Sakurazaka46's Aki Taniguchi Stars in Short Drama 'Agekome NOTE' – Now Streaming on SPRIX Exam Support Project's Official SNS Starting Today, June 29 (Mon)!

Springs Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Hiroyuki Tadokoro), a comprehensive education company, has launched a short drama titled 'Agekome NOTE' starring Aki Taniguchi of Sakurazaka46, as part of its 'SPRIX Exam Support Project' that encourages students with 'fun.' The series began streaming today, June 29 (Mon), on the official SNS accounts of the 'SPRIX Exam Support Project.' This marks Aki Taniguchi's first leading role. Directed by Kozo Nagayama, known for numerous acclaimed dramas, and co-starring Sorato Ookura (Gen'in wa Jibun ni Aru.) and Reia Yonekura, the drama delivers a heartwarming story that gently encourages students preparing for exams.

To commemorate the launch, a social media campaign offering prizes including original goods signed by Aki Taniguchi begins today.

Highlights of the Short Drama 'Agekome NOTE'

Five episodes depicting the real-life daily struggles of exam-takers

'Agekome NOTE' presents five episodes centered around the 'unmotivated daily life' of students and the uplifting words of encouragement—'Agekome'—they receive from others. Watch as the protagonist, Ageha, played by Aki Taniguchi, gradually grows throughout the series, and observe the evolving relationships among the characters. The cover design, decorations, and episode titles of the key prop 'Agekome NOTE' featured in the drama were all hand-drawn by Aki Taniguchi herself, adding meticulous, heartfelt details throughout.

Synopsis

—Today, too, everyone cheers me up.

High school senior Ageha Taniguchi (Aki Taniguchi) feels down again today!

She constantly faces small yet deeply troubling dilemmas of youth—

—In love, in club activities, and in studies.

Yet, these worries are often unexpectedly resolved by a simple remark from a classmate.

Cast and Supervision

Lead: Aki Taniguchi (Sakurazaka46)

[Comment] I'm Aki Taniguchi, who played the role of Ageha Taniguchi.

I realized that even on days when I feel down for no particular reason, the presence of 'Agekome' can turn the day into something wonderful.

There are many 'Agekome' moments in this drama that will make you smile from the bottom of your heart—please keep an eye out for them! Let's discover your own 'Agekome' together!

Co-stars: Sorato Ookura (Gen'in wa Jibun ni Aru.), Reia Yonekura

Supervision: Kozo Nagayama

There's such a thing as 'golden words.' Don't think of them too seriously as life guidance—just treat them as reference books for youth. Sometimes, words from a friend can be more encouraging than quotes from famous historical figures. A brief pause to reflect, then moving forward again. I'd be happy if viewers feel that way after watching the drama.

Drama Overview

Title: 'Agekome NOTE'

Streaming Start Date: June 29, 2026 (Mon)

Streaming Platforms: SPRIX Exam Support Official YouTube, TikTok, Instagram

Cast: Aki Taniguchi (Sakurazaka46), Sorato Ookura (Gen'in wa Jibun ni Aru.), Reia Yonekura

Supervision: Kozo Nagayama

Production: storyboard

Planning: SPRIX Exam Support Project

Streaming Platforms: 'SPRIX Exam Support Project' Official SNS Accounts

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sprix_goukakukigansai

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sprix_goukaku

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sprix_goukaku/

Campaign: Win Exclusive Goods Signed by Aki Taniguchi of Sakurazaka46!

To celebrate the drama's launch, a giveaway campaign begins June 29 (Mon).

The prize, a 'signed notebook,' features the same notebook used by the protagonist Ageha in the drama, with the cover text and decorations all hand-drawn by Aki Taniguchi herself—making it a special edition item.

For entry methods and details, please check the posts on the 'SPRIX Exam Support Project' official SNS accounts.

Campaign Overview

Period: June 29, 2026 (Mon) – July 19, 2026 (Sun)

Prizes: Original notebook signed by Aki Taniguchi of Sakurazaka46 (lead actress of the drama), and more

Target Accounts: 'SPRIX Exam Support Project' Official SNS Accounts

X: https://x.com/sprix_goukaku

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sprix_goukaku/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sprix_goukaku

The SPRIX Exam Support Project: 'Supporting Students with Fun!'

Centered on the theme 'Supporting Students with Fun!', the SPRIX Exam Support Project continuously supports students through entertainment content. Past initiatives include the 'SPRIX Gokaku Kigan-sai' (exam success prayer event) at Shibuya Sakura Stage and a podcast series 'SCHOOL OF LOCK! Podcast: Nagahama Honoka HinLOCKS! supported by SPRIX' in collaboration with TOKYO FM's 'SCHOOL OF LOCK!'. We hope 'Agekome NOTE' will serve as a switch to help each student shift their mindset and find joy in their daily lives, amidst their personal worries and uncertainties.

Moving forward, this project will continue delivering encouragement so that students across Japan can welcome spring with their brightest smiles.

SPRIX Exam Support Project Official Website: https://sakuragaokacho1-1.com/

Company Overview: Springs Co., Ltd.

Springs is a comprehensive education company that develops educational services and content. In Japan, it operates Morijuku, the largest individual tutoring school by average number of students per campus, and has developed and published multiple leading learning content materials. The company is also expanding globally; its International Basic Academic Skills Test 'TOFAS' is currently administered in over 50 countries, with more than 15 million test-takers to date.

Springs HP: https://sprix.inc/