It has been revealed that actress Nanoka Hara will be starring in the April TV Tokyo drama series "Lunashii" (Thursdays at 12:30 midnight). In this live-action drama adaptation of the cult-like "believer business manga," Hara will play the role of a "child of God" who is forbidden from romance.
The original work is the manga of the same name by Natsuko Ishikazu, which was selected as the top prize winner at the Weekly Bunshun Entertainment Manga Awards in the first half of 2022. It is a hotly-anticipated work that has been highly praised by Akira Kawashima of Kirin and Sho Okamoto of OKAMOTO'S, both of whom are known to be big manga fans.
Luna Goda, a high school girl who lives as the "child of the fire god," runs an acupuncture clinic with her grandmother, selling "self-realization" using moxa powder infused with her own blood. At school, Luna is called a "religious person" and isolated, and the only person who understands her is her childhood friend, Subaru.
However, one day, Luna falls in love with Kensho, a popular boy at school who saves her from bullying. However, love is not permitted for a "child of God." Unable to suppress her feelings, Luna confesses her feelings to Kensho, but is heartbroken and falls ill. Feeling that her feelings have been toyed with, Luna tries to get revenge by incorporating Kensho into her cult business...
The script and direction will be handled by Jin Ueda, who directed the much talked about "adultery horror" "Until I Destroy My Husband's Home," which recorded the highest total number of views in the history of TV Tokyo. The second half of the story will be about working adults.
Hara has starred in the two-part drama "Komugi no Manpukuki" on the same network, but this is her first time starring in a serial drama. "When I read the original work, I was absorbed in the story as a reader, without even thinking about the fact that I was acting. I couldn't stop turning the pages, and I'm very excited to be involved in such a captivating work. I can't wait to start filming," she said.
The drama series "Runashii" will be broadcast on TV Tokyo every Thursday at midnight starting from April 2nd.
◇Comment from Nanoka Hara
-Please tell us how you felt when you were chosen to appear in this film.
When I read the original work, I was immersed in the story as a reader, without even thinking about the fact that I was acting. I couldn't stop turning the pages, and I'm very excited to be involved in such a captivating work. I can't wait to start filming.
--Please tell us what you thought when you read the script, as well as your impressions and enthusiasm about the role you will be playing.
I was strongly drawn to the unique atmosphere and eeriness that permeates the entire story. While each character seems insane, the psychological portrayal is striking in a way that makes them seem somehow familiar, and I feel that this is a work that delicately portrays the "uncomfortableness" of human beings. This is a role I have never played before, so I am feeling a lot of pressure as to how I can portray her mysterious charm, madness, and conflict that draws people in.
- Please give a message to the viewers who are looking forward to it.
Even though you know it's suspicious, you're drawn in and can't take your eyes off it. Before you know it, you'll feel as if you've been sucked into Luna's business. I think it's an exciting story unlike anything you've seen before. I hope you'll look forward to it.
◇Comment from the original author, Natsuko Ishika
When I heard that "Lunashii" would be adapted into a TV drama, although I had always wanted to have my work adapted into a film, I was surprised and delighted, unable to believe that my work would really be made into a live-action film.
The lead actress, Nanoka Hara, is one of the most popular actors of the moment, and I feel it is an absolute luxury to have her play the main character, Luna. Luna possesses a unique innocence and a captivating charisma. I am convinced that only Nanoka Hara can express these two sides at the same time.
The TV drama also carefully portrays the personalities and backgrounds of other characters that were not fully depicted in the manga, with a more human touch. We hope you enjoy the world of "Lunashii," which has become even more three-dimensional and deeper as a live-action film.
◇ Comment from screenwriter and director Jin Ueda
The destiny and responsibilities of being a child of God, and the rule that "you must not fall in love." Struggling between these two, she faces the precariousness of being unable to prove her identity except by being a child of God. This work is more than just a business about believers or romance. It is a rich human drama that depicts people desperately living for what they believe in and what they desire, amidst fluctuating emotions. I want to portray the life of the foolish and beautiful "Luna," as well as the lives of those around her, without leaving anyone behind. I can assure you, it will be an incredibly entertaining drama. Everyone, please join us.
◇ Comment from Producer: Hajime Yoshikawa (TV Tokyo Drama Business Department)
There is a fundamental strength that can only be obtained from "runashii," the pleasure of gently touching parts of the brain that have not been stimulated for a long time. Together with lead actress Nanoka Hara and director Jin Ueda, we will do our utmost to express ourselves in the drama, and hope to convey to as many people as possible the "beauty of people who have no choice but to live clumsy lives" as depicted by Natsuko Ishigo, so please enjoy this religious pure love suspense.
