Clingy Girlfriend

Niko is cast in the main female role in the stage play "Clingy Girlfriend". In contrast to her role, she is unable to express her feelings to the manager of her part-time job, who she has feelings for. When her manager's ex-wife appears at their place of work, Niko's love only grows. Meanwhile, Kaburagi, author of the source novel of "Clingy Girlfriend", lives in obscurity. After his new novel is harshly put down by the publisher, he is told that his editor and former lover, Chi-bou, is leaving the publishing house, and his love for her is rekindled.

Directed by Satoshi Kimura, Clingy Girlfriend leans on a strong ensemble — Hiraku, Makoto Shinada, Takeshi Yamaya — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2018.