Production press conference of TBS Spring 2017 drama "Final Fantasy XIV Hikari no Otousan"

The production press conference of TBS Spring 2017 drama "Final Fantasy XIV Hikari no Otousan" was held on 23 February which was attended by the director Noguchi Teruo and cast members including Chiba Yuudai and Baba Fumika. This is the first drama based on the popular game "Final Fantasy" series and features the true story of how a father and his son grow closer thanks to this game. Oosugi Ren will be playing Hakutaro, the father of the lead character Akio played by Chiba. The original material of this drama comes from a blog titled "Gekikakusatsu SS Nikki" by a person named Mighty which describes how his father who is more than 60 years old, suddenly becomes interested in playing Final Fantasy XIV. In order to get closer to his father and repair their rocky relationship, Mighty hides his identity to get closer to his father in the online gaming world where they go through adventures and try to understand each other as fellow gamers.

With regard to his first collaboration with Oosugi, Chiba said that he always had the impression that Oosugi looked quite fierce and scary based on what he saw in his dramas. However, Oosugi put him at ease very quickly and even showed him magic tricks in a very charming way. Although the number of cast and staff members for this drama is quite small, there is always an endless supply of snacks from the cast such as salad made by Ishino Mako who plays Chiba's mother in the drama and Oosugi arranging for a soba restaurant to come to the set.

As Oosugi was absent from the event due to a scheduling conflict, he prepared a video message in advance and praised his "son" Chiba for being good-looking and full of energy. In response, Chiba said that he was very thankful and honoured to have Oosugi and Ishino play his parents and hopes to be able to convey the happy atmosphere during the filming to the viewers through this drama.

It was also announced during the event that GLAY will be singing the theme song "the other end of the globe" which they wrote specifically for this drama. As for the ending theme, SILENT SIREN will be singing the song "AKANE".

The drama will begin its run on MBS from 16 April at 12.50am on Sundays followed by from 18 April at 1.28am on Tuesdays via TBS.

Source: Eiga.com