In the heart of Tokyo’s iconic Shibuya district, where neon lights and bustling crowds define urban Japan, a star-studded surprise unfolded on September 2, 2025. Renowned actor Masaki Suda, alongside talented co-stars Fumi Nikaido and Ryunosuke Kamiki, made an unexpected appearance to promote their upcoming Fuji TV drama. This guerrilla-style event not only caused a momentary frenzy among passersby but also highlighted the enduring appeal of Japanese entertainment to global audiences. If you’re a fan of J-dramas, celebrity surprises, or 1980s nostalgia, this story is a must-read. Let’s dive into the details of this exciting promotion and what it means for the new series.
The Thrilling Surprise Event in Shibuya
(Oricon)
Shibuya, often called the “Times Square of Tokyo,” is no stranger to excitement. On a sunny noon, a mobile vehicle pulled up beside Shibuya PARCO, a landmark shopping complex known for its fashion and cultural vibes. As curious onlookers began to gather, Masaki Suda (32), Fumi Nikaido (30), and Ryunosuke Kamiki (32) stepped out, catching everyone off guard. The trio was there to distribute special “extra” newspapers—a traditional Japanese promotional tactic akin to exclusive flyers—announcing their new drama, If This World Were a Stage, Where Would the Dressing Room Be? (original Japanese title: Moshimo Kono Yo ga Butai Nara, Rakuya wa Doko ni Aru Darou).
The crowd’s initial reaction was one of stunned silence. Passersby froze, unable to process the sight of these A-list celebrities in their midst. Undeterred by the awkward atmosphere, the stars posed for commemorative photos with the extras in hand before diving into distribution. What followed was pure chaos: fans and curious locals swarmed them, creating a brief panic. In under five minutes, all 400 copies (including those for staff) were gone. This kind of spontaneous celebrity interaction is rare even in star-filled Tokyo, making it a memorable moment that quickly went viral on social media.
For international readers unfamiliar with Japanese pop culture, such “guerrilla” promotions are a fun, high-energy way to build hype. They draw from Japan’s tradition of direct fan engagement, contrasting with more scripted Western red-carpet events. This event respected cultural norms by keeping things light-hearted and inclusive, ensuring no one felt excluded despite the crowd’s enthusiasm.
Stars Share Their Excitement and Humorous Anecdotes
After the whirlwind distribution, the actors reflected on the experience with genuine warmth and humor—qualities that endear Japanese celebrities to fans worldwide. Masaki Suda, beaming with satisfaction, described it as “fresh and over in a flash.” He added, “It was such an interesting experience; I wanted to stroll around more, but way more people showed up than expected. Since Shibuya is the drama’s setting, distributing the extras here felt perfect.” His words capture the spontaneous joy of the moment, blending promotion with personal enjoyment.
Fumi Nikaido echoed the sentiment, expressing gratitude: “I was eager to share this work with everyone soon. Shibuya is so energetic—everyone was bright and gave me a boost of energy.” Her comments highlight the reciprocal vibe between stars and fans in Japan, where public interactions often feel like a shared celebration. Ryunosuke Kamiki, looking a bit wistful, noted, “It’s tough to directly promote a drama we’re in, so I wished we could have handed out more. It was insanely fun!”
The trio’s anecdotes added a layer of relatability. As the crowd engulfed them, Suda admitted with a wry smile, “I got worried when the other two vanished from sight.” Nikaido, with her signature humor, recalled, “Everyone zipped past me, charging straight at Suda-kun. I thought, ‘Stars really are on another level,’ but then I stepped forward like, ‘Hey, look at me!'” These light-hearted stories humanize the celebrities, making them accessible to non-native fans who might view Japanese idols as distant figures.
Unveiling the Drama: A Nostalgic Journey to 1980s Shibuya
At the core of this buzz is the drama itself, marking a significant milestone in Japanese television. Written by acclaimed playwright and director Koki Mitani (64), this is his first script for a prime-time commercial TV series in 25 years. Mitani, famous for witty comedies like Furuhata Ninzaburo and The Uchoten Hotel, infuses the story with semi-autobiographical elements, creating a completely original narrative.
Set in 1984 Shibuya during Japan’s economic bubble era, the series is a vibrant youth ensemble drama exploring themes of ambition, creativity, and self-discovery. The title poetically questions life’s theatrical nature, drawing from Shakespeare’s “All the world’s a stage” while adding a uniquely Japanese twist—wondering about the “dressing room” as a metaphor for hidden truths and backstage realities.
Masaki Suda stars as Mitsunari Kube, a passionate young theater enthusiast dreaming of success. Fumi Nikaido portrays a mysterious dancer, bringing enigma and grace to the role. Ryunosuke Kamiki embodies a rookie broadcast writer inspired by a young Mitani, adding meta layers to the storytelling. Rounding out the main cast is Minami Hamabe (25) as a serene shrine maiden in a quiet Shibuya temple, contrasting the district’s chaotic energy.
Suda promoted the show enthusiastically: “It’s based on the sights Mitani-san witnessed in 1980s Shibuya, with theater as a major theme, confronting the art of acting head-on.” He promised, “It features energetic characters who match today’s Shibuya vibe, sure to chase away any summer heat.” For global viewers, this drama offers a window into Japan’s transformative 1980s, a time of booming youth culture, fashion revolutions, and artistic experimentation.
Why This Drama Appeals to an International Audience
Japanese dramas, or J-dramas, have gained massive popularity worldwide thanks to streaming platforms like Netflix and Viki, introducing stories rich in emotion, humor, and cultural depth. If This World Were a Stage… stands out for its blend of nostalgia and modernity. Mitani’s return after a quarter-century hiatus is a big draw—his works often mix clever dialogue with profound insights, appealing to fans of intelligent storytelling.
The cast adds star power: Masaki Suda, known internationally for roles in The Boy and the Beast and Gintama, brings charisma and versatility. Fumi Nikaido’s acclaimed performances in films like Himizu showcase her depth, while Ryunosuke Kamiki’s voice work in anime hits like Your Name and Spirited Away makes him a global favorite. Minami Hamabe, fresh from Godzilla Minus One, adds youthful energy.
Culturally, the drama sensitively portrays Shibuya’s evolution. In the 1980s, it was a hub for subcultures like punk and pop, symbolizing Japan’s post-war renaissance. Today, it’s a global icon for kawaii culture and technology. This series bridges generations, inviting non-native viewers to explore Japanese history without overwhelming jargon.
Shibuya: More Than Just a Backdrop
Shibuya isn’t just a setting; it’s a character in itself. Famous for the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing, it represents Japan’s dynamic blend of tradition and innovation. In 1984, amid the bubble economy, it buzzed with arcades, discos, and aspiring artists—much like the drama’s protagonists. Visiting Shibuya today, international tourists can experience echoes of that era at spots like the Hachiko statue or PARCO, blending shopping with cultural immersion.
This promotion cleverly tied the past and present, distributing extras in the very location that inspired the story. It’s a reminder of how Japanese media often honors real-life places, encouraging respectful tourism.
Final Thoughts: Anticipation Builds for a Theatrical Triumph
Masaki Suda’s Shibuya surprise wasn’t just a promo stunt—it was a heartfelt connection between stars and fans, sparking global interest in If This World Were a Stage, Where Would the Dressing Room Be? Premiering October 1, 2025, this drama promises laughter, introspection, and a nostalgic escape. Whether you’re a longtime J-drama enthusiast or new to the genre, mark your calendars.
