Actress Airi Matsui is set to star as Maki Yabuta in the live-action drama adaptation of the popular manga "Shikyuu Renzai" on Yomiuri TV, slated to begin airing on April 10, 2025. This adaptation of Noriko Sasaji's manga tells the poignant story of Maki, a 29-year-old sales staffer at a house-making company, who struggles to voice her true feelings, even to her husband of six years.
Originally launched for distribution in 2021, "Shikyuu Renzai" has garnered significant attention on social media for its raw and delicate portrayals of the main character's emotional upheaval as she finds herself torn between two men—a reality many find relatable.
Maki Yabuta leads a seemingly orderly life, successfully managing her duties at work and earning the respect of her colleagues. Yet, beneath this commendable exterior lies her internal struggle; she feels stifled by her inability to speak her mind. The pressure mounts when her colleague, Aki Yamanote, witnesses her forced smiles—especially after she encounters rude comments from their superior. Yamanote brashly notes, "It's frustrating to watch you just smile through it," exposing her plight even more.
Things take a turn when the same colleague unexpectedly kisses Maki, igniting her feelings and thrusting her deep within the turmoil of infidelity and conflicted emotions. Caught between her long-standing marriage and the magnetic pull of this new romantic interest, Maki faces the challenge of asserting herself and redefining her desires amid societal expectations.
Matsui, reflecting on her role, stated, "Playing Maki, who lacks confidence and struggles to express her wants, presents both challenges and opportunities for growth. This is not merely about romance; it's about the evolution of a woman learning to find her voice. Despite the weighty themes, we enjoy filming together and hope to convey Maki’s growth positively to our viewers!"
Noriko Sasaji, the original creator of the manga, expressed her excitement about the adaptation, saying, "I am thrilled to see 'Shikyuu Renzai' brought to life with the help of so many talented individuals. The story delves deep—not just in its beautiful episodes but also heavy themes like infidelity, sexual dysfunction, and emotional turmoil. I'm eager to see how audiences will interpret this narrative through the lens of the live-action format!"
The series aims not only to explore Maki's personal trials but also to engage with pressing societal issues. The dilemmas of love, identity, and marital expectations are intricately crafted within the storyline. The drama offers viewers both entertainment and food for thought, reflecting real emotional struggles many individuals face.
Broadcasting details reveal "Shikyuu Renzai" will air every Thursday at 12:59 AM JST on Yomiuri TV, with the first episode anticipated to hook audiences with its unique blend of romance and drama. The series will also offer catch-up streaming on platforms like TVer and ytv MyDo! for viewers who miss the initial airing.
Alongside Matsui, the drama's production team includes directors Naomi Kinoshita, Akinori Ito, and Mariho Ambo, with scriptwriting led by Saho Yamazaki. Their collaborative efforts aim to faithfully translate the manga's depth and character nuances onto the screen, bringing vibrant life to the complex emotions depicted within the narrative.
With the premiere date drawing near, excitement is building among fans of the manga and new audiences alike. The promise of exploring difficult themes wrapped within engaging storytelling is sure to stimulate conversations and reflections among its viewers. Whether you’re familiar with the manga or encountering Maki Yabuta’s tumultuous love life for the first time, "Shikyuu Renzai" seeks to resonate deeply, encouraging viewers to reflect upon their own relationships.
Overall, "Shikyuu Renzai" appears to be more than just another love story. It presents itself as a nuanced examination of contemporary romance against the backdrop of modern expectations and personal desires, making it one of the most anticipated dramas of 2025.