Blab Entertainment
Japanese Drama Squall Premieres Oct. 18 After Historic Singapore Shoot
When the first Japanese drama to be shot entirely in Singapore goes on air, it marks more than a new setting—it signals a milestone in bilateral cultural exchange. Japanese television drama Squall will debut on October 18, 2026, on ABC TV, with simultaneous streaming on Abema and Tver. The premiere coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Japan and Singapore, adding symbolic weight to the project.
The series was produced in partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board, Singapore Airlines, Mandai Wildlife Group and travel agency H.I.S. Filming spanned almost a month and made use of iconic Singapore landmarks, from Merlion Park and Chinatown to the Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, Bird Paradise, the Ocean Restaurant at Resorts World Sentosa, a river‑boat ride on the Singapore River, and Peranakan houses on Koon Seng Road. Scenes set in the Katong district further showcase the city’s multicultural fabric.
Squall stars 24‑year‑old Riko and 23‑year‑old Kaname Yoshizawa, both members of the J‑pop group Genin wa Jibun ni Aru (Genjibu). The narrative follows Sakura, played by Riko, who has lost four years of memory. After her fiancé Eita, portrayed by Kaname, is transferred to Singapore for work, Sakura follows him and takes a job as a guide at a wildlife park. While sheltering from a squall, she encounters a Singaporean man named Lun, and the story develops into a sad and beautiful love story that transcends borders and time, according to the series description.
In an interview before filming, Riko said it would be her first time in Singapore and that she would stay for almost a month. She added, “I think it’s a very valuable opportunity to experience a set where Japanese, English and Chinese are spoken. I hope to respect the culture and language of each country, absorb as much as I can, and make it a meaningful time.” Kaname expressed enthusiasm about working with an international cast, noting his interest in photographing Singapore’s cityscape and improving his English skills.
Director Kenji Kuwajima stated, “The drama is filled with scenery and emotions that couldn’t be captured in Japan, allowing you to feel the light, rain and even the smells of Singapore.” Squall represents a new level of cross‑cultural collaboration for Japanese television. It follows earlier Japanese projects that filmed in Singapore, such as the 2023 film Magical Secret Tour and the Netflix variety show One Night Voyage featuring J‑pop members Yuya Takaki and Yuri Chinen.
By showcasing Singapore’s iconic sites, the series may influence tourism and cultural exchange between the two countries. The partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board underscores a strategic push to promote the city‑state as a cultural hub, while Singapore Airlines’ involvement facilitated transportation for the cast and crew. Mandai Wildlife Group’s contribution allowed the crew to film at its renowned zoos, and H.I.S. provided logistical support and accommodations.
The drama will air weekly on ABC TV every Sunday, beginning with its premiere on October 18. While it will be available on Abema and Tver in Japan, it is not yet confirmed whether the drama will stream in Singapore. Production has concluded, and the series is slated for release in the fall 2026 television lineup. No festival appearances or additional distribution agreements have been announced at this time.
The series was produced in partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board, Singapore Airlines, Mandai Wildlife Group and travel agency H.I.S. Filming spanned almost a month and made use of iconic Singapore landmarks, from Merlion Park and Chinatown to the Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, Bird Paradise, the Ocean Restaurant at Resorts World Sentosa, a river‑boat ride on the Singapore River, and Peranakan houses on Koon Seng Road. Scenes set in the Katong district further showcase the city’s multicultural fabric.
Squall stars 24‑year‑old Riko and 23‑year‑old Kaname Yoshizawa, both members of the J‑pop group Genin wa Jibun ni Aru (Genjibu). The narrative follows Sakura, played by Riko, who has lost four years of memory. After her fiancé Eita, portrayed by Kaname, is transferred to Singapore for work, Sakura follows him and takes a job as a guide at a wildlife park. While sheltering from a squall, she encounters a Singaporean man named Lun, and the story develops into a sad and beautiful love story that transcends borders and time, according to the series description.
In an interview before filming, Riko said it would be her first time in Singapore and that she would stay for almost a month. She added, “I think it’s a very valuable opportunity to experience a set where Japanese, English and Chinese are spoken. I hope to respect the culture and language of each country, absorb as much as I can, and make it a meaningful time.” Kaname expressed enthusiasm about working with an international cast, noting his interest in photographing Singapore’s cityscape and improving his English skills.
Director Kenji Kuwajima stated, “The drama is filled with scenery and emotions that couldn’t be captured in Japan, allowing you to feel the light, rain and even the smells of Singapore.” Squall represents a new level of cross‑cultural collaboration for Japanese television. It follows earlier Japanese projects that filmed in Singapore, such as the 2023 film Magical Secret Tour and the Netflix variety show One Night Voyage featuring J‑pop members Yuya Takaki and Yuri Chinen.
By showcasing Singapore’s iconic sites, the series may influence tourism and cultural exchange between the two countries. The partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board underscores a strategic push to promote the city‑state as a cultural hub, while Singapore Airlines’ involvement facilitated transportation for the cast and crew. Mandai Wildlife Group’s contribution allowed the crew to film at its renowned zoos, and H.I.S. provided logistical support and accommodations.
The drama will air weekly on ABC TV every Sunday, beginning with its premiere on October 18. While it will be available on Abema and Tver in Japan, it is not yet confirmed whether the drama will stream in Singapore. Production has concluded, and the series is slated for release in the fall 2026 television lineup. No festival appearances or additional distribution agreements have been announced at this time.
