Cinderellas of Midsummer

Natsumi Aoi (Nana Mori) has spent her whole life by the ocean, living in a popular seaside resort where she works as a standup paddleboard instructor and manages her father’s restaurant. She often hangs out with childhood friend Takumi Makino (Fuju Kamio), a carpenter who always seems to be around any time Natsumi needs his help. Natsumi gives little thought to love, although she harbors secret feelings for Takumi, who seems to be besotted with an older woman. But that all threatens to change when she meets Kento Mizushima (Shotaro Mamiya), the well-educated heir to a major Tokyo-based construction company. While Kento and Natsumi seem worlds apart, she starts to develop a crush on him as they get to know each other. However, there might be a chance that Takumi wants his relationship with Natsumi to evolve beyond friendship. Is romance on the horizon for Natsumi and friends with a group of holidaymakers at this sun-soaked resort? This 2023 Japanese drama was directed by Ryo Tanaka.