Sai Asai’s boys’ love (BL) manga, Anata o Korosu Tabi (A Journey to Kill You), is set to receive a live-action series adaptation, premiering on September 26. The series will star Masanari Wada and Hiroto Takahashi, and will be available on Fuji TV on Demand (FOD) streaming service.
A Deadly Assignment: The Plot of Anata o Korosu Tabi
The manga centers on two yakuza members, Odajima and Kataoka, who are sent on a trip after Kataoka, the young wakagashira (junior boss), makes a significant mistake. However, this seemingly innocuous journey conceals a sinister true mission: Odajima has been ordered to kill Kataoka. As the two travel, an unexpected bond begins to form, creating internal conflict for Odajima who finds himself torn between his deadly duty and his burgeoning feelings for his target. The story is noted for its blend of angst, grit, and humor, exploring the interplay between Odajima’s serious nature and Kataoka’s easy-going charisma amidst yakuza politics and bittersweet memories.
Cast and Crew Bringing the Manga to Life
Masanari Wada will portray Kinji Kataoka, the charismatic young yakuza leader, while Hiroto Takahashi will take on the role of Ren Odajima, the gang member tasked with the assassination. Wada is recognized for his work in popular stage productions such as the Touken Ranbu series and Jujutsu Kaisen, and has expanded into television with a solo lead role in the drama Kamisama no Saikoro. Takahashi, who began his career as an exclusive model for MEN’S NON-NO, has appeared in TV dramas like Rikon Goyoru, Cinderellas of Midsummer, and Ao Haru Ride.
The live-action series is directed by Daisuke Kamijo, known for the 2017 film adaptation of I Hear the Sunspot. The script is penned by Natsuko Takahashi, who has a notable history with BL adaptations, including I Hear the Sunspot (2017), Does the Flower Bloom? (2018), and No Touching At All (2014). Masaki Takao is responsible for the music. Producers for the series include Takeshi Katayama (Perfect Propose, I Hear the Sunspot, Takumi-kun Series), Ueru Shikanai (Perfect Propose), and Ryo Murata (If It’s With You, I Might Try Falling in Love).
Additional cast members include Shintaro Yuya as Keito Kirii, Hori Kaito as Kaiho Asahi, Keisuke Teranaka as Genichiro Kumakura, Toi Nakabayashi as Eiji Ichinose, Shunsaku Kudo as Seizo Kirii, and Maju Ozawa as Kyoka.
Sai Asai’s Work in the BL Genre
Sai Asai is the author and artist behind Anata o Korosu Tabi. The manga is categorized within the Yaoi (BL) genre and is noted for its intense narrative and yakuza themes. The original work is completed and has garnered significant attention online.
