Yo Oizumi to star in ‘Ore-tachi no Hakone Ekiden’ drama

Nippon TV is set to premiere the drama ‘Ore-tachi no Hakone Ekiden’ on October 10, starring Yo Oizumi. Based on the novel by Jun Ikeido, the series explores two parallel narratives: the challenges faced by the Meisei Gakuin University track and field club as they strive to qualify for the Hakone Ekiden, and the behind-the-scenes struggles of the television crew broadcasting the event.

The premiere episode will feature an extended 40-minute broadcast. The cast includes Ito Sairi as center director Natsuki Miyamoto and Yamashita Tomohisa as coach Masato Kai. The story highlights the tension between traditional broadcasting values and the pressure for high viewership ratings.

To promote the series, a large-scale advertising campaign has launched on the JR Yamanote Line. From October 1 to 15, an entire 11-car E235 series train will be fully wrapped in drama-themed visuals, including posters, digital signage, and special promotional videos shown on interior monitors.