Classic Drama Returns as Ai Iinuma Promises a Memorable Summer

Noticed for her role as a genius hacker in VIVANT

Legendary classic drama starring Yumiko Takahashi, Shinji Takeda, Kyoko Fukada, and Kazunari Ninomiya is making a comeback.

The manga “Minami-kun’s Lover” by Shungiku Uchida (64), which tells the love story between a high school girl Chiyomi, who shrinks to 15 cm, and her boyfriend Minami-kun, has been adapted into a drama four times with popular stars: Yumiko Takahashi (50) and Shinji Takeda (51) in 1994, and Kyoko Fukada (41) and Kazunari Ninomiya (41) in 2004. This classic is now being revived with a bold “gender reversal” model change in the Reiwa era.

 

The summer drama series “Minami-kun’s Lover!?” (TV Asahi), airing from July 16, features   (27) from “FANTASTICS” as the palm-sized Minami-kun and emerging young actress Ai Iinuma (20) as Chiyomi.

 

Ai Iinuma, who made headlines last year for her role as a genius hacker in the hit series “VIVANT” (TBS), has now secured her first lead role in a prime-time drama. We visited TV Asahi to get the scoop on this rising star. 

–How do you feel about being chosen for the role of Chiyomi?

“When I received the offer for ‘Minami-kun’s Lover!?,’ I was very surprised and had a hard time believing it. While revisiting past series, I thought, ‘All the Chiyomis are just so cute.’ I really felt their ‘natural cuteness.’

 

I do feel a bit anxious about whether I can portray Chiyomi in a way that is loved as much as the previous ones, but I’m working hard to ensure that everyone enjoys the new Chiyomi. However, since Minami-kun becomes small in this version, people might find Minami-kun cuter instead (laughs).” 

–Are the filming sessions going smoothly?

 

“It’s been two weeks since we started filming, and it’s been a lot of fun! However, acting with Minami-kun involves performing with a 15 cm doll. Not being able to see the other character has made me realize just how challenging acting can be.

I imagine what expression Minami-kun might have while I perform. But as filming progresses, I’m starting to feel like I can almost see Minami-kun, even though he isn’t really there. I’m excited to see how it turns out when it airs.”

–What have you discussed with your co-stars?

“Shinji Takeda, who played Minami-kun in the past series, is appearing in this new version as Chiyomi’s father.

 

When I asked him about the difficulty of acting with a 15 cm character, he mentioned that he hardly ever met Yumiko Takahashi, who played Chiyomi in the past, during filming. He said, ‘You’re fortunate to be able to work with Yagi (playing Minami-kun).’

He also reassured me that ‘The script by Yoshikazu Okada (65) will guide you well, so you don’t need to stress too much.’ His words helped ease some of my anxieties.”.

–Have you found any aspects of Chiyomi that you can relate to while performing?

 

“Yes, there are actually many. In this version, Chiyomi is part of the basketball club, and I also played basketball throughout my school years. Chiyomi lacks confidence and often compares herself to others. I relate to this because, like Chiyomi, I felt frustrated being left out of the court while my classmates and underclassmen were playing.

 

It’s not a part of my past I like to revisit, but those experiences are helping me portray Chiyomi.”

 

–On the other hand, what are the difficult aspects of playing Chiyomi?

 

“I’m someone whose feelings show easily on my face when I’m down or sad, but Chiyomi hides her emotions even when she’s upset. The director often tells me not to show too much of my feelings.

 

Chiyomi has complex emotions, like smiling while feeling sad or being happy but angry. I’m working with the director and producers to find the right way to portray these nuanced feelings.”

 

–What are the highlights of this production?

“The story centers on Chiyomi and Minami-kun, but in the latter part of the series, it also delves into family dynamics. Chiyomi’s family situation is quite complex, but she doesn’t view it negatively. She shows affection towards her non-biological father and younger brother. As I read the script, I grew fond of all the characters.

I’m working hard to make it an unforgettable summer for both me and the viewers, so please look forward to it!”

The classic returns with a new element of diversity, fitting for the Reiwa era.

 

 

◆ Ai Iinuma: Born in August 2003, from Kagawa Prefecture. In 2021, she was selected as the Grand Prix winner from 9,000 participants in the open audition show “The Day I Become an Actress” and made her acting debut. Last year, she appeared in “VIVANT” (TBS) and “My Second Youth” (TBS). She is now making her lead role debut in a prime-time drama with 

“Minami-kun’s Lover!?” (TV Asahi).

series.

From the July 19, 2024 issue of “FRIDAY