TOKYO —

There is a lot of buzz generating ahead of SMAP idol Takuya Kimura’s upcoming TV drama in which he plays the prime minister of Japan. The 35-year-old appeared at a press conference this week to promote “CHANGE,” in which he plays a teacher who becomes prime minister.

Kimura said, “My understanding about politics is about the same level as ordinary people. But I hope that, through this drama, more people will feel familiar with politics.”

The new drama will air from May 12 on Fuji TV network, with the theme song, “Miles Away” being sung by Madonna.

6 Comments

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  WhatJapanThinks at 08:11 AM JST - 11th April

  It's funny how both politcs and show biz are controlled by the old boy network and factions, so it's more than appropriate that a SMAPster is playing the lead role.

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  UnagiDon at 09:09 AM JST - 11th April

  a teacher who becomes prime minister

  If nothing else, this qualifies it as "fiction" - would never happen in Japan, unless said teacher is son of a former PM or cabinet minster. Kimutaku himself has a bigger chance.

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  conqueror_of_Uranus at 05:09 PM JST - 11th April

  Great, is he gonna ban bad hair days now?

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  plasticmonkey at 08:30 PM JST - 11th April

  more people will feel familiar with politics Ha ha. Japanese are already familiar with politics here, and they know what a load it is.

  Another tactic by Dentsu et al to con people into believing Japan is a "democracy", where a teacher can become prime minister. Are they thinking of Masuzoe, hotshot former professor turned hotshot TV celeb turned hotshot health minister? And future PM?

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  curlygene at 07:47 AM JST - 12th April

  Kimura said, “My understanding about politics is about the same level as ordinary people.

  Inspiring, isn't he?

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  Simon_Foston at 08:56 AM JST - 12th April

  I bet there won't be any talk of amakudari, pork barrel public works, LDP factions' backroom deals or the rural/urban voting disparity. But I'm sure they'll manage to work in the usual mix of cute kids, melodramatic shouting and rousing speeches set to "stirring" background music that's usually so loud and annoying you almost forget just how bad the rest of the show is.

  By the way, does anyone else think that "Kimtaku" sounds like something they serve up in restaurants?

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