■“I’m excited about this new challenge for me: creating a love suspense drama with an original script.” (Takanori Iwata)
The January 2025 drama series that ABC Television will broadcast nationwide on Sundays from 10:15 pm has been decided to be the first love suspense drama in this slot, “Forest.” Manami Higa and Takanori Iwata (EXILE / Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS), who are co-starring for the first time, will star as lovers.
■If the person you love has a face you don’t recognize, would you be able to continue to believe in and love that person?
This work, which will once again feature an original story, is the first suspense work since the drama began broadcasting in this slot in 2023. The story depicts the love story between Kaede Ikushima, played by Higa, and Jun Ichinose, played by Iwata, as well as the “lies” that each character harbors, and the “truths” hidden therein.
The story has many layers, and like a dense forest, various motives intertwine, drawing viewers deep into the drama.
Kaede, who works at a flower gift shop, and Jun, who runs a cleaning shop, are lovers who have been living together for almost a year. The two live a normal but happy life, but their days are always filled with a shadow of anxiety. Because they were both telling each other a lie.
Eventually, that anxiety becomes reality, and the small happiness built up on a “lie” begins to crumble. Everyday life changes completely, and the truth is gradually exposed to the light of day. There is also a serious secret that will tear the love between the two apart… What future will Kaede and Jun choose when they learn about each other’s pasts and true faces that have been hidden by lies?
■Teaser visual released! The main video will also be released at TVer & ABEMA
In conjunction with this announcement, two shots of Higa and Iwata and a solo visual have been released as teaser visuals.
The two-shot visual captures the two of them cuddling, but looking in different directions. The solo visual was shot with the image of the moment when you saw a side of your partner that you didn’t know. In keeping with the title of the work, “Forest,” the shade of trees overlapping the two figures and the anxiety lurking in their melancholy gaze hint at the content of the drama.
TVer and ABEMA have also opened program pages. You can watch interviews with Higa and Iwata, the making of the movie, as well as some of the main footage. Other videos will be uploaded from time to time on the program page.
■Aimi Higa comment
Q: Please tell us your enthusiasm for this work.
When I received this offer, I was really looking forward to the opportunity to take on an unprecedented challenge as it was a completely original love suspense work.
Anyway, I can’t wait for the sequel! be on one’s mind! I would like to create works that will make you feel excited and tremble.Q: This is your first time collaborating with Iwata-san, what are your impressions?
When we met for the first time, I got a glimpse of Mr. Iwata’s passion for his work, and I felt a sense of security knowing that I had a strong ally.
I’m the type of person who rushes forward, so Mr. Iwata’s calmness and intelligence really help me.Q: Please give a message to the viewers.
It’s a work that draws you in after you’ve finished watching it, in a way that defies your expectations in a good way. I hope that you will be able to completely get lost in the world of “Forest”.
Please look forward to it.■Takanori Iwata comment
Q: Please tell us your enthusiasm for this work.
This time, I am excited to take on a new challenge for myself: creating a love suspense drama with an original script. I feel very fulfilled and happy to be able to create this work with the new team I met.Q: This is your first time collaborating with Higa-san, what are your impressions?
I feel that I can learn a lot from his straightforward, cheerful personality and sincere approach to his work.
I am confident that I will be able to create a good work with Mr. Higa during the long shoot that will continue.Q: Please give a message to the viewers.
As the story progresses, each character becomes intricately intertwined.
Can you continue to believe and love the person you love even when they are covered in lies?
I hope you enjoy both the love story and suspense elements.
(C)ABC TV
Program information
ABC TV“Forest”
Starting in January 2025 Every Sunday from 22:15
*After the broadcast, missed broadcast will be available on TVer and ABEMA
Starring: Manami Higa Takanori Iwata
Screenplay: Junpei Yamaoka
Original idea: Yukari Ryuki
Producers: Chinami Tsuji, Koji Yamashita, Shuhei Mita (ABC TV), Yoshihiko Yamamoto, Michiko Koji (MMJ)
Direction: Tomohiro Takahashi, Yui Matsuzaki, Ken Higurashi
Production cooperation: MMJ
Production work: ABC Television
“Forest” program site
https://www.asahi.co.jp/forest/
TVer program page
https://tver.jp/series/sr4vizlomz
ABEMA program page
https://abema.tv/video/title/871-316
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