Exciting Cast Details for the New Drama Adaptation of Azato Kawaii Watashi ga Winner
The fans of Japanese television dramas are in for a real treat as we recently got some very big news about the upcoming live-action series. It has been officially confirmed that Reika Sakurai and Ryomasa Funatsu (from the group Chotonkyuu) will be appearing in the drama Azato Kawaii Watashi ga Winner. This project is based on the highly popular original work by Suzu Amito, which has already captured many hearts in its manga form. If you are wondering why Azato Kawaii Watashi ga Winner is a must read, the sheer charm of the characters is definitely the main reason.

From left to right in the newly released visual, we can see Nazuna Sahara played by Reika Sakurai, Kotone Matsushima played by Hana Koi Otomo, and Masaki Shimizu played by Ryomasa Funatsu (also known as Super Express). The casting seems quite spot on and fans are already discussing how well these actors fit the vibe of the original source material.
A Closer Look at the Story and Characters
Starring Karen Otomo, the live-action Azato Kawaii Watashi wa Winner is scheduled to be broadcast on TOKYO MX and various other channels starting from April 2nd. The story is a delightful romantic comedy that follows the journey of Kotone Matsushima. She is someone who has always won in both love and her professional life by using her extreme "cuteness" as a powerful weapon. However, things take a very interesting turn when she encounters her strongest rival ever. This sets the stage for a story where will and pride clash in the most entertaining way possible.
- The Protagonist: Kotone Matsushima, a girl who believes her "azato" (calculatingly cute) nature makes her invincible.
- The Adult Rival: Nazuna Sahara, a senior girl who brings a more mature charm to the table.
- The Ideal Boss: Masaki Shimizu, the handsome section manager who becomes the center of attention.
Intense Rivalry and Professional Drama
Reika Sakurai plays the role of Nazuna Sahara, who is described as a "senior Azakawa girl." Unlike Kotone’s more youthful approach, Nazuna makes the most of her adult charm and is genuinely loved by both men and women in her department. She is the one who finally makes Kotone experience the bitter feeling of "defeat" for the first time in her life. This rivalry is what makes why Azato Kawaii Watashi ga Winner is a must read and watch, as it explores more than just surface-level cuteness.
On the other hand, Ryomasa Funatsu takes on the role of Masaki Shimizu. He is a section manager who has recently transferred from the Yokohama branch to the main head office where Kotone and her colleagues work. Shimizu is basically the perfect boss—he is good-looking, has a very kind personality, and holds the top performance record within the company. Naturally, both Kotone and Nazuna find themselves quite drawn to him, which only adds more fuel to their ongoing competition. The drama is definitely going to be very exciting to watch when it finally premieres this April!