The TBS Sunday Theater drama GIFT is in its final week, with episode 9's death of ace player Ryo setting up the June 14 finale. The series follows a genius astrophysicist guiding a weak wheelchair rugby team.
The TBS Sunday Theater drama GIFT concludes its run on June 14. The series, which follows a genius astrophysicist coaching a weak wheelchair rugby team, reached its emotional climax in episode 9 when ace player Ryo collapsed during a match and died in the hospital. Viewers on X reacted with shock. The cast's wrap-up comments, released ahead of the finale, reflect on the story's arc.
Director Shunichi Hirano said in an interview that the tragedy reshapes the team's motivation for the Japan Championship final match, with each remaining player carrying Ryo's feelings into the game. The final chapter also features Sho Sakurai as Shunji Yanagihara, chairman of a wheelchair rugby association, in his first co-starring role with lead actor Shinichi Tsutsumi. Sakurai has a background in parasports participation and coverage.
Tomoko Yamaguchi, who plays art writer Hiroe Sakamoto, said she joined the drama because producers and Hirano emphasized it is a story about life and the universe, not competition. She has publicly stated she dislikes sports dramas focused on winning at all costs. The drama's main cast also includes Yuki Yamada as Ryo, Kasumi Arimura, and Hibiki Honda.
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U-NEXT published its first half of 2026 viewership ranking for domestic dramas on July 7, covering January 1 to June 8. The list is led by the TBS/U-NEXT co-production Chiruran: Shinsengumi Requiem, followed by Sunday Theater dramas Reboot and Future Son. The ranking also includes two adultery-themed dramas and a variety of other genres.
Ahead of the June 14 finale of TBS Sunday Theater drama "GIFT," wrap-up scenes and comments from main cast members Shinichi Tsutsumi, Yuki Yamada, Kasumi Arimura, and Hibiki Honda have been released. The drama follows a wheelchair rugby team. Episode 9 ended with the death of ace player Ryo, played by Yamada.
Ahead of the final episode of TBS Sunday Theater drama GIFT, director Hirano Shunichi discussed the Japan Championship final match and the themes of the series. He said the tragedy of ace player Miyashita Ryo in Episode 9 means each remaining player carries his feelings into the game. Hirano also reflected on viewer reactions and his goal of depicting genuine human conflict.
The ninth episode of TBS drama "GIFT" aired June 7, showing wheelchair rugby player Ryo collapsing during a match and later dying in the hospital. Viewers on X reacted with shock and disbelief, flooding the platform with comments like "Tell me it's a lie." The episode is the first part of the final chapter.
Tomoko Yamaguchi, who plays art writer Hiroe Sakamoto in TBS Sunday Theater 'GIFT,' said in an interview that she dislikes sports dramas focused on winning at all costs. She joined the wheelchair rugby drama because producers and director Shunichi Hirano emphasized it is a story about life and the universe, not competition.
Kodansha's Nakayoshi magazine announced on Thursday that the Gifted manga by Seimaru Amagi and Rima Amamiya will receive an anime adaptation broadcast in 2027. The manga, which launched in December 2021, follows a genius detective and a partner with the gift to identify murderers. It previously inspired a live-action series in 2023.
Sho Sakurai (Arashi) will appear in the final chapter of TBS's Sunday Theater drama GIFT, playing Shunji Yanagihara, chairman of a wheelchair rugby association. It is his first co-starring role with lead actor Shinichi Tsutsumi. The drama follows a genius astrophysicist who guides a weak wheelchair rugby team. Sakurai has a background in parasports coverage and participation.