Netflix is developing and producing a new scripted series ‘First Love’ inspired from Hikaru Utada’s seminal chart toppers ‘First Love’ (1999) and ‘Hatsukoi’ (2018). This first ever Netflix original series is set to launch on the platform in 2022.
Utada had begun her career as a singer-songwriter when she was just 16 years old and became instantly popular. Her album ‘First Love’ was Japan’s best-selling album of all time. Utada has written several songs for scripted dramas and films in the past but this will be the first ever that a scripted series is directly inspired from her songs.
As per Netflix, “an original love story, First Love follows a young couple who meet their first love in the late 1990’s, grow up in the 2000’s, and ultimately lead up to the present day as they discover what had made their relationship unforgettable despite the twenty-something years that have passed.”
‘First Love’ will star Hikari Mitsushima and Takeru Satoh. “Mitsushima, who is acclaimed for her subtle yet bold performances, will play Yae Noguchi, an aspiring flight attendant who finds out that fate has other plans for her when she is struck by a tragic accident in the midst of realizing her dreams. Satoh, who has demonstrated tremendous range in performances ranging from action to romance, will play the earnest Harumichi Namiki, who was at one time a pilot for the self-defense forces, but no longer pursuing that career path.”
Yuri Kanchiku serves as the director and writer for the Netflix original series. Kanchiku débuted in 2004 and has since then made scripted features, documentaries, scripted dramas and music videos.
A Netflix Original scripted series ‘First Love’ will premiere globally in 2022.