Overseasidol.com — Fukumoto Riko and Takahashi Kyohei, a popular member of the idol group “Naniwa Danshi,” will star in the first-ever live-action series adaptation of Io Sakisaka’s hit manga Strobe Edge.
The drama will air on WOWOW this fall, with Season 1 spanning six episodes.
The story will be told in two parts to capture the full essence of the beloved manga. WOWOW has also released a special teaser on YouTube.
Originally serialized in Bessatsu Margaret in 2007, Strobe Edge is considered the foundation of Sakisaka’s later successes, including Ao Haru Ride and Love Me, Love Me Not.
Known for its heartfelt depiction of innocent first love, the manga resonated with readers and sold over 8 million copies, including digital editions.
The drama is helmed by the same creative team behind WOWOW’s Ao Haru Ride series (2023–2024).
It will explore the intertwined stories of high school students as they navigate unspoken feelings, unrequited love, and the bittersweet moments of adolescence, all portrayed with a fresh, heartfelt touch.
Fukumoto Riko will portray Kinoshita Ninako, a gentle and pure-hearted high school girl unfamiliar with love.
Her world changes when she meets her classmate, Ichinose Ren, played by Takahashi Kyohei.
Drawn to Ren’s quiet kindness, Ninako experiences the confusing yet exhilarating emotions of first love.
As her feelings grow, Ninako musters the courage to confess to Ren, leading to a turning point in her life.