Akari Takaishi Almost Tripped on Her Dress at Summer on the Sand Premiere

“My right leg just wouldn’t come out”

On June 17, a stage greeting was held at TOHO Cinemas Hibiya to commemorate the release of the film Natsu no Suna no Ue (On the Summer Sand), co-produced and starring Joe Odagiri (49), where Akari Takaishi (22) also appeared.

“This film is an adaptation of the play of the same name by playwright Masataka Matsuda. Odagiri fell in love with the play and took on the role of co-producer to bring it to the big screen. The story follows Osamu (played by Odagiri), a man who has lost love, and Yuko (played by Takaishi), his 17-year-old niece who doesn’t go to high school but works part-time. The two awkward individuals live together and gradually find small hopes in their lives. The film won the Jury Special Award at the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival, the first Japanese film to do so in 23 years, and was released amid high expectations,” said a film writer.

Takaishi appeared in a bright, sheer blue dress that captivated the audience like a fairy-like vision. But right after, something even more breath-taking happened…

As she reached the top of the stage stairs, the hem of her dress got caught on her heels, leaving her standing on one foot. Staff hurried to help untangle the hem, and during that time, Takaishi remained standing on one leg. Thanks to her athletic ability, she didn’t panic and kept a shy smile on her face.

“Besides Odagiri-san, notable actors such as Takako Matsu (48) and Hikari Mitsushima (39) were also present. Perhaps Takaishi-san was a little nervous in front of such big names (laughs),” said the writer.

Takaishi, who volunteered and auditioned for this role, said:

“I heard that Odagiri-san and Matsu-san were involved from the audition stage, so I definitely wanted to be part of it because of those two.”

She proudly added,

“This is truly a very important work for me.”

Expectations for Takaishi’s acting are rising, and filming has already started for her role as the heroine in NHK’s latter half 2025 morning drama series Bakebake. As one of this year’s breakout actors, her public presence will only continue to grow.

Akari Takaishi’s dress hem got tangled, making it impossible for her to move forward, while Fumiya Takahashi (24) instinctively reached out to help from behind.