#Japan #Tokyo #Miyazaki Yu #Yamashita Koki #Bad Choice

A New Hybrid Drama Experience: 'Bad Choice, Good Love'

The innovative short drama project 'Showdra' from Progress Co., Ltd. in Tokyo has teamed up with the future-focused streaming platform ABEMA to introduce an unprecedented hybrid drama titled 'Bad Choice, Good Love'. This unique series promises to blend the intimacy of vertical short videos with the depth of traditional storytelling, aiming to uncover the next generation of creators and talent.

Premiere Schedule

'Bad Choice, Good Love' will kick off with a vertical short drama version on February 28, 2026, through 'Showdra', followed by the horizontal format debut on March 11, 2026, exclusively on ABEMA. This roll-out reflects the shifting landscape of video consumption and storytelling techniques.

A Story of Love, Regrets, and Choices

Set in Shimokitazawa, a locale known for its urban legends of time travel, the protagonist, Kamoiai Hiyori (played by Miyazaki Yu), finds herself grappling with her past. After experiencing a devastating breakup with her university boyfriend, Sudou Kujira (played by Yamashita Koki), Hiyori has remained haunted by the trauma, carrying it into her professional life.

As the story unfolds, a fateful night leads her to mysteriously slip back in time to her second year of college. Faced with the chance to revisit pivotal moments, Hiyori is compelled to confront her past decisions and the haunting question: What if...? This touching narrative navigates themes of growth, regret, and the complexities of youthful love, portraying a relatable slice of life.

Stellar Cast

For her first leading role, Miyazaki Yu brings a dynamic portrayal of Hiyori, a woman determined to overcome her past. Her co-star, Yamashita Koki, a rising talent notable for roles in 'Propaganda Game' and the film 'WIND BREAKER', plays Kujira, the nonchalant musical prodigy who symbolizes both nostalgia and missed connections in Hiyori's life.

The series showcases not only their acting talents but also highlights their contrasting past and present selves. The chemistry they build throughout the series invites the audience to empathize with Hiyori's growth and her struggle to navigate her feelings.

Miyazaki expresses her excitement about the role, hoping to deliver a heartwarming narrative filled with laughter, whereas Yamashita aims for the series to inspire courage in viewers grappling with their choices. “In this new start of the season, I hope our work warms hearts and sparks a smile,” Miyazaki states.

Creative Team

The talented producer, Koyane Teruyuki, alongside director Ishikawa Yukinori, contributes to the show with a fresh visual style recognized by the MyNavi Showdra Awards 2025. Their artistic imagery promises to capture the essence of youthful love and the journey of self-acceptance that resonates with many.

The teaser imagery now available portrays moments of bliss with Hiyori and Kujira joyously walking through Shimokitazawa, contrasting starkly with the intense narrative of broken promises expressed in poignant words: “I will never date him again.”

Behind the Scenes

The series merges different perspectives from the two formats, providing deeper insights into characters' hidden feelings that single-format dramas often overlook. This hybrid approach offers audiences an engaging and immersive viewing experience, as they navigate the twists and turns of Hiyori's journey to self-discovery.

As the series gears up for its release, it promises to set new precedents in drama. The collaboration between 'Showdra' and ABEMA marks a significant step forward in redefined narrative storytelling, and actors like Miyazaki and Yamashita are eager to share this unique experience with viewers.

The anticipation is brewing as fans prepare for this unprecedented blend of formats in storytelling. Make sure to tune into 'Bad Choice, Good Love' for a refreshing look at love through the lens of memory and choice.