Ren Nagase stars as a fashion-obsessed, ultra-selfish, narcissistic heir! First-time collaboration with heroine Mizuki Yamashita as she portrays an impenetrable, down-to-earth girl who captures his heart!
The world’s clumsiest and most selfish love story unfolds in this original romantic comedy!
Set to air on January 7, the new drama in the “Fire Drama★Eleven” Tuesday late-night slot on Kantele and Fuji TV stars Ren Nagase in “Love Is Too Hard for an Heir” (Onzoushi ni Koi wa Muzu Sugiru). This romantic comedy follows the journey of a pampered heir of a major apparel company who meets his complete opposite—a humble girl raised in an ordinary environment. As they work together on designing children’s clothing, he experiences his first failure and falls into genuine love.
Ren Nagase from King & Prince plays the protagonist, Subaru Tendou, while Mizuki Yamashita plays the heroine, Madoka Hanakura. This marks their first time acting together.
A hopelessly selfish heir with zero romantic skills falls for a humble, hard-working girl!
His first taste of an ordinary life, his first true love, and his first real failure…
A narcissistic heir, who has relied solely on his looks and wealth, faces the ups and downs of a disparity romance, eventually growing into a respectable adult for the person he loves.
Subaru Tendou, the grandson of Tendou Wataru, the president of the major apparel company Fukuten, is a self-absorbed, narcissistic heir who has been spoiled rotten since birth. Raised in luxury and adored for his looks since birth, Subaru has never faced rejection. However, his selfish and shallow approach to love often leaves him heartbroken. While narcissistic, Subaru is also highly knowledgeable about fashion, excelling in understanding fabrics and designs. Fed up, his grandfather forces him to join the company as a new employee and live in the employee dormitory. Subaru’s supervisor, Madoka Hanakura, is a diligent and frugal woman who also lives in the dormitory. When he meets Madoka, he finds himself asking, “Why doesn’t this woman fall for me?”
Madoka, who values hard work over status, clashes head-on with Subaru, who has never been seriously scolded due to his privileged upbringing. As Subaru starts developing special feelings for Madoka, he is determined to win her over, even though she distrusts love and views it as something unreliable.
Ren, known for his artistic career and acting accolades, including the 44th Japan Academy Award for Best New Actor for his role in Yowamushi Pedal, steps into uncharted comedic territory in this romantic comedy. His natural humor, often showcased in variety shows, brings a refreshing energy to this new character.
Since graduating from Nogizaka46 in May 2024, Mizuki Yamashita has broadened her acting career. As Madoka Hanakura, she is a principled and hardworking woman who believes in the value of her efforts over her background. A realist who distrusts love, Madoka is unimpressed by Subaru’s narcissism, often thinking, “Who does he think he is?“
Having dreamed of starring in a heartwarming romantic comedy, Mizuki’s portrayal of Madoka promises to deliver a delightful dynamic with Ren’s over-the-top heir.
● What were your thoughts when you first heard about this drama?
(Nagase)
When I saw the title, I immediately thought it would be really fun and entertaining. After reading the script, I found Subaru’s character and the witty exchanges quite amusing, which made me even more excited for the filming.
(Yamashita)
It’s a classic romantic comedy, and I felt that even though each episode is only 30 minutes long, it’s packed with a variety of emotions. It’s lighthearted and fun while also offering deeper moments. It’s a rollercoaster ride that’s both funny and touching, which I found very interesting.
● What scenes are you looking forward to?
(Nagase)
The script seems to have a clear flow, making it easy to follow. The exchanges between Subaru and Madoka, as well as between Subaru and his best friend Tomoya, require precise timing; otherwise, the dialogue might end up straying from the intended direction. I think it will be challenging, but I’m also looking forward to it.
(Yamashita)
As Nagase-san mentioned, the interactions between Subaru and Madoka are hilarious. In Episode 1, there’s a scene (mimics a fist pose) that I’m really excited about. I want to give it my all.
(Nagase)
Wait, that’s scary (laughs).
● This is your first time working together. What are your impressions of each other?
(Nagase):
I assumed she’d be a really put-together person even before meeting her. After actually talking with her, I got the same impression—she’s a very composed and reliable individual. I thought maybe it’s because she has two younger brothers?
(Yamashita):
What? Brothers?
(Nagase):
Wait, you don’t have younger brothers? Like 9 and 7 years old?
(Yamashita):
No, I’m an only child (laughs). This is exactly the kind of unexpected thing I mean! Before meeting you, I thought you’d be a cool and stoic type—like the definition of a “handsome professional.”
(Nagase)
That sounds like a host (laughs).
(Yamashita)
But in a good way, he’s very casual and friendly, and I realized he’s actually a fun and approachable person.
● Is there anything about yourself you’d like to let the other person know in advance?
(Nagase)
I tend to say random things like I just did, so I’d appreciate it if you don’t hesitate to call me out on it. It keeps my energy up.
(Yamashita)
That sounds a bit exhausting (laughs).
(Nagase)
I’ll keep cracking jokes without giving up, so I hope you can stick with me for the next three months.
(Yamashita)
It’ll be a daily battle, huh? You really like sneaking in small jokes.
(Nagase)
If I don’t, my brain won’t function (laughs).
(Yamashita)
I feel like I might stop reacting at some point.
● You’re both playing strong-willed characters. Do you share any similarities with them?
(Nagase)
I do share Subaru’s love for clothes. I also like myself (laughs), but Subaru’s narcissism is on a whole other level. It’s exaggerated to the max. But our passion for fashion might be about the same.
Q: People say Subaru’s personality overlaps with yours.
(Nagase)
Subaru is a much more exaggerated version of me—maybe a few hundred times more intense.
(Yamashita)
I don’t think that’s the case at all.
Q: Does that mean you don’t need to prepare much for the role?
(Nagase)
Now that you mention it, maybe (laughs).
(Yamashita)
Madoka is a serious and hardworking girl, which is similar to me (laughs). But she’s also a bit stiff and often misunderstood, which makes her clumsy in certain situations. Madoka is good at saving money, and I like being frugal too, so that’s another thing we have in common.
● Finally, do you have a message or highlight for viewers?
(Nagase)
This is a romantic comedy with plenty of heart-fluttering moments, combined with a workplace drama and themes of friendship. The story develops in a way that will leave viewers eagerly awaiting each Tuesday. It’s a great way to unwind after a tiring day or if you’re looking for a light laugh. I hope you’ll tune in every Tuesday. Thank you!
(Yamashita)
The story takes dramatic turns every week, and watching each episode will make it even more enjoyable. It’s a heartwarming and uplifting series that will bring lots of smiles this winter. I hope you’ll look forward to Subaru and Madoka’s romance as well as the unique characters brought to life by the cast.
This series captures the love lives and struggles of working adults, weaving in themes of personal growth, professional challenges, and the joys of achievement. While initially self-centered, Subaru gradually changes as he confronts failure and learns to genuinely connect with those around him.
The drama is an original story written by Haruka Okita, known for works like Night Doctor and Riding a Unicorn. This marks Okita’s reunion with Ren after their collaboration on Tokyo Tower, which explored a serious forbidden romance. This time, the focus shifts to a lighthearted, self-absorbed heir navigating a clumsy yet transformative love story.
Mark your calendars for January 7th and enjoy the rollercoaster romance of “Love Is Too Hard for an Heir”!