Takako Matsu and Sadao Abe Spotted Filming July Drama “Shiawase na Kekkon” at JR Ochanomizu Station

“Matsu-san is truly amazing after all!”

In late May around lunchtime, drama filming was taking place on a sidewalk near JR Ochanomizu Station (Chiyoda Ward). As the filming was wrapping up, a refreshing female voice rang out:

“Alright, thank you everyone!”

The voice belonged to Takako Matsu (48). It appeared that the filming was for the July drama “Shiawase na Kekkon” (Happy Marriage), airing on TV Asahi.

“This drama features an original script by Shizuka Oishi, who also wrote last year’s NHK Taiga drama ‘Hikaru Kimi e.’ Matsu plays the lead role alongside Sadao Abe (55), portraying a married couple. Abe’s character, Kotaro Harada, is a skilled lawyer who appears on TV. Matsu’s character, Nerura Suzuki, is a mysterious high school art teacher who holds a big secret. They meet fatefully and get married, but gradually the secrets begin to unravel in this suspense drama,” explained a TV magazine writer.

Matsu and Abe have previously co-starred in the 2012 film “Yume Uru Futari” and the 2020 TV Asahi special drama “Switch.” Playing a married couple this time marks their first collaboration in five years since the 2015 movie “Jinu yo Saraba – Kamuroba Mura e.”

The day’s filming also included Yosuke Sugino (29). Matsu was seated in the passenger seat of a luxury sedan driven by Sugino, with a scene showing Abe approaching the parked car on foot. Right before filming, Abe had his tie adjusted by the wardrobe staff and had his makeup carefully touched up.

After the director called “Okay!” Matsu got out of the luxury sedan with a gentle smile and greeted the staff warmly before leaving the scene. Although Matsu and Abe did not have any direct contact that day, Abe commented about Matsu on the TV Asahi program’s official website:

“During the first scene when (Matsu’s character) Nerura and I locked eyes, I felt both fear and beauty. I think it really shows how Kotaro (Abe’s character) is deeply attracted to Nerura. Seeing that expression, I thought, ‘Wow, Matsu-san really is amazing.’”

Matsu also spoke about the drama:

“This work includes developments that even I cannot fully imagine. I think it will pleasantly surprise everyone in ways they don’t expect.”

With two seasoned actors familiar with each other’s craft, expectations for the drama run high.

 

 

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