It has been revealed that the sequel to the popular film "Matching" (directed by Eiji Uchida), starring actress Tao Tsuchiya and co-starring Daisuke Sakuma of the popular group "Snow Man," titled "Matching True Love," will be released in 2026. Eiji Uchida will continue to be the original author, screenwriter, and director from the previous film, with Tsuchiya and Sakuma also reprising their roles.
"Matching" is a suspenseful thriller with a new sensation that depicts the horror hidden behind the increased "encounters" that have become possible through a dating app. Tsuchiya plays Waka, a wedding planner who is fulfilled in her work but shy when it comes to love, and Sakuma plays Tomu, a crazy stalker who matches with Waka on an app.
The sequel will see a major expansion in both the setting and the cast of characters. The "matching tour" begins in the enclosed space of a resort hotel on a southern island, and the characters' pasts are revealed one after another, unfolding into a hellish death game beyond imagination.
Tsuchiya commented, "Director Uchida created an even more relentlessly intense time for me, and Sakuma-san was even more like Sakuma-san, and above all, like Tomu-san. Tomu's natural yet dark presence was even more endearing." Sakuma also spoke of his satisfaction, saying, "I'm honestly happy to be able to play Tomu again, and I was excited to face the new sides and growth that I've seen over time."
◇Comment from Tao Tsuchiya, who plays Rinka Yuijima
Have you ever had a terrifying yet captivating dream, only to find yourself wanting to see more and closing your eyes once more? When I was approached about "Matching TRUE LOVE," I and the Rinka inside me felt exactly the same way. Director Uchida created an even more relentlessly intense time, Sakuma-san was even more like Sakuma, and above all, like Tomu, making Tomu's presence, natural yet filled with darkness, even more endearing. Filming took place in an incredibly sweltering heat, but illuminated by the sunlight during the day and the starlight at night, I feel like I was able to interpret the dark side of people's hearts in a richer and deeper way. Let's go back to that world together, please.
◇Comment from Daisuke Sakuma, who plays Tomu Nagayama
Finally, the long-awaited sequel is here. Director Uchida had been saying he wanted to do a sequel since filming the previous film, and we all talked about it during the stage greetings, so it really feels like a dream come true. It was through the role of Tomu that I discovered the joy of acting on screen. I'm truly happy to be able to play Tomu again, and I'm excited to see the new sides and growth that have emerged over time. Director Uchida is the film director I trust the most. He sympathizes with my acting and my approach to my work, and he's always told me specifically what kind of acting he wants to see, so I approached filming while communicating with him, determined to live up to his expectations. When I heard about this project, I immediately decided, "If Tsuchiya is in it, then I'll definitely do it!" I'm truly happy to be able to act with Tsuchiya again. "Matching TRUE LOVE" has expanded its cast and the production has been significantly scaled up. I believe you'll feel the evolution of the "Matching" series itself, so please look forward to future information.
◇Comment from Eiji Uchida, the original author, screenwriter, and director
We are finally able to deliver "Matching True Love." I am truly happy to be able to create a sequel in an era when original works are difficult to produce. More than anything, it was fun for me, as a creator and fan of these two, to see Rinka and Tomu again. What is true love? Please enjoy this bloody story of pure love.
