It has been revealed that actress Shiraishi Sei will play the heroine who partners with the protagonist played by Ryosuke Yamada in the drama series "Ichijigen no Sashiki" (One-Dimensional Cutting), which will start on July 5th (Yomiuri TV/Nippon TV, Sundays at 10:30 PM).
The film is based on the novel of the same name by Ryunosuke Matsushita, which won the 2025 Bunko Grand Prix in Takarajimasha's "This Mystery is Amazing!" competition. Yamada plays Nanase Yu, a graduate student studying genetics who can't forget his stepsister, Shiyo, who went missing in a torrential downpour, and believes she is still alive. One day, his mentor, Professor Iwamizaki Akihiko, asks him to perform DNA testing on a 200-year-old human skeleton unearthed at Lake Rupukund in India, and he discovers that the DNA of the skeleton matches that of his missing stepsister, Shiyo, 100%. The DNA match, the mysterious deaths of those involved, the stolen human skeleton, the vanished memories of the past... everything begins to connect in a single thread.
Shiraishi, who garnered attention for her excellent performance in "BROTHERS IN ARMS （Toyotomi Brothers!）", will be making her first drama appearance as Ishimizaki Yui, the niece of Ishimizaki Akihiko, the professor at the research lab where the protagonist Nanase Yu, played by Yamada, works. She interacts with Yu, who is not good at socializing, without hesitation, and eventually joins him in pursuing the mystery of the DNA match.
Shiraishi said, "Yui is a character who acts together with Yu and gets closer to the truth of the mystery. She is fearless and has aspects that are the opposite of Yu, so I would like to bring out those aspects as well in the sense of camaraderie between them. She is a character that I am looking forward to playing, so I would like to carefully build up each emotion as I play her."
The drama series "One-Dimensional Cuttings" will air every Sunday at 10:30 PM starting July 5th.
◇Comment from Sei Shiraishi
--Please tell us your honest reaction when you heard about the offer to appear in the show.
I was so happy. When I read the original work, there were so many descriptions that made me think, "What does this mean?" and kept me on the edge of my seat, making me want to keep reading. So I was really excited to be able to actually perform it and enter that world.
--What is the role of Yui that you play, Ms. Shiraishi? Are there any similarities between her and yourself?
Yui's role is to work alongside Yuu and get closer to the truth behind the mystery. She's not easily intimidated, which is the opposite of Yuu, so I hope to bring that out in the buddy dynamic between them. She's a character I'm looking forward to playing, so I'll try to portray each emotion carefully.
--Please tell us what you are looking forward to and what you would like to keep in mind during future filming.
I think that when viewers see the finished footage, they'll realize things like, "Oh, so that's how this character was moving!" So, in that sense, I'm looking forward to deepening my understanding along with the viewers. There are also original characters created for the drama, so I think that even those who have already read the original work will find a new depth in "One-Dimensional Cutting," which I'm very excited about.
--In keeping with the title "One-Dimensional Cuttings," the visuals feature a variety of flowers. Do you have a favorite flower or plant, Ms. Shiraishi?
I love osmanthus flowers. Their scent makes me feel the arrival of autumn, and it reminds me of the path I walked to and from school when I was in elementary school. It makes me feel a little nostalgic and sentimental.
--Many more cast members will be announced in the future. You can't reveal who they are yet, but is there anything you're looking forward to about filming with your co-stars?
I'm most looking forward to seeing what kind of performances everyone will deliver. I'm excited to actually face each other on set and build relationships and atmosphere in the moment, so I can't wait to get on set.
--Please share your enthusiasm for this project, "One-Dimensional Cuttings," and a message for the viewers who are looking forward to the drama!
I think even those who have already read the original work will be able to enjoy it from a new perspective, and I would be happy if everyone could discuss it together and create excitement on social media.
◇Comment from producer Takashi Nakayama (Yomiuri Television)
Suddenly, a woman appears... Shiraishi Sei will play Iwamizaki Yui, who, along with the protagonist Yu (played by Ryosuke Yamada), will pursue a "mystery that transcends 200 years." I am truly glad that Shiraishi-san is playing this role of Yui. I think about that every day. I have nothing but gratitude and respect for her.
The way she tries to face Yui with sincerity, honesty, care, and sensitivity. The way she seems to be thinking about Yui all the time. The way she always gives her all to make Yui a captivating character. I see these aspects of Shiraishi-san reflected in Yui. A person who can think of others. A person who never gives up until the very end for the sake of others. I'm sure Yui is this kind of woman.
Throughout the story, Yui shows many different sides of herself. Every single one of them is endearing. Adorable. I'm sure you'll all feel the same way. Yu and Yui. More than just buddies, they have a unique relationship. I can't wait to see what kind of story they'll weave together.
On July 5th, a tumultuous story unfolds that will keep you glued to the screen every second.
