It has been revealed that model and actor Maryjun Takahashi and former TV Tokyo announcer and talent Kasumi Mori will appear in the TV Asahi drama series "Ubai Ai, Manatsu" (Fridays at 11:15pm, except in some regions), which will begin airing in July. They will play celebrity sisters who stand in the way of the heroine.
The drama is a new installment in the "Ubai Ai" series, which has become a hot topic for its love-hate drama and the cast's eccentric performances, and is written by Osamu Suzuki. After losing her mother in an accident and breaking up with her boyfriend who promised to marry her, the protagonist Umino Manatsu (Marika Matsumoto) makes a fresh start in life by changing jobs to a watch manufacturer. However, the company president, Sorachi Taimu (Yasuda Ken Yasuda), looks just like her ex-boyfriend, and Manatsu throws herself into a forbidden love with the married man Taimu.
Takahashi plays Tokimu's wife, Sorachi Mirai. She comes from a wealthy family and works as a painter. Her bright smile attracts everyone around her, but she loves Tokimu so much that she becomes suspicious of her husband's love for her. When she finds out about Manatsu's existence, she becomes anxious and jealous, and her hostility grows.
On the other hand, Mori-san, who is gaining a strong presence as a co-star in the drama "Younger Virgin at My Mercy" (MBS and others), plays Hanabi Yamagami, Mirai's younger sister and Manatsu's colleague. She is bright, innocent and sociable, but behind the scenes she is a troublemaker who causes trouble.
Takahashi commented, "I got the impression that (Mirai) is someone who wants love and feels lonely. This time I'm not playing a villain, but there are actually people who have been hurt by infidelity, so I hope I can sensitively portray Mirai's sadness and helpless emotions."
Mori said, "Hanabi is a troublemaker who stirs up trouble for those around her, and is something of an enemy to the protagonist. This is the first time I've played such a role, so I'm looking forward to it. Personally I'm not the type of person who likes to disturb harmony, but in this production I want to cause a big stir! I want to have fun playing the character, while making the most of my cute and cunning sides."
