Tao Tsuchiya Graces the Matching Sequel Red Carpet with Daisuke Sakuma

Actress Tao Tsuchiya (土屋太鳳) and Snow Man member Daisuke Sakuma (佐久間大介) walked the red carpet in Tokyo on August 20 for the premiere event of their upcoming film Matching: TRUE LOVE. Joined by their fellow cast members, the stars celebrated the sequel ahead of its nationwide release in Japanese theaters on September 25.

The lineup included Hana Toyoshima (豊嶋花), Yuki Kura (倉悠貴), Ryoka Neya (根矢涼香), Ami Tomite (冨手麻妙), Ryoichi Tsukada (塚田僚一) of A.B.C-Z, Nanami Taki (瀧七海), Shogo Hama (濱正悟), Shiho Kato (加藤史帆), ,Kotone Hanase (花瀬琴音), Ku Ijima (伊島空), and Sei Matobu (真飛聖).Director Eiji Uchida (内田英治) also joined the cast at the event.

The cast and director made a glamorous entrance onto the red carpet, which stretched across the grand staircase in front of TOHO Cinemas Roppongi Hills. Their appearance created a striking and elegant backdrop for the highly anticipated sequel to the 2024 hit film Matching.

A memorable moment came as the actors made their way down the grand staircase, with Sakuma gently taking  Tsuchiya’s hand and escorting her as she descended in her elegant long dress.

During the photo session, Tsuchiya and Sakuma smiled brightly and waved toward the press photographers, adding to the excitement and lively atmosphere of the red carpet event.

Tsuchiya opened the event by offering her heartfelt thoughts to those affected by the natural disasters.

“My deepest sympathies go out to everyone who is currently facing the forces of nature. I believe there are also many people working hard to protect the screens. All of us involved in Matching would like to stand together and show our support,” she said.

Tsuchiya, who reprises her role as Rinka Tajima from the previous film, also spoke emotionally about returning to the franchise.

“As Rinka Tadashima, I was able to meet Tomu Nagayama again. I’m also deeply moved to be reunited with such wonderful members in such a wonderful place,” she said.

Meanwhile, when Sakuma brought the rose—not the microphone—to his mouth and began speaking, Tsuchiya immediately called out, “Mr. Sakuma! That’s not it!”

After switching to the microphone, he jokingly explained, “I’m used to using roses about as much as I use microphones.” He went on to say that this movie has been greatly expanded from the previous film, with a larger cast, staff, and production, making it a major-scale production. He added that audiences could raise their expectations as much as they wanted and expressed his hope that the film would exceed those expectations.

Looking ahead to the film’s release, Tsuchiya added, “Today, the new world of Matching awakens on the big screen. I would be very happy if you could experience and receive it.”

Matching: TRUE LOVE is scheduled to open in Japanese theaters on September 25.

Article & Photo By: Jennifer