Travis Japan's Matsuda Genta stars in 'Hadakanboutachi' drama premiere with unexpected guest

Travis Japan member Matsuda Genta takes the lead role in the television drama 'Hadakanboutachi' (テレビ朝日系, Saturday 11:00 PM), which premiered on October 3, 2026, adapting Naoki Prize-winning author Ekuni Kaori's novel of the same name. The story centers on Sabazaki Ryo (Matsuda), a shoemaker who approaches women of interest regardless of their relationship status, depicting forbidden adult triangular relationships marked by jealousy, calculation, and desire.

The premiere episode opens with an intimate scene within ten seconds, establishing the protagonist's dangerous charm. Matsuda's toned physique and melancholic expression appear early in the broadcast, followed by a shower scene that gained social media attention. The narrative progresses as Sabazaki encounters Tsutsui Momo (Kato Rosa), a 10-year-older dentist, at a crosswalk. Unaware that Momo is engaged to Ishiha Taku (Takaki Yuya, Hey! Say! JUMP), Sabazaki pursues her. By the episode's conclusion, the two share their first kiss, with Sabazaki pushing Momo down, establishing the forbidden romance that drives the series.

A notable guest appearance occurs when Asano Shishi (Itaya Yuka), a character from the 2024 spring drama 'Tokyo Tower'—another Ekuni adaptation featuring Matsuda—appears as a customer at Sabazaki's shoe shop. Despite both actors appearing in 'Tokyo Tower,' they did not share scenes in the original broadcast, making this crossover a significant callback for fans of both series. Matsuda and Itaya previously worked on the same production team, and Itaya expressed that she wished to have acted alongside Matsuda more during this reunion.

The supporting cast includes Takezawa Akane as Hotta Kyoko, Momo's best friend and mother of three, and the ensemble explores themes of adult desire, infidelity, and moral ambiguity. Cast members noted in interviews that while Sabazaki appears contemptible on the surface, his character possesses unexpected depth and sincerity, particularly in his feelings toward Momo. The drama airs Saturdays at 11:00 PM on the Asahi Television network.