Sakuma Daisuke celebrates his first lead role in a TV anime

Sakuma Daisuke, member of the nine-member group Snow Man, made his debut as the lead in a TV anime. It was at the presentation event for Kaze wo Tsugu Mono -Hajimari-, the film version screening in theaters for two weeks from November 13, which was also attended by voice actors Kaji Yuki and Kase Yasuyuki.

When Kaji reminded him that his name appears first in the credits, Sakuma responded with a "Thank you so much!" and a smile that lit up the stage. And for good reason: it's the first time he heads the cast of an animated series.

The work is an original production by Aniplex, Live2D, and Drive. Set in the Shinsengumi, it blends Live2D with traditional cel animation to tell the fleeting youth of characters living through a turbulent era. An unusual formal approach, even more so in a genre like jidaigeki.

A fan among his idols

Sakuma is known for his love of anime, and he didn't hide it at the event. He spoke enthusiastically about the team and the cast, and Kaji was quick to tease him: "So far, everything that's been said is just otaku Sakuma Daisuke's comments." Beside him, the singer still couldn't hide his amazement: "Isn't it incredible? They're all people who have starred in series!"

The first recording session brought the entire cast together. Sakuma recalled it with a comparison that drew laughs from the audience: "The moment I walked in, there were only familiar faces. Just from hearing their voices, I've listened to them more times than my own mother."

Kaji also wanted to highlight Sakuma's journey as a voice actor and noted that he landed the lead role after passing an audition.

The TV series will air starting January 2027 within the Agaru Anime block on CBC and TBS, Sundays at 11:30 p.m.