 In July 2011, all the members of Kanjani Eight were announced to appear in the 24 Hour Television drama special titled, "Ikiteru dake de nankurunai sa".It had already been announced that Murakami Shingo had the leading role and Shibutani Subaru had the supporting role as his friend since childhood, but it was revealed on July 19 that everyone else in Kanjani Eight would make an appearance in the drama.This was a historical first for the charity event as only one member of the hosting group would star in the special.