 |
| Yokohama Ryusei’s Passion Project “Nanji, Hoshi no Gotoku” to Hit Cinemas in 2026, Starring Hirose Suzu |
Big news on the J-film circuit: actor Yokohama Ryusei and actress Hirose Suzu are confirmed as double leads for the live-action adaptation of Nanji, Hoshi no Gotoku (literally Thou, Like a Star), slated for a 2026 release. Helming the film is acclaimed director Fujii Michihito, while the script comes from master screenwriter Adachi Naoko, known for her subtle, heartfelt dramas.
Based on the award-winning novel by Nagira Yuu — which scooped up the 20th Honya Taisho prize and sold over a million copies — this powerful story takes place on a scenic island in the Seto Inland Sea.
It weaves the lives of two teens: Kai, a high schooler who transfers to the island from Kyoto chasing dreams of becoming a manga artist, and Akimi, a girl born and raised there but weighed down by complicated family issues. As fate would have it, the pair are drawn together and fall for each other, yet find their feelings tangled up in the harsh choices life throws their way.
The plot spans 15 years of their intertwined journeys, exploring how love and personal dreams clash with the brutal pull of destiny.
Interestingly, this film only happened thanks to Ryusei himself. A huge fan of Nagira’s original novel, he pushed for it to be adapted to screen and pitched the idea directly to director Fujii — a creative duo who have worked together six times previously, including on Yomei 10-nen.
 |
Hirose Suzu, who left an unforgettable mark in Kataomoi Sekai and A Pale View of Hills, takes on Akimi’s delicate but resilient character, while Ryusei will bring Kai’s big-hearted, hopeful spirit to life. Fans might also remember that these two starred together in Rurou no Tsuki, another Nagira-inspired project, so their chemistry is something audiences are already hyped about.
Fujii Michihito’s direction is expected to beautifully capture the gentle island landscapes and the quiet heartbreak of missed chances and growing up, while Adachi’s script should deliver all the intimate, gut-wrenching emotions the novel is so loved for.
If you’re a sucker for stories about star-crossed lovers, or you’re partial to coming-of-age dramas with a hefty side of human struggle, you’ll definitely want to keep your eye on this one.
Nanji, Hoshi no Gotoku is lined up to premiere in Japanese cinemas sometime in 2026, with further international release details yet to be announced. If you can’t wait, maybe dust off the novel to get a head start on this sweeping tale of love, choice, and everything in between.