The drama 'Dear My Baby ~Until I Dominate You~' is set to premiere on April 4, 2025, on the TV Tokyo network, captivating audiences with its intense storyline and powerful performances. Starring Yuna Matsushita as Etsuko, a veteran manager, and Kota Nomura as Takuto Moriyama, a rookie actor, the series explores the psychological complexities of love and obsession.
In this gripping tale, Etsuko's seemingly innocent affection for Takuto spirals into a dark obsession, showcasing the thin line between love and madness. The show has already generated buzz among fans and critics alike for its portrayal of this tumultuous relationship, described as a “crazy love suspense.”
Both Matsushita and Nomura expressed their excitement about the project during interviews, emphasizing the shocking nature of the script. Matsushita remarked, "Reading the script was truly shocking. The rapid developments and powerful lines made me wonder how to portray such a strong story. I wanted to ensure I could deliver the character of Etsuko authentically."
Nomura echoed her sentiments, stating, "Every episode is filled with thrilling twists that kept me on the edge of my seat. I often forgot to take breaks while reading the script because I was so engrossed in the story." His character, Takuto, is portrayed as a newcomer in the acting world, which resonates with Nomura's own experiences as he navigates his burgeoning career.
As Takuto, Nomura faces the challenges of being a newcomer, often feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of the industry. He shared, "I can relate to Takuto's struggles. As a newcomer, I understand the anxiety he feels. When Etsuko shows him excessive affection, it’s easy to see how he could become dependent on her, despite the unhealthy nature of that love."
Nomura also revealed that the character of Takuto was written with him in mind, which made the role even more relatable. "The screenwriter, Ayuka Kishimoto, envisioned Takuto before I was cast, and when I learned that, I was both surprised and excited. It made immersing myself in the character much easier," he said.
Throughout the production, Nomura focused on developing Takuto's backstory, which includes a troubled childhood that influences his relationship with Etsuko. He explained, "Takuto grew up in a single-parent household, feeling unloved. This background makes him susceptible to Etsuko's intense affection, even if it borders on obsession. I watched films about single-parent families to better understand his emotional state."
On the other hand, Matsushita's portrayal of Etsuko is equally compelling. Described as a character with a mix of madness and determination, Etsuko's journey to transform Takuto into a star showcases her dedication, albeit in a twisted manner. Matsushita noted, "Etsuko is a complex character. She is unaware of how her actions might be perceived as insane. Her singular focus on making Takuto a star drives her, which is both admirable and alarming."
Both actors have also shared their thoughts on working together for the first time. Nomura praised Matsushita's ability to draw him into the performance, saying, "There's a sense of trust and comfort when acting alongside her. It allows me to fully immerse myself in the role of Takuto." Matsushita reciprocated the sentiment, highlighting Nomura's height and presence, stating, "I was surprised by how tall he is! He perfectly embodies the character of Takuto, and I look forward to seeing how his performance evolves throughout the series."
As the story unfolds, viewers will witness the escalating tension between Etsuko and Takuto. The script is filled with impactful lines, including Etsuko's infamous call of "Baby!" which takes on a menacing tone as the series progresses. Matsushita shared a humorous moment from filming when she shouted, "Baby!" during a scene, and Nomura, exhausted from previous shoots, didn't wake up, much to her amusement.
Nomura reflected on a particularly striking scene where Etsuko proposes they live together, saying, "I was shocked by the idea of a manager suggesting that to an actor. It felt both absurd and terrifying!" He also mentioned another intense scene where Takuto is confronted by Etsuko while holding a knife, highlighting the psychological horror element of their relationship.
As the show prepares to debut, both actors hope to captivate audiences with their performances. Matsushita concluded, "This drama is unique because it explores the complexities of love and dependency in a way that resonates with many viewers. I hope audiences will see the layers of Etsuko and Takuto's relationship and reflect on their own experiences with love and attachment."
Nomura added, "The themes of dependency and fear are prevalent in today's society, especially among younger generations. I hope viewers can relate to these characters and their struggles, and perhaps find new perspectives through their story."
'Dear My Baby ~Until I Dominate You~' promises to be a thrilling addition to the drama landscape, blending suspense with deep emotional themes. With its premiere set for April 4, 2025, fans are eagerly awaiting what this chilling tale has in store.
