It has been revealed that actress Morisako Ei, who gained popularity as a child actress for her excellent portrayal of the main character Maruko in the live-action version of "Chibi Maruko-chan" (Fuji TV, 2006), will co-star with Maeda Koki in "Shall We Become a Couple Again? ~Camouflage Couple~," which will air on Nippon Television in the July "Drama DEEP" slot.
The film is based on the popular web manga "Camouflage Couple" (CLLENN), written by Rokuha Miyabi and illustrated by Uehara Hibiki. Aiko (Morisaki) was enjoying a happy married life, but she discovers that her husband, Seiichi (Maeda), who works for a top company, is having an affair. Aiko endures, believing that he will come back to her, but she becomes pregnant. She decides to give birth and raise the child alone, and starts to act with only her and her child's happiness in mind. Meanwhile, Seiichi, realizing his own foolishness and the depth of his love for Aiko, wishes to start over and struggles to do so...
Morisako commented, "I think everyone has moments in their lives when they face worries and uncertainties. I would be happy if this work could give someone a little push or offer comfort to someone during those times."
Maeda said, "I hope that viewers will feel hope and courage as they watch what choices they make in a relationship that has once broken down, and that they will see 'How to Start a Broken Marriage' to the very end."
"Shall We Become a Couple Again? ~Camouflage Couple~" will air every Monday at 12:24 AM starting July 6th. The first episode will air at 12:34 AM.
◇Comment from Morioka Ei
--Please tell us your "impressions" when you first heard about the plan for this drama, and when you read the original work and script.
I had been reading the original manga for a long time, so I was very surprised when I heard about the live-action adaptation. At the same time, I was truly happy to be given the opportunity to play the main character in the film.
As I read the script, I deeply empathized with the struggles, anxieties, and growth of each character. The diverse forms of love and family are depicted with great care, and I felt that this work will resonate with many people.
--What are your thoughts and impressions of playing the main character, Aiko Sasajima?
I think Aiko is a very strong-willed woman with firm beliefs. I admire how she continues to look forward even when faced with difficult situations. I wanted to portray Aiko not only as strong, but also as a charming character that viewers will love, by carefully showing her doubts and struggles.
--Please give a message to the viewers who are looking forward to this work.
This drama depicts the bonds between people through diverse forms of love and family structures. Everyone experiences moments of worry and uncertainty in their lives. I hope this work can offer even a little encouragement or comfort to someone during those times. I hope you will watch and see the choices and lives of each character unfold.
◇Comment from Koki Maeda
--Please tell us your "impressions" when you first heard about the plan for this drama, and when you read the original work and script.
I am very happy to be able to create this work together with producer Oba, Morisako-san, and all the cast and staff who have such a passionate love for drama production.
This series begins with a spectacular betrayal in the first episode, but I felt it was a human drama that depicts not just simple judgments of good and evil, but how people confront their past, grow, and change.
"Was that person back then truly their real self?" "Can one truly be reborn, atoning for the past, freeing themselves from the curse?" This wasn't just a story of betrayal or winning and losing; I was deeply drawn to the multifaceted nature and immaturity of human beings, and their subsequent rise to the occasion.
--What are your thoughts and impressions of playing the main character, Seiichi Sasajima?
He's a truly hopeless man (laughs). He's a character who repeatedly makes mistakes due to his own weaknesses and his obsession with his mistress, but within that, he's trying to confront his past in his own way and clumsily struggling to move forward. To be honest, there are many aspects of the character that I can't sympathize with, and I've never had the opportunity to play such a selfish and clumsy man before, but I want to bravely take on the challenge, with your help, so that you can feel his humanity and even his lovableness, including his ugliness.
--Please give a message to the viewers who are looking forward to this work.
The first half is filled with surprising truths and shocking developments, but this work is also a story that depicts "human growth" and "rebirth" that lies beyond. People's values can change drastically without them realizing it, due to their environment, the people around them, and their past. Even so, it should be possible to confront one's true self and the truly important love that one had overlooked. I hope you will feel hope and courage as you watch the choices they make in a relationship that has once been broken, and that you will see "How to Start a Broken Marriage" to the very end.
◇Comment from the original author, Miyabi Rokuba
When I heard about the drama adaptation, I was so surprised that I couldn't believe it for a while. I believe that this opportunity was made possible thanks to the support of many people, including the readers, manga artist Uehara-sensei, and everyone involved. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude. I hope that as many people as possible will be able to experience the sense of realism that can only be found in a drama.
◇Comment from artist Hibiki Uehara
"Camouflage Couple" is going to be made into a drama series. I never dreamed that something like this would happen in my life, so I am overwhelmed with joy. I am grateful to the original author, Rokuyo-sensei, the readers, the editorial department, the actors who will be playing the characters in the drama, the staff, and my husband and son who always support me. I am grateful to everyone every day. I hope you will watch Aiko and Seiichi's lives unfold in live-action until the very end.
◇Comment from Nippon Television Producer Yuri Oba
In an age overflowing with infidelity dramas, we aim to deliver a new story of a married couple that stands apart from works filled with betrayal and sordid love-hate dramas. With the efforts of Ms. Rokuyo and Ms. Uehara, we have adapted the original work "Camouflage Couple" into a film and present it to you.
The lead roles will be played by Morioka Ei and Maeda Koki. Morioka Ei's undeniable acting ability, which embodies both fragility and strength, combined with Maeda Koki's versatile and captivating, embracing acting style, has resulted in the perfect casting, creating an unparalleled and luxurious couple.
This film is a coming-of-age story in which Aiko, who wants to reclaim her true self and move forward, and Seiichi, who regrets his actions and begs for forgiveness while "reclaiming himself," each undergo "their own rebirth."
I hope that the final decision the two make will offer a sense of relief, showing that "this kind of marriage is also possible," and give you the courage to take that first step. Please look forward to it.
