A special advance screening of the final episode of live-action BL drama Shimobe no Ouji-sama (しもべの王子様), based on the manga by Tatsumoto Mio, was held on August 21 at HUMAX Cinemas in Ikebukuro, Tokyo. Following the screening, lead actors Ogawa Fumiki (of BUDDiiS), who plays Naoya, and Seto Toshiki, who plays Takaaki, joined director Shindo Takehiro on stage for a fan talk event.

Scenes That Clicked from Rehearsal

When asked which scenes felt right from the very first rehearsal, Seto pointed to the massage scene in Episode 3, saying, “It felt good even in rehearsals.” Ogawa chose the final scene of Episode 1, recalling, “My emotions were already overflowing during rehearsals — I almost cried. I had to force myself to hold back and save it for the real take.”

On the subject of scenes where receiving the other actor’s performance was especially important, Ogawa again cited the Episode 1 finale: “That’s where Naoya is saved, and it’s the moment the two of them confirm their feelings for each other.” Seto, meanwhile, revealed a behind-the-scenes challenge from the same scene: “If it had been a shirt, I could’ve just popped the buttons — but it wasn’t, so I had to take off my clothes while still wearing glasses. That was tough.”

Who Has the Most “Prince” Moments?

In keeping with the series title, both actors were asked: “When does the other person look most like a prince?” Ogawa answered with a laugh: “Honestly, it’s the looks. As frustrating as it is, my own fans keep talking about how handsome Seto Toshiki is, how dreamy Seto Toshiki is — Seto Toshiki, Seto Toshiki, Seto Toshiki… it’s all about him.”

Seto deflected graciously: “That’s because Takaaki was a cool character to begin with. I may have become a prince through the role, but Fumikun himself is the prince type.” When Ogawa pushed back with a puzzled “How so? (laughs),” Seto replied, “I went to a BUDDiiS live and thought so — you were the coolest one there.” A flustered Ogawa responded, “That makes me happy. Okay, starting today I’m changing my image,” drawing laughter from the audience.

Director on Visual Approach and Atmosphere

Director Shindo described feeling deeply moved to see the series screened in a cinema, and explained his approach to adapting the source material: “Because this is an adult BL, I wanted to try visual expressions I hadn’t used before — being deliberate about shadows and lighting, and using handheld cameras to convey the emotional turbulence of the characters. It was a different approach from what I’d done previously.”

On crafting the series’ unique atmosphere, he said he was conscious of not letting it become too heavy, and focused on balancing the intensity of the romance with lighter moments. He singled out Episode 5 as the pair’s “laid-back episode,” and recalled a particular scene where Takaaki opens the door and greets an unexpectedly returning Naoya with a casual “Yo.” “That line probably wasn’t in the script,” the director said. “I wanted to capture that happiness — the joy of someone you thought you couldn’t see suddenly coming back.”

Ogawa enthusiastically agreed: “That scene is so good. It’s wonderfully awkward — everyone needs to go back and watch it.” Seto admitted, “Getting the balance right was really difficult,” while Ogawa confessed he tried to imitate it and “just couldn’t.” Director Shindo praised Seto: “The fact that he made it look so naturally awkward, even though he’s so experienced, is really something.”

Director’s Praise for the Cast

Asked about each actor’s fit for their role, Shindo was effusive about Ogawa: “What stood out most was his acting when Naoya is being vulnerable and dependent. Men don’t usually do that easily — I think it’s a natural gift. Even watching the monitor, my heart skipped a beat.” Of Seto, he said: “His voice is truly exceptional. Takaaki is a somewhat otherworldly character, and I think Seto thought hardest about how to give him real believability. His voice carries such conviction — it was a perfect fit.” Both actors looked bashful but clearly delighted by the direct praise.

New Announcements: After Story and Blu-ray

New information was also revealed at the event. An original after story — depicting events following the finale — will stream exclusively on FOD after Episode 8 airs. Additionally, a Blu-ray release of the series was announced for February 24, 2027.

Series Information

Broadcast Schedule

• TOKYO MX1: Every Friday at 23:00
• Gunma TV: Every Thursday at 23:00
• Tochigi TV: Every Tuesday at 23:30
• TV Iwate: Every Sunday at 25:25

Streaming

• TVer, FOD

Staff

• Original Work: Tatsumoto Mio, Shimobe no Ouji-sama (Seamore Comics)
• Script: Kanasugi Hiroko
• Directors: Shindo Takehiro, Matsuo Daisuke
• Music: Endo Koji
• Production: Video Planning
• Produced by: TOKYO MX

Cast

• Ogawa Fumiki (BUDDiiS), Seto Toshiki, Fujibayashi Yasuya, Shimizu Kairi, Yamanaka Satoshi