The enigmatic and unsettling salesman, Moguro Fukuzou, is set to return to screens in a brand new live-action TV drama adaptation of Fujiko Fujio A’s classic manga series, The Laughing Salesman. The series is scheduled to begin streaming on Amazon Prime Video in Japan on July 18, 2025.
What is The Laughing Salesman?
The Laughing Salesman (笑ゥせぇるすまん, Warau Sērusuman) is a Japanese manga series created by Fujiko Fujio A. The manga tells the story of Moguro Fukuzou, a mysterious salesman who seeks to fill the “gaps in the hearts” of troubled people. He offers them a chance to fulfill their desires, but his clients often face dire consequences if they break his rules or betray his trust.
The manga first appeared as a one-shot called The Black Salesman (黒イせぇるすまん, Kuroi Sērusuman) in 1968. It was later serialized from 1969 to 1971. After the first anime adaptation, Fujiko Fujio A continued the series from 1990 to 1995 under the title The Laughing Salesman, and later as The Salesman Returns (1996-2000) and The Dancing Salesman (2001-2004).
A Darkly Humorous Premise
Moguro Fukuzou is a chilling figure who preys on the vulnerabilities of modern people. He presents himself as a benefactor, offering solutions to their problems and fulfilling their deepest desires. However, his assistance comes with strict conditions, and those who fail to adhere to his rules often find themselves in ironic and darkly humorous situations.
The series explores themes of greed, temptation, and the consequences of unchecked desires. It serves as a cautionary tale, reminding viewers to be careful what they wish for, as their desires may come at a steep price.
From Manga to Anime: A Legacy of The Laughing Salesman
The Laughing Salesman has been adapted into several anime series. The first anime adaptation aired from 1989 to 1992, with a total of 127 episodes. A second anime adaptation, New Laughing Salesman (笑ゥせぇるすまんNEW, Warau Sērusuman Nyū), aired in 2017. The anime has also been digitally remastered and released on various video-on-demand streaming services in Japan.
Live-Action Drama Details
The upcoming live-action TV drama is directed by Masaaki Ito, Youhei Osabe, Daisuke Yamamoto, and Shota Sasaki. The scripts are written by Kankuro Kudo, Maggy, Toru Hosokawa, and Udai Iwasaki. The lead actor playing Moguro Fukuzou has not yet been revealed.
The series will consist of 12 episodes and will be distributed over three weeks starting July 18, 2025. The episodes will include stories that update the dark worldview to modern times and completely original stories.
Previous Live-Action Adaptation
This isn’t the first time The Laughing Salesman has been adapted into a live-action series. A previous adaptation aired on TV Asahi in 1999, starring Shirō Itō as Moguro Fukuzou. However, only one episode of that series is known to have survived.
What to Expect
The new live-action adaptation promises to bring The Laughing Salesman‘s signature dark humor and psychological themes to life. Viewers can expect a series of self-contained stories, each focusing on a different individual who encounters Moguro Fukuzou and falls prey to their own desires.
A Timeless and Relevant Story
The Laughing Salesman remains relevant today because it explores universal themes of human nature. The series taps into our desires, fears, and vulnerabilities, offering a darkly comedic reflection of ourselves and the society we live in.
More Than Just a Laugh
While The Laughing Salesman is known for its humor, it also offers social commentary on the troubles of modern society. It highlights the pressures and anxieties that people face in the workplace, in their relationships, and in their pursuit of happiness. The series encourages viewers to reflect on their own desires and the potential consequences of their actions.
Meet Moguro Fukuzou: The Salesman of Nightmares
Moguro Fukuzou is the central figure of The Laughing Salesman. He is a mysterious and unsettling character who always wears a black suit and has a perpetual grin on his face. He appears to those who are struggling with their lives, offering them a chance to fulfill their desires and overcome their problems.
Filling the Gaps in Your Heart
Moguro’s catchphrase is “I will fill the gaps in your heart” (心の隙間をお埋めします, Kokoro no sukima o oume shimasu). He claims to be able to provide people with what they need to be happy, whether it’s wealth, success, love, or something else entirely.
A Deal with the Devil?
However, Moguro’s help always comes at a price. He sets strict rules for his clients, and those who break them face severe consequences. These consequences are often ironic and fitting, reflecting the clients’ own desires and flaws. In some cases, the consequences can be truly horrific, leaving the clients ruined or even dead.
The Enigmatic Anti-Hero
Moguro Fukuzou is not a hero, but he is not entirely a villain either. He is a complex character who embodies both good and evil. While he punishes those who break his rules, he also offers genuine help to those who are in need. Ultimately, he serves as a catalyst for change, forcing his clients to confront their own desires and the consequences of their actions.
A Must-Watch for Fans of Dark Comedy
The Laughing Salesman is a classic manga series that has captivated audiences for decades with its unique blend of dark humor, psychological themes, and social commentary. The upcoming live-action TV drama promises to be a faithful and compelling adaptation of the source material, bringing Moguro Fukuzou and his unsettling world to life for a new generation of viewers. Fans of dark comedy, psychological thrillers, and classic manga should definitely check out The Laughing Salesman when it begins streaming on Amazon Prime Video on July 18, 2025. Just remember, be careful what you wish for.
