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| Nogizaka46’s Kubo Shiori Joins Chilling New WOWOW Thriller “Kaibutsu” as Yanagi Mio |
Nogizaka46’s very own Kubo Shiori is stepping into the spotlight again, this time in the upcoming WOWOW drama Kaibutsu — a psychological thriller set to drop on July 6, 2025, airing every Sunday night at 10 PM JST. Kubo will play Yanagi Mio, a female college student who holds a special place in the story as a precious presence, almost like a daughter, to the character Togashi Kotone (played by Itose Nanaha).
Kaibutsu (which means “Monster”) is a remake of the highly acclaimed 2021 Korean drama of the same name, produced by the big Korean studio SLL. The original wowed audiences and critics alike with its masterful script, intense performances, and chilling exploration of the human psyche — clinching three major awards at the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards, including Best Drama, Best Script, and Best Actor. WOWOW’s remake is the first official international take on this gripping story, blending Japan’s rich tradition of human drama with the nerve-wracking suspense of the original.
The story revolves around a gruesome murder case in the quiet town of Hatano, where a young woman, Togashi Kotone, goes missing after a bizarre incident that leaves only a finger joint behind. Her twin brother, police officer Togashi Hiroyuki (played by Yasuda Ken), is haunted by the past — 25 years earlier, a similar case involving their missing sister shook the town.
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Into this tense atmosphere arrives career police bureaucrat Yashiro Masato (Mizukami Koji), who teams up with Hiroyuki to crack the case. But with layers of suspicion, lost evidence, and shadowy town secrets, the question becomes: who is the real “monster” — the criminal, or something darker lurking within?
Kubo Shiori’s Yanagi Mio is at the heart of this mystery. Her character is more than just a student; she’s a symbol of hope and innocence in a town crawling with secrets and lies. As the drama unfolds, Mio’s disappearance sends shockwaves through the community, testing loyalties and revealing hidden truths.
Joining Kubo are heavyweight talents like Yasuda Ken and Mizukami Koji in the lead roles, plus a star-studded supporting cast including Ayame Gouriki, Shingo Fujimori, Sei Matobu, and Taichi Saotome. The production promises a tightly woven narrative full of unexpected twists, rich character dynamics, and a soundtrack that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
If you’re into suspenseful thrillers with a psychological edge, Kaibutsu on WOWOW is one to mark on your calendar. Don’t miss Kubo Shiori’s impressive performance as Yanagi Mio starting July 6th at 10 PM JST — this is a story about monsters, but the real fear might be closer to home than you think.