Netflix announced today that Karuho Shiina’s Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You popular shōjo manga will be inspiring a live-action series, streaming exclusively on the streaming service in March 2023.
Two members of the cast were also confirmed: Sara Minami stars as Sawako Kuronuma and Ōji Suzuka stars as Shōta Kazahaya. The show is also confirmed to be a joint production between TV Tokyo and Netflix, with Takehiko Shinjō (I Give My First Love to You ) and Takeo Kikuchi (Hello, Goodbye ) directing, and Hayato Miyamoto writing the scripts. The manga also inspired a live-action film adaptation released in 2010 starring Mikako Tabe and Haruma Miura.
The series tells the story of Sawako Kuronuma, nicknamed Sadako because her long black hair and pale skin make her appear gloomy. The popular Shōta Kazahaya builds a friendship with Sawako that blossoms into romance.
▍About Kimi ni Todoke
Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You is a Japanese shōjo romance manga by Karuho Shiina. It was published by Shueisha in Bessatsu Margaret from 2005 to 2017 and collected in 30 tankōbon volumes. In 2008, it won the Best Shōjo Manga award in the 32nd Annual Kodansha Manga Award.
Shueisha published the manga’s 30th and final compiled book volume in March 2018. Shiina ran the Kimi ni Todoke Bangaihen ~Unmei no Hito~ (Known in English as Kimi ni Todoke Spinoff: Soulmate) spinoff manga in Bessatsu Margaret from April 2018 to May 2022.
The story takes place in Hokkaido. 15-year-old high school freshman Sawako Kuronuma—dubbed Sadako by her classmates for her resemblance to the character from The Ring—has always been feared and misunderstood because of her appearance; rumors around school report that she can see ghosts and curse people.
However, despite her ominous appearance, she is actually a sweet and unassuming girl who only longs to be helpful; she has been shunned for so long that the idea of making friends has become foreign to her. When a popular boy, Kazehaya, begins talking with her, everything changes. She finds herself in a new world, making new friends and talking to different people, and she can’t thank Kazehaya enough for giving her these opportunities. Slowly, but surely, a sweet love blossoms between the two as they overcome circumstances and obstacles that stand in their way.
▍Kimi ni Todoke Live Action Staff & Production
Based on the original story by Karuho Shiina (published by Shueisha “Margaret Comics”)
Director: Takehiko Shinjo, Takeo Kikuchi
Screenplay: Hayato Miyamoto
Executive Producer: Nahomi Sato (Netflix)
Producer: Taku Matsumoto (TV Tokyo), Masayuki Morikawa (Fine), Yuuki Seike (Fine)
Co-producer: Hisahiro Ito
Production Credit: TV TOKYO
Production Cooperation: Fine Entertainment