#Japan #Tokyo #FOD SHORT #Baseball Girl #Washio

A New Coming-of-Age Story: 'Baseball Girl Washio'

On June 12, a fresh and engaging drama titled 'Baseball Girl Washio' is set to launch exclusively on FOD SHORT, a vertical short drama app operated by Fuji TV. This innovative platform focuses on delivering short, impactful episodes lasting around a minute, optimized for viewing on mobile devices. Whether during commutes or breaks, users can enjoy five new episodes every day for free, making it easy to dive into the heartwarming story.

'Baseball Girl Washio' portrays the journey of Shiho Washio, a university student who, despite her love for baseball, has hidden her passion due to past traumas. Portrayed by Sakura Kawasaki of Nogizaka46, Shiho’s character navigates her struggles of self-discovery and begins to confront her true feelings. The series captures her slow transformation as she learns to embrace her love for the sport, shedding her emotional barriers.

The series springs from the popular character 'Washio-san,' created through interactions on Nippon Broadcasting’s 'All Night Nippon' program featuring Nogizaka46. This beloved character, known for her awkward charm and endearing personality, has transitioned into this original drama, bringing a unique twist to her narrative. The series also introduces Rin Kanamori, played by Aya Ogawa, who struggles to find her own passion but gradually evolves thanks to her newfound friendship with Shiho. In the vibrant setting of a sports bar where they both work, the two characters support one another through life's challenges, including job hunting and relationships.

Adding to the cast is Ryo Nishibori from the comedy duo Machineguns, who plays Daichi Kurata, the manager of the sports bar. His warm presence helps highlight Shiho's uncontainable love for baseball and serves as a connector between Shiho and Rin, acting as a crucial story anchor.

On June 10, Kawasak, Ogawa, and Nishibori participated in a special live broadcast program on Nippon Broadcasting, which revealed exciting behind-the-scenes stories and deeper insights about 'Baseball Girl Washio.' Viewers can look forward to a rich array of lighthearted exchanges among a diverse cast and how they confront individual dilemmas while growing together.

The drama emphasizes the universal theme of recognizing what you love and respecting others' passions. It promises to resonate with viewers through its relatable concept of youth and friendship. Notably, the last scene was shot at the Rakuten Mobile Park Miyagi, home to the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, offering an exhilarating atmosphere that baseball fans will not want to miss.

'Baseball Girl Washio' is crafted to connect with everyone as a coming-of-age tale that captures authentic youthful experiences. With such a compelling premise, fans are encouraged to tune in and enjoy the unique journey of 'Washio-san,' from radio to screen!

Comments from the Cast

Sakura Kawasaki (Nogizaka46):
"I found a deep connection with Washio’s character and her struggles with measuring distances in relationships. Though I was nervous during filming, the warmth of the set made each day enjoyable. I hope audiences will feel the same warmth that evolves around the theme of being able to express what you love."

Aya Ogawa (Nogizaka46):
"I am thrilled to be part of this drama, which stems from a cherished program. The joy of working again with Director Hirano made the filming a joyous experience. I believe the show embodies the fun of pursuing what you love and conveying heartfelt emotions between friends."

Ryo Nishibori (Machineguns):
"Seeing the bright energy of Kawasaki and Ogawa made me reflect on my own youth—though mine was unlikely to have glimmered like theirs. I encourage everyone to watch 'Baseball Girl Washio!'"

Story Summary

Shiho Washio, a college student with an immense love for baseball, struggles to live authentically due to past trauma, while Rin Kanamori grapples with not having anything she deeply cares for. Through their roles at a sports bar, these two women become closer, and together they face life's various curveballs, including career challenges and romantic setbacks, forging a powerful friendship that helps them grow and reveal their true selves.

Show Details

Title: 'Baseball Girl Washio' (60 episodes total)
Release Date: June 12, 12:00 AM JST
Cast: Sakura Kawasaki (Nogizaka46), Aya Ogawa (Nogizaka46), Ryo Nishibori (Machineguns), and more.
Production Staff: Scripted by Sayaka Ichido, directed by Shin Hirano, produced by Hinata Tagami and Kohei Yamashita, and produced cooperatively with Nippon Broadcasting.
Official Links:
Drama Page

App Overview

App Name: FOD SHORT
Supported OS: iOS 15.0+, Android 10.0+
Pricing: Free (with in-app purchases)
Official Links:
App Store | Google Play

FOD SHORT is a dedicated app for vertical short dramas offering high-quality episodes around one minute long. With five new episodes daily available for free, this app is perfect for short entertainment throughout the day.