Tomohisa Yamashita and Ryo Nishikido Return to Prime-Time Dramas on Commercial Networks, True Value to Be Tested Amidst Absence of Past Considerations

In the April schedule reshuffle, it has become evident that each TV station is refraining from using talents from the former Johnny & Associates agency (SMILE-UP.). However, on the other hand, at Fuji TV, former Johnny’s member Yamashita Tomohisa (38), also known as Yamapi, will take the lead role in “Blue Moment,” while Nishikido Ryo (39) will appear as the second lead in “Re: Revenge – Beyond Desire,” starring Akaso Eiji (30).

“Blue Moment” is a live-action adaptation of Kanako Ozawa’s comic. It depicts the struggles of the SDM Headquarters (Special Disaster Management Headquarters) who risk their lives on the front lines to protect lives threatened by extensive weather disasters, utilizing wisdom and knowledge. Yamashita plays Kanjiro Haruhara, a research officer at the Meteorological Research Institute of the Japan Meteorological Agency, who also serves as the chief of the SDM Headquarters. The second lead role of the rookie research assistant at the Meteorological Research Institute is portrayed by the actress Natsuki Deguchi (22), who has been appearing in numerous notable works.

“Re: Revenge” follows the story of Kaito Tendo, a weekly magazine reporter with a strained relationship with his father, the chairman of a major hospital, as he confronts power struggles to save what his father has built from the hospital. Nishikido plays Ikuya Otomo, a cardiovascular surgeon recognized for his advanced surgical skills, who is assigned to the same hospital.

Yamashita has already starred in NHK’s “Honest Real Estate” series, but this marks his first lead role on a commercial terrestrial TV network since TBS’s “In Hand” in the April 2019 period. Similarly, Nishikido, despite appearing in the notable TBS drama “There is a Limit to Inappropriateness!” in the fifth episode, hasn’t been a regular cast member since Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m. drama “Trace: Kasouken no Otoko” in the January 2019 period.

“Fuji TV has announced the termination of the four flagship programs of former Johnny’s groups ‘KinKi Kids’ and ‘TOKIO’ in March. Against this backdrop, the casting of Yamashita and Nishikido is a remarkable ‘flip-flop.’ Given the consistently low ratings of the dramas, it seems they have high expectations for these two, who have already proven themselves in their own network’s dramas,” says a TV station insider.

 

During their time with Johnny’s, Yamashita gained popularity from his days as a Johnny’s Jr., eventually becoming a member of NEWS and achieving success both as a solo singer and actor. However, in August 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he was reported by “Bunshun Online” for drinking and staying overnight with an underage woman, leading to a period of suspension from entertainment activities. He officially left the agency on October 31 of the same year.

Since then, he has appeared in films like “The Man from Toronto,” currently streaming on Netflix, and dramas like “SEE HEAR LOVE ~Even if I can’t see or hear, I love you~,” available on Amazon Prime Video.

Nishikido, after serving concurrently with NEWS and becoming a central member of Kanjani Eight, left the agency on September 30, 2019. Following his departure, he has focused on solo singing activities and continued his acting career, appearing in dramas like “Let’s Divorce,” streaming on Netflix.

“Yamashita’s charm is undeniable, so lead roles suit him well. On the other hand, Nishikido’s versatility ranges from comedy to serious roles, making him a perfect fit for the key character in this production.

Yamashita’s recent series in ‘Honest Real Estate’ was well-received, and his notable work, the ‘Code Blue – Doctor Heli Kinkyu Kyumei’ movie released in 2018, was a huge success with a box office revenue of 9.3 billion yen. Fuji TV seems inclined to turn this lead drama into a series if it succeeds. This role for Yamashita somewhat resembles his character in ‘Code Blue,’ where he rushes to rescue people in the face of weather disasters to save lives, so it might just hit the mark,” says a broadcasting reporter.

Furthermore, the reporter suggests that Nishikido’s role as a doctor might also be a perfect fit.

“Nishikido has left a lasting impression with roles like a forensic researcher at the Metropolitan Police Department’s forensic medicine department in ‘Trace’ and a local government employee tasked with a top-secret national rehabilitation project of relocating former convicts in the movie ‘Sheep’s Tree’ (2018), both of which suited his serious professions. His portrayal as a doctor in this drama will surely leave an impact as well.

Both Yamashita and Nishikido, now independent without the backing of a large agency, are likely putting their all into each project. Their performances will be put to the test once again on terrestrial television, where they haven’t been seen for a while. If successful, other networks are sure to want to cast them in their productions,” concludes the reporter.

Free from the constraints of past considerations, Yamashita and Nishikido stand on a new starting line, garnering attention for their performances in the upcoming April programs.

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