Takanori Jinnai is making a notable return to acting after an eight-year hiatus, starring in the ABEMA original drama 'Die Loving,' which premiered on March 27, 2025. Jinnai plays the role of Masato Shinjo, a man who appears to be the ideal husband but harbors a dark secret as a charming killer. The drama, based on the manga by Sei Marimo Amano, explores themes of love and madness through the complex relationship between Shinjo and his wife, Hanano, played by Mio Imada.
The director of the series, Hideo Jojo, expressed his desire to create a fresh portrayal of a villain. "I didn’t want Masato Shinjo to be a typical psychopath," Jojo stated. Instead, he aimed to depict a character who acts calmly and purposefully, without the exaggerated traits often associated with murderers in entertainment. He emphasized the importance of crafting a nuanced villain that breaks away from the traditional representations seen in countless previous works.
Jinnai, reflecting on his return to the screen, shared his initial nerves about taking on the lead role. "I felt a good kind of tension, considering the responsibility of leading the story," he said. Despite the long break since his last performance, he approached the character with a renewed perspective, eager to explore what he could bring to the role. "There were no scenes where I could let my guard down; I constantly had to embody the character's duality," he added.
The character of Shinjo is particularly intriguing as he balances his life as a devoted husband with his hidden criminal activities. Jinnai noted, "I had to grapple with the complexity of the character, as many of his lines carry deeper meanings. This made the performance challenging but also rewarding." He described the role as one that allowed him to utilize his strengths as an actor to the fullest, bringing a unique depth to Shinjo that he found exciting.
Jojo praised Jinnai's professionalism and ability to quickly regain his acting instincts. "He displayed a remarkable blend of calculation and spontaneity in his performance," the director remarked. Jojo also highlighted the importance of building a strong trust between the cast and crew, particularly with Jinnai. "We didn’t have lengthy discussions about every detail, but Takanori was always open to trying new things and capturing the nuances of the character," he explained.
As for Imada, who plays Hanano, Jojo described her as meticulous and instinctive in her approach to the role. "She truly embodied the character of Hanano, making it easier for us to collaborate without micromanaging her performance," he said. The chemistry between Jinnai and Imada is essential to the narrative, as their relationship unfolds against a backdrop of suspense and emotional turmoil.
Jojo, who has previously directed various media forms, acknowledged the challenges of adapting to the streaming format of a serialized drama. "This was my first time working on a series for an internet streaming service, and it required a different approach compared to films," he noted. He emphasized the importance of maintaining viewer engagement over multiple episodes, balancing entertainment with his artistic vision.
The drama consists of eight episodes, each designed to captivate the audience while exploring the darker aspects of love and trust. Jojo aimed to create a visually appealing experience, particularly for viewers who watch on smartphones. "I was surprised when the producers mentioned that many viewers would be watching on their phones. It’s a different era now, and I wanted to ensure the series was accessible without compromising on quality," he explained.
As 'Die Loving' unfolds, viewers can expect a blend of suspense, emotional depth, and unexpected twists. Jojo remarked, "I believe the series will resonate with audiences in various ways. It’s packed with elements that entertain, from action and drama to moments that may evoke tears." He encouraged viewers to appreciate the unique aspects of the story, suggesting that its peculiarities might provoke thought and discussion.
With Jinnai's return to the screen and Jojo's innovative direction, 'Die Loving' promises to be a compelling exploration of love's complexities and the human psyche. Fans eagerly anticipating Jinnai's comeback have already expressed their excitement through social media, marking the start of what he calls his “second chapter” as an actor. "I’m grateful for the support and can’t wait for everyone to see what we’ve created together," Jinnai concluded.
