Shochiku announced Tuesday that it will bring Mizuki Hoshino’s popular shōjo series Fukakōryoku no I Love You to the big screen as a live‑action film slated to open in Japan on March 5, 2027. The adaptation marks the studio’s latest foray into teen romance cinema, joining its recent slate of manga‑based productions.
The movie casts Kōta Nomura, known for his roles in the live‑action BLUE LOCK and the hit series My Dress‑Up Darling, as the charismatic senior Saku Wataya. Opposite him, Juri Kōsaka—who recently appeared in the drama The Scent of the Wind—will portray the timid yet determined first‑year student Sena Kodama.
Director Yuka Yasukawa, whose résumé includes the live‑action adaptation of My Love Story With Yamada‑kun at Lv999, will helm the project. The screenplay is being penned by Haruka Ōkita, previously responsible for scripts such as And Yet, You Are So Sweet and Kiss Me at the Stroke of Midnight. Composer Yoshitaka Fujimoto will provide the musical backdrop, aiming to capture the fluttering emotions that define the source material.
The story follows Sena Kodama, a shy high‑school freshman who finds herself repeatedly drawn to the school’s heartthrob, senior Saku Wataya. Despite her attempts to keep her feelings at bay, she keeps getting swept up in his charm, leading to a series of “try‑out” dates that blur the line between friendship and romance. The manga’s blend of comedic mishaps and heartfelt moments has resonated with readers since its debut in Shueisha’s Margaret magazine in August 2023.
Hoshino’s series quickly amassed a dedicated fanbase, prompting Shueisha to release the ninth compiled volume on June 25. The manga’s success also earned an English license from Seven Seas, which has already published all four volumes of Hoshino’s earlier work, Tiger & Dragon, originally serialized in Bessatsu Margaret and concluded in April 2023.
For readers interested in the manga’s recent publishing history, further details can be found on the Fukakōryoku no I Love You encyclopedia page. Additional background on the creator is available via her profile on Anime News Network.
The film’s official website, hosted on Shochiku’s portal, provides a teaser visual and a countdown to the March premiere. Fans can also pre‑order the limited‑edition Blu‑ray set, which includes a special booklet featuring artwork from the original manga, through the retailer’s Japanese storefront on Amazon Japan.
While the upcoming release has generated excitement, the manga itself went on a brief hiatus earlier this year due to health concerns for the creator. Readers can learn more about that interruption in a separate article covering the hiatus.
With a blend of seasoned cast members and a creative team familiar with adapting shōjo romance for live‑action, Shochiku’s Fukakōryoku no I Love You aims to capture both existing fans and newcomers seeking a heartfelt cinematic experience.
Featured image: ©2027「不可抗力のI LOVE YOU」製作委員会
Source: Anime News Network