Akinari Asakura’s suspenseful novel, “Ore de wa Nai Enjō” (It’s Not Me in Flames), is set to receive a manga adaptation. The announcement was made in the 13th issue of Futabasha’s Manga Action magazine. The manga adaptation, illustrated by Ōtori556 (Kokoro), will premiere in the magazine’s 15th issue on July 15.
What is “Ore de wa Nai Enjō” About?
“Ore de wa Nai Enjō” tells the story of Taisuke Yamagata, a sales manager who finds himself falsely accused of murdering a female college student. As his identity is exposed online, Taisuke becomes a target of public animosity, with the entire nation seemingly turning against him. Determined to prove his innocence, Taisuke goes on the run, uncovering a shocking truth along the way. Futabasha published the original novel in 2022.
Live-Action Film Adaptation
In addition to the manga adaptation, “Ore de wa Nai Enjō” is also inspiring a live-action film adaptation, scheduled to premiere in Japan on September 26. This simultaneous adaptation into both manga and film highlights the novel’s captivating narrative and its potential to reach a wider audience.
Ōtori556: The Manga Artist
Ōtori556 (Kokoro) is the artist behind the manga adaptation. While specific details about Ōtori556’s previous works are not readily available, their involvement in adapting Asakura’s novel suggests a promising addition to their portfolio.
Akinari Asakura: The Author
Akinari Asakura is a Japanese author known for his diverse works, including mystery novels and manga series. Besides “Ore de wa Nai Enjō,” Asakura is also the author of “Rokunin no Usotsuki na Daigakusei” (Six Lying College Students), which also received a manga adaptation. Furthermore, Asakura is the writer for the manga “Show-ha Shoten!,” illustrated by Takeshi Obata, the acclaimed artist behind “Death Note” and “Platinum End.”
Other Works by Akinari Asakura
Asakura’s other notable works include:
- Rokunin no Usotsuki na Daigakusei (Six Lying College Students): This novel centers on six college students competing for a job at a prestigious IT company, only to discover that one of them is suspected of being a murderer.
- Show-ha Shoten!: A manga about two high school students who aspire to become comedians. The manga is illustrated by Takeshi Obata and serialized in Shueisha’s Jump SQ. magazine.
- The Final Six: A suspense novel translated into English, focusing on a corporate job selection process with deadly consequences.
- Kyoushitsu ga, Hitori ni naru made (Until I’m Alone in the Classroom)
- Noir Revenant
Show-ha Shoten! Manga
“Show-ha Shoten!” is a manga series written by Akinari Asakura and illustrated by Takeshi Obata. The manga follows the story of Azemichi Shijima, a shy student who secretly studies comedy, and Taiyo Higashikata, an outgoing student with dreams of becoming a comedian. Together, they form a comedy duo and navigate the challenges of the entertainment world.
The series is praised for its engaging characters, comedic timing, and insightful portrayal of the Japanese comedy scene. VIZ Media and Shueisha’s MANGA Plus service offer the manga in English. The manga concluded with its 11th compiled book volume on September 4, 2025.
Rokunin no Usotsuki na Daigakusei (Six Lying College Students)
“Rokunin no Usotsuki na Daigakusei” is another notable work by Akinari Asakura that has garnered significant attention. The novel revolves around six university students vying for a coveted position at a top IT firm. As they engage in discussions and try to outwit each other, they receive shocking revelations about each other, leading to paranoia and suspicion.
A manga adaptation of “Rokunin no Usotsuki na Daigakusei,” titled “Rokunin no Usotsuki no Daigakusei: Plus One,” was illustrated by Keiga Ōsawa. The manga introduced original developments to the storyline. The series concluded in November 2024, with three compiled volumes. Additionally, a live-action film adaptation of the novel premiered in Japan in November 2024.
The Final Six
“The Final Six” is a suspense novel by Akinari Asakura that has been translated into English. The story revolves around Hatano, who discovers scandalous secrets about candidates during a corporate selection process. These revelations have the potential to ruin careers and lives, and Hatano must uncover the truth while convincing others that he is worthy of the job.
Sphere acquired the rights to “The Final Six” and plans to publish it as a lead title in 2026. The novel has also been sold in several other countries, including China, Indonesia, Korea, Russia, Taiwan, and Thailand.
Manga Action Magazine
Manga Action is a Japanese manga magazine published by Futabasha. It features a variety of manga series across different genres, including action, comedy, and slice-of-life. The magazine has been in publication since 1967 and has a long history of showcasing talented manga artists and writers.
What to Expect from the Manga Adaptation
With the manga adaptation of “Ore de wa Nai Enjō” launching on July 15, fans can anticipate a gripping and visually engaging interpretation of Asakura’s novel. Ōtori556’s artwork will bring the characters and suspenseful plot to life, offering a fresh perspective on the story. The manga adaptation is expected to capture the essence of the original novel while adding its unique flair.
Final Thoughts
The manga adaptation of Akinari Asakura’s “Ore de wa Nai Enjō” is generating excitement among fans of mystery and suspense. With a talented manga artist at the helm and a compelling storyline, the adaptation is poised to be a success. Coupled with the upcoming live-action film, “Ore de wa Nai Enjō” is set to captivate audiences across multiple platforms.
