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ViuTV has officially set the internet ablaze with the announcement of its latest project: a local remake of the legendary 1996 Japanese drama Long Vacation. During its 10th-anniversary luncheon on April 23, ViuTV officially confirmed it has secured the formal rights from Fuji Television to adapt one of Japan’s most beloved television dramas.
Stepping into the (very large) shoes of Takuya Kimura is Edan Lui, member of Canto-pop boy group Mirror. He’ll play a repressed, struggling pianist whose quiet life is upended by a chaotic new roommate. Starring alongside Lui is multi-award-winning actress Ali Lee, who’ll take on the role of the spirited, out-of-work model originally played by Tomoko Yamaguchi. Fellow Mirror member Anson Kong is also joining the cast as the protagonist’s younger brother.
For the uninitiated, Long Vacation is pretty much the holy grail of 90s J-drama. The story follows two soul-searching individuals – one jilted at the altar, the other stuck in a creative rut – who share a flat and eventually find solace in each other. It was a cultural phenomenon that essentially set the gold standard for every Asian romance that followed, which might explain why the announcement has been met with a heavy dose of scepticism.
Protective fans of the original have taken to local forums to express genuine concern that a remake might tarnish what many consider a flawless classic. Netizens are also questioning whether a modern production can even replicate that understated magic of the 90s, with some pointing to the 15-year age gap between the leads as a sign that the show might be prioritising star power over actual chemistry.
Production is slated to begin in the second half of this year, with the series expected to hit screens sometime in 2027. While expectations across the board are not exactly high, some are holding out hope that Lee’s seasoned acting chops will provide the emotional weight needed to carry the story. Whether the final result is a worthy tribute or a flat-out flop, we’ll just have to wait and see – provided you can bring yourself to watch, that is.
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