In an exciting development for fans of Japanese television, actors Kyoko Yoshine and Shunya Itabashi will star as a married couple in the upcoming Fuji TV drama, Nagi Fure! Meoto Koigoyomi, set to premiere on April 24, 2025. This new drama will air every Thursday from 22:00 to 22:54 JST, with the inaugural episode featuring a special 15-minute extension.
The series is based on a popular manga of the same name created by Hachi Nishio, which has been serialized in the comic app Comic DAYS since October 2022. Taking place in the year 1936 (Showa 11), Nagi Fure! Meoto Koigoyomi tells the heartwarming story of a newlywed couple beginning their life together through an arranged marriage.
Yoshine plays the role of Natsumi, a young woman who unexpectedly enters into an arranged marriage with Akimasa Ezaki, portrayed by Itabashi, who serves as a naval officer for the Imperial Japanese Navy. In a twist of fate, Akimasa cannot attend their wedding due to his military duties, which adds a layer of complexity to their new life. Thus begins their marriage amidst unanticipated challenges.
As the narrative unfolds, Natsumi grapples with her life as a new bride, where she has never met her husband before their wedding ceremony. Her experience of marrying someone based merely on a photograph brings peculiar challenges. Initially overwhelmed by the abruptness of her marriage, she faces uncertainty as Akimasa's stoic demeanor leaves her guessing about his true feelings.
However, as time progresses, Natsumi begins to discover Akimasa’s kindness and learns to navigate the ups and downs of daily married life. Despite a rocky start, she embraces her role as a new wife, diligently engaging in household chores while trying to understand the emotions that dwell within her husband.
Yoshine expressed her excitement about taking the lead in the drama, admitting, “There is certainly pressure, but I feel it is a great honor. I want to give it my all.” She continued, stating, “I hope to portray a strong and lovely woman through my role, and I hope everyone will support me.”
In her remarks about sharing the screen with Itabashi, Yoshine emphasized the importance of good communication to create a compelling story. “Since our characters, Natsumi and Akimasa, are central to this drama, it's essential for us to work together and create an endearing couple that audiences will fall in love with,” she stated.
This romantic comedy captures the sweet yet tumultuous rollercoaster of the early days of a marriage where love blossoms gradually, framed against the backdrop of historical Japan. Viewers can expect to enjoy the charming and emotional experiences of Natsumi and Akimasa, illustrating how love can blossom unexpectedly even in the most unconventional circumstances.
With the blend of historical context and romantic comedy, Nagi Fure! Meoto Koigoyomi aims to engage audiences with its unique storyline and character dynamics. The depiction of early married life within the significant cultural landscape of 1930s Japan garners interest, as it touches upon themes of love, commitment, and personal growth.
As anticipation builds for the show’s premiere, viewers are eager to see how Yoshine and Itabashi will portray their characters and bring this historical romance to life. Their on-screen chemistry, complemented by the intriguing plot, promises an engaging viewing experience for fans of the genre.
