The live-action drama “Okaeri, Hatsukoi.” (おかえり、初恋。), based on the manga by Kamemizu Tora, has revealed its additional cast members and an official poster visual.

Story and Lead Cast

The series follows the love story of Taguchi Ryosuke, a former delinquent from high school, and Yamane Shiori, who shared a quiet bond with him as fellow loners. When the two reunite at a class reunion, Shiori finds herself flustered by the calm, mature man Taguchi has become — and their first love begins to stir once more. Higuchi Kohei stars as Taguchi, while Hayashi Meari plays Yamane.

Additional Cast

• Takao Hayato (ONE N’ ONLY) — as Kashiwagi Kei, a former classmate of Taguchi and Yamane
• Asakura Aki — as Ohata Jun, Yamane’s senior colleague at work
• Fujibayashi Yasunari — as Yamane Nagi, Shiori’s older brother
• Endo Yuto — as Inuoka Daiki, Taguchi’s close friend from university
• Hamazu Takayuki — as Nomoto Hironobu, a teacher at the protagonists’ former high school

High school-era visuals of both Taguchi and Yamane have also been released. Notably, Higuchi Kohei dyed his hair blonde for the first time in his life to embody the younger version of his character.

Cast Comments

Takao Hayato (as Kashiwagi Kei)

“Reading the original manga, I was drawn to how carefully each character’s feelings and awkwardness are portrayed. Kashiwagi is a bright, sociable former classmate who adds a little spice to the relationship between the two leads. I was struck by his kindness and his natural ability to consider others’ feelings. I want to honour those qualities and give everything I have to this role!”

Asakura Aki (as Ohata Jun)

“I was surprised at first by Ohata’s expressionless character, but once I understood how much warmth she has for Yamane, I became really excited to play her. Conveying emotion through the subtlest shifts in expression is a fun challenge. I hope everyone will watch over Yamane and Taguchi’s romance together with Ohata until the very end.”

Fujibayashi Yasunari (as Yamane Nagi)

“I’m truly happy to be playing Nagi. He’s a gentle, slightly overprotective older brother who cares about Shiori more than anyone. I focused on balancing his pure desire to protect her with the complicated feeling of watching her grow up. I hope you enjoy it!”

Endo Yuto (as Inuoka Daiki)

“Hello, I’m Endo Yuto, playing Inuoka Daiki. Please pay attention to the side of Taguchi that only comes out around Inuoka — I hope I can add a little wit and sparkle to this wonderful series. Look forward to the broadcast!”

Hamazu Takayuki (as Nomoto Hironobu)

“I appear as a teacher at the school the protagonists attended. The energy and brightness of the young cast on set is truly something. A story about grown-ups meeting again after all that time — please do watch.”

Broadcast Schedule

• MBS: From October 8, 2026, every Thursday at 25:29
• TV Kanagawa: From October 8, 2026, every Thursday at 25:00
• Tele-Tama: From October 12, 2026, every Monday at 24:00
• Gunma TV: From October 13, 2026, every Tuesday at 24:30
• Tochitele: From October 14, 2026, every Wednesday at 23:30
• Chiba TV: From October 15, 2026, every Thursday at 23:00

Also streaming on TVer.

Staff

• Original Manga: Kamemizu Tora — “Okaeri, Hatsukoi.” (Number Nine / KADOKAWA)
• Directors: Ishibashi Yuho, Yasukawa Norihiro
• Screenplay: Ikizaki Fumino, Ishibashi Yuho
• Production: Union Eiga