The new visual and theme song for the drama "Back Alley Hotel" (Lemino), starring 11 third-generation members of the idol group Sakurazaka46, have been released.
Set in a mysterious "back alley hotel" away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this coming-of-age fantasy depicts the growth of female guests through a mysterious "otherworldly experience" overnight. The 10-episode series will be available on Lemino Premium every Friday at noon from March 6th.
The theme song is "Natsu no Chikamichi," a song by the third-generation members, which was included in Sakurazaka46's fifth single, "Sakuratsuki," released in February 2023. As the first song by the third-generation members, the song is full of dynamism and freshness, and matches the drama of troubled women growing through a mysterious, other-worldly experience.
The comments are as follows:
◇Yuzuki Nakajima (Episode 1: "The Story of the School Trip") as Yuika Oyamauchi
<Thoughts on your first drama appearance>
When we first heard that we would be appearing in this drama, we were all very surprised. We were so grateful for the opportunity, and we wanted to live up to expectations, so we worked hard with the help of our wonderful team.
<Highlights of the drama>
I think this is a work that will allow you to learn bittersweet reality and make heartwarming discoveries in the world of "what if" that everyone has thought about at least once. There are some scenes that will make you chuckle, so I hope you enjoy it.
◇ Miu Murayama (Episode 1: "The School Trip Story") as Mari
<Thoughts on your first drama appearance>
I was honestly happy because I had thought, "I'd like to act with the third-generation members someday." Through this drama, I laughed more often and my trust in the third-generation members has grown even stronger.
<Highlights of the drama>
I think it will be even more fun if you pay attention to the props and costumes. You might find something from that time somewhere.
◇ Nagisa Kojima (Episode 2: "10 Things I Want to Come True") as Mina Kotohara
<Thoughts on your first drama appearance>
Thank you to everyone who always supports me. I am honored to have had the opportunity to have this valuable experience. I had many scenes with Ishimori and Riko, and we were able to help each other out during filming. There were some serious scenes, but I am truly happy that I was able to create such a wonderful work together with the staff.
<Highlights of the drama>
I hope you will pay attention to the theme of the contrast between reality and the past, as well as the contrasts between Sakurazaka46 and the world of the drama that are scattered throughout the film.
◇Riko Endo (Episode 2: "10 Things I Want to Come True") as Sari Akino
<Thoughts on your first drama appearance>
The more time we spend together, the closer the third-year students seem to become, so I'm very happy to have this opportunity to create something together again.
<Highlights of the drama>
There were many things that were new to us and we were a bit nervous, but I think there were some performances that were only possible because we were able to be ourselves, so I hope you'll pay attention to those moments. Also, I think there are many members who will be playing roles that will create a gap between their usual characters and their new roles. I hope you'll discover a new side of us.
◇ Ishimori Rika (Episode 2: "10 Things I Want to Make Come True") as Akino Kaori
<Thoughts on your first drama appearance>
Each of the third-generation members has a strong personality and core, and with each challenge, their trust in their teammates deepens. We worked hard to make this drama, which all 11 of us were able to take on, a big step for both us and the group.
<Highlights of the drama>
I hope you will pay attention to how the worries and lives of as many people as there are people intersect and ultimately come together to form one story.
◇Aki Taniguchi (Episode 3: "Light a Fire in Your Heart") as Suzuka Yoshii
<Thoughts on your first drama appearance>
I was really happy that all the third-year students were able to try their hand at acting!
Through this period, I feel like I have become closer to the other members.
<Highlights of the drama>
Like the third-generation members, I played a character with a strong personality, so I think it will be very interesting to watch! The role I play has a lot in common with me in real life, so I naturally grew attached to it. Be sure to check it out!
◇Murai Yu (Episode 3: "Light a Fire in Your Heart") as Noah
<Thoughts on your first drama appearance>
I was very happy that all the third generation members were able to take on the challenge of acting in a drama for the first time. I am happy that all the staff members supported Sakurazaka46 and that we were able to take on the challenge of acting for the first time in such a wonderful environment.
<Highlights of the drama>
I hope you'll pay attention to the comical exchanges with the Opossum members, which will make you chuckle. I also hope you'll pay attention to the final live performance scene, which was a wonderful scene that really touched my heart even during filming.
◇ Mio Matono(Episode 4: "Target") as Tsumugi Nishihara
<Thoughts on your first drama appearance>
It was the first time for all the third-year students to take on a drama together, and it was very stimulating, including the atmosphere and tension on set. Creating a work while supporting each other was a learning experience that was different from our usual activities.
<Highlights of the drama>
The roles were fun because there were some differences from my usual self, but also some parts that were surprisingly similar. I hope you enjoy watching the members in a different light than usual.
◇ Reina Odakura (Episode 4: "Target") as Rei Kiritani
<Thoughts on your first drama appearance>
I think that as I took on the challenge of acting for the first time, I was able to discover a new side of myself for the first time in my career. I'm happy that all the third-year students were able to create a piece together.
<Highlights of the drama>
I hope you'll pay attention to the growth of each of the 11 characters as the story progresses. Enjoy their various expressions!
◇Yamashita Tozuki (Episode 5: "The Voice of That Time") as Mochizuki Saki
<Thoughts on your first drama appearance>
First of all, I was very happy to have been given this opportunity. I don't think I would have had this experience if I had been alone, so it was a valuable time for me to take responsibility and face it seriously.
<Highlights of the drama>
This time it's a youth fantasy drama, so there are a lot of slightly mysterious and unique characters, so I hope you enjoy the different atmosphere from the usual third-year cast.
◇Mukai Junha (Episode 5: "The Voice of That Time") as Inaba Kyoka
<Thoughts on your first drama appearance>
I was very grateful but also nervous that all the third generation members would be appearing in the drama. I wanted to do my best in everything I could, hoping that it would be an opportunity for people to get to know Sakurazaka46, even just a little.
<Highlights of the drama>
I think the highlight of the drama is that it is a work that sympathizes with the worries that everyone has had at some point, so I hope you enjoy seeing how those worries and people's hearts change!
