TV Asahi has announced the drama “Natsuiro no Kumo ga Koi to Arashi wo Makiokosu” (夏色の雲が恋と嵐をまきおこす), which will air at 11 PM (JST) on the “Oshidora Saturday” slot starting July 11. With a screenplay by Yuko Matsuda, who has penned works such as “Revenge Spy” (2025) and “Hanasaki Mai Speaks Out” (2014–2024), the project sees Junior Ryusei Fukada take on his first ‘solo’ lead role in a serialized drama, with fellow ACEes member Hidaka Ukisho appearing as his love interest.
When it comes to acting, the two have been involved in several noteworthy productions, including starring in the dramas “My Strawberry Film” (2024) and “Tomodachi Game R4” (2022) respectively. This series marks the first time ACEes members have co-starred together since their formation in early 2025. It was also revealed that the 5-member pre-debut group will perform the official theme song, “Mayonaka no ZOO” (真夜中のZOO).
The show is described as a “youth home-drama romantic comedy” centering on Natsuki Takemiya (played by Ryusei), a third-year high school student who falls in love with Sota Kobayakawa (played by Hidaka), his sister’s boyfriend. Recently dumped by his girlfriend, Natsuki is struggling with poor mock exam scores and still hasn’t decided which university to apply to. His father warns him that if his next results are just as bad, he’ll have to give up on that future entirely. Worried about him, his older sister arranges for Sota, a college student majoring in architecture, to tutor him.
At first, Natsuki finds the overly cheerful, gentle, and handsome Sota to be irritating. But when Sota suddenly flashes a smile or innocently pats his head while saying “Good job!,” Natsuki can’t help but feel his heart race. “Falling for my sister’s boyfriend is impossible… so what is this feeling!? Besides, I’m supposed to be preparing for exams, not falling in love…”
As confusion and inner conflict grow inside Natsuki, the one person he absolutely shouldn’t fall for begins to shine more and more brightly in his eyes. Set against a backdrop of clear summer skies and towering white clouds, Natsuki‘s tender love story promises to deliver a heart-fluttering ‘rom-com’ perfectly fitting for the hottest season of the year.
“Mayonaka no ZOO,” the theme song performed by the trainee group ACEes (Yuto Nasu, Hidaka Ukisho, Ryusei Fukada, Ryuto Sakuma, and Ryuga Sato), was specifically written for the drama by singer-songwriter Huwie Ishizaki, who is known for providing songs for high-profile artists like Masaki Suda. The track, which is said to perfectly capture the feeling of summer, is a straightforward romance balad that expresses pure feelings through various animal metaphors. A teaser featuring the song is scheduled to air during the May 30 broadcast of Terminator to Koishichattara.
Ryusei commented: “It still doesn’t feel real and I’m kind of floating in disbelief, but I’m truly happy that we even get to do the theme song. The lyrics connect closely with the drama and really give off a youthful vibe.”
Hidaka added: “It’s a song that really suits a blue sky. There’s a part in the final chorus that Fukada and I sing together, so I hope people pay attention to that. I also can’t wait for everyone to see the performance.”
Along with the series announcement, teaser visuals were also unveiled. Against a summer-sky-blue background, Ryusei lies on the ground while Hidaka gazes out a window, creating a two-shot visual overflowing with youthful energy. In the story, Ryusei‘s character loves the sky and knows a lot about weather, while Hidaka‘s character loves bridges and dreams of helping build them someday. Natsuki‘s pose evokes someone lying down and looking up at the clouds, while the silhouette of a bridge appears behind Sota, expressing their individual personalities. “Sky” and “bridge” will continuously appear throughout the series, and viewers are encouraged to watch how these motifs influence the romance between Natsuki and Sota.
While the relationship between the two boys is the core of the narrative, another major focus is the people who interact with them. Natsuki struggles with falling for his sister’s boyfriend, and those complicated emotions gradually stir up “storms” within the family. Friends and neighbors alike react in different ways as the story unfolds. An ensemble of accomplished actors will portray the colorful characters surrounding Natsuki and Sota, with casting announcements still to come.
Comments from the cast and staff
Ryusei Fukada
Q: What was your honest reaction when you received the offer?
A: “I was really happy, especially since it’s been a year since my last drama. It feels strange because this is my first time acting together with an ACEes member in a screen project, but having Ukisho-kun with me is reassuring, and I’ll do my best!”
Q: What did you think after reading the script?
A: “It really screamed ‘youth!’ and it was such a fun read. I met with screenwriter Yuko Matsuda beforehand, and things we talked about—as well as aspects of my personality—were reflected in the script and became part of Natsuki’s character. We actually have a lot in common, so I think that’ll be something viewers can enjoy too.”
Q: What have you been focusing on in preparing for the role?
A: “I already paid attention to Ukisho-kun a lot before, but after getting this role I wanted to know even more about him, so I started observing him even more closely (laughs).”
Q: What about Ukisho charms you?
A: “Ukisho-kun never compromises and charges straight ahead at everything. He lives life with full force. I really respect him and get inspired by him all the time. I hope he always stays an ‘inoshishi’ (wild boar).”
Q: Did the other ACEes members say anything about your starring role?
A: “Since the group has only existed for about a year and a half, I think everyone finds it fresh and exciting that Ukisho-kun and I are acting together. They’re all looking forward to it, so I’ll work hard! …Though honestly, it’s pretty embarrassing thinking about the members watching me (laughs).”
Q: If you fell for someone else’s partner like Natsuki does, what would you do?
A: “It depends on who that ‘someone’ is, but basically if I fall for someone, I don’t give up. If it were a stranger’s partner, I probably wouldn’t give up. But if it were my best friend’s partner, I don’t think I’d develop feelings in the first place.”
Q: A message for the viewers?
A: “I’m honestly pretty nervous because this is my first solo lead role in a serialized drama, but with Ukisho-kun’s support I want to give it everything I’ve got! Please look forward to it!”
Hidaka Ukisho
Q: What was your honest reaction when you received the offer?
A: “I’m really excited because it’s fresh getting to watch Fukada act up close! I’ve acted alongside group members before, and when you tackle and overcome a project together, you become much closer. I hope the same happens this time too.”
Q: What did you first think after reading the script?
A: “A beautiful blue sky immediately came to mind! Also, Sota has parts of himself that are close to my own personality. Just like Fukada, things I talked about beforehand with screenwriter Yuko Matsuda ended up becoming lines in the script, which felt very strange.”
Q: What are you focusing on for your role?
A: “The character I play, Sota, is calm, warm, and composed. I’m more the type who’s impatient and always rushing through life, so lately I’ve been trying to live more calmly and refreshingly.”
Q: What about Fukada charms you?
A: “He’s just such a straightforward guy. A real man, honestly. Also, when he laughs, he smiles fully and shows all his teeth… There’s just something heart-fluttering about that smile (laughs).”
Q: Did the ACEes members say anything about the drama?
A: “They said they were excited to see what kind of chemistry the two of us would have. Fukada seems embarrassed about the members watching him, but I’ve already watched my own projects with them before, so I’ve gotten over the embarrassment (laughs). Even if we all watch this drama together, I think we’ll just enjoy how funny the situation is.”
Q: If you fell for someone else’s partner like Natsuki does, what would you do?
A: “I wouldn’t be able to give up. You can’t stop your feelings. But if the girl I liked ended up fighting with her boyfriend because of me, I’d feel terrible… so I guess I’d really think hard about it.”
Q: A message for the viewers?
A: “I hope this drama makes everyone feel that this summer was something special, and that people will think, ‘It starts at 11 p.m., so maybe I’ll stay up a little later to watch it.’ Please stay with us and watch our relationship through to the very end!”
Producer Akiko Kanda (TV Asahi)
“This project was born from wondering what would happen if a youthful romantic comedy unfolded within a home drama setting. Summer vacation during a high school senior year is fun, a little bittersweet, and a somewhat special time, so we wanted to depict one unforgettable summer filled with youthful energy. I think viewers will find both the romantic comedy elements and the family drama very relatable.
When I first saw Fukada in a previous drama, I thought he stood out brilliantly and looked him up afterward. Once it was decided he would star in this project, we arranged meetings with screenwriter Yuko Matsuda because we wanted his personal charm to be reflected in the role. After speaking with him, I felt he was hardworking, straightforward, naturally charming, yet sensitive. We’ll work together as a staff to bring his cuteness and sparkling personality into the drama.
As for Ukisho, because of his work on variety shows, I initially had a bright and energetic impression of him. But during discussions with the screenwriter, I realized he’s also very considerate and observant of those around him. He has his own opinions and is a very kind person. I believe those aspects are reflected in the character, and I hope viewers can appreciate Ukisho’s charm as an actor as well. This summer, we hope to deliver the freshest, kindest, and most sparkling home-drama romantic comedy of the season, and we’d be delighted if everyone looks forward to it.”
