Nakamura Tomoya and Takahashi Kaito Form Buddy Duo in July Drama

“I treat Kaito like a handmade hamburger.”

In early May, right in the middle of Golden Week, the government district of Kasumigaseki in Tokyo was completely devoid of commuters. On the sidewalk opposite the Metropolitan Police Headquarters building (Chiyoda Ward), a large TV crew was preparing to film. At the center were actor Tomoya Nakamura (38) and Kaito Takahashi (26) from King & Prince.

Nakamura appeared disheveled with messy hair and a slightly wrinkled suit, giving off a rough vibe, while Takahashi wore a crisply pressed suit buttoned up neatly, exuding a fresh and clean atmosphere. The two looked completely opposite.

“This is the filming for the July drama ‘DOPE: Narcotics Control Department Special Investigation Division’ (TBS). Based on the novel by author Chiaki Kizaki, it is set in a near-future Japan plagued by a new drug called ‘DOPE.’ Takahashi plays Yuuto Saiki, a justice-driven rookie narcotics officer. Nakamura plays Teppei Jin’nai, Saiki’s mentor and education officer, who seems irresponsible and rough around the edges. The story follows this mismatched buddy team as they pursue a mysterious drug case,” explained a TV magazine writer.

The drama’s highlight is the intense action scenes performed by both actors. Since the setting is near-future, heavy use of CGI is incorporated, making it a rare work that blends action and CGI on terrestrial TV. In an interview on the official drama website (released April 29), Takahashi said,

“I was worried, thinking, ‘Am I really up to this?’ but when I heard I’d be working with Tomoya-san, I felt very reassured and said, ‘Please take care of me!’”

Meanwhile, Nakamura spoke warmly of Takahashi:

“My buddy Kaito is not only great in personality and character but is simply an earnest junior. I find him incredibly cute. Jin’nai starts off treating Saiki roughly, but behind the scenes, I’m carefully nurturing Kaito like a handmade hamburger (laughs).”

Although this is their first time co-starring, the two seem likely to get along well both on and off screen as buddies.

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