2025 is going to be a big year for Travis Japan! Not only do Chaka and Machu have starring roles, now it’s been announced Kaito ‘ Umi’ Nakamura (中村海人) will star alongside WEST.’s Tomohiro Kamiyama (神山 智洋) in the new comedy / dramaMidnight Yatai ~La Bonno~ (ミッドナイト屋台).

Kamiyama is skilled French chef who has lost his sense of taste while Nakamura is a dropout monk with a keen sense of taste…

It sounds hysterical!

How did you feel when you received the offer?
This is my first time playing a monk, and I was excited about the opportunity to transform into a completely new version of myself. I also felt that it would be a valuable experience for my acting career. At first, I was actually hoping I’d have to shave my head for the role, but then I learned that it depends on the sect, which was a little disappointing. Memorizing the sutras seems like it will be a challenge, but since I’ve heard that they are chanted with deep gratitude and meaning, I want to make sure I recite them with sincerity.

Your character, Terumoto, starts a yatai (food stall). Do you cook in real life?
I recently decided to start dieting, and after some recommendations from my group members, I tried making miso soup for the first time the other day. I went out and bought a pot, bowls, and even a tool to dissolve the miso, but I completely forgot to buy a ladle… So when I tried pouring the soup from the pot into my bowl, it ended up splashing everywhere! But—the miso soup was so delicious that I couldn’t resist eating it with a bowl of white rice. That experience made me realize how amazing it feels to cook something yourself.

Do you have any memories related to food stalls?
I remember the yatai at my local festival when I was a kid. There was a stall selling something similar to pan-fried dumplings, where a meat-filled dough was wrapped in flour-based skin and grilled—it was called Shaobing. The chewy texture was really delicious, and to this day, that’s what comes to mind when I think of yatai food.

A message to the viewers?
I think this drama is perfect for a Saturday night after a long week of hard work. The interactions between Shota and Terumoto have this “Ah, these two are so naïve” kind of charm that will make you laugh, while the stories of the customers who visit the yatai bring a lot of warmth. Watching this drama will make you want to connect with people, and it offers a sense of comfort and reassurance. I’d be so happy if you look forward to it!

The first starring role for Kamiyama, Nakamura recently starred in MBS drama The Flawless Revenge by the Flawless Wife (完璧ワイフによる完璧な復讐計画).

Starting on 12 April the series will air on Tokai TV/Fuji TV

There will be more Travis Japan soon so…

Stay Tuned!

*Thank you DUMPLING BOX for the translation!