The Impact of Fuji TV Drama Starring Travis Japan’s Genta Matsuda

Wangan Studio had already been prioritized for the production of Kyoushitsu (Kyoubou), making it unavailable

“It turns out that Wangan Studio had no available slots, so Matsuda-san is filming at a different studio.”

This was revealed by a drama production insider. Wangan Studio was fully booked, primarily for the upcoming Kyoushitsu movie, which begins filming in April.

The lead actor of Kyoushitsu is none other than Matsuda’s senior, Takuya Kimura. Initially planned as a drama series last spring, the project was later restructured by Fuji TV into a two-part theatrical film.

“With Masahiro Nakai’s scandal causing fallout, Fuji TV is facing a crisis. The network’s fate essentially hinges on Kimura-san’s film. Wangan Studio adopted a ‘Kyoushitsu shift,’ securing all available filming slots in advance. Matsuda-san, unfortunately, got caught in the ripple effect. No one is to blame, but the team had to scramble to find an alternative studio,” said an entertainment journalist from a sports newspaper.

Amidst this challenge, a helping hand came from Sky PerfecTV!, a subscription-based broadcasting platform. Although not affiliated with the Fuji TV Group, the company generously offered one of its Tokyo studios, saying:

“If you’d like, please feel free to use it.”

The production team was deeply grateful for this act of goodwill from their fellow media colleagues. “The studio is a bit farther from Odaiba, but securing a filming location was a huge relief. Matsuda-san must have felt a weight lifted off his shoulders as well,” said the same production insider.

Interestingly, Sky PerfecTV!’s shareholder structure reveals that the joint venture company Itochu-Fuji Partners Co., Ltd., owned by Fuji Media Holdings and Itochu Corporation, holds over 27% of its shares (as of September 30, 2024). This connection may have played a role in the decision.

To repay Sky PerfecTV!’s kindness, Matsuda is determined to deliver strong results.