Former NMB48's 'Gravure Cinderella' Hongo Yuba Makes Solo Debut as Lead in Vertical Short Drama! DMM Original Series 'Girlfriend' Premieres June 16 with All 30 Episodes Available at Once – Star-Studded Cast Brings Unique Characters to Life

DMM TV, the comprehensive video streaming service operated by DMM.com LLC, will exclusively premiere all 30 episodes of the live-action short drama adaptation of the popular manga 'Girlfriend' (original story: CLLENN, art: Hisamatsu Eito) at noon on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.

At the end of decadence—will salvation or hell await?

A relentless descent of a woman tormented by twisted love affairs with various men.

This series adapts the hit manga 'Girlfriend' by CLLENN into a short drama format under the direction of Tatsuro Nishikawa, an acclaimed filmmaker who won the inaugural Grand Prix at the 'Eejanaika Toyohashi Film Festival' for his film 'The House Across' and has since gained recognition in television. The original manga has been praised for its compelling portrayal of a protagonist whose romantic fantasies are repeatedly shattered, leading her into increasingly destructive relationships—'painful yet impossible to look away from.'

The protagonist, Hana, is a 26-year-old woman who appears beautiful but lacks a strong sense of self. After a devastating breakup, she finds temporary salvation in a seemingly kind man named Aihara—only to discover that his kindness masks an obsessive, controlling nature. As Hana, driven by insecurity, becomes dependent on others, she encounters a series of disturbing figures: an elite salaryman who dominates through violent pleasure, an elderly gentleman hiding madness beneath his polite demeanor. Will happiness ever be within reach for Hana as she is tossed about by these twisted relationships?

Taking on the role of Hana, who spirals deeper into destructive love, is former NMB48 member Hongo Yuba. Celebrated as the 'Gravure Cinderella' for her appearances on magazine covers including 'Young Magazine' and 'FRIDAY,' Hongo makes her solo debut in a leading role, tackling this challenging part with full commitment.

A powerhouse cast joins her to portray the eccentric characters who drive Hana to the edge. Fukuyoshi Taiga plays Aihara, the man whose kindness turns into suffocating control; Shirato Tatsuya takes on the role of Kakei, the elite executive hiding sadistic desires beneath his polished exterior; Hatakeyama Mayu portrays Otoe, the deranged elderly gentleman; and Sato Yuta plays Sota, the young man Hana clings to in desperation.

Additionally, Takasaki Kanami, the 'invincible gravure idol' known for her roles in high-profile projects like Netflix's 'The Confidence Man JP,' plays Jyuda, a beautiful street musician whom Hana sees as a 'sisterly figure'—only to fall into a morally ambiguous relationship with her.

Experience the tragic downfall of a woman manipulated by various men in one binge-watch session on DMM TV.

Comments from lead actress Hongo Yuba, Takasaki Kanami as Jyuda, original creator Hisamatsu Eito, and director Tatsuro Nishikawa are now available.

【Full Cast and Crew Comments】

【Hongo Yuba, Lead Actress (Hana)】

When I first received the offer, I was unsure if I was the right fit. But I decided to accept, determined to give it my all. Hana suffers misfortune in every episode, so during preparation, I consciously avoided getting too close to others and made time to be alone. I faced many first-time challenges and struggled, but I gave it my best. I’d be thrilled if many people watch it. Thank you for your support!

【Takasaki Kanami (Jyuda)】

I played the role of Jyuda. Jyuda is a bright, strong, and courageous female street musician. As this was my first time portraying such a cool female character, I worried my naturally high-pitched voice might not fit. So during filming, I lowered my voice and focused on expressing her cheerful energy. I also performed smoking for the first time—since I had no idea how to do it, I learned from the staff on set. I’d love for viewers to pay attention to that. And another first: I filmed my first-ever kissing scene. Co-star Yuba-chan was also a first-timer, so we were both nervous, but we carefully worked on angles and expressions. 'Girlfriend' is a constant thrill—please watch it!

【Hisamatsu Eito (Original Creator)】

Congratulations on the premiere of the short drama 'Girlfriend'! When I first heard about the adaptation, I wondered if my manga could even be visualized. But I’m deeply moved by how engaging and compelling the final product turned out to be. Every character was complex, and the content was intense, yet the director, cast, and staff delivered an overwhelmingly powerful result. I can’t wait for more people to experience it. The manga is also available—please enjoy both!

【Tatsuro Nishikawa (Director & Screenwriter)】

Reading the original, I felt a horror-like fear watching the protagonist desperately seek love and happiness, only to be trapped in a cycle of lies and betrayal that drags her deeper into misery. With the unique pacing of a short drama, I depicted this chilling story, using the vertical screen format to its fullest to portray the protagonist’s gradual descent into darkness. Deep down, people watch horror not just for fear, but for healing. This work, too, leaves viewers with a strange sense of energy afterward. I’m deeply grateful to every cast and crew member who poured their effort into this project. Please enjoy this chilling 'love horror.'

◆ Work Overview

【Title】Girlfriend

【Release Date & Time】June 16, 2026 (Tue), 12:00 PM JST – All 30 episodes available exclusively on DMM TV

【Viewing URL】https://tv.dmm.com/shorts/detail/?season=n775ycod64godu97kwth9xj11

【Cast】Hongo Yuba / Fukuyoshi Taiga / Shirato Tatsuya / Takasaki Kanami / Hatakeyama Mayu / Sato Yuta

【Original Work】'Girlfriend' by Hisamatsu Eito (CLLENN)

【Director & Screenwriter】Tatsuro Nishikawa

【Production Company】Kinomama LLC

【Synopsis】

Hana, a 26-year-old woman beautiful on the outside but fragile in identity, has had every romantic fantasy betrayed, deepening her emotional wounds. Drawn into the black hole of her psyche, another 'fateful encounter'—disguised as misfortune—approaches her today. Insecure and dependent, she drowns in love. This stylish omnibus romance series portrays one woman’s descent into hell as she is manipulated by various men. At the end of decadence, will she find 'happiness'?

※ Release schedule is subject to change

※ Viewing requires registration as a DMM Premium member (¥550/month including tax; ¥650/month via App Store or Google Play)

※ Available during the 14-day free trial

About DMM TV

DMM TV is DMM’s comprehensive video streaming service, offering a wide range of content including anime, variety shows, 2.5D stage productions, musicals, dramas, and films.