An event called "Lu Bu Karma RAP Liangshanbo" (sponsored by ZIP-FM) to commemorate the broadcast and distribution of the drama series "Kitakata Kenzo Suikoden" (WOWOW/Lemino, Sundays at 10pm), starring actor Oda Yuji, was held on February 21st at Nayabashi Theater (Naka-ku, Nagoya).
The drama is based on the monumental historical epic novel "Suikoden" series (19 volumes, Shueisha Bunko) by Kenzo Kitakata. Set in China at the end of the Northern Song Dynasty (early 12th century), the story follows Song Jiang (played by Oda), who rises up in despair over the rampant corruption of the world, and the rebellion of the "outcasts" he gathers around him.
The event likened the drama's "Ryozanpaku," a gathering place for "outcasts," to modern street culture, and featured a rap battle called "RAP Ryozanpaku," in which rappers from the Nagoya and Tokai areas gathered around Lu Bu Karma and faced off with just one microphone. BC acted as the battle host, and ZIP-FM navigator Machida Kosuke acted as the MC, with eight rappers active in Nagoya taking part. They competed fiercely in a tournament format.
With words related to the drama such as "Suikoden," "Ryozanpaku," "Shi," and "Oda Yuji" popping up one after another, lnqru (Haru) emerged as the winner. Lu Bu said, "It was fun to see people who normally wouldn't interact with each other battle it out."
The second half of the event featured a live talk session with Ryofu, DJ Takanome, and Machida. Ryofu, who watched the first episode of the drama, commented, "The scale of the whole thing was epic. My name is also taken from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, so I felt a sense of affinity and was glued to the screen." He added, "Just like in this drama, our group is made up of misfits who naturally come together. Trying to change the world may be similar to what rappers do."
"Kitakata Kenzo Suikoden" will be broadcast and streamed on WOWOW and Lemino every Sunday from 10pm. Part of the event will be aired on ZIP-FM from 8pm on March 1st as a special program, "Serial Drama Kitakata Kenzo Suikoden Presents Lu Bu Karma RAP Liangshanpo." It will be available to listen to on radiko Time Free until March 8th.
