It has been revealed that actress Wakana Matsumoto and Hayato Sano of the popular group "M!LK" will be co-starring for the first time in the July drama series "Kimi no Suki wa Muteki" (TBS, Tuesdays at 10 PM). This will be Matsumoto's first leading role in a Tuesday 10 PM drama in two years since "Saionji-san wa Kaji wo Shinai," and the drama will feature her and Sano working in the character business industry.
"Your Love Is Invincible" is a completely original story with a script by Takeshi Miyamoto, who also wrote "Saionji-san Doesn't Do Housework." Set in the character business industry, it depicts the story of a former consultant played by Matsumoto, who doesn't really understand what "cute" or "love" means, and a naive and eccentric character designer played by Sano, as they aim to create a globally popular character with just the two of them. Sanrio, which has produced globally beloved characters such as Hello Kitty and My Melody, provided research cooperation for the project.
The protagonist, Anna Kusakabe (played by Matsumoto), a highly capable consultant, suddenly quits her job one day, declaring, "I'm going to FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early)!" However, in reality, she had quit for a certain reason and didn't have much financial leeway, so she was making ends meet by doing odd jobs on a whim.
Amidst all this, Anna takes a part-time job sorting receipts for a small design company, where she meets Seo Mizuki (played by Sano), a character designer. He's an extremely eccentric and peculiar man who seems completely incapable of creating anything "cute," and Anna would rather not get involved with him. However, when she witnesses Seo accepting a job from a shady client for an outrageously low price, her sense of justice kicks in and she tries to save him... but it ends in a spectacular failure. As atonement, she ends up helping Seo create characters... and that's where the story begins.
Matsumoto commented, "I am very happy to be back in the Tuesday drama slot, which I have a strong attachment to. It has been two years already (since 'Saionji-san Does No Housework'), and at the same time, it has only been two years, but I think you will get to see a different side of my character this time, so I am full of enthusiasm!"
Sano said, "I've always wanted to try appearing in a Tuesday drama. I'm more like Kusakabe, and I've always wondered, 'What is cute?' But while working in the group, I often heard fans saying things like 'cute' and 'mellow,' and it made me think about what 'cute' really means. I think this drama will be something that will make everyone think, 'I can do my best tomorrow too!' every Tuesday at 10 pm. Please look forward to it."
◇Wakaba Matsumoto as Wakana Matsumoto
I'm so happy to be back on Tuesday night dramas, a time slot I'm very attached to. It's been two years (since "Saionji-san Does No Housework"), and yet it feels like it's only been two years, but I'm really excited because I think you'll get to see a different side of my character this time! This show features many characters who embody how much brighter life and everyday life can become when you have things you "like" or find "cute." The character I play, Kusakabe, is a woman who has lived her life without much interest in "cuteness." On the other hand, Seo-kun, played by Sano-san, is someone who creates "cuteness," so I think one of the highlights will be seeing how these two approach character design.
Since I've never had a favorite character or idol in my life, I really understand how Kusakabe feels. That's why, after receiving this offer, I've started trying to get to know as many different characters as possible.
I believe there are many different kinds of "likes." We would be very happy if you, along with the people you like or the people you cherish, could come to love this drama. Please look forward to it!
◇Hayato Sano as Hayato Sano
I've always wanted to try acting in a Tuesday night drama. I'm more like Kusakabe, and I've always wondered, "What exactly is cute?" But while working with the group, I often heard fans say things like "cute" and "mellow," which made me think about what "cute" really means. I've always loved anime and manga, so in taking on this role, I've been reflecting on the character and thinking about how characters are created and how someone created them from nothing. Also, although it's not exactly character design, I have a manga artist friend, so I've contacted him and will be asking him about the character soon. I'm very excited about it myself, and I think it's a show that will make everyone think, "I can do my best tomorrow!" every Tuesday night at 10 pm. Please look forward to it.
◇Producer: Aina Iwasaki
In a child's arms, somewhere in an adult's belongings, on a candy package, scattered all over town... these adorable characters are always there beside you, and for some reason, you're drawn to them. I wanted to know the secret behind this magical attraction, how they come into being, and that's why I started creating this story.
Two years ago, I worked with Wakana Matsumoto on "Saionji-san Doesn't Do Housework," and I've grown to love both her acting and her personality ever since. I really wanted to work with her again, so I made a passionate offer. I also aggressively approached Hayato Sano, whom I've long wanted to work with, and even recklessly asked Sanrio, who has given me so much excitement since I was a child, for their cooperation. I asked them without regard for appearances, driven solely by my love for them, but I'm incredibly excited to be able to create a drama with such wonderful people! Working on the production with the powerful cast and reliable staff, I'm realizing more and more these days how much I love making dramas.
The power of "liking" something is so pure and great that it makes all the complicated things and logic seem insignificant. The cast and crew are working together to create this drama, dreaming that it will become someone's "liking" somewhere! We await you in a world overflowing with "liking" and "cuteness"!
