On March 12th, it was announced that the Fuji TV Monday 9pm drama "Zoku Zoku Second to Last Love", starring actors Kyoko Koizumi and Kiichi Nakai, will begin airing in April. 11 years after "Zoku Second to Last Love" aired in 2014, regular cast members Kenji Sakaguchi, Yuki Uchida, and Naoko Iijima will also appear.
The drama is a romantic and home-comedy set in the ancient city of Kamakura, depicting the love story between Koizumi, a TV producer, and Nakai, a civil servant working at Kamakura City Hall. The first season was broadcast in 2012, the second in 2014, and the third season will be broadcast 11 years later.
Yoshino Chiaki, played by Koizumi, is 59 years old and approaching the age of 60, while Nagakura Wahei, played by Nakai, is 63 and has passed retirement age. Nevertheless, the two remain the same, with the same distance between them as ever, as the story begins in the present, in an old house in Kamakura, where they watch the lives of the Nagakura family pass by.
Sakaguchi plays the second son of the Nagakura family, Shinpei, who is the manager of "Café Nagakura" that opened in a renovated house and is Chiaki's "ex-boyfriend". Uchida plays Shinpei's twin sister, Mariko. She has been in love with Chiaki for years and was admired for her individuality, and is now Chiaki's exclusive scriptwriter. Iijima plays Mizutani Noriko, the eldest daughter of the Nagakura family and a full-time housewife.
Following the first and second seasons, Ayumi Hamasaki will be in charge of the theme song. The new song "mimosa" written specifically for the drama is a song to encourage life, and this will be the first time in 25 years that Hamasaki has written a theme song for a Monday 9pm drama, since "SEASONS" for the drama "Weather Forecast Lover" (2000). The script will also be written by Yoshikazu Okada, following the first and second seasons.
◇Comment from Kyoko Koizumi
After 11 years, the sequel to "Second to Last Love" begins. I think that Yoshino Chiaki and Nagakura Wahei have lived their lives over the past 11 years, struggling and stumbling as usual, but still enjoying their lives to a certain extent. Things that don't change, and things that must change. I hope that you will enjoy this adult conflict again this time. Filming is a lot of fun and is progressing smoothly!
◇ Comment from Kiichi Nakai
After 11 years, "Second to Last Love" is coming back. Moreover, it's a Monday 9pm drama... I think I may be the oldest lead actor, but I will bring the character of Nagakura Wahei into my body and enjoy the Kamakura Monogatari after 11 years with my current skin, and I will do my best to make it a drama that both my generation and the younger generation can sympathize with. Please be sure to watch it.
◇Comment from Kenji Sakaguchi
I was a bit nervous about being a regular in a drama series for the first time in 11 years, but I've been helped by my co-stars, including Nakai and Koizumi, and the staff on set. Filming is currently in full swing, and I'm enjoying every day, feeling like I'm back at home after a long time. Please look forward to seeing more of Shinpei, who is happily married despite his illness!
◇Comment from Yuki Uchida
It's already been 11 years since we said goodbye to all of you who watched. I never thought I'd be able to take part in a production I love again! I'm Nagakura Mariko, and I'm sorry for the late introduction. Even during the times when we weren't able to meet with you all, we continued to live our lives in Kamakura, cherishing the ordinary days. I'm not sure if the relationship between my brother Nagakura Wahei and Yoshino Chiaki has progressed since then, but maybe not. There's something comical and endearing about the adults who are trying their best to live their lives. To those who watched back then, and to those who have recently taken an interest in the show, I hope you can find a little happiness in your daily lives. I'll be waiting for you on Monday nights at 9pm, in a corner of Kamakura! Nagakura Mariko (voiced by Uchida Yuki)
◇ Comment from Naoko Iijima
After a little over 11 years, I feel deeply moved to be able to resume and reunite the story of Chiaki and the Nagakura family. There are so many stories in our ordinary daily lives. Everyone has their own drama. The character I play, Noriko, is a person who does things at her own pace and causes trouble and worries to everyone, but I like this innocent and foolish Noriko (laughs). 11 years later, "Noriko" looks different, but her personality remains the same, and I would like to have fun playing her. I think there are many people who are happy about the revival of "Second to Last Love"! Together with the cast and staff, I would like to make a heartwarming drama that surpasses the previous work! Even if you are watching it for the first time, please take a break on a Monday night!
◇Comment from Yoshikazu Okada
I am weaving this story while savoring the happiness of being able to deliver another sequel to "Second to Last Love" as a drama series. I aim to create a drama that makes you feel as if you are in the same place as the characters, laughing, crying, getting angry, talking, eating, drinking, struggling, and feeling the heart fluttering, in a world where it's hard to live. On a Monday night when you feel like you're exhausted, the dialogue between the great actors will warm your heart, make you feel relieved, make you laugh at how silly they are, and make you feel sad. That is the scriptwriter's wish.
◇Comment from Ayumi Hamasaki
Following on from "how beautiful you are" and "Hello new me," I am very honored to be in charge of the theme song. I tried to express both sides of life that everyone has, the things that change and the things that remain the same as the years go by. I hope this song will resonate with everyone, both those who have followed the drama along with them and those who are hearing this song for the first time.
