On-Set Photos Show Kasumi Arimura in Unseasonably Tight Outfit During GIFT Shoot

Alone, cool-faced in the midst of freezing cold

In mid-February, Yokohama City experienced the coldest temperatures of the winter, with snowfall reaching two centimeters. At night, the shopping streets were completely shuttered, deserted, and wrapped in an even chillier atmosphere. Yet, in one corner, lights shone brightly and a crowd had gathered.

Almost everyone was bundled up in black hooded jackets, hats, and scarves, fully prepared for the cold. Among them, however, stood one woman alone, wearing a spring sweater and khaki pants, with a calm, cool expression. She was Kasumi Arimura (33).

On February 10, it was revealed that Arimura would appear in the April-term TBS Sunday drama GIFT, starring Shinichi Tsutsumi (61).

“This drama is set around a struggling wheelchair rugby team in parasports, depicting a story of bonds and recovery as characters clash physically and emotionally, learning the importance of friends and family. Tsutsumi plays Fumito Gotetsu, an astrophysicist with a genius-level mind and knowledge, who unexpectedly ends up leading the weak team. Arimura plays Hitoka Kiriyama, a lifestyle magazine reporter, whose encounter with the wheelchair rugby team through her reporting takes her life in an unforeseen direction” (TV magazine reporter).

Returning to the opening scene: while staff prepared for filming, Arimura stood upright with her hands in front, completely still, seemingly focused on her acting. When the director finally called, “Start!”, actor Yuki Yamada (35) in a wheelchair approached her.

Yamada appears as Ryo Miyashita, the former ace player of the struggling wheelchair rugby team. As he approached, Arimura’s previously expressionless face brightened instantly, and the two seemed to exchange a brief conversation on the spot.

This marks the first appearance in a Sunday drama for both Arimura and Yamada, though they previously co-starred in the 2013 drama Starman: Kono Hoshi no Koi (Kansai TV/Fuji TV). Speaking about his role for this work on TBS’s official YouTube channel, Yamada said:

“Ryo is so serious about wheelchair rugby that he tries to live alone it reminds me of my old self.”

Arimura responded,

“There were times like that, weren’t there?”

To which Yamada added:

“There were times like that. (Arimura-san) really knows me well.”

They emphasized their familiarity and mutual understanding.

Regarding the drama, Arimura said:

“As the title GIFT suggests, this story is about how words or actions received from someone can make you aware and lead to change. It’s a story of growth and transformation. In life, we are continuously given gifts, and I hope viewers cherish those moments as well.”

Audience attention is drawn to the passionate performances of both Arimura and Yamada.

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