#Japan #Tokyo #Fuji TV #Pension Love #Season 4

'Pension: Love is Pink' Season 4 Premiere

Fuji TV has officially announced the release of the fourth season of the popular series 'Pension: Love is Pink', set to stream on FOD starting July 31 at 8 PM. This latest season welcomes the addition of esteemed guests Kyoko Hasegawa and Yu Kashiwagi (from the group Bullet Train), promising to bring fresh dynamics to the story.

The beloved series revolves around a somewhat outdated guesthouse named 'Love is Pink', owned by the easy-going Shiro (played by Lily Franky), along with his daughter Haru (Sairi Ito) and the live-in employee Yoshio (Takumi Saito). Over the previous seasons, viewers have enjoyed heartwarming and humorous tales from the interactions between the trio and the ‘troubled’ guests who visit the pension.

The first season, which aired in January 2020, quickly garnered attention for its late-night drama format featuring a star-studded cast including Lily Franky and Takumi Saito, alongside Sairi Ito and Haru Tsubaki. Sairi’s performance in this role notably earned her the Galaxy Award. Season 2 brought even more excitement with the inclusion of Tomoko Yamaguchi in the role of Shiro's ex-wife, which stirred significant reactions from the audience.

In these seasons, Shiro's romantic escapades with the guests were central to the story. Moving to Season 3, the narrative shifted to focus more on Haru's love life and the evolving emotions of the family members. Now, as the fourth season premieres, the familiar characters will join forces with returning cast members, including Hikari (Tomoko Yamaguchi), Takashi (Keiichi Suzuki), and the regular guest played by Yosuke Oomizu (from Rubber Girl).

This season unfolds with the scenario of the 'Love is Pink’ pension undergoing renovations, leading Shiro and the team to shift their operations to a nearby guesthouse called 'UNITY UNITY' located by the sea. Audiences can expect various encounters and events as they navigate this new environment, alongside new and eccentric guests, providing the series' characteristic blend of laughter and poignant moments.

Cast and Crew Insights

Lily Franky's Remarks

Lily Franky shared his excitement: "Finally, we’ve reached Season 4, which takes place in a new guesthouse setting. As in previous seasons, we filmed with a group of people passionate about drama and film. We are honored to have Kyoko Hasegawa and Yu Kashiwagi join us this season. You can start watching from Season 4 and still enjoy it fully!"

Takumi Saito’s Thoughts

Takumi Saito commented, "Participating in the 'Pension Love' series feels like a reward in itself. There's always a certain tension when diving into a project alongside seasoned actors. I’m excited to return and hope the warm, small-lighted atmosphere of our series reaches all viewers, even in this complex era."

Sairi Ito's Cherished Thoughts

Sairi Ito mentioned her happiness about returning: "Having a place to call home is truly a blessing. Season 4 is about the gratitude toward everyday things we often forget. For me, this project and the team behind it have become integral parts of my life. I hope people who are unaware of this series will take this opportunity to watch it, as revisiting old seasons adds depth to the current one!"

New Characters Breaking Ground

This season introduces new characters, with Kyoko Hasegawa playing Yoshio's high school sweetheart, Kako, who now thrives as a model and comes back into Yoshio's life unexpectedly. Meanwhile, Yu Kashiwagi portrays Yamato, the son of the 'UNITY UNITY' pension's owner, showcasing a character who is both strict and youthful.

Both new characters are expected to bring fresh storylines to our beloved town's dynamics. Expect emotional developments and the heartwarming theme of human connections to carry through this season.

Music and Special Events

The show’s enduring theme song, 'Love is Pink (New Version)' by Haru Hosono, will continue to feature prominently. Additionally, the supporting song will be performed by GUSOKUMUZ with their track 'Starting Up', adding layers to the nostalgic atmosphere.

To celebrate the release, the previous seasons will also be rebroadcasted! Starting July 14, fans can catch Season 2 on terrestrial TV, with Season 3 set for an August 18 rebroadcast. This serves as an excellent opportunity for viewers to relive the journey leading up to the latest adventures.

Finally, a screening event for 'Pension: Love is Pink Season 4' will occur on July 24, where fans can enjoy a preview alongside cast discussions revealing behind-the-scenes stories. Applications will open on July 16. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this special experience!

Stay tuned for an enriching summer of laughter and unexpected turns as our beloved characters embrace change while upholding the core values of love and friendship amidst various challenges.