A baseball novice's dramatic comeback from rock bottom: The drama 'Stove League' starring Kazuya Kamenashi begins streaming and broadcasting today.

The drama 'Stove League,' starring Kazuya Kamenashi, begins its simultaneous broadcast and streaming today, Saturday, March 28, on Lemino and WOWOW. It has been announced that Kohei Matsushita will appear as a crucial figure who holds the fate of the team's reconstruction in his hands. Along with this announcement, new scene stills have been released. 'Stove League' is a remake of the drama of the same name that aired on SBS in South Korea in 2019, recording a peak viewership rating of 20.8%. It depicts the struggles of a baseball-inexperienced General Manager (GM) and the front office staff as they attempt to rebuild a professional baseball team that has been stuck in last place for years. In the Japanese version, Kazuya Kamenashi plays Jun Sakurazaki, the new GM who pushes for bold reforms. The star-studded cast also includes Neru Nagahama, Mansai Nomura, Shono Hayama, Zen Kajihara, Masaya Kimura (INI), Itsuji Itao, Ryo Katsuji, Ayame Gouriki, and Kotaro Yoshida. The series is directed by Toichiro Ruto, known for the 'Ossan's Love' TV series and film. The production is set to be broadcast and streamed not only in Japan but also globally, including in South Korea (where the original aired), the United States, Europe, Taiwan, and various African nations. ● Kohei Matsushita joins the cast as a key figure in the team's reconstruction! ● Kohei Matsushita's appearance as a pivotal character holding the fate of the team's reconstruction has been unveiled. A comment from him has arrived to coincide with the start of the broadcast and streaming. ■ Comment from Kohei Matsushita I had always hoped to work with Kamenashi-san on a set someday, so my wish has finally come true. I feel that this production has created a 'Japanese version of Stove League' that is distinct from the Korean original. With Toichiro Ruto directing, the originality has been elevated even further. Not just myself, but many characters show different facets compared to the original, so even those who have seen the entire original series will find plenty to enjoy and discover. 'Stove League' is a work for everyone who loves sports, and at the same time, it is a work that encourages those who are working hard at something. It is packed with various emotions—the wonder of dreaming and the difficulty of not giving up. I am truly happy to have been a part of this project.

What is the meaning behind the handshake with GM Sakurazaki revealed today? In the newly released scene stills, the firm handshake with GM Sakurazaki, who is driving the team's reforms, suggests that he will become an essential presence supporting the Dreams baseball team. Please look forward to the full reveal of his role, which will be unveiled today.