It has been announced that the drama "Shitsuren Karuta," starring Umezawa Minami of the idol group "Nogizaka46," actor Nishigaki Takumi, and Konatsu Kato, will be broadcast on MBS and TBS's "Dramaism" slot (Tuesdays at 12:59am and Tuesdays at 1:26am) from late night on March 31st. Based on "Shitsuren Karuta," a text created by comedian Matayoshi Naoki of the comedy duo "Peace" who is also active as a writer, to read at his own reading sessions, the drama depicts a love story between three 27-year-olds who are all struggling with troubled romantic relationships.
Umezawa will play Natsuno Chinami, a career woman with a strong sense of justice, who puts her all into everything she does, and has had many romantic relationships. Umezawa recently announced her graduation from Nogizaka46, and this will be her final drama appearance as an idol.
Nishigaki plays Baji Hikaru, a freelance writer who has come out as gay and is usually calm but easily becomes anxious when it comes to love, while Kato plays Noda Ayase, who views love with a cold eye and makes fun of Chinami and Hikaru, who are easily swayed by love.
The film will be directed by Igashi Aya, who has worked on the film "Aisarenakute mo Betsuni" (2025) and the drama "The Man Next Door Eats Often" (2023, TV Tokyo), and the script will be written by Kai Mari, who has worked on the dramas "Big Tit" (2022, TV Tokyo) and "Romance Storm Zone" (2022, MBS). Throughout the film, poems from Matayoshi's "Shitsuren Karuta" (Lost Love Karuta) will appear throughout, creating a life-sized love story that is "painful but endearing" and enjoyable as you empathize with the heart-wrenching words.
Umezawa said, "As someone who tends to organize the emotions in my heart with my head, I found Chinami's honesty with her feelings enviable. I am honored to be playing such a fascinating character." She added, "The film is overflowing with words that will pierce your heart... please look forward to it!"
Nishigaki introduced the film by saying, "It's funny, sad, and yet I think it conveys the warmth of human beings." Kato added, "Through this film, I realized that it's good to live life to the fullest, even if it's funny, even if you slip, get tangled, or get soaked. I would be happy if people could feel the same way through Ayase."
