A Grown-up Bittersweet Love Story: Smoke Blue Rain's Transformation into a Drama

Fuji TV's popular drama "Smoke Blue Rain" is set to make its debut on April 6, 2023, on the streaming platform FOD, following its airing on Yomiuri TV in the Kansai region. This adaptation, based on the beloved BL comic created by Kamome Nami-sama, has garnered substantial popularity with over 700,000 copies in circulation and a remarkable 1.4 million views for its voice comic on YouTube. The series delves into the complex affection and life challenges faced by two men in their forties reconnecting after years apart.

In this poignant narrative, former colleagues and rivals, Azuma Sakujiro played by Kohei Takeda and Kuji Shizu played by Kento Shibuya, explore their pasts and confront their present circumstances. Having found himself at a crossroads in life, Sakujiro, once a high-performing MR in the pharmaceutical industry, suddenly quits his job and grapples with the reality of unemployment. Residing with his sister's family, he indulges in a lifestyle of late-night escapades and daytime lethargy until a chance encounter at a gay bar challenges his mundane existence.

During a harrowing incident, he is almost coerced into a hotel room, only to be rescued by his former coworker Kuji, marking the beginning of their transformative reunion. Their interplay is characterized by a mix of nostalgia and unresolved feelings that began eight years prior when they shared a fleeting romantic encounter. As they engage with one another, both men wrestle with pressing life questions—dealing with aging parents, making sense of their careers, and determining the essence of companionship versus solitude.

With a masterful blend of emotional depth and realism, "Smoke Blue Rain" paints a relatable portrait of middle-aged men navigating love and personal crises. The experienced actors Takeda and Shibuya lend their talents to illustrate the nuanced dynamics of their characters, forging a connection that transcends mere romantic interest into a rich human drama.

In a world often bombarded with sweet, idealized love stories, this series promises a raw and genuine representation of relationships in the later years of life. The narrative transcends the basic premise of a love story to illuminate the bitter realities of existence, showcasing the characters' introspective growth and evolving perspectives on love, life, and hope.

This series not only reflects the joys and sorrows that accompany aging but also serves as a reminder that love can be found in the most unexpected places and times. Expect to be enthralled by an emotional journey that balances tender moments with the bittersweet truths of life.

Drama Overview

- Title: Smoke Blue Rain
- Release Date: April 6, 2023, exclusively on FOD at 25:59 (JST) and every following Monday at 25:59 (JST)
- Starring: Takeda Kohei and Shibuya Kento
- Based on: Kamome Nami-sama's comic "Smoke Blue Rain" (Fleure Comics/KADOKAWA)
- Directed by: Takahashi Naizuki and Nakata Erei
- Script by: Hirai Mari and Aoki Erika
- Production Company: Le Pro Entertainment
- URL: FOD streaming page | Official page

This heartfelt drama is more than just a love story; it encompasses the broader human experiences of aging, regret, and the universal quest for fulfillment. Tune in to FOD to witness how two lives intertwined can bring healing and new beginnings, framed in a narrative that resonates deeply with many viewers today.