TV Asahi launches new Saturday drama slot with 'Aniimouto' starring Nana Eikura and Eiji Akaso

TV Asahi will debut a new Saturday night drama block, "Saturday Drama 10," in October. The first series, titled "Aniimouto," is a forbidden‑love suspense drama starring Nana Eikura, who returns to a TV drama lead after 12 years, and Eiji Akaso, making his first lead appearance in a TV Asahi drama.

The story follows Dr. Haruki Nao (Eikura), a weary internist in a coastal city hospital, and Shūji Sonoda (Akaso), a young man supporting his seriously ill sister. Their lives intersect when Nao becomes the doctor for the sister, leading to a complex "brother‑sister" relationship that evolves into a prohibited romance. The narrative is split into a regional arc and a later Tokyo arc, exploring the characters' dilemmas and the consequences of their hidden love.

The script is written by Kiyoko Yoshida, known for "Dr. Koto Clinic" and other acclaimed dramas, and the series is directed by Takeshi Shinjō, who previously worked on the hit series "Destiny." Visual design is handled by Shintaro Kira. Both actors expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the emotional depth and unique premise of the series.