Renowned Japanese actor Jirō Satō is set to debut his latest manga series, Yamanami, on Hero’s Inc.’s Comiplex website on October 31. The new work, co-created with manga artist Takeaki Yonemon, stems from a movie script Satō penned 14 years ago.
“Yamanami” Unveils a Gripping Tale of Crime and Conflict
Yamanami introduces readers to Ittsū, a seemingly frivolous man who steals a substantial amount of money from the Yakuza. The narrative promises intense action as Ittsū fiercely combats those who attempt to reclaim the stolen funds. This marks an intriguing new chapter in Satō’s creative endeavors, blending his storytelling background with the visual medium of manga.
From Screenplay to Manga: The Genesis of “Yamanami”
Satō himself shared details about the manga’s unique origin, revealing on his X (formerly Twitter) account that the story for Yamanami was originally conceived as a movie script in January 2011. This 14-year-old script, which he described as “sleeping,” has now been re-envisioned for a new audience in manga format, showcasing his versatility as a storyteller.
Jirō Satō’s Expanding Presence in the Manga World
The launch of Yamanami is not Satō’s first foray into the manga industry. He previously debuted the manga Nanashi (Nameless) in October 2024, in collaboration with artist Ryō Nagata, also on the Comiplex website.
“Nanashi” Success Leads to Live-Action Adaptation
Nanashi has quickly garnered attention, inspiring a live-action film adaptation slated for release in May 2026. Adding to his diverse contributions, Satō is not only penning the script for the film but will also star in the lead role. Furthermore, Hero’s Inc. is scheduled to publish the second compiled book volume of Nanashi on October 29, just days before the launch of Yamanami.
Jirō Satō’s Accomplished Career
Jirō Satō is a well-known Japanese actor, screenwriter, and film director, born on May 7, 1969, in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. He has a prolific acting career, appearing in numerous live-action films and television dramas. His roles span various genres, including appearances in productions like the live-action film of Kengo Hanazawa’s Under Ninja manga, the Gintama live-action film, and the Death Note series. His expansion into manga authorship demonstrates his continuous artistic evolution and desire to explore new creative avenues.
