Erika Karata Stars in 102nd Proposal Remake — Guest Spot by Tetsuya Takeda, But Questions Abound

Some younger employees have voiced that they don’t understand it

Despite replacing AC Japan commercials with those from beauty clinics, luxury brand resellers, and vocational schools, Fuji TV still hasn’t secured any national sponsors.

And the bad news keeps coming. On June 11, it came to light that popular announcer Kenta Yamamoto (27) had previously used online casinos.

“A scandal like this, when the Masahiro Nakai (52) matter hasn’t even settled, is a heavy blow. If it were another network, it might not attract this much attention, but on social media, comments like ‘Illegal casinos, of course it’s Fuji TV’ and ‘Only Fuji announcers do this’ are popping up. The shareholders’ meeting on June 25 is likely to be chaotic,” said a sports newspaper editor.

One piece of good news for Fuji TV is the favorable ratings of its April-season serial dramas—Zoku Zoku Saigo kara Nibanme no Koi, Nami Uraraka ni, Meoto Biyori, and Kansai TV’s Anata o Ubatta Sono Hi kara—along with strong numbers in catch-up streaming.

In addition, FOD original drama HEART ATTACK has been receiving highly positive reviews. Riding that momentum, news has surfaced that a sequel to The 101st Proposal is set to begin filming this fall as an FOD production.

On May 22, Josei Seven Plus reported that the sequel—tentatively titled The 102nd Proposal—will feature an appearance by The 101st Proposal’s original star, Tetsuya Takeda (76), though not as the main character.

“Comedian Seiya (32) from Shimofuri Myojo has been cast in the lead role, reportedly due to a strong recommendation from Takeda. After Fuji TV brought Takeda on as a special anchor for San! Shine, despite the cancellation of Wide Na Show in March, now they’re giving him another project with The 102nd Proposal.

Young staff at Fuji seem to support Seiya’s casting, but there’s internal criticism too—like, ‘Why is Takeda, with all his controversial statements, still being given such preferential treatment?’” said the same editor.

And reportedly, Erika Karata (27) will take on the heroine role originally played by Atsuko Asano, a decision that’s also drawing criticism.

Just a publicity stunt

“Indeed, Karata-san gained attention for her role as Chigusa Nagayo in the well-received Netflix series ‘Gokaku Joou,’ but she is still frequently criticized on X for her past affair. As a result, with Anne (39), who ended up as the wronged wife, having high favorability, she continues to be called things like the woman who stole the father from their three children on social media. While some praise her as a serious actress, many question why she was chosen, saying it just seems like a publicity stunt,” said a casting producer.

In 2020, Fuji TV streamed “Tokyo Love Story” on FOD, a remake of the original 1991 drama where Yuji Oda (57) played Kanchi, now portrayed by Kentaro Ito (27). When the cast was announced, Ito’s involvement was heavily reported due to his 2020 hit-and-run accident and arrest, but the drama itself did not gain much attention. Moreover, industry insiders have voiced concerns:

“Both ‘101st Proposal’ and ‘Tokyo Love Story’ were produced by Ryo Otani (66), who rose to fame through these works. After becoming president of Kansai Telecasting Corporation, he faced scandals regarding an affair with Honami Suzuki (58), the original heroine of ‘Tokyo Love Story.’

Recently, he resigned over the Nakai incident and on June 5, Fuji TV announced it would file a lawsuit. If they proceed with a sequel to ‘101st Proposal’ at this time, who knows what criticism they might face. What exactly is Fuji TV thinking?” said a former Fuji TV drama production bureau member.

Meanwhile, Seiya from Shimofuri—reported as the lead—appeared live on the June 6 “Shimofuri Myojo’s All Night Nippon” (Nippon Broadcasting). When his partner Sosina brought up “The 102nd Proposal,” Seiya firmly denied it, saying, “There’s absolutely no such fact. No, no, no.” While it’s understandable he wouldn’t confirm anything before the official announcement.

The original cast is better

Just to be sure, I inquired with Fuji TV whether the production was true, but they responded, “We do not answer questions about production details.” In this situation, columnist Mihoko Yamada expressed the following view:

“‘Sutekina Kataomoi,’ starring Miho Nakayama, along with ‘Tokyo Love Story’ and ‘101st Proposal,’ are called the ‘Pure Love Trilogy.’ Each theme song was a million-seller hit, and filming locations and cast costumes set trends, marking the beginning of trendy dramas. At the same time, it sparked a major romance boom including the publishing and music industries. Back then, it was an era without cell phones. Misunderstandings, waiting around, and chance encounters were common, and such coincidences created dramatic stories.

Whether today’s young people, who date or marry through matching apps, can empathize with those old love dramas is uncertain. In the first place, fewer young people watch dramas nowadays. Among this season’s dramas, the sequel ‘Zoku Zoku Saigo Kara Nibanme no Koi’ received high praise because it continues with the original cast. That likely gained not only the original fans but also a new fan base. If Mr. Takeda appears in ‘The 102nd Proposal,’ I think it would be better to depict the story with the original cast continuing the story.”

Since they are making a sequel to such a classic drama, fans definitely want it to succeed.