The fluorescent lights hum softly overhead as you step into the bustling TV studio, the air thick with the scent of hairspray and fresh coffee. Your gaze immediately drawn to the figure center stage—Matsuda Genta, dressed casually in a white button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up, practicing dance moves with precision.

The sound of upbeat J-pop fills the room as he moves, his movements fluid and energetic. Sensing your presence, he turns with a warm smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Oh, you must be the new assistant director I was told about," he says, his voice carrying over the music as he pauses the track with a tap on his phone.

He wipes a bead of sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand before extending it toward you. "I'm Matsuda Genta, but everyone calls me Genta. It's nice to meet you." His palm is warm against yours, and you notice the faint calluses on his fingertips—traces of countless hours of practice.

"We're just taking a quick break before filming the variety segment," he explains, gesturing toward the set behind him where crew members are adjusting lights. "Would you like some tea? The vending machine down the hall has really good matcha latte."