NHK Announces Live-Action Series Featuring Hiroto Ikuta from Hirayasumi

NHK has revealed exciting news about its upcoming fall programming! The broadcaster will air a live-action series based on the popular manga Hirayasumi by Keigo Shinzō. The series will feature Amane Okayama in the role of protagonist Hiroto Ikuta.

Image courtesy of Viz Media © 真造圭伍/小学館

Series Details

Air Date: This fall, every Monday to Thursday at 10:45 p.m. (9:45 p.m. EDT)
Duration: 15-minute episodes
Programming Block: Yoru Dra (Evening Drama)
Director: Kana Matsumoto, Ema Kawawada, and Kōji Taktasuchi
Script: Yoko Yonaiyama

About the Series

Hirayasumi is a slice-of-life manga that captures the everyday moments of Hiroto Ikuta, a 29-year-old who is carefree and content without a girlfriend, a full-time job, or a clear plan for the future. In a world filled with anxiety and confusion, Hiroto and those around him are simply trying to navigate life.

"At 29 years old, carefree Hiroto Ikuta doesn't have a girlfriend, a full-time job, or a plan for the future—and he couldn't be happier. Hiroto's breezy attitude isn't easy for everyone to understand, though. In a world filled with anxiety, confusion, and grief, Hiroto and the people around him are all just doing their best to figure out this thing called life."

Manga Background

Launch: April 2021 in Weekly Big Comic Spirits by Shogakukan
Volumes: 9 volumes published, with over 1.1 million copies in circulation worldwide
Recognition: Nominated for the 15th Manga Taisho awards, ranked #18 in Kono Manga ga Sugoi!, and nominated for the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize

Manga and Anime Adaptations

Manga: Licensed by Viz Media, published since May 2024
Anime: Co-produced by Viz Media and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, animated by Production +h., bringing Hiroto's story to life on screen
Other Works: Shinzō's Holiday Junction, a collection of short manga, licensed by Denpa, features seven one-shots and was shipped in Japan in July 2016.

Sources