The series removes all depictions of same-sex romance and LGBT identity that was present in the original manga; for example, Ono is not gay, but has a fear of women and is romantically pursued by an series-only female character.
Based on manga series "Seiyo Kotto Yogashiten" by Fumi Yoshinaga (published from 1999 to 2002 magazine Wings).
The Fuji TV drama version excised most of the gay aspects out from the manga & included new character "Itsuke Momoko" - a female sports journalist played by actress Koyuki.