Yamashita Tomohisa has been confirmed to appear in NTV’s upcoming television drama Oretachi no Hakone Ekiden, which stars Oizumi Yo in the leading role. The series is based on the novel of the same name by renowned author Ikeido Jun and is scheduled to air in October 2026.
Set against the backdrop of the iconic Hakone Ekiden relay race, the drama takes a distinctive approach by shifting focus away from the competition alone and toward the behind-the-scenes efforts involved in broadcasting the event live. The story portrays the dedication of a television production team as they navigate unexpected incidents while delivering over 14 hours of live coverage across two days, alongside the intense struggles and determination of athletes and coaches striving to overcome overwhelming odds.
While the original novel centers on the track and field club of Meisei Gakuin University, the television adaptation was restructured at Ikeido Jun’s request to place the television station at the heart of the narrative. This change allows the drama to explore not only the physical challenges faced by student athletes, but also the pressure, responsibility, and resilience required of those working behind the cameras.
Oizumi Yo plays Tokushige Ryo, the chief producer at Dainichi Television, the broadcaster in charge of the Hakone Ekiden live transmission. His character stands at the forefront of decision-making during the high-stakes broadcast. Yamashita Tomohisa portrays Kai Masato, a former Hakone Ekiden runner who becomes the new coach of a university track team, drawing on his past experiences as he guides the athletes through adversity.
By intertwining the journeys of competitors on the course with the struggles of the broadcasting team, Oretachi no Hakone Ekiden presents a multifaceted portrayal of the event, highlighting the collective passion and commitment that sustain one of Japan’s most celebrated sporting traditions.
