My Dress-Up Darling live-action confirmed for October 2024 premiere

On Friday, August 30, 2024, MBS revealed plans for a live-action drama series based on My Dress-Up Darling. The series is set to debut on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, as part of the Dramaism programming block on MBS. The lead roles of Marin Kitagawa and Wakana Gojo will be played by Riko Nagase and Kota Nomura, respectively.

Shinichi Fukuda’s My Dress-Up Darling is a popular Japanese manga series that debuted in Square Enix’s Young Gangan in January 2018. Currently, the manga has 13 volumes and has sold over 11 million copies as of May 2024. The series has also been adapted into an anime by CloverWorks, and a second season is currently in the works.

Upcoming Release: My Dress-Up Darling live-action adaptation set for October debut

On August 30, 2024, MBS, a Japanese television broadcaster, launched a new webpage on its official website to announce the upcoming production of a live-action drama series based on Shinichi Fukuda’s manga series, My Dress-Up Darling.

The live-action drama adaptation of My Dress-Up Darling is set to debut on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at 12:59 AM JST, as part of the Dramaism lineup on MBS and TBS.

Riko Nagase and Kota Nomura have been cast as Marin Kitagawa and Wakana Gojo, respectively. Riko Nagase has previously been seen in live-action adaptations such as Child of Kamiari Month and Insomniacs After School, while Kota Nomura has appeared in My Girlfriend’s Child, Perfect Propose, and Shin Shinchō Kōki ~ Classmate wa Sengoku Bujо̄.

Riko Nagase (Marin Kitagawa) and Kota Nomura (Wakana Gojo) (Image via Kyōdō Television)

Riko Nagase, who was chosen to play Marin Kitagawa, shared her determination to live up to the director’s expectations by accurately portraying the similarities between two seemingly opposite characters through their shared love for cosplay. Similarly, Kota Nomura expressed his desire for the live-action drama adaptation of My Dress-Up Darling to be a success.

Koji Shintoku, who has previously directed live-action adaptations of Honey Lemon Soda, Honey So Sweet, and Peach Girl, is now at the helm of the My Dress-Up Darling live-action drama. Satoko Okazaki, known for her work on live-action adaptations of Tiger & Bunny, Laughing Under the Clouds, and Waiting for Spring, is writing the script. The project is being produced by Kyōdō Television.

What is the Story of My Dress-Up Darling?

Wakana Gojo as seen in My Dress-Up Darling (Image via CloverWorks)

Wakana Gojo, a high school boy with a passion for Hina dolls, meets Marin Kitagawa, a gal and nerdy heroine, in the romantic comedy story My Dress-Up Darling.

Despite being skilled at making Hina dolls, Wakana Gojo spent most of his time honing his craft in hopes of matching his grandfather’s level of mastery. He chose to keep this passion of his a secret, fearing possible ridicule from others.

Marin Kitagawa as seen in My Dress-Up Darling (Image via CloverWorks)

It was during this time that he first encountered Marin Kitagawa, a stunning girl from his class who possessed a level of confidence that was in stark contrast to Gojo’s timid nature. Under normal circumstances, it would have been unlikely for the two to form a close bond. However, an unexpected turn of events occurred when Kitagawa discovered Gojo’s exceptional talent with a sewing machine.

Upon admitting her love for cosplaying, she asked Gojo for assistance with her costumes. As they collaborated on one cosplay after another, their bond grew stronger.