Manga creator Arata Kawabata is set to launch a new gourmet manga spinoff, Nomi Kui Dōraku ~Nihon Tōitsu~ (The Vice of Eating and Drinking ~Japan Unification~), based on the popular Nihon Tōitsu live-action original video series. The new series will debut in the October issue of Akita Shoten’s Monthly Princess magazine, scheduled for release on October 6.
Nomi Kui Dōraku ~Nihon Tōitsu~ Takes a Culinary Turn
The upcoming manga marks a significant shift from the intense yakuza crime drama of its live-action predecessor, venturing into the world of food and drink. Titled Nomi Kui Dōraku ~Nihon Tōitsu~, the series promises a “loose everyday life x food” theme, according to a post from the official Nihon Tōitsu X/Twitter account. Adding an authentic touch, Yasukaze Motomiya, a prominent actor who portrays one of the main characters in the original live-action show, will supervise the manga. This collaboration aims to blend the established universe of Nihon Tōitsu with Kawabata’s distinct manga style, offering fans a fresh perspective on the familiar characters and world through the lens of culinary exploration.
The Enduring Appeal of the Nihon Tōitsu Live-Action Series
The original Nihon Tōitsu (Japan Unification) live-action original video series is a long-running and well-regarded yakuza crime saga. It follows the gripping narrative of two protagonists who ascend through the ranks of Japan’s largest yakuza organization with the ambitious goal of unifying all yakuza groups across the nation. Known for its compelling storytelling, intricate character dynamics, and gritty depiction of the Japanese underworld, the series has garnered a dedicated fanbase over the years. The decision to expand its universe into a gourmet manga spinoff highlights the franchise’s versatility and its creators’ desire to explore different facets of its characters and settings.
Arata Kawabata’s Diverse Manga Portfolio
Arata Kawabata is a recognized figure in the manga industry with a history of diverse works. Prior to embarking on this gourmet spinoff, Kawabata launched a manga adaptation of Mitsuru Yūki’s Onmyōji, Abe no Seimei novel series in Monthly Princess in February 2020, which concluded in July 2024. Additionally, Kawabata is known for the manga Do You Like the Nerdy Nurse? (Hokenshitsu no Otaku Onee-san wa Suki desu ka?), which Yen Press has licensed for English publication. This background demonstrates Kawabata’s ability to tackle various genres and adapt different source materials, making them a suitable choice to bring a unique, culinary interpretation to the established Nihon Tōitsu franchise. The upcoming manga is set to be one of several new titles appearing in Monthly Princess‘s next issue, alongside Bakugyaru by Akira Wao and Aoki Balkanalia by Sasakisa.
