Overview and Why the Cast Matters
First Love, the Japanese drama that premiered on Netflix in 2022, centers on Hikari and Kazu, whose lives reconnect across two timelines. The storytelling is driven by a cast anchored by leads Nana Komatsu and Haruma Miura, with supporting performances that deepen the themes of memory, choice, and consequence. Understanding the primary cast helps viewers track the dual timelines and emotional stakes, while also connecting key acting choices to the broader narrative. This profile is built to serve as a durable reference for the series’ principal players and their defining roles.
Primary Characters and Lead Actors
The main relationship in First Love hinges on two timelines and two sets of portrayals, with the adult chapters and the 1990s chapters each offering distinct interpretations of the same individuals. The table below summarizes the principal character names, the actors who portray them, and their narrative function.
| Actor | Character | Primary Timeline(s) | Role Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nana Komatsu | Hikari Sakishima | Adult (2020) and 1990s | Central protagonist; moves to Okinawa in adulthood |
| Haruma Miura | Kazu Kaburagi | Adult (2020) and 1990s | Central protagonist; chauffeur training in Okinawa |
| Miyavi | Soichiro Sakishima | Adult (2020) | Hikari’s older brother; protective figure |
| Mone Kamishiraishi | Nanoka Kita | Adult (2020) | Childhood friend turned romantic rival |
| Kento Kaku | Kaito Kubo | Adult (2020) | Family associate and narrative catalyst |
| Mao Daichi | Chizuru Kaburagi | Adult (2020) | Kazu’s older sister; family anchor |
| Ookawa Shota | Young Kazu Kaburagi | 1990s | Younger version of Haruma Miura’s adult role |
| Hana Toyoshima | Young Hikari Sakishima | 1990s | Younger version of Nana Komatsu’s adult role |
Nana Komatsu as Hikari Sakishima
Nana Komatsu anchors the present-day timeline as Hikari, a woman who returns to Okinawa after years away. Her performance balances vulnerability and quiet determination, which suits the drama’s meditative tone. Hikari’s decisions drive both timelines forward, especially regarding memory, responsibility, and the consequences of seemingly small choices.
Haruma Miura as Kazu Kaburagi
Haruma Miura plays adult Kazu with a restrained, introspective demeanor that contrasts with the intensity of the 1990s version. Kazu’s layered backstory and role as a chauffeur-in-training create a grounded presence, while his connection to Hikari provides the emotional core of the story. Miura’s portrayal remains one of the series’ defining performances.
Supporting Cast and Function
The supporting performances in First Love expand the universe beyond the central duo, giving familial and social context that shapes the protagonists’ arcs. Each actor contributes to the series’ exploration of loyalty, obligation, and change.
- Miyavi as Soichiro Sakishima: Hikari’s steadfast older brother who embodies protection and sacrifice.
- Mone Kamishiraishi as Nanoka Kita: A childhood acquaintance whose path intersects with Kazu, introducing tension and alternate possibilities.
- Kento Kaku as Kaito Kubo: A catalyst character whose decisions ripple across both timelines.
- Mao Daichi as Chizuru Kaburagi: Kazu’s older sister, representing the family’s stabilizing force in Okinawa.
Timeline Structure and Narrative Function
First Love uses a dual timeline device: the adult timeline (set around 2020) and the 1990s timeline. The younger versions of the leads appear only in the 1990s segments, while the older counterparts exist solely in the present. This structural choice allows the cast to reflect on formative experiences while maintaining a clear separation between past idealism and present consequence.
Thematic Resonance of the Cast
The ensemble works together to express the series’ central themes of fate, regret, and reconciliation. Nana Komatsu and Haruma Miura, in both their older and younger roles, communicate much of the story through subtle expressions and minimal dialogue. The supporting cast reinforces ideas of duty, love, and the enduring impact of early decisions. Because the performances remain consistent across timelines, viewers can trace how each character’s motivations evolve without contradiction.
Key Takeaways and Quick Reference
- The leads are Nana Komatsu (Hikari) and Haruma Miura (Kazu) in both adult and younger portrayals.
- Supporting actors such as Miyavi and Mone Kamishiraishi add familial and romantic complexity.
- The dual timeline relies on distinct casting for younger and older versions of the protagonists.
- Performances emphasize restraint, memory, and the long-term effects of choice.
Conclusion and Continued Relevance
The cast of First Love remains central to the series’ lasting appeal, with performances that support its introspective tone and cross-timeline storytelling. By aligning each actor’s portrayal with clear character arcs and thematic objectives, the drama maintains coherence across its dual structure. As a reference, this profile captures the essential cast information needed to understand their narrative roles and ongoing significance within the series.