The first lead role in the commercial prime time slot for Yukiya Kitamura and his wife, scriptwriter Yoshikazu Okada, will be in the "adult drama" "When I was little, there was a god" in the October "Thursday 10pm"

It was revealed on September Getsuku that actress Nakama Yukie will be playing a married couple with lead actor Kitamura Yukiya in the new drama "When I Was Young, There Was a God," which will begin airing on Fuji TV's "Thursday Theatre" (Getsuku at 10pm) slot on October 9th. The drama is an entirely original work by screenwriter Okada Yoshikazu, known for "Second to Last Love 3," which was a hot topic in the station's "Monday 9pm" slot in April. This will be Kitamura's first lead role in a prime-time terrestrial TV drama.

This work is a home comedy that tells the story of three families living in a three-story retro apartment building. It humorously depicts the lives of Ogura Wataru (played by Kitamura) and his wife Ann (played by Nakama), who have two children and live on the third floor. The story begins 19 years ago, when an incident led the Ogura couple to make a promise to divorce when their child turns 20. Wataru has completely forgotten those words and has lived life at his own pace, while his wife Ann has always relied on them for emotional support. The story is said to be a heartwarming, "adult drama" that delicately and lightly depicts how two people with completely different feelings gradually become shaken in their everyday lives.

Comments from the cast and staff are as follows:

◇Comment from Yukiya Kitamura

-When you received the offer for this film.

This was my second time appearing in one of Okada's productions, so I was very happy. And, to be honest, I was surprised because I never thought I'd be given such an important role as the lead in a prime-time drama at my age. I was like, "What?! Are you sure?"

-Read the script.

There are no so-called "villains" in Okada's works. They are warm and fuzzy, but there are also people who are a little off, and small frictions and distortions arise... I think these are the little devices that make the audience chuckle. I hope to be able to relax and act freely in Okada's theatrical world, which naturally draws me in.

--About the role of Ogura Wataru.

Wataru has a lot in common with me, but when I look at him objectively, there are many things about him that make me think, "This guy is no good..." (laughs). And one of the themes of this drama is whether to get divorced or not, so I want to portray the couple as having their own bumps and turns, and portray a couple that is not hated, but rather loved, so that we can properly show that difference.

--About working with Nakama Yukie.

I had previously had the opportunity to work with her on charity work and met her several times, so I already felt a sense of familiarity with her. However, it had been a while since we last worked together on a film, so I'm really glad that we were able to get together. (Nakama) Yukie is a very earnest and stoic person, but she also has a warm and gentle side. I'm looking forward to seeing how she will approach the role of "An" this time. I would be happy if we could shoot scenes where, through the dialogue exchange, we can create expressions and atmospheres that neither of us could have imagined, and I believe that this will contribute to the success of this film.

- A message to the viewers looking forward to the broadcast.

One day, what should have been an ordinary family is suddenly "announced for divorce." What's more, it is a promise made long ago... The husband has completely forgotten about that promise, the wife believes it and has been making systematic preparations, and the children realize this. How will the balance of the family be disrupted from each of their perspectives? Also, three families living in the same apartment building support each other despite their own worries, and build relationships despite the occasional clash. Be sure to watch until the very end as this unique Ensemble of three families is brought to you in Okada's world!

◇Comment from Yukie Nakama

-When you received the offer for this film.

It's been a while since I last appeared in a Fuji TV drama series, so I feel like I'm "coming home." Given that, I was truly grateful to be given the opportunity to appear in Okada's work. Okada's works are heartfelt and warm, yet somehow manage to make you chuckle, so I'm sure this will be another wonderful piece, and I'm looking forward to it. I will treasure this challenging opportunity and do my best to create a heartwarming piece that will reach many people.

-Read the script.

In a world filled with kindness, typical of Okada, the worries and thoughts of people who are trying their best to live are carefully depicted, and I felt that this drama would gently touch our hearts. In particular, the casual conversations between the family members were impressive, and I think that's where Okada's personality shines through. There are a lot of lines, so I feel a bit pressured (laughs), but I'll make sure to memorize them well and act carefully while valuing the atmosphere on set.

--About the role of Ogura An.

The woman named Ann is not particularly angry about anything. Rather, she is someone who enjoys everyday life in a calm manner. However, I think she is a woman with a strong core and a strong will. Depending on the scene, there may be moments when you wonder, "What is this person thinking?", but I hope to deepen the portrayal of this character as a bright, strong woman with depth, including these moments.

-About working with Kitamura Yukiya.

When we previously co-starred in a period drama, we had an adversarial relationship, so this time I'm looking forward to working with him in a completely different role as a married couple. Kitamura-san is a truly wonderful actor, and above all, he has a very gentle voice. I really like that voice... (laughs). I'm looking forward to acting with him as a married couple this time, and I'm really counting on him.

- A message to the viewers looking forward to the broadcast.

I play a slightly unusual woman who lives her daily life under the assumption that she will get divorced. However, I think it will be a work that will move you emotionally, as you will be able to empathize with her, think "I understand how she feels, but I feel sorry for her," and feel a variety of emotions. I will do my best to face this role, laugh a lot, cry a lot... and give it my all to get through the first season. I hope you will watch until the end.

◇ Comment from scriptwriter Yoshikazu Okada

This is my second time working with Kitamura-san, but this is my first time starring in a prime-time terrestrial TV drama, and I'm incredibly honored to be working with him on this. I'm excited. Nakama-san and I feel like comrades, living through the same era in the drama world. This is my first time writing for him. Finally. I'm happy. I've written many TV dramas, but while I've written about couples and families, I haven't really focused on couples. The husband is the best guy, but somehow he's a bit of a mess and out of touch, and the wife is irritated by him, but also soft-spoken, easygoing, and adorable. I hope you enjoy the endless daily life of this couple. The script meetings are filled with women, led by up-and-coming director Mai Sakai and producer Asako Tabuchi, who I'm teaming up with for the first time. It's a lively, cheerful time, like a father surrounded by his daughters. I'm sure that atmosphere is reflected in the drama. We hope to bring you an adorable drama that will make you feel at ease on Thursday nights, make you laugh at how silly it is, nod in agreement and even make you cry a little.

◇ Comment from producer Asako Tabuchi

Okada's dramas have been a part of my life since I was a child. All the characters are lovable, the human emotions and relationships are delicately portrayed, and there are many lines that touch the heart with tenderness... I'm so happy to be working with such an amazing Okada this time. Wataru thinks he's living a smooth life, but something is a little off. His wife, Ann, looks at him with a cold eye... This drama depicts the nuances of this ordinary family and the people around them. I asked Yukiya Kitamura, who plays Wataru, and Yukie Nakama, who plays Ann, to act as if Wataru and Ann had come to life. I'm sure this drama will be one in which you'll empathize with each character, laugh, and even be moved. Be sure to tune in to Fuji TV's new adult sitcom.