It has been revealed that popular group Naniwa Danshi's Kento Nagao and actor Anna Yamada will be co-starring in the film "Koi ni itaru yamai" (directed by Hiroki Ryuichi, due for release on October 24th). This is the second time the two have worked together, with Nagao saying of Yamada, "His straightforward attitude towards acting has remained the same and was wonderful," and Yamada also commenting, "I was able to work with Kento Nagao again, and we were able to relax and create the film while thoroughly exploring the somewhat precarious relationship between the two of us."
The film is based on Yuki Yuki Shasendo's novel "Koi ni itaru yamai" (Media Works Bunko/KADOKAWA), which has been a hot topic on social media, especially TikTok, and has been reprinted more than 30 times. The story revolves around the awkward and earnest first love between shy high school boy Nozomi Miyamine (played by Nagao) and popular boy in his class, Kei Yorikawa (played by Yamada), and is billed as "this fall's purest and most exciting love story," with the suspicious death of a classmate, a suicide attempt, and terrifying suspicions about a lover. When a secret teaser video with voices was released without revealing the cast, social media was abuzz with speculation.
A teaser visual was also released, which is said to express the dual nature of the work. On the left side is "Side: Pure," with Kei's impressive smile, and on the right side is "Side: Fear," with both Miyamine and Kei gazing at the viewer with meaningful expressions.
◇Comment from Kento Nagao
I think you've all seen love stories before. I feel that "Koi ni itaru yamai" is a work that you've never seen before. I think you'll be able to feel how much love can move people.
It was my first time working with Director Hiroki, but the gentle aura that he exuded created a peaceful atmosphere on set! I enjoyed the direction and shooting methods that were reminiscent of Director Hiroki's style.
This was my second time acting with Yamada-san, but as soon as I heard that Yokawa Kei was with Yamada-san, I could picture him as the character. His straightforward approach to acting was just as wonderful as ever.
It's very difficult to say what you should pay attention to here, but watch this movie and be overcome with the Koi ni itaru yamai.
◇Comment from Anna Yamada
I struggled with how to portray Kei, who is described by those around her as charismatic and able to manipulate people with ease, and thought about what her feelings were, but I enjoyed playing the role.
I was able to work with Kento Nagao again, and I feel like we were able to create the story in a relaxed atmosphere, while thoroughly exploring the somewhat precarious relationship between the two characters.
Under Director Hiroki's direction, I believe we will be able to present a love story like no other before.
We hope you look forward to it!
