The “Love Live! Series” is set to make its live-action debut with the announcement of “Love Live! School Idol Musical the DRAMA,” which will air on MBS Drama Fill starting November 21 (Thursday).
Since its inception in 2010, the series has centered around the theme of “a story we can all make come true,” showcasing the journeys of high school girls as they pursue their dreams through their roles as “school idols.” The franchise has expanded into various media, including titles like “Love Live!,” “Love Live! Sunshine!!,” “Love Live! Nijigasaki High School School Idol Club,” and “Love Live! Superstar!!” The characters μ’s and Aqours have become cultural phenomena, with notable performances such as solo concerts at the Tokyo Dome and appearances on NHK’s prestigious “Kōhaku Uta Gassen.”
This live-action adaptation is based on the musical “School Idol Musical,” which has been running since 2022. It follows the youthful adventures of high school girls striving to achieve their dreams. The cast features Miho Watanabe (formerly of Hinatazaka46) as Rurika Tsubaki, Nanafu Tomita (≠ME) as Anzu Takizawa, Nanami Asai (formerly of AKB48) as Yuzuka Hoshimi, Ayaka Yasumoto (Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku) as Misuzu Wakatsuki, Julia An (Chō Tokimeki♡Sendenbu) as Yukino Hojo, Yuna Nakamura (Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku) as Toa Kurusu, Mizuki Yamauchi (AKB48) as Hikaru Amakusa, Rina (Namie Girls’ Hatsu Kumiai) as Lena Suzuka, Akai Yura (formerly of STU48) as Maya Mikasa, and Airi Yamamoto (formerly of Last Idol) as Sayaka Harukaze. Along with the cast announcement, each performer has shared their comments on the project.
Miho Watanabe / Rurika Tsubaki
As someone who was originally an idol and had the chance to see “School Idol Musical” last summer, I feel a sense of fate with this project. When I watched the musical, I thought the songs and story were truly wonderful, so I’m genuinely thrilled to be part of this world. I believe this work will allow everyone to feel the beauty of pursuing dreams and the importance of friendship. Please look forward to it!
Nanafu Tomita / Anzu Takizawa
I’m Nanafu Tomita from ≠ME, and I’m excited to take on the role of Anzu Takizawa. I am truly happy to have the opportunity to be part of this project. There are aspects of Anzu’s situation and feelings that resonate with me, so I’ve approached the role with care and dedication. This story reminds me to stay true to my dreams and emotions. Watching everyone meet friends and realize important feelings while growing together will surely inspire courage and hope, so I’d be grateful if you could watch over us kindly. I hope this reaches many hearts! Please tune in!
Nanami Asai / Yuzuka Hoshimi
I’m Nanami Asai, and I’ll be playing Yuzuka Hoshimi in “Love Live! School Idol Musical the DRAMA.” It’s an incredible honor to participate in the dramatization of a work I love so much. I will dedicate myself fully to conveying the charm of the musical to even more people. I hope both those who have already seen the musical and those who haven’t will enjoy the story of how school idols began!
Ayaka Yasumoto / Misuzu Wakatsuki
I’m Ayaka Yasumoto, playing the role of Misuzu Wakatsuki. Portraying Misuzu has allowed me to grow tremendously as both a person and an idol, and I’m very grateful for this opportunity. I love youth and the excitement it brings! Through this work, let’s embrace the treasures that shine in our hearts together! Everyone’s sweat and tears are shining brightly.
Julia An / Yukino Hojo
I’m thrilled to be able to deliver “School Idol Musical” as a TV drama and to be involved in the beloved world of Sukumyu, which has been expanding thanks to your support since its premiere in 2022. I’ve put my heart into portraying Yukino Hojo and hope to share the charm of both “School Idol Musical” and Yukino with as many people as possible. Please enjoy this work filled with youthful sparkle!
Yuna Nakamura / Toa Kurusu
I’m Yuna Nakamura, playing Toa Kurusu! I’m filled with joy to be part of “Love Live! School Idol Musical the DRAMA”! I’ve grown even fonder of Toa, who loves her seniors and puts her all into everything! I’ve practiced not just acting but also singing and dancing a lot with the cast, so I hope you’ll pay attention to that! I’d be happy if many people could watch it.
Mizuki Yamauchi / Hikaru Amakusa
I’m so pleased to be involved in this work, which I watched from the audience last year! Hikaru Amakusa is impressive for her sharp wit and straightforwardness, but I also love her caring side that pays attention to her friends! I hope you can enjoy this work, which is overflowing with sparkling energy while focusing on the individuality of each member!
Rina / Lena Suzuka
I’m Rina, portraying Lena Suzuka. I’m filled with joy and surprise to be part of the historic “Love Live! Series.” I want to cherish Lena, who has been developed over time, and deliver this emotional work while utilizing my idol experience to the best of my ability! The sight of everyone pursuing their dreams together is a youth that can only be conveyed from the “Love Live!” world. Since this is the first time it’s become a visual work, I hope you’ll pay attention to the powerful dance scenes! Through this shimmering idol activity, we aim to deliver a heartfelt story that includes not only joy but also the struggles, worries, and resolutions that come with striving for greatness.
Akai Yura / Maya Mikasa
Hello, everyone! I’m Akai Yura, and I will be playing Maya Mikasa. It feels like a dream and an honor to be involved in the “Love Live!” world. I’ve poured my respect and love into portraying Maya, who is incredibly endearing and straightforwardly “likes” everything, while cherishing the long-loved world of the “Love Live! Series.” I hope many people will watch it! Thank you for your support!
Airi Yamamoto / Sayaka Harukaze
I’m Airi Yamamoto, portraying Sayaka Harukaze! I’m so happy to live again as Sayaka in this beloved work! I believe this project will bring smiles, energy, dreams, and hope to those who watch it. I hope many people will tune in! Please look forward to the broadcast!
Love Live! School Idol Musical the DRAMA
■ Broadcast Date: Starts on November 21, 2024 (Thursday) in the MBS Drama Phil time slot
■ Broadcasting Stations:
- MBS: Every Thursday at 25:29
- TV Kanagawa: Every Thursday at 25:00
- TV Saitama: Every Monday at 24:00
- Gunma TV: Every Tuesday at 24:30
- Tochigi TV: Every Wednesday at 25:00
- Chiba TV: Every Thursday at 23:00
■ Staff & Cast:
- Original Work: Hajime Yatate
- Original Concept: Sakurako Kimino
- Screenplay: Koki Kishimoto
- Planning & Production: Yuki Wakabayashi
- Directors: Keijiro Tsubakimoto, Hiroto Totsuka
- Cast: Miho Watanabe, Nanafu Tomita, Nanami Asai, Ayaka Yasumoto, Julia An, Yuna Nakamura, Mizuki Yamauchi, Rina, Akai Yura, Airi Yamamoto, and others
Production: Socket
© “School Idol Musical the DRAMA” Production Committee
