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| Fukuhara Haruka’s New Getsu9 Drama Adds Ikuta Erika and Kazama Shunsuke to Cast |
Fuji TV’s upcoming Monday night drama Ashita wa Motto, Ii Hi ni naru (明日はもっと、いい日になる) just levelled up big time – former Nogizaka46 star Ikuta Erika and seasoned actor Kazama Shunsuke are officially onboard, joining lead Fukuhara Haruka in what’s shaping up to be a quietly powerful drama set by the sea.
Airing from July 2025 in the coveted getsuku (Monday 9pm) slot, this original series takes place at a coastal child consultation centre – the kind of place where stories don’t always make the front page, but lives are changed in real time.
At the heart of it all? A newbie child welfare officer, Natsui Tsubasa, played by Fukuhara, who’s suddenly transferred from her job as a detective to this unfamiliar yet life-changing setting.
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Ikuta Erika: Calm, Sharp, and the Cool Big Sis Type
Ikuta Erika plays Makita Himawari, a child psychologist at the consultation centre. She’s not the touchy-feely type – more of the clear-headed, straight-talking older-sister vibe who helps interpret what’s really going on in the minds of kids and their parents.
It's her job to dig deep using psychological insights, and she’s a crucial source of support for the rookie Tsubasa.
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This marks Ikuta Erika’s return to a getsuku drama for the first time in over two years since PICU, and she’s clearly buzzing to be back:
“After learning more about how these consultation centres actually work, I realised just how many moving, real-life stories there are behind the scenes. I’ll be giving it everything I’ve got so that this drama brings a bit of warmth to the viewers’ hearts.”
She also reflected on the script:
“Every family’s different, right? Parents, kids, the ways they clash or connect – it’s never simple. But as I kept reading, I felt this sense of gentle unraveling, like all those tangled threads slowly loosening. I hope the audience feels that too.”
Kazama Shunsuke: The Veteran in the Middle of It All
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Kazama Shunsuke plays Hachimura Taichi, a long-serving welfare officer and the leader of the team Tsubasa gets assigned to. He’s the kind of guy who keeps things running without barking orders – calm, soft-spoken, and great at balancing the often-competing demands from bosses above and the overworked staff below. In short, he’s the glue.
This is Kazama’s first getsuku appearance since Asagao: Forensic Doctor 2 and he’s got high hopes for this new project:
“Even just reading the proposal, I could feel how special this story was. It’s got warmth, but it doesn’t shy away from the tougher realities either. That’s what real life is – it’s not just smiles, but struggle too. I think this drama reflects that beautifully.”
On his character, Kazama teased:
“He might seem a bit unreliable on the surface, but I reckon he’s got strong beliefs – he just wears them lightly. I imagine him as someone who listens more than he talks, and quietly helps people move forward.”
Real Issues, Gentle Drama, and a Touch of Hope
With direction from Aizawa Hideyuki, Shimohata Yuta, and Hosaka Shoichi, and scripts by Tani Aomi (of theatre group Jikan Seisaku), this series is aiming for heartfelt, not heavy. It’s not a gritty crime thriller, but it’s not sugar-coated either – think more real lives, real stakes, quiet victories.
The core theme? That even when today’s tough, tomorrow might just be a little better.
“We want to show all the people who support kids – not just the big moments, but the small acts of kindness and quiet struggles too,” said the producers. “It’s about keeping that little flame of hope alive.”
So whether you’re in it for the cast, the setting, or just need a Monday drama that won’t leave you in pieces – Ashita wa Motto, Ii Hi ni naru might be the soft, steady comfort you’re looking for.
When to Watch
🕘 Mondays at 9PM (JST), starting July 2025 on Fuji TV.
Cast Rundown (So Far):
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Fukuhara Haruka as Natsui Tsubasa – rookie child welfare officer with a bright heart.
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Hayashi Kento as Kurata Sosuke – the experienced officer paired with Tsubasa.
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Ikuta Erika as Makita Himawari – sharp yet kind child psychologist with big-sis energy.
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Kazama Shunsuke as Hachimura Taichi – calm, collected leader of the team.
FAQs
Is this based on a manga or true story?
Nope – it’s an original script, written for TV.
Will it be available outside Japan?
No confirmation yet, but Fuji TV dramas often turn up on Viki, Netflix Japan or Disney+ Asia, so keep an eye out.
Is this Ikuta Erika’s first role as a psychologist?
Yes – and she actually consulted with real workers at child consultation centres to prep for it.
What’s the meaning of the title?
Ashita wa Motto, Ii Hi ni naru means Tomorrow Will Be a Better Day. Kinda says it all, really.