New Live-Action Series of 'Warau Salesman' to Debut on July 18

Akiyama cast as Fukuzō Moguro in upcoming adaptation

The staff for the upcoming live-action adaptation of Warau Salesman has revealed its main visual and a 15-second teaser trailer. The series is based on the manga by Fujiko Fujio A (pseudonym of Motoo Abiko), which originally debuted in 1968.

Key Details

Cast:
- Ryūji Akiyama from the comedy trio Robert will play the protagonist, Fukuzō Moguro.
- Akiyama is known for his roles in Night is Short, Walk On Girl and Detroit Metal City.
Series Debut: Amazon Prime Video on July 18.
Format:
- 12 episodes
- Set in the current Reiwa era
- Released over three weeks
Directors: Masaaki Itō, Yōhei Osabe, Daisuke Yamamoto, Shōta Sasaki
Screenwriters: Kankurō Kudō, Magy, Tōru Hosokawa, Udai Iwasaki

About the Series

The show features original stories that take place in modern Japan. It continues the franchise’s long history, which began with the manga in 1968, running in Shogakukan’s Big Comic magazine under the title Kuroi Salesman (The Black Salesman). The manga inspired a TV anime adaptation (1989–1992), a live-action series in 1999, and a more recent anime Warau Salesman NEW in 2017.

The Original Manga

Premise: Fukuzō Moguro appears to those facing life's struggles, offering to grant their wishes for free. However, those who ignore or cheat him face heavy consequences.
Creators: Motoo Abiko (Fujiko Fujio A), who also helped create Doraemon alongside Hiroshi Fujimoto.
Legacy: The franchise remains popular with various adaptations over the decades.

About Motoo Abiko

Worked with Hiroshi Fujimoto under the pseudonym Fujiko Fujio, creating Doraemon.
Took on the pseudonym Fujiko Fujio A after their split.
Passed away in 1996.

Additional Information

Image of the series teaser and visual Image via the Laughing Salesman live-action series’ official Twitter

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