The drama "Stove League" starring Kamenashi Kazuya will air on March 28, featuring a cast of notable actors and a gripping storyline.

The drama "Stove League," starring Kamenashi Kazuya, has been decided to be broadcast and streamed all at once on Lemino and WOWOW starting March 28 (Saturday). Additionally, the appearances of additional cast members Hayama Shono, Kajiwara Zen, Kimura Masaya (INI), and Katsuchi Ryo have been announced, and the key visuals and character relationship chart have been released. "Stove League" is a Japanese remake of the same-named human drama that aired on Korean SBS in 2019, which caused a social phenomenon. It depicts the struggles of a general manager (GM) with no baseball experience as he challenges the reconstruction of a professional baseball team that has been in last place for years, focusing on the offseason operations of the team’s front office. The Korean version recorded a highest rating of 20.8% and won numerous awards, including the Drama of the Year at the 56th Baeksang Arts Awards, known as the Golden Globe of Korea. In the Japanese remake, Kamenashi Kazuya plays the new GM of the struggling team "Dreams," Sakurazaki Jun, who pushes for bold reforms despite his lack of baseball experience. Nagahama Neru plays the editorial department head, Makita Risa, who supports Sakurazaki, while Nomura Mansai plays the team president, Negishi So, who stands in Sakurazaki's way. New cast members include Hayama Shono, Kajiwara Zen, Rokaku Shinji, Mori Yusaku, Nakagawa Haruki, Ito Shuko, and Nagano Munenori, who will portray the team’s management staff surrounding Sakurazaki. Additionally, it has been revealed that the coach leading the perennial last-place team "Dreams" will be Itao Sōji. The player roster includes Katsuchi Ryo, Kaku So, Tani Kyosuke, Sato Yuki, and Cha Juno (from DRIPPIN) from Korea, among others. Furthermore, Masahiro Kohmoto has been confirmed to play the GM of the rival team, the Vikings, with a cameo by Ha Do-gwon from the original Korean drama. Sakurazaki's past is intertwined with his brother, played by Kimura Masaya (INI), and his ex-wife, played by Akiko Yada. Additionally, Ayame Gōriki has been cast as Makita's sister. New cast members have also been added to the owner company of the "Dreams" team, with Yoshida Kōtarō as the chairman and Yasui Junpei as the chairman's son. A luxurious cast spanning generations and genres has gathered. The character relationship chart has been released, revealing the complex relationships among the front office, coach, players, family, and owner company surrounding Sakurazaki. As various characters' emotions intertwine, the story centers on GM Sakurazaki and how it unfolds. Attention is drawn to the battles before the season opens. ■ Work Overview Drama "Stove League" starts on Lemino and WOWOW on March 28, 2026 (Saturday) at 13:00, consisting of 8 episodes. Cast: Kamenashi Kazuya, Nagahama Neru, Hayama Shono, Kajiwara Zen, Kimura Masaya (INI), Itao Sōji, Katsuchi Ryo, Kohmoto Masahiro, Gōriki Ayame, Yoshida Kōtarō, Nomura Mansai, etc. Directors: Ruto Tōichirō ("Ossan's Love," "Billion x School," "Gokushufudo," etc.), Matsushita Toshiya ("My Boss Became My Superior," "Billion x School," etc.), Tsukada Meru ("It's Too Difficult to Love a Young Master," "Billion x School," etc.). Screenwriters: Yoshitaka Toshio ("Midnight Yatai," etc.), Nakamura Yoshitoshi ("Re: Revenge - At the End of Desire," etc.). Music: Miyazaki Makoto ("Billion x School," "SPY x FAMILY," "One Punch Man," etc.). (C) FANY Studio <Synopsis> A reversal drama depicting the hot and calm course of team building! The professional baseball team "Dreams," which has been in last place for years, faces factional disputes and repeated defensive mistakes among players... its internal state was on the verge of collapse. Entrusted with the reconstruction of "Dreams" is the general manager Sakurazaki Jun, who has no baseball experience. Although he lacks competitive experience, he is known as a "victory contractor" who has led multiple sports teams to championships. Sakurazaki confronts players and the front office to tackle the root of the problems, introducing unconventional reforms one after another. His first decision was... the trade of the star player, who symbolizes the team. What does victory mean? What does a team mean? He faces these questions, involving not only the players but also the team staff.