Keyakizaka46 to star in new NTV drama "Zankoku na Kankyakutachi"

Keyakizaka46 will be starring in the new NTV drama "Zankoku na Kankyakutachi" (The cruel audience) which will begin its run from 17 May in the Wednesdays 12.59am timeslot. This will be the idol group's first leading role in a NTV drama. The concept and original material is from Akimoto Yasushi while the scriptwriter and director is Yajima Kouichi.

The story is set in the near future where in a bid to protect one's privacy, the names of the teachers and students are not revealed to one another in schools. Under such conditions, 21 female senior high school students suddenly find themselves being confined within their classroom and the only way out is to earn as many "likes" as possible from the "audience" tuning in to the live feed from their classroom which shows what they are doing. This causes confusion within the confined space and the classmates start to doubt one another while striving to get out of the classroom safely by resorting to various things to earn the favour of the audience.

Member Hirate Yurina said that one of the biggest selling points of this drama would be seeing Keyakizaka46's members in a different light as they usually have a cool image. Although they had difficulties with acting, they tried their best to overcome the challenges together and deal with the apprehension they felt. With regard to her character Hayama Yuzuki, Hirate said that the similarity between herself and Yuzuki is that they are both quite particular about food so she felt a sense of familiarity while playing this character.

The theme song of the drama will be Keyakizaka46's song "Eccentric" which was included in the normal edition of their latest single "Fukyouwaon" released on 5 April. The drama will also be shown via Hulu once it finishes its run on NTV.

Sources: Eiga.com / Oricon