Live-action Therapy Game drama series reveals main cast and premiere date
The main cast and staff have been announced for a new, live-action television drama based on the popular Boys’ Love (BL) manga, Therapy Game.
The new series will be a co-starring production, with NAOYA from the music group MAZZEL playing the role of Minato Mito, and Yuki Tomita from the group Ryugujo playing the role of Shizuma Ikushima.
Therapy Game, from the original creator Meguru Hinohara, is a story that begins when the “tsundere” photographer Minato and the sincere veterinary student Shizuma spend a night together after meeting in a bar.
The plot is set in motion when Minato makes a bet with his friends that he can make Shizuma fall in love with him, but he soon finds himself falling for Shizuma instead.
In a comment, the original manga creator, Meguru Hinohara, expressed her surprise and excitement for the adaptation, stating:
“I never thought I would receive an offer to have this work adapted into a live-action series, so this was the biggest event of the year for me.”
NAOYA, who will be playing the role of Minato, said of the project:
“When I read the original work, I found Minato to be so human and delicate, and I came to love the beautiful story of the two of them!”
Yuki Tomita, who will be playing Shizuma, added:
“This is my third drama, and my first-ever leading role, so I was both excited and nervous…I think this is a work where you can fully enjoy the romantic back-and-forth between Minato and Shizuma.”
The screenplay for the series is being written by Yo Saito and Shinju Funabiki, with Misato Kato and Miyako Yasoshima serving as directors.
In her own statement, the screenwriter Yo Saito said:
“When I read the original, I remember my heart was shaken by the realization that it is a deep and straightforward story of love. In adapting this precious work by Meguru Hinohara, which is loved by so many readers, I proceeded with great care and, well, Minato and Shizuma are just so adorable… I proceeded with a lot of love.”
The drama will be produced by Video Planning, with music by Koji Endo.
The new drama, Therapy Game, is scheduled to premiere on the Nippon TV network, and the first episode will air on Wednesday, the 29th of October, at 12:59 AM.
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