The Summer of You Live-Action Series Unveils Main Cast and Key Staff
Exciting news for fans of boys love manga! Nagisa Furuya beloved series, The Summer of You, is officially getting a live-action adaptation, and the main cast and staff have just been announced. This highly anticipated series is set to bring the heartwarming story of Chiharu and Wataru to life, captivating audiences with its exploration of friendship and burgeoning romance.
Meet the Stars: Tomoya Oku as Wataru Toda and Kazuto Mokudai as Chiharu Saeki
The central roles of the two high school students are filled by talented young actors. Tomoya Oku, known for his work in Kamen Rider Revice and Kimi to Yukite Saku ~ Shinsen-gumi Seishun Roku~, will portray Wataru Toda. On the other side, Kazuto Mokudai, who has appeared in Kamen Rider Geats and Secret Love with Prince, takes on the role of Chiharu Saeki. Fans can look forward to seeing these two actors embody the nuanced emotions and evolving relationship of their characters.
Creative Minds Behind the Adaptation
Bringing this poignant story to the screen is a skilled creative team. Kozue Sasaki, who directed the live-action Sugar Dog Life, and Takashi Haga, known for the live-action At 25:00 in Akasaka, are co-directing the series. The scripts are penned by Yō Saitō, ensuring the narrative remains true to the source material while resonating with a live-action audience. The series music will be composed by Erina Koyama, recognized for her work on live-action Kowloon Generic Romance and Sugar Dog Life, promising a score that enhances the emotional depth of the story.
Premiere Dates and Streaming Information
Mark your calendars for the debut of The Summer of You live-action series. It will first be available for exclusive advance streaming in Japan on the U-NEXT service, starting June 24. Following its streaming premiere, the series will then make its television debut on TV Tokyo “Drama NEXT” programming block on July 1. This staggered release allows fans early access before its broader television broadcast.
The Touching Story of Chiharu and Wataru
The Summer of You tells the story of Chiharu Saeki and Wataru Toda, two high school students whose shared passion for movies draws them together. Their fast friendship takes an unexpected turn when Chiharu bravely confesses his love for Wataru. Wataru initially claims Chiharu confession does not bother him, and their summer continues with film-related pilgrimages. However, the more time Wataru spends with Chiharu, the more he begins to question his own feelings, realizing that Chiharu confession may not have left him as unaffected as he once believed, and that his own feelings might be mutual. It is a tender narrative about self-discovery and first love.
Manga Background and Availability
Nagisa Furuya serialized The Summer of You manga in Ichijinsha gateau magazine from 2017 to 2019. The first compiled book volume, titled Kimi wa Natsu no Naka (My Summer of You), was released in 2017. A limited edition second volume, Kimi to Natsu no Naka (My Summer With You), followed in 2019, with additional limited edition volumes released in 2022 and another slated for July 2025. For English-speaking readers, Kodansha USA Publishing has released the manga, and Manga Planet also added the series to its digital catalog in 2023. This live-action adaptation is a testament to the manga enduring popularity and its ability to connect with a global audience.
Stay tuned for more updates as the premiere dates approach, and prepare to immerse yourself in the beautiful summer romance of Chiharu and Wataru.
