The trailer for the highly anticipated Japanese romance drama Beyond Goodbye has been revealed, offering audiences a glimpse into a moving story of love, loss, and fate ahead of its November 14 premiere.
Written by the renowned Yoshikazu Okada (The 8-Year Engagement, The Last 10 Years), the series stars Kasumi Arimura (We Made a Beautiful Bouquet, Call Me Chihiro) and Kentaro Sakaguchi (The Last 10 Years).
This emotional drama revolves around Saeko (Arimura), whose fiancé Yusuke dies in a tragic accident on the day he proposes to her. After his death, Yusuke’s heart is transplanted into Naruse (Sakaguchi), giving him a second chance at life. By a twist of fate, Saeko and Naruse meet, and as their connection deepens, Yusuke’s memories begin to surface within Naruse. Set against the stunning landscapes of Hokkaido and Hawaii, Beyond Goodbye is a poignant exploration of the enduring power of love, even after loss.
The series has already made history as the first Japanese entry in the Busan International Film Festival‘s Onscreen Category, which honors outstanding streaming dramas. Directed by Hiroshi Kurosaki, this marks another collaboration between him and Okada following their work on Hiyokko. The ensemble cast features prominent actors such as Toma Ikuta, who plays Yusuke, the beloved fiancé whose untimely death sets the story in motion; Yuri Nakamura as Miki, Naruse’s wife; Tomokazu Miura as Hiro, a kind-hearted coffee grower in Hawaii who helps Saeko after her loss; Eita Okuno as Kengo, Yusuke’s best friend; and Ayumi Ito as Midori, the owner of the coffee company where Saeko works. Additionally, veteran actors Issey Ogata, Yuki Saito, Kanji Furutachi, and Yoshiko Miyazaki round out the cast, bringing depth to the complex web of relationships that form around Saeko and Naruse’s lives.
Adding to the emotional weight of the series is the theme song “Azalea,” written by popular Japanese musician Kenshi Yonezu. Yonezu composed the song after being deeply inspired by Okada’s screenplay. He visited the set to draw further inspiration from the production, crafting a piece that mirrors Saeko’s emotional journey. The song reflects the pain of saying goodbye to one’s greatest love while finding solace in the lasting memories that continue to provide strength. Yonezu explained that while the scenario of Saeko meeting the person who received her fiancé’s heart might seem rare, the story holds universal truths that resonate deeply with the emotional turmoil of love and loss. He hopes the song will capture the heartache and hope embodied in Saeko’s journey of healing.
Beyond Goodbye promises to take viewers on a powerful emotional journey, blending themes of heartbreak and destiny with beautiful cinematography and a talented cast. With its premiere on Netflix on November 14, the series is poised to become a standout in the genre, offering a moving exploration of the enduring connections that love creates, even in the face of profound loss.
