Hoshi no Yotsuya Sanchome Theater to Collaborate with Rising Comedians for First Short Drama Series, Streaming from July 10

With over 80 million total views on social media and the Grand Prize at the "Mynavi Short Drama Award 2025," the short drama unit "Hoshi no Yotsuya Sanchome Theater" (a unit comprised of actors from various stages of their careers at Ohta Production) will sequentially release their first collaborative short dramas with energetic comedians from the same agency, who are beginning to make a name for themselves in comedy award races and grand prix events, starting July 10 (Fri) on various social media platforms.

Ohta Production, a long-standing entertainment agency with over 60 years of history, boasts a diverse roster of talent including Hiroyuki Ariyoshi, Gekidan Hitori, Rino Sashihara, and Yuko Oshima, as well as veteran actors like Tsurutaro Kataoka and Reiko Takashima, and rising stars like Erika Ikuta and Kayo Noro. "Hoshi no Yotsuya Sanchome Theater" is a short drama unit formed by these acclaimed young and mid-career actors from Ohta Pro, gaining support from a wide range of generations.

This new project shines a spotlight on Ohta Pro's promising young comedians, who possess high acting potential, realizing a casting of actor x comedian, a unique strength of a comprehensive entertainment agency. Furthermore, this work challenges the short drama market by delving into the unexplored theme of "the inner workings of the industry," presenting a new genre of "industry tropes" that goes beyond the universally relatable "short drama tropes."

Please enjoy the new worldview born from the collaboration between the uniquely talented director Kohei Taniguchi, highly praised for his distinctive perspective and meticulous direction, and comedians and character actors who are almost all trying short dramas for the first time.

<Streaming Details> Hoshi no Yotsuya Sanchome Theater Comedian Collaboration Short Drama

Release Date: Scheduled to be released every other Friday starting July 10, 2026

Streaming Platforms: Official accounts of Hoshi no Yotsuya Sanchome Theater

- YouTube https://youtube.com/channel/UCZmufg-ksPcRiqWRuTiBFVQ?si=j_-KD8uaZZpvF3AQ

- TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@hoshiyontheater?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

- Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hoshiyontheater/

<Participating Comedians> (From top left in photo)

Lion Rock (Yuya Nagamine, Meiro Kobayashi), Sasurai Rabbit (Shintaro Uno, Kazunobu Nakata),

Aoiro Ichigo (Jun Enomoto, Kamimura, Soumen Kariya), Stretchies (Yoshiki Fukushima, Kanta Takagi),

Yuji Matsuo (A Long Ride Land)

<Participating Actors> (From bottom left in photo)

Manato Tanaka, Chiharu Sakaguchi, Marina Mizushima, Takayoshi Takase, Hideki Kuriyama

▪️Director: Kohei Taniguchi

<Comments>

It was a very enjoyable time writing scripts tailored to the comedians after watching their acts. The comedians already have a perfect sense of "timing" and "facial expressions," which are crucial elements of short dramas, and I was excited to see the scripts evolve on set. I can't wait to share them with everyone.

Kohei Taniguchi

Born in Kyoto Prefecture in 1988. First graduating class of Ritsumeikan University's College of Image Arts and Sciences. Major directorial works include "Ossan no K-Phy" and "This Video Cannot Be Played THE MOVIE." Screenwriting credits include "Aishiteru!" (Director: Koji Shiraishi) and "Buzzer Beat" (Director: Taiki Kazama). For television, he also directed "Mizushima-san from the Production Department," a drama version of the short drama "Hoshi no Yotsuya Sanchome Theater."

▪️Episode Details

"Long Monologues and Promising Young Talent"

Starring: Yuji Matsuo (A Long Ride Land), Hideki Kuriyama, Manato Tanaka

Set on the front lines of video production, this episode delves into the reality of "acting work" from the perspectives of both veterans and newcomers. Beyond the tension between those in the spotlight, it offers a glimpse into the industry-specific values and human dynamics.

"Extra"

Starring: Aoiro Ichigo (Jun Enomoto, Kamimura, Soumen Kariya)

This story sheds light on the "nameless existences" that support the backdrop of a production, depicting another reality that shapes the filmmaking process. The unique atmosphere and unspoken rules of the industry, existing outside the glamorous main production, are humorously and vividly portrayed.

"Lines"

Starring: Stretchies (Yoshiki Fukushima, Kanta Takagi), Takayoshi Takase

Through the casual interactions of actors, this episode reflects the weight of "words" that breathe life into the creative process and the effort behind them. The professional sensibilities and distances, often unseen on the surface, are depicted with the unique approach of short dramas.

"Director's SNS"

Starring: Lion Rock (Yuya Nagamine, Meiro Kobayashi), Hideki Kuriyama, Marina Mizushima, Chiharu Sakaguchi, Manato Tanaka

A contemporary episode that explores the true feelings of both creators and viewers in an era where broadcasting is an integral part of the job. While reflecting the "now" of the video industry, it lightly captures new "industry tropes" that exist outside the work itself.

"Stalker"

Starring: Sasurai Rabbit (Shintaro Uno, Kazunobu Nakata), Rika Shiraase (photo)

Set in the everyday space of an office, this episode depicts how casual admiration and obsessions can develop into unexpected intensity. It humorously captures the dynamics of workplace relationships and the peculiar fixations that everyone harbors somewhere, presenting a new angle on "industry tropes."