SAY “I LOVE YOU” Manga Becomes Live-Action Movie

Source: Shochiku Co., Ltd. Official Site: sukinayo.jp (Japan) Shochiku will release SAY “I LOVE YOU” (?????????, Sukitte Ii Nayo) in Japanese cinemas on July 12th. The film is based on Kanae Hazuki`s bestselling manga series Sukitte Ii Nayo, which debuted in the April 2008 issue of Kodansha`s Dessert magazine and has sold over 5 million copies to date. The story of SAY “I LOVE YOU” was adapted by director/screenwriter Asako Hyuga (PRESENTS -A SPARE KEY-, THE DAYS OF MORISAKI BOOKSTORE). Publicity materials for the film vow that audiences will get a lump in their throat as the movie recreates the feelings of "first love"... the first kiss, holding hands, the sadness and jealousy as the main character comes to know true love and kindness. The romantic leads are played by Haruna Kawaguchi and Sota Fukushi. Kawaguchi`s credits include the feature films OURAN HIGH SCHOOL HOST CLUB (????????, Gekijooban Oran Koko Hosutobu, 2012) and THE APOLOGY KING (?????, Shazai no Ousama, 2013). Fukushi is best known as Gentaro Kisaragi/Kamen Rider Fourze in the KAMEN RIDER FOURZE (??????????, Kamen Raidaa Fooze, 2011-2012) television series and several films, including KAMEN RIDER FOURZE & OOO: MOVIE WAR MEGA MAX (??????×??????????????? MOVIE?? MEGA MAX, Kamen Raidaa × Kamen Raidaa Fooze ando Oozu: Muubii Taisen Mega Makkusu, 2011), KAMEN RIDER X SUPER SENTAI: SUPER HERO TAISEN (??????×?????????????????, Kamen Raidaa × Suupaa Sentai: Suupaa Hiiroo Taisen, 2012), KAMEN RIDER FOURZE THE MOVIE (???????????THE MOVIE ??????????!, Kamen Raidaa Fooze Za Muubii Min’nade Uchuu Kitaaa!, 2012) and KAMEN RIDER X KAMEN RIDER WIZARD & FOURZE: MOVIE WAR ULTIMATUM (??????×?????? MOVIE?? ????????, Kamen Raidaa × Kamen Raidaa Uizaado Ando Fooze Muubii Taisen Arutimeitamu, 2012). He also appeared in the live-action film version of LIBRARY WARS (?????, Toshokan Senso, 2013). Mei Tachibana (Haruna Kawaguchi) is a 16 year-old high school student. Traumatized by a childhood event, she has cut herself off emotionally from other people, living alone without friends or a boyfriend. One day, Mei accidentally hurts Yamato Kurosawa (Sota Fukushi), the most popular boy in school. But Yamato takes an instant liking to her, announcing that she is now his friend. And when Mei is later harassed by a man, Yamato comes to her aid by acting as her boyfriend... and steals a kiss for himself. Release Date: Saturday, July 12, 2014 (Roadshow) Cast Mei Tachibana: Haruna Kawaguchi Yamato Kurosawa: Sota Fukushi Kai Takemura: Tomohiro Ichikawa Kenji Nakanishi: Tasuku Nagase Masashi Tachikawa: Ryosuke Yamamoto Aiko Muto: Rika Adachi Asami Oikawa: Rima Nishizaki Megumi Kitagawa: Arisa Yagi Staff Director: Asako Hyuga Original Story: Sukitte Iinayo by Kanae Hazuki (Kodansha) Screenplay: Asako Hyuga Production: SAY “I LOVE YOU” Film Partners Production: Shochiku Distribution: Shochiku