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| “Is Idol Love a Crime?” Saito Kyoko Stars in New Courtroom Romance Flick Renai Saiban, Headed to Cannes (Toho) |
Brace yourselves, idol fans and film buffs — there's a bold new movie coming this Winter that’s already stirring up buzz across Japan and the international film scene. Renai Saiban (translation: Love Trial), directed by award-winning auteur Koji Fukada, is officially heading to the 78th Cannes Film Festival, under the prestigious Cannes Premiere section — and yes, it's that serious.
At the heart of this thought-provoking drama is Saito Kyoko, former Hinatazaka46 member, stepping into a role that hits close to home: a top idol who falls in love... and gets sued for it.
Wait, what?
Yep — the film asks the million-yen question: Is it really a crime for an idol to fall in love?
Saito plays Yamaoka Mai, the adored centre of rising idol group Happy☆Fanfare.
Her world turns upside down when she bumps into Mayama Kei, a classmate from her school days, and the two fall into a secret romance.
But in idolland, love isn’t just complicated — it’s practically illegal.
Fast forward eight months, and Mai’s agency slaps her with a lawsuit, claiming she breached her no-dating clause.
The result? A full-blown courtroom battle where love, loyalty, and freedom go on trial.
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| Saito Kyoko Leads Renai Saiban – A Courtroom Drama About Idol Love and Forbidden Romance |
Enter the powerhouse cast
Joining Saito is rising actor Kura Yuki as the love interest Mayama Kei — a character caught between real feelings and unwanted media glare.
Karata Erika takes on the sharp and conflicted role of Mai’s long-time manager, while the ever-charismatic Tsuda Kenjiro plays the cold, calculating agency boss leading the legal charge.
A teaser trailer just dropped, and let’s just say — it’s intense. Tension, emotion, and some proper “how dare they?!” courtroom drama all rolled into one, with Fukada’s signature slow-burn style.
What the cast are saying
Kura Yuki described the project as fate, saying, “From the moment I auditioned, I felt this story was something special. I watched the final cut recently and it confirmed everything — this film has something real to say.”
Karata Erika was over the moon to finally work with director Fukada.
“It’s been my dream since I was 20. Being part of this film reminded me how meaningful cinema can be — especially one that explores all the possible paths life can take.”
Meanwhile, Tsuda Kenjiro can’t wait to see how audiences react: “It’s a film about idols, sure — but through Fukada’s lens, it becomes something so much more. I’m truly excited to see how this story resonates globally.”
Renai Saiban is slated for a Winter 2025 release in Japan, and with Cannes already on the calendar, it’s safe to say this won’t be your typical idol romance.
Expect tough questions, emotional punches, and a film that challenges the very rules of the idol world.
Because maybe... love shouldn’t be a scandal after all?