The beloved Japanese drama series My Story is Long is making a much-anticipated return to Nippon Television with new episodes titled My Story is Long ~2025 Spring~, starring the talented Toma Ikuta. This special drama will air over two weeks, specifically on March 30 and April 6, 2025, from 10:30 PM to 11:25 PM.
The original series first premiered in October 2019 and quickly became a favorite, detailing the life of Mitsuru Kishibe, a NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) and his family. The show cleverly captured the struggles of its protagonist, who engages in elaborate excuses to avoid facing reality. The original season was written by Kinuko Motoyasu and was celebrated for its unique storytelling style, winning the prestigious 38th Mukoda Kuniko Award.
The new special drama picks up five years after the events of the series, promising to deliver fresh perspectives on the characters and their relationships. Alongside Ikuta, beloved cast members are returning, including Takashi Yasuda as Koji Akiyoshi, Eiko Koike as Ayako Akiyoshi, Kayoko Kiyohara as Sumi Akiyoshi, and other familiar faces like Michiko Hagiwara as Fusae Kishibe, Hiyori Sugino as Kaisei Mine, and Masataka Nishimura as Motomu Makimoto.
A key visual was revealed recently, showcasing Mitsuru's character with a humorous twist: "Mitsuru Kishibe, 36 years old, is still a NEET as expected. The family home is up for sale and 'Polaris' is closing, so it's a big pinch. Sumi, who goes to university in Osaka, has returned home and the bickering is heating up. Will Mitsuru finally graduate from being a NEET this time?" This message perfectly encapsulates the ongoing struggles that define Mitsuru's character.
The special drama aims to delve deep into the changed dynamics of the Kishibe household, incorporating humor while addressing serious undertones of family pressures. Each episode is set to explore the evolving nature of family ties and self-realization, posing questions to viewers about maturity and the balance between escapism and responsibility.
To build excitement, the production team released a promotional video on the official YouTube channel of Nippon Television. This PR video showcases highlights from the upcoming episodes, teasing the viewers with snippets of 2025's version of Mitsuru's sophistry and what fans may expect in his interactions with family.
The series represents not only the growth of Mitsuru but also the consistent challenges that come with family life—whether it’s dealing with an overbearing sister, maintaining a semblance of normalcy in the face of adversity, or navigating the chaos brought by a returning college student niece.
Mitsuru's story serves as a metaphor for the journey many young adults face today, with pressures to find their footing in an unpredictable world. It raises compelling discussions surrounding topics of mental health, economic pressures, and personal growth.
Catch-up watching is also made easy for those nostalgic for the first series. Fans can view the original episodes through platforms like TVer and Hulu, enhancing accessibility to newcomers and reigniting memories for returning fans.
As the show gears up for its return, many are excited to see how Mitsuru’s journey continues, with questions lingering over his potential to finally step out of his comfort zone and tackle adulthood. My Story is Long ~2025 Spring~ aims to deliver a mix of laughter, warmth, and reflection about growing up, family bonds, and the realities we all face.
Set your reminders and prepare for a hearty dose of humor and heart—don’t miss My Story is Long ~2025 Spring~ as it resumes the adventures of Mitsuru Kishibe this coming March!
