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 broadcast and streaming run today, March 28 (Sat), on Lemino and WOWOW. It has been announced that Kohei Matsushita will appear in the series as a pivotal character who holds the key to the team's reconstruction. Along with this announcement, new scene stills have been released. 'Stove League' is a remake of the Korean drama of the same name that aired on SBS in 2019, achieving a peak viewership rating of 20.8%. The story 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 is perpetually in last place. 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 films. 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! A key figure in the team's reconstruction? ● Kohei Matsushita has been revealed as a crucial figure who holds the fate of the team's reconstruction in his hands. 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 an acting project, 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 is elevated even further. Not just myself, but many of the 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.

The meaning of the handshake with GM Sakurazaki, revealed today In the newly released scene stills, the firm handshake between him and GM Sakurazaki, who is driving the team's reform, suggests 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.