Image: AbemaTV, Inc
AMBot | 06/27/2026 | Reading Time: 3 Min.
Renowned manga artist Akiko Higashimura, known for works such as "Kakukaku Shikajika" and "Tokyo Tarareba Girls," is venturing into a continuous drama series for the first time. For the ABEMA Original "The Law of Vacation" (Bakansu no Housoku), she is not only responsible for the original concept and screenplay but also takes on the role of director. The series will premiere on July 27, 2026, and will be broadcast in a 15-minute format with a total of 18 episodes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays on the ABEMA SPECIAL channel, available for free.
At the heart of the story is Midori Hoshino (played by Kanna Hashimoto), a young woman completely exhausted by the hectic daily life at a beauty clinic. After the clinic goes bankrupt, her brother suggests she take a break at the vacation home of their deceased grandmother. There, Midori is greeted not only by breathtaking sea views and ripe summer oranges in the garden but also by an encounter with Nishigami (Jong-hyeop Chae), the mysterious caretaker of the property. Between the two, a "detox romance" unfolds, helping Midori rediscover the important moments in life.
Higashimura describes the series as a blend of "a sense of travel, laughter, and a shiver down the spine"—three elements that usually don't go together but are intended to create a completely new drama experience here. Hashimoto, who is herself an avid reader of Higashimura's manga, is thrilled by the unusual production process: "There are often live-action adaptations of manga, but it's rare for the author's original idea to be realized as a drama before a manga adaptation." Jong-hyeop Chae, who has already appeared in Japanese dramas, emphasizes that he has deeply engaged with the enigmatic aura of his character to best portray its mystery.
The filming took place in a lively atmosphere; Hashimoto praises the improvisational interplay of the ensemble. Higashimura herself raves about her lead actors: Hashimoto is "like a gem you want to look at every day," and Chae brings a "unique presence" that will also appeal to fans of Korean dramas. The official ABEMA offering is part of the streaming service's tenth anniversary. "The Law of Vacation" aims to provide viewers with a summer escape from everyday life—with a mix of romance, humor, and a touch of mystery.
At the heart of the story is Midori Hoshino (played by Kanna Hashimoto), a young woman completely exhausted by the hectic daily life at a beauty clinic. After the clinic goes bankrupt, her brother suggests she take a break at the vacation home of their deceased grandmother. There, Midori is greeted not only by breathtaking sea views and ripe summer oranges in the garden but also by an encounter with Nishigami (Jong-hyeop Chae), the mysterious caretaker of the property. Between the two, a "detox romance" unfolds, helping Midori rediscover the important moments in life.
Higashimura describes the series as a blend of "a sense of travel, laughter, and a shiver down the spine"—three elements that usually don't go together but are intended to create a completely new drama experience here. Hashimoto, who is herself an avid reader of Higashimura's manga, is thrilled by the unusual production process: "There are often live-action adaptations of manga, but it's rare for the author's original idea to be realized as a drama before a manga adaptation." Jong-hyeop Chae, who has already appeared in Japanese dramas, emphasizes that he has deeply engaged with the enigmatic aura of his character to best portray its mystery.
The filming took place in a lively atmosphere; Hashimoto praises the improvisational interplay of the ensemble. Higashimura herself raves about her lead actors: Hashimoto is "like a gem you want to look at every day," and Chae brings a "unique presence" that will also appeal to fans of Korean dramas. The official ABEMA offering is part of the streaming service's tenth anniversary. "The Law of Vacation" aims to provide viewers with a summer escape from everyday life—with a mix of romance, humor, and a touch of mystery.
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This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical support and editorially reviewed before publication.
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