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| Uchida Yuki, Kaname Jun and Emoto Tsukasa Join NTV’s ‘Chihayafuru: Meguri’ as Lead Character’s Family (NTV) |
NTV’s hotly awaited Wednesday 10 PM drama Chihayafuru: Meguri just dropped a big cast bomb—joining lead Touma Ami are none other than Uchida Yuki, Kaname Jun, and rising teen Emoto Tsukasa, playing the heroine’s fam unit.
Starting 9 July 2025, this summer drama marks a fresh new chapter in the beloved Chihayafuru world, now set ten years after the events of the smash-hit movie trilogy (which raked in a cool 4.5 billion yen at the box office). While the OG karuta gang has passed the baton, the series still packs that classic blend of youth, passion, and tearjerker vibes—but with a modern twist.
In Chihayafuru: Meguri, Touma Ami takes on her first drama lead as Aizawa Meguru, a new-gen high schooler who stumbles into the struggling karuta club at Umezono High. Helping steer the ship is none other than Ooe Kanade—played once again by Kamishiraishi Mone, making her much-loved return from the films.
Now we’ve got the full Aizawa family in frame:
– Mum, Aizawa Toko: played by Uchida Yuki (special guest appearance!), is a wedding planner who’s always rushing off to someone else’s big day.
– Dad, Aizawa Susumu: played by Kaname Jun, is a stay-at-home cooking influencer dad—serving apron-core realness and cheeky dad humour.
– Lil bro, Aizawa Kakeru: played by Emoto Tsukasa, a second-year junior high kid navigating peak puberty energy while Meguru’s off chasing karuta dreams.
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Cast Comments 💬
Uchida Yuki
“Those youthful moments don’t last forever, but this drama lets us relive them—just for a bit. Whether you’re living your youth now, or just reminiscing like me, I hope you find joy in Meguru’s dedication. I’ll be giving it my all, sweating it out with the team!”
Kaname Jun
“I’m playing Susumu, the gentle but slightly scatterbrained house-husband. There’s a real warmth in seeing a dad quietly support his kids while juggling housework, and it’s something I really relate to. Watching Meguru’s matches with Uchida-san has us both on edge every time—don’t miss it.”
Emoto Tsukasa
“I honestly couldn’t believe I’d get to be part of the Chihayafuru world—it’s a dream! I’m the same age as Kakeru in real life, so I’m hoping to really bring out those everyday family moments in the Aizawa house.”
About the Drama 🎴
Title: Chihayafuru: Meguri
Start Date: 9 July 2025 (Wed)
Time: Wednesdays at 10:00 PM
Channel: NTV (Nihon TV)
Lead Cast: Touma Ami, Kamishiraishi Mone, Hara Nanoka, Saito Jun, Fujiwara Taiyu, Yamatoki Soma, Onishi Rikuu, Arashi Rina, Sakamoto Aito, Takamura Keito, Tachibana Yuki, Ishikawa Raizo, Seto Kotoe, Takahashi Yutaro, Fujieda Yoshiki, Otomo Issei, Urushiyama Takumi, Uchida Yuki, Kaname Jun, Emoto Tsukasa
Production Team:
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Showrunner: Koizumi Norihiro
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Directors: Fujita Naoya, Honda Daisuke, Matsumoto Chiaki, Yoshida Kazuhiro
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Screenwriters: Monogatarilab (Kosaka Shiho, Honda Daisuke, Matsumoto Chiaki), Kaneko Suzuyuki
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Music: Yokoyama Masaru
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Theme Song: “Meguru-loop” by Perfume
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Produced by: NTV, with cooperation from ROBOT & Winds Moment
Quick FAQ 📝
Is this connected to the movies?
Yep! Same universe, same vibes, but 10 years later. Only Kanade (Kamishiraishi Mone) returns from the film cast—everyone else is new gen.
Is the karuta still a thing?
You bet. It’s still about the passion for competitive karuta, but from a fresh angle and a new school on the verge of losing its club.
Where to watch outside Japan?
No official streaming announcement yet, but keep an eye on Hulu Japan, Viki, or Netflix JP—they often pick up NTV dramas post-airing.
Where to follow updates?
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Official site: https://www.ntv.co.jp/chihayafuru-meguri/
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X (Twitter): @chihaya_koshiki
This summer’s got the perfect combo of nostalgia and new blood—Chihayafuru: Meguri looks like it’ll serve up all the feels, with family warmth, youthful grit, and karuta drama that hits right in the heart.