Reunion in ‘Sanma no Manma’: Meru Nukumi and Takashi Sorimachi reveal the behind-the-scenes of ‘GTO’ after 28 years

Model and actress Meru Nukumi, popularly known as “Meruru”, will make her debut on the highly anticipated talk show “Sanma no Manma Midsummer Chat Festival”, scheduled to air on July 17, at 9pm. She will participate alongside actor Takashi Sorimachi, star of the drama “GTO”, who returns to television after 28 years. The duo promises to share exclusive behind-the-scenes stories from the recordings.

The dynamics of generations in the new GTO set

In the latest installment of the “GTO” series, 24-year-old Meru Nukumi takes on her first role as a teacher, while 52-year-old Takashi Sorimachi reprises his iconic role. Despite the notable age difference between the protagonists, Sorimachi praised the young actress, highlighting her “very centered posture” and the way she handles even the most challenging scenes with ease.

Unreleased behind-the-scenes details and the original team

During the chat on the program, Nukumi revealed his great surprise when he discovered that the filming team for the current series is, in large part, the same ones that worked on the original production of “GTO”, almost three decades ago. This reunion of such a long-lasting team highlights the importance and persistent legacy of one of Japanese television’s most iconic series, something rare for productions with such a long hiatus. The actress’s unexpected statements greatly amused presenter Sanma and Takashi Sorimachi. She also told other behind-the-scenes stories, including eating habits on set and some of Sorimachi’s “strange behaviors” that she said “needed to be revealed.”

Meru Nukumi shares the excitement of participation

After recording the program, Meru Nukumi expressed her satisfaction with the experience. The actress mentioned that “Sanma no Manma” was always a show she watched. Despite her initial nervousness about what the unscripted conversation would be like, she described the opportunity to have an informal and relaxed chat, similar to what she already does on her TV appearances, as very pleasant and fun.

“It’s been a while since I saw Sanma-san, but he was in a great mood today!”, commented Meru Nukumi, in a good-humored tone, about the reunion with the presenter. She described the recording as a new and fun experience, having the feeling of visiting Sanma’s own home.

Sanma and Sorimachi’s rare collaboration

Meru Nukumi made a point of highlighting the relevance of Sanma and Takashi Sorimachi’s meeting on the same stage. “Collaboration between Sanma-san and Sorimachi-san is very rare, so I was happy to participate,” he said. She encouraged the audience not to miss the program, emphasizing that it is one of the few opportunities to see Sorimachi on a variety show and interacting so spontaneously.

Other notable guests at the chat festival

The “Sanma no Manma Midsummer Chat Festival” will also feature the presence of a varied cast of personalities. Guests include former Olympic speed skating medalists Nana and Miho Takagi, renowned Naoki Award-winning authors Ryo Asai and Kanako Nishi, actress Riisa Naka, comedy duo “Mitorizu” and comedian Raipachi Imai.