Okashii 2 is complete. In every episode, someone gets badly hurt, but a bad ending is rarely seen in Japanese dramas. The show sees someone hurt, and the malice born from that action splashes up and hurts someone else, and so on. 

The cast for this series is incredible and extremely varied. The people on the radio booth side–who will be playing themselves–were asked to be calm with no connection or interest in horror or drama. On the other hand, those on the other side needed to have stronger personalities.

I’m also so happy to hear the theme song by Atarashii Gakko! Many people on the staff are fans of their music, and we thought it would be incredible to have Uketsu dance to their bizarre choreography as part of the series.”

©テレビ東京

The popular actor Yutaro will star in the upcoming film We Are Not Alone, scheduled to release in theaters in December 2022.

The film promises to be a unique take on the world of today, focusing heavily on justice, greed, and egoism. It will be directed by Tomoaki Kaneko and produced by yucca. 

The film will ruthlessly depict the contrast between the darkness of adults and today’s youth. It will take place in a desolate shopping district and follow the main character, Shun Miyata (Yutaro), who is not good at interacting with others, and who works part-time at a bento shop. More information will be announced on the official film website soon, so keep an eye out!

Comment from Tomoaki Kaneko (Director)

“What are we living for? Everyone has their own story,  their own reasons, and their own justifications. It may seem easy to distinguish between right and wrong, but everyone has their own beliefs, and some of those thoughts may be distorted. Rather than immediately labeling someone as ‘evil,’ the world might be made a little better if we can imagine why people do what they do. 

This film is set in Tokyo, but the story doesn’t depict the standard ‘positive, glamorous, fun’ version of Tokyo, instead telling a more somber and lonely story. The actors expressed themselves in such a powerful way, and I was impressed by the way they took on these challenging roles. 

This story may not be upbeat, but it can be perceived in so many different ways depending on the viewer. I hope that the positivity in the film will come through and inspire everyone to see things from a different angle.”

Comment from Yutaro

“I’m Yutaro, and I play Shun Miyata.

I didn’t expect to be cast in the lead role after the audition, so the pressure was immediately on! But when I read the script, I was told by the director and staff that I was the only person who could play the part of Shun. I was immediately determined to do my best. 

The film tells the story of a young man who is slowly moving towards the future and searching for his own right answer. Is love what he imagined it to be, and are the righteous words he’s been saying really righteous at all? I hope you’ll come to see the film in theaters and connect with it in some way. We are not alone.”

Summary

Shun Miyata isn’t good at interacting with people. Submitting his work to tons of publishers to fulfill his dream of becoming a novelist, the response isn’t great. Needing a change of pace, he moves to Tokyo and starts working part-time at a bento shop. The friendly and beautiful shopkeeper Yuriko Kodama and another part-time worker Yuka Kosaka welcome him to the city, and his new life in Tokyo seems to be off to a good start.


But happiness doesn’t always last.

One day, Shun and Yuka discover Yuriko’s secret–a brutal plan involving the entire shopping district and the local chairman Saiki.  Agonizing over their inability to take any action, Shun and Yuka begin to grow closer.

What are these two young people feeling? An ordinary landscape can hold unexpected darkness, and this work will bring those fears to light. 

Last year, the Pola Museum Annex in Tokyo hosted a charity auction to support the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic breaking out across the globe. As the world continues to feel the effects of the virus, the charity event is returning for a second year, and is set to be held from November 12 until December 5, 2021. The title for this year’s art exhibition is ‘Find Your Travel.’ 

Lemon Tree – Yuka Kashihara. Acrylic and oil on canvas.  2020. 

POLA Dot or snowball ~Based on Tosa Mitsuyoshi’s Colored Painting of Yugiri from The Tale of Genji~ – Tetsuya Noguchi. Acrylic. 2020. 

our whereabouts – Moe Nakamura. Camphor, bronze, oil. 2021. 

Philanthropy – Yuko Higuchi. Hemp paper, pen, watercolor. 2020. 

Baby Heel-less Shoes – Noritaka Tatehama. Cowhide, pigskin, dye, metal zipper, coated crystal glass. 2020. 

Last year’s charity auction raised over ¥9,145,000 (about $83,000) for the Japanese Red Cross. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues around the globe, and as Japan remains locked down, this year’s event hopes to raise even more useful funds to help medical professionals on the front lines. 

20 artists are participating in the exhibition, with each creating one work based on the theme of ‘travel.’ In addition to simply viewing these pieces at the exhibition, a silent auction will also be held online. With travel being severely restricted, these works of art seek to inspire and encourage visitors to imagine a better future, when the world is open once again. All proceeds will once again be donated to the Japanese Red Cross. 

Japanese actor and model Yutaro is collaborating with South Korean street brand DOMINANT with a special collection that’s now available worldwide online at 60% – SIXTYPERCENT until July 7.

YUTARO x DOMINANT Collaboration T-Shirts

Red/Blue: ¥6,400 Each (Tax & Shipping Included)

YUTARO × DOMINANT Collaboration T-Shirts & Half Pants Setup

Red/Blue: ¥14,100 Each (Tax & Shipping Included)

YUTARO has always been a huge fan of South Korean fashion, and this is his first time collaborating with a brand from the country, creating a collection entirely from scratch. The items use a hippopotamus motif, which is YUTARO’s favourite animal, wearing his trademark glasses. The t-shirts come with either red or blue neck and sleeve edges, and the half pants are made of a high quality material with an emphasis on the silhouette.