Grapara! Manga by Airi Katsura & Keishi Nishikida Premieres as Live-Action Series July 6
Discover the captivating world of gravure idol star Ruka Kitano, former SKE48 member, through exclusive photoshoots and inspiring stories.
Live-Action Adaptation Announced for "Grapara!" Manga Starring Former SKE48 Idol Ruka Kitano
ABC TV has officially announced a live-action television adaptation of the manga Grapara! by writer Airi Katsura and artist Keishi Nishikida. The show will star former SKE48 member Ruka Kitano as the lead, Sakura Katsuragi.
Series Details
- Premiere Date: July 6 at 24:10 JST (effectively July 7, 12:10 a.m.)
- Network: ABC TV, as part of the "Drama L" programming block
- Streaming: Available on DMM TV
- Director: Kenji Kuwashima
- Scriptwriter: Shinya Hokimoto
Main Cast:
- Ruka Kitano as Sakura Katsuragi
Story Overview
The series is a slightly risqué romantic comedy centered on Sakura Katsuragi, an aspiring gravure idol, and Shinobu Sumida, a dedicated gravure otaku. After Shinobu rescues Sakura from a dangerous stalker, the two wind up living together.
However, life isn't easy for Shinobu; he must protect Sakura from:
- Aggressive photographers
- Corrupt managers
- Inappropriate producers
The key question: Can Shinobu guard Sakura’s innocence while living with his idol crush?
Manga Background
- "Grapara!" began serialization on Kodansha's Magazine Pocket in August 2023
- First compiled volume released in December 2023
- Sixth volume published March 6, 2024
About the Creators
- Airi Katsura is also known for the adult dōjinshi manga Karimazakari
- A Karimazakari spinoff, "Karimazaka Re: Reborn Shitara Bōzudatta DT," started in September 2023
- Katsura and artist Kei Miike launched a new spinoff, Karamizakari
Machikado no Love song, in Kodansha’s supplement magazine, Young Magazine xxx, on December 23
Other Works
- Nishikida also created "My Wife is Wagatsuma-san" with writer Yuu Kuraishi
- Serialized in Weekly Shōnen Magazine from 2011 to 2014
- Available in English through Kodansha USA Publishing, Azuki, and K MANGA
- Previously published on Crunchyroll Manga until 2018