Rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of fans in Fukuoka as stars Taiga Nakano and Sosuke Ikematsu made a high-profile appearance at the Hakata Dontaku festival. The actors, who portray the Toyotomi brothers in an upcoming project, brought a surge of energy to the rainy parade, delighting crowds along the route.
The duo’s arrival sparked a frenzy among spectators, particularly when they stepped out of their vehicle. Observers described the actors’ interactions with the crowd as god-tier response
(kami-taio), noting their graciousness despite the inclement weather. The sight of the “Toyotomi brothers” appearing together in the flesh sent the roadside audience into a visible stir, as captured in video footage of the event.
Nakano, playing Toyotomi Hidenaga, and Ikematsu, portraying Toyotomi Hideyoshi, effectively “marched out” for the occasion, aligning their promotional appearance with the festive atmosphere of the Hakata Dontaku parade. Their participation highlights the intersection of historical cinema and local tradition, adding a layer of celebrity glamour to the city’s cultural celebrations.
The appearance took place during the annual Hakata Dontaku and Port Festival, a cornerstone of Fukuoka City’s Golden Week festivities. According to reports from TBS News Dig, the event is a massive draw, with expectations of 2 million attendees over the two-day period ending May 4. The festival, which traces its origins back to the Hakata Matsubayashi, features various groups performing throughout the city.
By blending the promotion of their roles as the Toyotomi brothers with one of Japan’s most vibrant civic festivals, Nakano and Ikematsu have successfully captured the public’s attention, turning a rainy day into a memorable promotional victory.
