Hit Drama 'Sa-do' Returns for Silver Week 2026 Special: timelesz's Shoki Hashimoto Joins Cast as 'Mushi-kun'

The hit drama series Sa-do is set to return with its latest installment, Sa-do 2026: Slacking Off Life While Tuning In, broadcasting on the TV Tokyo network across five consecutive nights during the Silver Week holiday period, from Saturday, September 19 to Wednesday, September 23, 2026. Excitement has reached a fever pitch across social media following the announcement that Shoki Hashimoto, a member of the popular idol group timelesz, will join the cast as a new character named "Mushi-kun."

In this installment, Hashimoto portrays Mushi-kun, a dedicated and disciplined young amateur soccer player who works hard at heavy warehouse labor by day and trains relentlessly on the pitch at night, all while aiming to become a professional J-League player. As Hashimoto is an outspoken sauna enthusiast in real life, fans immediately celebrated the casting news online with comments like, "I'm so thrilled that his genuine love for saunas led to this role!" and "His stoic character mirrors his real-life dedication—it's truly moving."

A newly released promotional teaser has also generated significant buzz, showcasing Hashimoto dressed in work gear and cotton work gloves, sweating through soccer drills, and naturally settling into a serene state of deep relaxation inside the sauna. Comments praising his performance, such as "His visuals are top-tier" and "His acting feels so natural and handsome," reflect the soaring anticipation for the premiere. As this storyline is based on a fan-favorite chapter from the original manga, this five-night special promises to be an unmissable television event for sauna devotees and drama fans alike.

The Context

Sa-do (literally "The Way of the Sauna"), based on the manga by Katsuki Tanaka, is widely credited with igniting Japan's massive contemporary sauna craze. The show popularized the concept of totonou—a uniquely Japanese expression referring to the euphoric state of deep mental clarity and physical relaxation achieved by cycling between a hot sauna, a cold plunge, and open-air resting. The drama's gentle, meditative tone and celebration of everyday escapism have earned it a devoted following. The addition of Shoki Hashimoto, an idol from the reshaped boy band timelesz (formerly Sexy Zone), brings renewed spotlight to the franchise during Silver Week—a popular run of consecutive national holidays celebrated in Japan every autumn.

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