It has been revealed that Nagira Yu's novel "You, Like a Star," which won the 20th Japan Booksellers' Award, will be adapted into a film starring actors Ryusei Yokohama and Suzu Hirose and directed by Michihito Fujii .
The original novel was published in 2022 by Nagira, who is also known for "Rurou no Tsuki," which won the 18th Japan Booksellers' Award. The series has sold over 1 million copies and was nominated for the 20th Japan Booksellers' Award as well as the 168th Naoki Prize. Set on a scenic island in the Seto Inland Sea, the story follows Kai Aono, a high school boy who transfers to the island from Kyoto, and Akimi Inoue, a high school girl who was born on the island and lives with her mother. They meet and fall in love, but are at the mercy of their respective destinies and forced to make choices over the course of 15 years. The screenplay is written by Naoko Adachi Adachi, who has also written the NHK morning drama series " Okaeri Mone " and "What Did You Eat Yesterday?".
Yokohama, who had hoped to have the original work adapted into a film, proposed the idea to Director Fujii, with whom he has worked six times and has a strong sense of trust, which led to the film being made. For Hirose, who had been eager to work with Director Fujii, this film was a long-cherished wish come true. This will be the second time that Yokohama and Hirose have starred in a work based on Nagira's original work, following "Wandering Moon." Filming will begin in July, with the film scheduled for release in 2026.
◇ Ryusei Yokohama/ Kai Aono
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I happened to pick up Nagi-sensei's "The Wandering Moon." The delicate portrayal of emotions, the power of words, and the questions it raises about righteousness and modern society. A world view in which beauty and cruelty coexist. Everything about it captured my heart, and I was able to be involved in its film adaptation, which became a turning point for me. I continued to enjoy it as a reader, and then I came across "You, Like a Star." The moment I read it, I wanted to live as Kai, surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the Seto Inland Sea, and I humbly conveyed my feelings to Nagi-sensei and Director Fujii at length, which they welcomed. If this work were to be made into a film, there was no one else but Director Fujii, who could make the characters and world view even more fascinating, and
Suzu-chan, who I worked with in "The Wandering Moon," will be playing the role of Akatsukimi. A series of miracles happened, and I was overwhelmed with emotion even before filming began. I am truly grateful to everyone. I will take responsibility to deliver the greatness of this work to everyone, so please look forward to it.
◇ Suzu Hirose Hirose / As Akimi Inoue
I read the book thinking that I was really looking forward to acting. There are many indescribable but honest forms of love, and I hope I can carefully and gently accompany the world of the two main characters. And personally, I have always wanted to join Fujii's team, so I am very happy that the day has come when I can stand on the director's set. I have Ryusei-kun, who has worked with the director many times, so I would like to rely on him as much as I can.
◇ Michihito Fujii Fujii/Director
I am Michihito Fujii, director of "You, Like a Star." This film was made possible by the passionate desire of the lead actor, Ryusei Yokohama, and I am working hard on the production with the determination to respond to that desire. I am also looking forward to working with Suzu Hirose on my first film together.
I think that the beautiful scenery of the Seto Inland Sea, the wonderful original story by Nagisa-sensei, and the delicate script by Naoko Adachi will be a new challenge for me, so I would appreciate your support. I would also like to ask for your cooperation from everyone at the locations where we will be filming.
◇ Naoko Adachi/Screenplay
Having read the novel, I felt that it portrayed the difficulties, loneliness, and responsibility of a woman living as herself. However, as I continued to read it, I realized that it is not just women who have been torn between "roles and freedom"; this is a story about the struggles of all people.
Kai and Akatsuki are very earnest. The people who are connected to them are all the same, and all the characters that Nagisa Yu creates are desperate. That's why I can't take my eyes off them. Imagine if their lives were portrayed by real people. I would love to write about it. The two charming actors, Ryusei Yokohama and Suzu Hirose, will play the lovers, and Director Michihito Fujii will give form to the changes in their hearts and the subtleties of the years. I can't wait.
"You, Like a Star" is a story of various loves, but I feel it is also a heartfelt cry from everyone. I hope that you will receive that voice.
◇Yu Nagira/Original work
Everyone has many kinds of first stars in their hearts. They are the first stars we remember when we are in pain, sad, or happy. Lovers, family, best friends... pets and memories could also be such stars. The novel "You, Like a Star" is like the first star in my life as a writer. At the award ceremony when I received the miracle of winning the Booksellers' Award for the second time, I said, "All the people who supported this novel are shining stars to me." This novel has allowed me to meet many people, and it is a My Precious.
This novel has now been made into a movie. Moreover, I am fortunate to be able to work again with two people who are very important to me , Ryusei Yokohama and Suzu Hirose. I feel every day that the film team, including director Michihito Fujii and screenwriter Naoko Adachi, are making this story shine. I hope that the sparkle of "You, Like a Star" reborn as a movie will reach you.
