Manga creator Akiko Higashimura is stepping behind the camera for the first time with Vacance no Hōsoku (The Vacation Rules), a new live-action series she wrote, directed, and developed as an original concept. ABEMA revealed the full trailer and opening theme song this week, ahead of the series' premiere on July 27.

The story follows Midori Hoshino, a woman seeking refuge from her hectic daily life at a vacation estate, where she unexpectedly falls for Nishigami, the property's enigmatic caretaker. Kanna Hashimoto (live-action Kingdom, Gintama) takes the lead role as Midori, while South Korean actor Chae Jong Hyeop (Nevertheless, Castaway Diva) plays Nishigami.

ABEMA will release all 18 episodes free on the ABEMA Special channel, with 15-minute installments dropping on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The opening theme "I Got Your Back" comes from K-pop group ILLIT.

Highly regarded for her manga adaptations, Higashimura has seen multiple works transition to live-action and anime. Her Princess Jellyfish spawned a 2010 TV anime, 2014 film, and 2018 series. Tokyo Tarareba Girls and A Fake Affair also received live-action treatments, while her acclaimed series Blank Canvas: My So-Called Artist's Journey was adapted into a live-action film released in May 2025. The Blank Canvas manga won the grand prize at the 19th Japan Media Arts Festival Awards and the eighth Manga Taisho award.

English-speaking readers can access several Higashimura titles through official releases: Kodansha USA publishes Princess Jellyfish and the Tokyo Tarareba Girls series, while Seven Seas Entertainment handles Blank Canvas and WEBTOON published A Fake Affair.

Vacance no Hōsoku represents a natural progression for Higashimura, whose storytelling has consistently resonated across mediums. Fans interested in her signature blend of romance and character-driven narratives now have another entry point through this directorial venture.