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Sakurazaka46's Third Generation Stars in Upcoming Drama 'Alleyway Hotel'

Excitement is brewing as the media distribution service Lemino®, operated by NTT Docomo, unveils exclusive content for its upcoming fantasy youth drama 'Alleyway Hotel.' Set to premiere on December 5, 2025, this series features all eleven members of Sakurazaka46's third generation acting together for the first time in a full-fledged drama.

The Premise

The story takes place in an inconspicuous hotel tucked away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Here, women grappling with personal issues embark on a remarkable journey, experiencing a magical adventure in an alternate world that leads to personal growth. With this series, Sakurazaka46 aims to portray their unique characters while representing their genuine struggles and growth as individuals.

Episode Breakdown

The series comprises five episodes, each designed with a two-part structure that promises compelling narratives.

Episode 1: 'The School Trip Story'

In this episode, scriptwriter Yuika Koyamanai (Yuzuki Nakajima) faces writer's block while tasked with creating a 'sparkling love story.' A stop at the Alleyway Hotel transports her back to high school, where she unexpectedly participates in a school trip she missed. Alongside her classmate, Mari (Miu Murayama), Yuika reunites with her high school crush, Sho Kuroda, and captures the essence of youthful romance.

• - Cast: Yuzuki Nakajima, Miu Murayama, Shogo Takao, Noa Kawasaki, Tomoya Maeno, Toru Nakamura
• - Director: Yura Koryasu
• - Writer: Shinya Tamada

Episode 2: 'Ten Dreams to Fulfill'

Art student Mina Kotoihara (Nagi Kojima) finds herself in a strange world when she stays at the Alleyway Hotel. She meets her best friend, Sari Akino (Riko Endo), and the two aim to fulfill ten dreams they promised each other. As they work toward their goals, Mina helps Sari confront her struggles with her sister, Kaori (Rika Ishimori), ultimately revealing the meaning behind their adventure.

• - Cast: Nagi Kojima, Riko Endo, Rika Ishimori, Kanon, Toru Nakamura
• - Director: Eiki Takahashi
• - Writer: Mr. Date

Episode 3: 'Igniting the Heart'

Suzu (Aiki Taniguchi), an aspiring musical actor, finds herself at the Alleyway Hotel after her flight is canceled. Once there, she meets the struggling band, 'Oppossum'. With the band facing dissolution ahead of a big gig, Suzu, who has been designated as their manager, teams up with the vocalist's daughter, Noa (Yu Murai), to navigate complications before the band's last show.

• - Cast: Aiki Taniguchi, Yu Murai, Shushi Kawata, Shuhei Shimada, Shunsuke Torii, Mizuki Maehara, Toru Nakamura
• - Director: Yura Koryasu
• - Writer: Daisuke Ohno

Episode 4: 'Target'

Tamaki Nishihara (Mio Matano), a member of the archery club, faces a slump before an important tournament. Seeking refuge in the Alleyway Hotel, she opens a door that leads her to a mysterious landscape. There, she trails individuals who kidnapped her grandfather, encountering a captured girl, Rei Kiriya (Reina Odakura), along the way, and gets entangled in adult schemes that challenge her understanding of desire and loyalty.

• - Cast: Mio Matano, Reina Odakura, Takeo Gozu, Hiroaki Iwanaga, Suzuki, Toru Nakamura
• - Director: Eiki Takahashi
• - Writer: Mr. Date

Episode 5: 'The Voice from That Time'

In a twist of fate, sales representative Saki Mochizuki (Hitomi Yamashita), who values efficiency above all, finds herself transformed into a cheerleader for a fictional school, sans any interest in supportive roles. Through her interactions with the cheerleading squad, led by captain Kyoka Inaba (Junha Mukai), she discovers the power of encouragement and support.

• - Cast: Hitomi Yamashita, Junha Mukai, Aki Asakura, Aihiro Ishikawa, Gota Ishida, Toru Nakamura
• - Directors: Ryoma Ouchi, Yura Koryasu
• - Writers: Yuko Shimoda, Mr. Date

Streaming Information

'Alleyway Hotel' features an impressive lineup and will debut on December 5, 2025, at noon, with episodes airing every subsequent Friday at noon. The show consists of ten episodes in total.

Subscription Details

• - Available on Lemino Premium (990 yen/month) and Sakurazaka46 Package (200 yen/month).
• - Exclusive content, including both original productions and popular dramas, is included in the subscription.

For more information, visit the official website: Lemino Official

Stay tuned for this exciting new chapter in the Sakurazaka46 journey, featuring their fresh faces in dramatic storytelling that promises to resonate with many viewers!