Japanese drama fans in Singapore will see familiar locations in this upcoming series.
The team behind Squall, which premieres next month, has revealed that it was filmed entirely in Singapore — a first in Japanese drama history.
According to its official social media accounts, it commemorates the 60th anniversary of Japan and Singapore’s diplomatic relations, and was made in collaboration with Singapore Tourism Board, Singapore Airlines, Mandai Wildlife Group and travel agency H.I.S.
The drama stars actress Riko and Kaname Yoshizawa from the J-pop group Genin wa Jibun ni Aru (also known as Genjibu).
Squall is described as a “sad and beautiful love story that transcends borders and time”, following Sakura (played by Riko), who has lost four years of her memory.
When her fiance Eita (Kaname) is transferred to Singapore for work, Sakura follows him and starts a new life, working as a guide at a wildlife park.
There, she meets a Singaporean man named Lun while taking shelter from a squall.
Although it should be their first meeting, she feels a strange sense of familiarity. They exchange words in a back alley along the streets of Katong, and this encounter is merely the calm before the storm.
Filming locations include Merlion Park, Chinatown, Singapore Zoo, River Wonders and Bird Paradise.
In a 15-second teaser uploaded on Sept 10, Sakura and Eita are seen dining at what appears to be Ocean Restaurant at Resorts World Sentosa. In another scene, they take a boat ride that looks similar to the Singapore River attraction.
The first teaser photo shows Sakura standing in front of one of the Peranakan houses along Koon Seng Road.
日本・シンガポール
外交関係樹立60周年記念ドラマ
『 #SQUALL 』
2026年10月18日（日）放送スタート🌧️
毎週日曜深夜0時10分
（関西ローカル／TVer ABEMA 見逃し配信）主演は＼ #莉子 ／に決定✨
日本の連続ドラマ史上初！
全話に渡ってシンガポールロケを敢行🇸🇬
続報をお楽しみに💙 pic.twitter.com/vP0fhiu0FT— ドラマ「SQUALL」【公式】 (@abctv_dramaL) September 1, 2026
Riko, who turns 24 in December, and Kaname, 23, were interviewed prior to their stay in Singapore.
She said it would be her first time in Singapore, staying for almost a month to film the drama.
She also mentioned working with Singaporean actors, who have not been revealed.
“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,” she added.
“I hope you will enjoy the beautiful visuals that can only be created by filming in Singapore, and the chemistry that is created by the collaboration of Japanese and Singaporean cast and crew.”
Kaname said it was one of his dreams to act with international cast members.
“I love taking photos, so I want to take lots of pictures of the beautiful cityscape of Singapore. Above all, I am currently studying English, so I hope to improve my English skills during my stay.
“I would also like to develop my language skills, where many different languages, such as English, Chinese and Malay, are spoken on a daily basis.”
Director Kenji Kuwajima said: “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. We hope you enjoy it.”
Squall premieres on Oct 18, with episodes releasing every Sunday on ABC TV. It will also be streamed on Abema and Tver.
It is not clear if it will be streaming in Singapore.
Earlier in June, Japanese movie Magical Secret Tour starring actresses Kasumi Arimura, Haru Kuroki and Sara Minami revealed they filmed a chunk of it in Singapore, including at hotspots such as Zion Riverside Food Centre, Little India and Arab Street.
More recently, Yuya Takaki and Yuri Chinen, members of the popular J-pop group Hey! Say! Jump, revealed they visited Singapore for their Netflix variety show One Night Voyage.
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