Even supporting characters fall in love.
From Taiki Kazama, director of "silent" and "The Beginning of the Sea"
A love story between two supporting characters, me and him, who are "not" the main characters.

■Introduction

Director Taiki Kazama, who helmed the dramas "silent" and "The Beginning of the Sea," which became social phenomena.
Starring Hiyori Sakurada and Taisei Kido, two actors poised to lead the next generation, this love story once again focuses on the loneliness and kindness of people.
This film adaptation of Akane Tamura's manga of the same name, which has sold over 1.5 million copies, delicately yet boldly expresses the subtle nuances of the heart that cannot be put into words, within a literary space, becoming a new masterpiece from director Taiki Kazama.
This is a story about self-love, for everyone who has avoided standing out.

■STORY

A mob character is a character that blends into the background, such as a crowd, a supporting character, or someone who is part of the background.
Nobuko Tanaka (Hiyori Sakurada) identified with that definition, and has always lived her life watching from afar a world where other protagonists shine.

As she gazes, Hiroki Irie (Taisei Kido), who works at the supermarket, appears before her.
Irie skillfully maneuvers his cart to avoid the tiny flowers at his feet that no one else notices.
Touched by his natural kindness, Nobuko gradually begins to be drawn to Irie.

That encounter sparked a desire in Nobuko to "connect with people properly"—she began to struggle to break free from the shell that had been holding her back.
However, reality is not so kind. In job interviews, when asked "Tell me about yourself," you may find yourself speechless, confronted with the harsh reality.
Quietly supporting her are her friends, such as her overly cheerful junior, Abe-chan, and her strict but warm senior, Shinozaki-san.
Irie, on the other hand, noticed the quiet kindness she displayed in the corner and gazed at her directly.

The small, everyday moments—the lights of the festival, the weight of the luggage they carry together—gradually begin to give them the strength to move forward.
What awaits these two who have found a new way of life, one that doesn't involve waiting to be discovered by someone else...?

■COMMENT

Hiyori Sakurada / Nobuko Tanaka

As a fan of the original work, I've always watched over Nobuko, and I'm still thrilled that the day has finally come when I get to play her. This will be my first time acting with Ms. Kido, but when I met her, I thought she was a very natural and warm person. Although we haven't started filming yet, I'm looking forward to carefully and delicately creating the world of Nobuko and the others with Director Kazama, who always brings out sides of me I didn't know existed, and with the wonderful cast and staff.

Kido Taisei / Irie Hiroki

I don't think it's that easy to change your own personality or the way you've lived your life up until now.
Irie, who finds it difficult to communicate with others because he overthinks what they think, will be influenced by and be influenced by Nobuko, who is in a similar situation, as they spend time together.
I hope to enjoy carefully crafting each scene with director Taiki Kazama and Hiyori Sakurada, depicting the relationship between Nobuko and Irie-kun, which is not just in the form of romance.
I hope that "Mobuko's Love" can deliver a completely new kind of love story to everyone, unlike anything seen before.

Hayase Ikoi / Abe Haruna

I'm Hayase Ikoi, playing the role of Abe Haruna, or "Abe-chan." For this project, I was able to work with a director and cast members I'd always wanted to collaborate with, and it was a very fulfilling experience. Above all, since it's based on a manga, I was excited to enter the world of "Mobuko's Love," and I was thrilled to see how I could support the two main characters' romance! Abe-chan is a cheerful and very charming girl. Please pay attention to how she interacts with the two main characters. I would be delighted if everyone who comes to the theater could watch their love story unfold together!

Erika Karata as Yuki Shinozaki

After seeing the finished film, my heart warmed with emotion at what a gentle world it depicts. I felt that the "kindness" that everyone possesses must be activated by imagining others' feelings as if they were our own. And that this is what compassion is all about. I sincerely hope you will experience this kindness for yourself. It's been a while since I've seen a Kazama production. As always, it was fantastic!!!

Takuya Kusakawa / Yuya Kaneko

I will be playing the role of Kaneko-kun. I met Director Kazama about six years ago on a drama. I absolutely loved the time I could immerse myself in his direction, which is so supportive of the actors and works together with them, so I was really happy when he asked me to take on this role. I deeply empathized with Nobuko's feelings, which stem from overthinking due to her interactions with others, and I strongly wanted to exist in a world where Nobuko could believe in herself. I encountered the word "consideration" in the work and was deeply moved, and it became an inspiration for me to cherish it in my own life ever since. Please watch over all of these heartwarming characters.

Tsubasa Araki / Yo Ohno

I think there are times when you lack confidence in yourself, or when you can't take even the smallest step. This film delicately and carefully depicts such feelings, showing how the protagonist's feelings change and how she begins to gain courage through her interactions with friends she meets while working part-time at a supermarket and through romance. I think this will gently encourage many people. I was very happy to be involved in Director Kazama's work, and the time I spent with the wonderful cast and staff was invaluable. I hope you will look forward to it.

Kanji Furutachi as Tomonori Orihara

I participated as the only older guy among a group of young people. I feel like I regained a little bit of my youth. Thank you everyone! I think this is a work that will evoke different feelings in different viewers. I'd love to hear the audience's impressions.

■Work Information

Cast: Hiyori Sakurada, Taisei Kido
Hayase Ikoi, Karata Erika, Kusakawa Takuya, Araki Tsubasa
Nijiko Aoto, Fusako Urabe, Uronta Yoshida, TheWorthless
Yuko Nakamura, Kanji Furutachi
 
Director: Taiki Kazama
Screenplay: Yasuko Kuramitsu
Music: Shuichi Sakamoto
Theme song: Nishina "Clover" (Warner Music Japan)
Original work: Akane Tamura, "Mobuko's Love" (Zenon Comics/Coamix)
Produced by: "Mobuko's Love" Film Production Committee
Production company: AOI Pro.
Distributed by: Aeon Entertainment, Tokyo Theatres

■Original work

Title: Mobuko's Love
Author: Akane Tamura
Published by Coamix
Zenon Comics volumes 1-24 are currently on sale, and volume 25 is scheduled for release on May 20th.
1Try reading the story
https://comic-zenon.com/episode/10834108156688953433
©Akane Tamura/Coamix