#Japan #Tokyo #Minto Studio #Renta! #Love's Inferno

Celebrating the Grand Prize Winner of Renta! Awards 2025

The short drama titled "Love's Inferno Crime: The Hidden Face of a Popular Mom Influencer" recently made headlines by winning the Grand Prize at the inaugural Renta! Short Drama and Anime Awards 2025. Produced by Minto Studio, this compelling narrative delves into the complexities of modern relationships and the mask that influencers wear for the public.

The story follows the seemingly perfect couple, Shōji Hoshino, a dutiful husband, and Erena Hoshino, a popular mom influencer who has been celebrated for her outstanding homemaking skills and her recent accolade as the Best Mom Award recipient. However, behind this idealized image lies a tumultuous reality characterized by deception, infidelity, and chaotic public controversies. Erena's unexpected behavior as a "monster wife"—involving cosplay affairs and social media scandals—challenges Shōji to fight for his daughter’s custody amid a backdrop of conflict and betrayal.

In a recent interview, the cast reflected on the challenges and achievements associated with the making of this short drama.

Cast Insights

Naoki Higashida as Shōji Hoshino

Naoki Higashida, who played the role of the devoted husband, expressed his excitement about stepping into a film project after primarily performing on stage. He mentioned the learning curve involved in transitioning from stage to screen, highlighting how every cast member was stepping outside their comfort zones to create something special. He shared, "This project meant a lot to me, and seeing it resonate with audiences brings me immense joy."

Ato Sonozaki as Erena Hoshino

Ato Sonozaki, portraying Erena, described her experience as a significant challenge due to her minimal drama background. Her heartfelt response upon receiving the role reflects the emotional investment she made in the character. "Thanks to everyone involved, I could expose my inner self through this project. I am deeply thankful for this recognition, and can't wait to celebrate with the entire team!"

Director Takatarō Wada

Director Takatarō Wada discussed the importance of awards in elevating new talent in the entertainment industry. "When we spoke about the potential of our drama a year ago, we agreed that awards can shine a light on creators and actors who have not been recognized before. This win is not just an accolade for us, but it also serves as a platform for future projects that deserve the spotlight."

Chief Producer Shun Komaba

Chief Producer Shun Komaba shared his appreciation for the unique narrative style of Love's Inferno Crime, which fuses the rapid pace typical of short dramas with the emotional depth characteristic of Japanese content. He expressed his delight at how audiences continue to connect with the project. "Thanks to the passionate performances of the cast and the tireless efforts of the crew, we've created a series that leaves an impact. We hope to deliver memorable short dramas in the future as well."

Additional Projects and Nominations

In addition to the Grand Prize, Minto Studio’s efforts were recognized with multiple nominations at the Renta! Awards, highlighting the quality and creativity behind their productions. Some of the other notable titles included:

• - The Unremarkable Office Worker is a Major Shareholder?
• - Mother-in-law Allergy: A College Student Wife's Revenge
• - I Wasn't Even the Cheated-On Wife: My Crazy Days of Fake Marriage with a Dangerous Guy
• - # The World of Entertainment I Longed For was a Manipulated Revenge Drama

The awards ceremony on December 1, 2025, is sure to be a proud moment for Minto Studio, celebrating not just their Grand Prize win but also their commitment to innovative storytelling.

For those interested, Love's Inferno Crime spans 28 episodes and offers an intriguing blend of drama and humor, making it a must-watch on various platforms.

To view the trailer, visit: YouTube Trailer

In a landscape filled with content, 'Renta!' continues to be a pioneering platform in the realm of accessible digital media, allowing users to engage with a vast array of genres and formats confidently. Since its inception in 2007, it has amassed a remarkable user base of 10 million members, becoming a go-to source for affordable digital content.

For more information, visit their site: Renta!

As Minto Studio looks toward the future, they invite audiences to join them on this exciting journey of storytelling that promises to invoke laughter, tears, and unforgettable moments.