Press conference of new NHK drama SP "Aozora Cut"

The press conference of new NHK drama SP "Aozora Cut" was held at NHK Osaka on 12 March which was attended by the lead Hayashi Kento. The drama SP was shown at 10pm on 15 March.

The drama which is set in Nishinari Ward of Osaka City, features Hayashi as a hairstylist who returns to Japan from Paris after receiving news of his mother's demise. However, this marks the start of clashes with his father (Yoshida Kotaro) who operates a beauty salon. Through the conflicts, the two of them gradually come to terms with their differences and the son rediscovers the charm of the town where he was born and raised. Kawaei Rina plays an employee at the salon.

Hayashi recounted that there was a scene where the father and son were fighting and Yoshida whispered to his ear before the filming not to hold back which greatly impressed him. In order to reflect the Osaka elements in the story, Hayashi even did things such as singing a song from the late Yashiki Takajin. As for playing a hairstylist, Hayashi went through training 2 weeks before the filming started. He had to go to a salon at Takatsuki City, Osaka after it closed for the day and train from 7pm to 11pm which led to him cutting his left hand many times by accident.

Sources: Yomiuri Hochi / Sponichi