Wakakusa Monogatari: Koisuru Shimai to Koisenu Watashi

Wakakusa Monogatari: Koisuru Shimai to Koisenu Watashi is a 2024 Japanese television drama series broadcast by NTV. The series, which aired from October 6 to December 15, 2024, presents a contemporary reimagining of Louisa May Alcott's classic 1868 novel, Little Women. Set in modern-day Japan, the narrative follows the lives of the four Machida sisters as they navigate personal, professional, and romantic challenges.

Promotional image for Wakakusa Monogatari — Promotional poster for the series.

Plot Synopsis

The story centers on the four Machida sisters living together in a small town. Each sister faces unique hurdles regarding their careers and personal happiness:

Ryo (Mayu Hotta): The second sister, who works as an assistant director at a drama production company. Despite her initial aspirations to be a writer, she currently focuses on her career in production. She is characterized by her eloquence and competitive nature, and she harbors a desire to remain living with her sisters rather than marrying. Her life takes a turn when a childhood friend reappears after nine years.
Megumi (Sawa Nimura): The eldest sister, employed as a non-regular worker at a government employment service center. She is actively seeking marriage, but her relationship with a coworker is strained by his reluctance to commit.
Eri (Neru Nagahama): The third sister, described as the most gentle of the four. She continues to pursue her long-held dream of becoming an actress while supporting Ryo's creative ambitions. She also carries a secret she keeps from her family.
Mei (Mei Hata): The youngest sister, a fashion school student aspiring to be a designer. Her storyline involves a conflict between her romantic relationship with an elite university student and her professional goals.

Production

The series was directed by Ryuichi Inomata and Hajime Senoo, with a screenplay by Ruriko Matsushima. It occupied NTV's Sunday 22:30 time slot, following the conclusion of Furitsumore Kodokuna Shiyo and preceding The Hot Spot, which premiered in January 2025.

Cast

The main cast features Mayu Hotta, Sawa Nimura, Neru Nagahama, and Mei Hata as the four sisters. Supporting cast members include Hayate Ichinose, Daichi Watanabe, Ryusei Fukada, Baku Idegami, and Mariko Tsutsui, among others.