Kota Nomura Appears as Adult Toru Kazama! "Another Crayon Shin-chan: The Kettle Family!" Season 2

The Coca-Cola System is currently releasing "Another Crayon Shin-chan: The Kettle Family!" (hereinafter, "The Kettle Family!"), a live-action short film series for "Yakan no Mugicha from Sokenbicha" (hereinafter, "Yakan no Mugicha"), which offers the authentic taste of barley tea brewed in a kettle. Starting in April this year, Season 2 has begun with a new "troublesome yet beloved family story."

Episode 2, "Kazama-kun's Troubles!" features new cast member, actor Kota Nomura, as the adult Kazama-kun, and will be released on Thursday, May 14th.

Fans of "The Kettle Family!" have eagerly anticipated the appearance of Kazama-kun, a member of the Kasukabe Defense Force, and he has finally arrived!

"The Kettle Family!" is an original short film series set in the Nohara family's home from "Crayon Shin-chan," depicting the casual everyday scenes of a family living brightly through any era.

In the first episode of Season 2, released in April, Shinnosuke, who had been living alone in the city, returned to his hometown Kasukabe due to a transfer. His family gathered to welcome him on his moving day, depicting the "troublesome yet beloved" daily life typical of the Nohara family.

In addition to the Nohara family cast reuniting, the existence of a new cast member was hinted at in the last scene of Episode 1 through distinctive hair and a Moe-P sticker, leading to many comments on social media such as, "Kazama-kun is finally appearing!?" and "Who will play Kazama-kun..?!"

In the latest episode, Season 2 Episode 2, Toru Kazama (25 years old), a member of the Kasukabe Defense Force known for his elite aspirations and self-confidence, is played by actor Kota Nomura, who continues to appear in popular works.

The story unfolds from the scene where Shinnosuke barges into Kazama-kun's house, where Kazama-kun is using English in an online meeting. Through the interactions of Shinnosuke and Kazama-kun, who reunite after a long time, their unchanging relationship as adults and the gradually evolving distance between them are depicted.

Furthermore, Mineko, Kazama-kun's mother, played by singer and actor Yoko Minamino, makes a surprise appearance. And at the end, a meaningful development leading to Episode 3 is also prepared, so you won't be able to take your eyes off the future story.

Episode 2 is the first time a new "troublesome yet beloved family story" featuring the Kazama parent-child duo is depicted, in addition to the existing Nohara family. Furthermore, with the appearance of members of the Kasukabe Defense Force, please look forward to developments that allow the story to expand.

<Filming Episode>

Filming for Episode 2 took place in a new atmosphere with the addition of new cast members. When Nomura-san, playing the adult Kazama-kun, appeared, staff exclaimed, "It's Kazama-kun!" and "His sharp hairstyle and suit look great!", instantly boosting the team's unity.

Also, Takahashi-san and Nomura-san have co-starred in recent works, and there was a relaxed conversation between them during breaks in filming. Kazama-kun retorted to Shinnosuke's unchanging high spirits with a somewhat exasperated tone. Their chemistry conveyed their harmonious relationship.

The set, where a unique interaction different from before emerged with the appearance of the adult Kazama-kun, was filled with a warm atmosphere throughout the filming.

<Interview (excerpt)>

— (To Nomura-san) There were scenes where you spoke English and scenes where you didn't flinch even when Shinnosuke blew air into your ear. Please tell us what you were conscious of, what you enjoyed, and what was difficult while playing the role of "Kazama-kun."

Nomura-san: For this work, I watched the anime for hours, even leaving it on while sleeping. I tried to incorporate (Kazama-kun's) way of speaking while being careful not to lose my own "Kota Nomura-ness," hoping to achieve that kind of phrasing. Also, I was very happy to co-star with Fumiya (Takahashi)-kun again so soon after working together on another project, and it was a lot of fun to approach the filming while reminiscing.

— (To Takahashi-san) Please tell us about any memorable episodes from the filming set or scenes with Nomura-san.

Takahashi-san: In one scene we filmed, where I blew into his ear and Kazama-kun blocked it, I felt, "Ah, he's grown up," and also (in a good way) "They've both grown up." Last time, it was just the Nohara family, so it was wonderful that a member of the Kasukabe Defense Force joined us as an adult, and it was Nomura-kun, who I had just worked with for several months. I felt a sense of childhood friendship, a relationship that only we could create.