Netflix Greenlights Japanese Comedy Thriller ‘In Love and Deep Water’ – The Hollywood Reporter
Netflix has arranged the next big budget feature for Japan, a key growth market for the global streaming business. The company gave the green light to a suspenseful rom-com game titled In love and deep water by veteran TV series writer Yuji Sakamoto (Tokyo love story, Kadin). Sakamoto describes the project as “a romantic comedy delivered on an unprecedented scale” for the Japanese film industry.
Yusuke Taki will direct, with Nikkatsu and Django Film handling local production for Netflix.
In love and deep water set aboard the MSC Bellissima, a giant luxury cruise ship bound for the Aegean Sea. While on the boat, Bellissima’s loyal butler Suguru and a mysterious woman named Chizuru cross the street as they try to uncover a shocking murder mystery that occurred earlier in the voyage.
Ryo Yoshizawa (Cherry blossom, Kingdom) as Suguru and Aoi Miyazaki (Future family, Birthday Card) plays the role of Chizuru. The star-studded cast also includes Yoh Yoshida as the newly appointed Captain Hatsumi; Rinko Kikuchi as an unfaithful film producer named Aina; Kento Nagayama as Shintaro, a young actor who wants to appear in a film screening at the Cannes Film Festival; Yuki Izumisawa as former yakuza member Ryuki; Aju Makita as Shiori, the daughter of a yakuza boss; Hatsunori Hasegawa as Sohei, godfather of the medical world; Ken Yasuda as his son, Michihiko; and Saki Takaoka as Misaki, Michihiko’s wife. Additional appearances will also feature young stars Yunho as Kanato, the housekeeper’s son, and Rumika Ogai as Misaki and Michihiko’s daughter.
“I’ve always wanted to make a movie like that, but I never thought I could,” Sakamoto explained in a statement. “With this movie, the dream that I once gave up has come true. I believe viewers will be able to have a dreamlike time with lovely music, beautiful costumes, and charming people performed by the best cast, starting with Ryo Yoshizawa and Aoi Miyazaki. I hope you enjoy this rich and romantic ocean cruise.”
According to a report from regional research firm Media Partners Asia, subscription streaming services in Japan hit 48.4 million subscribers by the end of the first quarter of 2022, with Netflix and Amazon Prime Video accounting for nearly half of the market, according to a report from regional research firm Media Partners Asia. Disney+ has also enjoyed steady profits in Japan since its local launch about two years ago, but it still follows Netflix and Amazon, both of which had launched in the market years earlier, by a wide range.
