The young and talented cast surrounding Ai Iinuma and Yusei Yagi of the drama “Minami-kun is my Lover!?” has been revealed all at once

■ “I’m very honored to be able to appear in the latest installment of this long-loved series.” (Takeda Rena)

Additional cast members have been announced for the drama “Minami-kun is My Lover!?” (every Tuesday from 9pm), which will begin airing on TV Asahi on July 16th.

Starring one of the most sought-after young actresses today, Iinuma Ai, this film is the first of the Reiwa era to be adapted from the classic “Minami-kun no Koibito” (original story by Uchida Shungiku, published by Seirinkogeisha), which has been adapted to the screen countless times before.

This time, Minami-kun will once again create a whirlwind across Japan with a “gender-reversed version” in which he will be palm-sized and measuring 15cm.

The role of his love interest, Minami-kun, will be played by Yagi Yusei, a member of the group FANTASTICS, and other cast members include Kimura Yoshino, Takeda Shinji, Sawamura Ikki, and Kaga Mariko.

And now, the young cast surrounding the main character Horikiri Chiyomi, played by Iinuma, and Minami-kun, also known as Minami Hiroyuki, played by Yagi, have all been revealed at once.

■The role of Chiyomi’s love rival, Sagawa Misuzu, will be played by Takeda Rena, who is active in dramas, movies, and stage plays!
Rena Takeda plays Misuzu Sagawa, Chiyomi’s love rival. She is the coach of Minami’s university basketball team, played by Yagi, and shows obvious hostility towards Chiyomi when she comes to cheer him on at a game. Misuzu’s presence, who has feelings for Minami, will have a major impact on the development of the story going forward.

Takeda has been active in a wide range of genres, including the drama “Your Lover, I’m Going to Rob You” and the movie “Hey Handsome!!,” and continues to step up as an actress. Takeda described Misuzu, who is a little more mature than Chiyomi, as “a cute girl who is a bit clumsy because she’s too straightforward,” and we’re looking forward to seeing what kind of woman she will play in this film, as well as her dignified character.

■The role of Chiyomi’s best friend Nami will be played by Yamato Nao, the S3 Grand Prix winner of “The Day I Become an Actress”!
Chiyomi’s best friend Takamura Nami will be played by Yamato Nao, who won the grand prize in season 3 (2023) of the actress scouting and training audition “TBS Star Development Project: The Day I Become an Actress.” She won the third grand prize out of about 7,000 applicants, made her debut in the drama “Maybe Koi ga Kikoeru,” and also appeared in “JK to Roppo Zensho,” which aired on TV Asahi in April, and has steadily expanded her range of activities.

Yamato, who continues to appear in popular dramas, plays Nami, a sensitive and bright girl who is in the same basketball club as Chiyomi. Yamato himself is enthusiastic about playing Nami “carefully,” and commented, “I’m excited to meet another new character and think I’ll make many new discoveries.” It looks like Yamato’s Nami will bring even more freshness to the drama.

■Minami-kun’s teammate and rival!? Iwase Hiroshi has been chosen to play Eto!
Hiroshi Iwase has been cast as Eto, a teammate of Minami-kun, played by Yagi, on the university basketball team. Iwase, who has made a name for himself in popular works such as “The Best Teacher: A Year Later, I Was Killed by My Students” and “New Airport Occupation,” will play Eto, a “rival” who has no opportunity to shine because of the overly perfect Minami-kun.

Iwase also has experience playing basketball, and expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “I’ve been given this valuable opportunity to act with everyone in a field I’m good at, so I want to make the most of it.”

With the addition of young, talented actors, anticipation is building for “Minami-kun is My Lover!?” so keep an eye out.

■ Comment from Rena Takeda (role of Misuzu Sagawa)
I am very honored to be able to appear in the latest installment of this long-loved series. Misuzu, the character I play, is a rival in love with Chiyomi, but she is also clumsy because she is too straightforward, and she is a cute girl. I don’t have much experience in basketball, but I will do my best to be a smashing hitter! Please look forward to it!

■ Comment from Nao Yamato (role of Nami Takamura)
When I was chosen to appear in the film, I was so happy that I immediately went to tell my mother. I am honored to be involved in the latest installment of the long-loved series “Minami-kun’s Lover.” Nami, the character I play, is a loving and sensitive girl who is always cheerful and has her own will, so I would like to play her carefully. I am excited to meet a new character and discover many new things. I will do my best in the filming so that I can play the one and only Nami.
The relationship between Nami and Chiyomi is different from that between Minami-kun and Chiyomi, so be sure to check it out. Don’t miss this drama that’s perfect for summer!

■ Comment from Hiroshi Iwase (role of Eto)
I never thought I would be able to appear in a work that has been adapted into film many times, so it was a fresh feeling. I used to play basketball, and I love basketball, so I wanted to treasure this rare opportunity to act with everyone in a field I’m good at. I’m really looking forward to filming now. I hope to do my best and create an even more amazing work with everyone!

Program Information

TV Asahi“Minami-kun is my lover!?”
Starts July 16, 2024 Every Tuesday 21:00-21:54
Cast: Ai Iinuma, Yusei Yagi
Yoshino Kimura, Shinji Takeda, Ikki Sawamura, Mariko Kaga
Rena Takeda, Nao Yamato, Hiroshi Iwase, and others
Original story: Shungiku Uchida’s “Minami-kun’s Lover” (published by Seirin Kogeisha), “Minami-kun is a Lover” (Bunkasha)
Screenplay: Yoshikazu Okada
Director: Tadaaki Horai, Takashi Komatsu
Executive Producer: Seiko Uchiyama (TV Asahi)
General Producer: Nobuyuki Hattori (TV Asahi)
Producers: Akiko Kanda (TV Asahi), Hitoshi Fuse (MMJ), Taro Murayama (MMJ)
Produced by: TV Asahi, MMJ

“Minami-kun is my lover!?” program site
https://www.tv-asahi.co.jp/minamikun/

FANTASTICS OFFICIAL SITE
https://m.tribe-m.jp/Artist/index/168