Toma Ikuta is set to reprise his role as Mitsuru Kishibe, the unemployed NEET from the beloved television drama "My Story is Long," now transformed for its sequel titled "My Story is Long ~2025 Spring~," which will air on March 30 and April 6 on NTV. The highly anticipated return, occurring five years after the original series concluded, promises to bring back the charm and humor viewers experienced during its initial run.
Originally aired during the October 2019 season, the first series of "My Story is Long" captured the hearts of audiences with its depiction of Mitsuru Kishibe, a lazy, excuse-making genius who deflected the harsh realities of life through clever justifications. The show's endearing portrayal of family dynamics earned it the prestigious 38th Mukoda Kuniko Award, solidifying its place as one of the standout dramas of its time.
The sequel takes place five years later, reflecting Mitsuru's continued struggle with self-improvement. Now 36, he has attempted to re-enter the workforce but faces disappointment, having been fired from his job as the secretary to a local assembly member just two months after his employment began. The narrative will explore his return to living with his mother, who runs the local coffee shop “Polaris,” where she faces her own challenges as she considers selling the business.
Expect familiar faces to return as well—Mitsuru’s family will be back for the chaos and comedy. His brother-in-law Koji Akiyoshi (played by Koji Yasuda), sister Ayako Akiyoshi (Eiko Koike), daughter Harumi Akiyoshi (Kaho Kiyohara), and mother Fusae Kishibe (Machiko Harada) all contribute to the lively family interactions and absurd situations stemming from their diverse perspectives. The interactions among these characters will serve as the crux of the drama, offering not only humor but also relatable moments about family bonds.
Ikuta expressed his excitement upon the announcement of the sequel: "I had always hoped we could make this happen, and finally, it feels like it’s come together!" he said, noting the challenges of reprising such a beloved role. He humorously described the new script as reminiscent of "a telephone directory" due to its extensive dialogue—"every character has so much to say!" This showcases the character's development over time, blending past and present elements seamlessly. Ikuta seeks to maintain the character's familiar charm without drastically altering his essence, stating, "Mitsuru hasn’t really grown, and I hope he doesn’t! That's the strength he has!"
Fans can surely look forward to the same light-hearted family drama, inviting viewers to unwind and enjoy; according to Ikuta, "It’s meant to be simple fun, best enjoyed lying back with loved ones. There’s nothing to overthink!"
Producer Yuko Hazeyama also commented on the return, emphasizing how the script by Rie Kaneko centered on recognizing the core of the family unit and its dynamic. Her intent is to keep the show's essence intact, stating, "Our show reflects the saying, ‘Fighting is proof of affection,’ and we wish for viewers to share these moments of genuine warmth and humor at home. The family may argue, but it’s all underlined with love and compassion."
The original series is currently available for streaming on Hulu and TVer as of March 5, 2025, giving new audiences the chance to catch up prior to the sequel’s premiere. “My Story is Long ~2025 Spring~” plans to air Sunday evenings at 10:30 PM, offering two consecutive episodes to satisfy eager fans.
With the combined forces of talented cast and crew ready to recapture what made the original so special, “My Story is Long ~2025 Spring~” is primed to continue the legacy of heartfelt storytelling. Audiences are eager to see if Mitsuru can finally shed his NEET label or if he will remain trapped by his own penchant for excuse-making. Regardless, the upcoming drama promises more laughter and playful familial interactions, ensuring it remains “a drama everyone can enjoy.”