Paid drinking, sexual favours, and revenge. A tragic story of an idol whose dreams were crushed.
emole Inc., the company behind the short drama app "BUMP," which has been downloaded over 2.3 million times, will be exclusively releasing a live-action version of the original BUMP short drama "You Can't Stand at the Budokan" on BUMP from 7:00 PM on Wednesday, July 9, 2025!
This is a story of human desire and betrayal, depicting how an underground idol on the brink of failure falls into the dark side of the entertainment world, such as paid drinking and prostitution, after believing the words of a skilled producer. What is the shocking conclusion that she chooses in despair after her pure dreams are trampled upon? The cruelty of chasing dreams and the despair and revenge of young people exploited by the dark side of the entertainment world are depicted in a breathtaking, turbulent story condensed into short episodes of just three minutes.
A girl who goes insane between dreams and despair, and the people around her who are filled with desire.
This is the first leading role for Tomi Asai, an up-and-coming actor who has appeared in popular works such as the Netflix reality series "Offline Love," the drama "I'm at the Mercy of a Younger Virgin" and "Mitazono the Housekeeper." Behind the smile she shows to her fans, she plays the heroine with a passionate performance, portraying the painful conflict that gradually wears her down mentally, and the heroine's fierce way of life as she loses everything and rushes to seek revenge.
The role of Nishizawa Ibuki, the talented producer who pushes Sayaka to hell, will be played by Oyama Maeko, the role of Masanori, Sayaka's longest-serving fan who genuinely supports her, will be played by Ogura Fumiya, who is active in various fields such as writer and performer, and the role of Hamamoto Iwao, the big-name presenter who holds the key to the story, will be played by Kimura Tomotaka, a talented actor who has made a distinctive presence in numerous films and dramas.
"You Can't Stand at the Budokan" Synopsis
"My dream is to perform on the Budokan stage."
Narushima Sayaka (Asai Hitomi) is an underground idol who hasn't been successful for years and is on the verge of collapse. She believed the words of the talented producer Nishizawa Ibuki (Oyama Maeko) that "I will definitely make your dream come true," but what awaited her was paid drinking, sexual favors... "dirty work" where you sell your soul in exchange for your dreams.
Sayaka, whose earnest efforts have not been rewarded, believes the devil's whispers that "Just work smartly" and puts everything on the line. She desperately tells herself that this is the only way to success. However, after being used by big-name presenter Hamamoto Iwao (Kimura Tomotaka) and other "adults in the entertainment industry," what awaited her was rejection from Juan Masanori (Ogura Fumiya), who she believed to be the cruel reality.
"My dreams were eaten alive by these guys."
This is the story of a brutal revenge of a girl who was betrayed by everything she believed in, tossed about by the dark side of the entertainment world without knowing how to let go of her dreams.
Work Summary
Title:"You won't be able to stand at Budokan"
Distribution start date and time:July 9, 2025 (Wednesday) 19:00 (30 episodes in total)
Delivery destination:
Short drama app "BUMP"
Work details page:https://emolebump.go.link/j9MCO
Cast:
Hitomi Asai (role of Sayaka Narushima)
Maeko Oyama (role of Ibuki Nishizawa)
Fumiya Ogura (role of Masanori)
Tomotaka Kimura (role of Iwao Hamamoto)
he
Production staff:
Supervision: Zhongshan Dahui
Screenplay: Daisuke Kubota
Content Planner: Risa Sawamura
Executive Producer: Naomichi Sawamura
Producer: Hibiki Shimabukuro
Production producer: Hiroshi Itaya
Casting: Haruna Yoshikawa
Production company: HUT Pictures
Produced by: emole
Original information
Title: "You Can't Stand at Budokan"
Author: Motoo Tada
Currently serialized on the web comic site "Zenon Editorial Department"
Episode 1 sample reading https://comic-zenon.com/episode/4856001361137621847
The first four volumes of the comic are currently on sale at various online bookstores.
Volume 5 will be released on July 18th.
Comment from the original author, Motoo Tada
I am very honored that "You Can't Stand at Budokan" has been made into a short drama!
I am deeply grateful that the cast and staff have managed to breathe new life into the story of the "pain of continuing to believe in your dreams," depicted through the eyes of one idol named Sayaka.
The fascinating cast, including lead actress Hitomi Asai, portrayed the world of underground idols and the emotional uncertainty of those clinging to their dreams with overwhelming persuasiveness.
I hope you enjoy the different expressions from the original and the atmosphere that can only be conveyed through video!
Cast Profile
Hitomi Asai (role of Sayaka Narushima)
Born April 14, 1999 in Hyogo Prefecture.
The Netflix reality series "Offline Love" is creating a buzz with its pure and straightforward romance.
Recent works include the film "Memories of the Town, My Future" and the dramas "Housekeeper Mitazono" and "At the Mercy of a Younger Virgin (Cherry Boy)."
-First of all, please tell us how you felt when you were decided to appear in this film.
Asai: I was honestly happy because it was the first time I received an offer to play the lead role. When I read the original story, I was surprised by the fact that it was a heavier story than I had imagined, about an idol's downfall.
As I read on, I found that I had a lot in common with the main character, Sayaka. For example, we both love idols. I was always a big fan of idols like AKB48 and Nogizaka46, and I followed them for about five years.
Also, we both work hard towards our dreams, and our casual clothes are lame... (laughs) We discovered a lot of things in common, so I didn't feel like we were far apart at all.
In fact, there is a part of me that hasn't given up on my dream of becoming an idol. I was also happy to be able to play an idol through this role.
-What kind of work did this become for you, Asai-san?
Asai: I feel that this work has broadened my range as an actor.
As was the case with "Offline Love," which made me known to many people, I think the roles that I feel "fit" me are probably "innocent" and "bright" roles. So, before I played Sayaka, I had decided that my strength was my "smile."
However, in this production, as the story depicts Sayaka's descent into darkness, there are more scenes in which I am required to express negative emotions such as sadness and anger rather than smiles. This allowed me to grow as a person by reflecting on what strengths I can contribute to Sayaka other than my smile and by communicating with her on set.
--You continue to reflect and grow every day.
Asai: That's true! I have a tendency to turn even the smallest things into "reflections."
Even in "Offline Love," I was afraid of getting hurt, so I always assumed the worst case scenario and was always thinking too much. But appearing in the film allowed me to see things objectively, and I was finally able to accept that "that's just me," little by little.
--When playing the main character, Narushima Sayaka, was there anything you kept in mind?
Asai: This work does have a so-called "dark fall" aspect, but I think it's not just that. I think it's a work that gives us various realizations, such as "What does it mean to face yourself?" and "In the work, Sayaka couldn't rely on the people around her, but maybe it's okay to rely on the people around you when you're in trouble."
Just as this work has taught me many things, I would be happy if it could inspire someone else and I hope that they can receive the wishes that are put into it.
-Finally, please give a message to our readers.
Asai: In the story, Sayaka falls into darkness while chasing her dreams, but after playing that character, I truly feel that it's important to have dreams and things you like. For example, if you have someone you like, you can do your best. In that way, I think dreams and things you like can be a driving force for many things.
But that doesn't mean you have to have dreams or things you like. I wish for my family and dear friends to simply be happy. ...Because people are born to be happy. I truly believe that, so I want to continue growing every day without fearing change, and convey that feeling through my acting.