Actor Kohei Higuchi , who played Don Momotaro/Taro Momoi in the Super Sentai series "Boutarou Sentai Don Brothers" (2022-2023), and exclusive model for the women's fashion magazine "non-no" (Shueisha), Meari Hayashi, will co-star in the MBS late-night drama "Okaeri, Hatsukoi." (Welcome Home, First Love) starting in October. The network announced this on September 2nd.
The original work is a web manga of the same name by Kamemizu Tora. It became a hot topic when it was serialized on social media, accumulating over 4 million "likes," and the first volume of the paperback edition has been reprinted 12 times.
Higuchi plays Ryosuke Taguchi, a smart, refreshing, and handsome engineer. Hayashi plays Shiori Yamane, a company employee who leads a peaceful life.
This story begins with Yamane attending his high school reunion. Feeling out of place, Yamane is about to leave when he is suddenly approached by a handsome, charming man. It turns out that this handsome man is Ryosuke Tagawa, a delinquent who was Yamane's loner friend in high school.
Back then, he had blonde hair and piercings, but now he had transformed into a smart, calm, and mature man. Yamane was bewildered by how much Taguchi had changed, while Taguchi was attending the class reunion with a certain thought in his heart. It seemed there was a reason why he had changed... and that's the story.
The drama "Okaeri, Hatsukoi." will air on MBS's late-night drama slot "DramaPhil" every Thursday at 1:29 AM starting October 8th. It will also be broadcast on TV Kanagawa, TV Saitama, Gunma TV, Tochigi TV, and Chiba TV. After airing on MBS, it will be available for streaming on TVer.
The cast, staff, and original author's comments are as follows.
◇Comment from Kohei Higuchi
After reading the original work, I felt a connection to the feeling that things you felt as a student become easier to express as you get older, and to the part where your outlook on life changes because of a certain event.
Pay attention to the contrasting lives of Taguchi and Yamane, the days they spent suppressing their overwhelming emotions, and the moment when those emotions are finally released.
The retro and emotional visuals are also a major draw. I hope this becomes a cherished work for everyone. Please, please watch it a lot! Thank you!
◇Comment from Meari Hayashi
I read the original work before filming began, and I really grew to love Taguchi-kun and Yamane-san. They are so pure, almost too pure, and so cute and endearing.
The character I play, Yamane, is a calm yet proactive woman. I'm very happy to be able to play such a fascinating character.
We are currently focusing on capturing the aspects that have changed between their student days and the present, the aspects that have remained the same, and the unique atmosphere that only these two can create.
I think this will be a very heartwarming piece that will naturally bring a smile to your face. Please look forward to it!
◇Comments from Director Yuho Ishibashi
When I read the original work, I felt it was a wonderful piece that exquisitely balances the fresh emotions of first love—the kind you want to keep hidden away and cherish—with the regrets left behind "back then," all within a gentle worldview.
The cast members portray the unique and charming characters in a truly captivating way. We hope you enjoy the show, feeling both excited and soothed!
◇Comment from scriptwriter Fumino Ikusaki
What a wonderful love story. That was the first thing I felt when I read the original story. Two people reunited after 10 years. They are thrilled with each other, they worry because they care for each other, and they try to accept their imperfections... everything about it sparkles.
The distance between the two characters, which has developed now that they are adults, is also endearing. Looking back, I wrote the script with the feeling that I wanted to keep watching this love story unfold forever. I myself am really looking forward to the day the drama airs.
◇Comment from the original author, Kamemizu Tora
I've fantasized a lot about what it would be like if "Welcome Back, First Love" were made into a drama, so I'm really happy that it's actually happening! It's exciting to think that the story I created is moving forward in a new form and reaching someone else.
I hope you enjoy not only the excitement of first love, but also the subtle gestures and conversations that can't be fully depicted in manga, and the unique atmosphere that only live-action can offer!
