The final episode of the drama series "DREAM STAGE" (TBS, Fridays at 10 PM), starring actor Tomoya Nakamura, aired on March 13th. The ending for Azuma (Nakamura) and "NAZE" brought viewers to tears.
◇The following contains spoilers.
Azuma, who was reported in weekly magazines and other publications for allegedly harassing "NAZE," declared, "If I'm around, NAZE will also be criticized. So I'm going to disappear," and vanished from public view.
Meanwhile, NAZE and Suisei (Elaiza Ikeda) try to figure out how to get Azuma back. Remembering that Azuma once said, "If you can fill the National Stadium, I'll do whatever you want," the members decide to aim for a live performance at the National Stadium. In search of clues to attracting 80,000 spectators, they review the footage Azuma has filmed so far.
In the video, Azuma said, "Continuing to do what you love isn't always fun. But nothing is meaningless. In the midst of hitting walls, not getting results, and feeling like it's all pointless, something is slowly but surely building up. And that accumulation is what creates a weapon that only that person possesses." Azuma further revealed his strong feelings for NAZE, saying, "Those guys have incredible potential. I want to keep telling them to aim higher and higher until all that potential is unleashed."
Touched by Azuma's passionate feelings, the members' desire for him to return grew stronger.
In the final scene, Azuma rushes to NAZE's National Stadium concert. After seeing the band members on stage, Azuma is shown resolving, saying, "They've shown me a huge dream. Now it's my turn. I'll go, to the stage of this ridiculously huge dream."
On social media, comments included: "Dream Stage is over. I cried during the final episode," "The bond between Azuma and NAZE is so touching!", "I cried so much," and "DREAM STAGE was amazing!"
