Ryoma Takeuchi’s Cool Factor Shines in Behind-the-Scenes Look at TBS October Drama

“Wake up, men!”

A man stands firmly before women waving glitter-decorated uchiwa fans with the name Katsuo Ebihara written on them. That man is actor Ryoma Takeuchi (32).

In fact, this was filming for the TBS October drama “Then Why Don’t You Try Making It Yourself.”

“Filming took place in mid-July on a sidewalk near the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Dressed like a salaryman, Takeuchi stood in front of a group of young women holding banners and uchiwa reading ‘The strongest prince who brings victory—Katsuo Ebihara is the only one!’ He faced actress Kaho (34) across from him. Many foreign tourists were nearby, watching curiously,” said a bystander.

The drama is a live-action adaptation of Natsuko Taniguchi’s manga of the same name, which has sold over 400,000 copies. Kaho plays Ayumi Yamagishi, a woman who, after living a lover-first life in romance, has lost sight of herself. Takeuchi plays Katsuo Ebihara, a man with a chauvinistic mindset who believes cooking is a woman’s job. The two have been dating since university, and at the beginning of the story, Katsuo proposes to Ayumi. But her shocking reply is “No.” This breakup sets the stage for both of them to reevaluate what’s “normal” in a romantic comedy about rediscovery.

Since the announcement of their co-starring roles, the drama has become one of the most anticipated works of the fall season.

In the opening scene, Takeuchi as Ebihara exudes confidence as if he were an idol, basking in the cheers of women. Facing him, Kaho as Ayumi suddenly darkens his expression, creating a dramatic shift.

“It probably seemed like either a fantasy or dream sequence of the main character. All Takeuchi did was stand there, but onlookers were saying things like, ‘His proportions are amazing!’ and ‘He looks super cool surrounded by women.’”

For Takeuchi, this marks his first starring role in a TBS drama in about six years, since “Ship of Theseus.” He commented:

“I wondered why they approached me for this role. But when I read it, I felt like my inner thoughts were being peeked into (laughs). It made me think I should reconsider the things I usually say or do. It’s a really interesting theme—like saying, ‘Men, wake up!’” (from the TBS website)

The drama may reveal a new side of Takeuchi that audiences have never seen before.

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