Taiga Nakano co-stars with childhood friend Shotaro Mamiya

Actor Hideo Nakano expressed deep emotion on social media after watching his son, Taiga Nakano, star in the NHK Taiga drama ‘Toyotomi Kyodai!’. The emotional reaction stemmed from seeing Taiga perform alongside Shotaro Mamiya, a long-time friend who has played at the Nakano family home since childhood.

The collaboration between the two actors was the result of a ‘reverse offer’ made by Mamiya earlier this year. The two actors share a close bond, having known each other since middle school and sharing similar interests in music and art.

Hideo Nakano noted that seeing the two childhood friends acting together moved him to tears, remarking on his own sentimental nature. The name ‘Taiga’ was originally given to the actor by his father with the hope that he would one day star in a Taiga drama, a goal he has now achieved.