Watanabe Miho & Kimura Masaya (INI) co-starring movie “Atashi no!” to be released! A love battle entertainment about “the most positive youth”

■ “There are many scenes that you will enjoy, and I think that you will definitely love the movie after watching it.” (Masaya Kimura)

The film “Atashi no!” starring Miho Watanabe and Masaya Kimura (INI) has been scheduled for theatrical release in the fall of 2024.

“Atashi no!” was serialized in “Bessatsu Margaret” from 2017 to 2018 by Momoko Koda, who has created many hit romantic comedy manga such as “Heroine Disqualified” and “Sensei Kunshu”.

The main character Akoko, who is cheerful, can’t lie, and follows her own feelings, is played by Watanabe Miho, a former member of Hinatazaka46 who has been active as an actress since graduating, appearing in the dramas “Shut Up” and “I’ll Rob Your Lover.”

The other main character, Naoki, the prince of the school that everyone admires, is played by Masaya Kimura, leader of the global boy band INI, which was formed through the survival audition program “PRODUCE 101 JAPAN SEASON 2.” This will be the first time the two have appeared in a film, co-starred in a lead role, and acted together for the first time.

The director of this film is Yokobori Mitsunori, who has worked on many music videos and TV commercials such as Macaroni Enpitsu’s “Nandemona yo,” Nogizaka46’s “Kimi ni Yoshirareta,” and Vaundy’s “Karumatou,” and directed the drama “Married Couple Happy Recipe: Don’t Exchange? Just One Night” in 2022. This is his first feature film as a director, and in addition to directing, he also served as the cinematographer and editor. During the filming, which took place in 2023, he also served as the cameraman, carefully capturing the actors’ fleeting expressions and delicate emotions, and in addition to the love story, he also emotionally portrayed life-sized “youth.”

The screenplay was written by Satoko Okazaki, who has also worked on the film “Lovesick Ellie” and the dramas “Even if You Don’t Do It for Me,” “Breaking the Melon: Beyond the Line,” and “It Seems Like You Can Become a Wizard When You’re 30.” She sublimated the feelings of the characters, who are from a sensitive generation and easily hurt, with pop dialogue, and spun a fast-paced yet relatable story.

The movie “My!,” in which two fresh actors put their heart and soul into their performances. Will Akoko be able to turn her encounter with Naoki into a fateful love, with her best friend being her rival? This fall, the curtain rises on a love battle entertainment that depicts Akoko’s “ultra-positive youth,” dedicated to all mankind who are in love or want to be in love.

Also, keep an eye out for further information on the cast of Akoko’s best friend and biggest love rival, Mitsuki, as well as Naoki’s best friend, Narita, the cool, handsome guy who becomes Akoko’s confidant.

■ Comment from Miho Watanabe, who plays Akoko Sekigawa
When I received the offer to appear in “Atashino!”, I was very nervous and felt a lot of pressure as it was my first time taking on the big challenge of a leading role in my first movie.
However, the cast, director, and staff all made the atmosphere on set very cheerful, saying, “Let’s all do our best,” so I was able to approach the filming without feeling too pressured, but still work hard.
The movie “Atashi no!” is a troubling and frustrating story about choosing between love and friendship, but it’s also packed with laughs, tears, and heart-pounding moments!
The character I play, Akoko, is a reckless, honest and powerful girl who drags people around her into chaos, but I hope you’ll also be able to see her and everyone else grow. Please look forward to it!

■Comment from Masaya Kimura (INI), who plays Naomi Okyo
When I first heard about the role, I was excited but also very nervous, as it was my first attempt at a film.
However, in addition to the regular reading, the director also did a remote reading, and the cast and staff all cheered me on despite being shy during filming, so by the time we wrapped up filming, I no longer felt anxious and was overwhelmed with a sense of accomplishment.
This is a movie that is packed with not only friendship and love, but also many other things.
There are many scenes that will please you, and I believe that you will definitely love the movie after watching it.
I hope everyone will look forward to the film’s release with excitement. I would be delighted if it touches the hearts of those who watch it at the cinema.

■ Comment from Director Mitsunori Yokobori
In this day and age where communication is often done through social media and the internet, I feel both envious and nostalgic for the main character, Akoko, who is able to express her feelings so directly and honestly.
This movie is about Akoko, who is torn between love and friendship, and who uses her innate strength to overcome the obstacle and grow into a little more adult.
I think this film will allow you to experience youth in a straightforward way, with sweet and sour feelings, laughter, and even a few tears, together with Akoko.
I hope that this film will resonate with everyone through Akoko, conveying the growth and joy that comes from falling in love, clashing with others, and coming to understand each other.
This is my first film as a director.
I wanted to make a film that was a little different from previous films based on girls’ manga, and I am very happy to have been able to realize that idea with such a fresh cast and staff.
I look forward to seeing this film in person soon.

■Comment from the original author, Momoko Koda
Akoko is very straightforward in everything she does, and although from an outsider’s perspective she could come across as quite a dangerous person, Miho’s portrayal of Akoko is refreshing and the kind of person everyone wants to root for.
Akoko’s desperate search for love had me laughing at times and crying by the end.
As Akoko and Miyuki fiercely compete for Naoki’s attention, he was so perfect and cool that it was hard to look at the screen!
I’m sure this movie will be enjoyable for both those who have read the original novel and those who haven’t!
I’d also like to invite my childhood friends and go see lots of movies!

Movie Information

“my!”
Released in Fall 2024

Cast: Miho Watanabe, Masaya Kimura (INI)
Original story: Momoko Koda’s “Atashi no!” (Shueisha Margaret Comics Digital)
Director: Cinematographer/Editor: Mitsunori Yokobori
Script: Satoko Okazaki Music: Koji Endo
Distributor: GAGA
(C) Momoko Koda/Shueisha and the “My!” Film Production Committee

<Story>
Akoko is a straightforward and honest girl who acts immediately on what she thinks and cannot lie to herself or others. Her best friend, Miyuki, has always been by her side since they were in the third grade.
On the first day of school in the new semester, Naoki, the most popular student in school and the driving force behind all the girls going to school, ends up repeating a year and is in the same grade as the two of them! Akoko, who fell in love with Naoki at first sight, begins to approach him in a straightforward manner. Although Mitsuki declares that she doesn’t like him, saying “I think he’s cool, but it doesn’t feel like love,” Akoko senses Mitsuki’s suspicious movements. The first to strike wins! Akoko confesses her feelings to Naoki, but he quickly rejects her, saying, “I don’t want to get a girlfriend.”
Akoko is depressed, but after hearing from Naoki’s best friend, Narita, why Naoki doesn’t have a girlfriend, she decides to continue loving him. Meanwhile, Mitsuki also begins to get closer to Naoki…

“My!” Official website
https://gaga.ne.jp/atashino/

INI OFFICIAL SITE
https://ini-official.com/