Actor, screenwriter, and director Jirō Satō’s manga series “Nanashi” (Nameless), co-created with manga artist Ryō Nagata, is inspiring a live-action film adaptation set to open in May 2026. Satō himself is slated to star in the lead role and also penned the script for the film.
Hero’s Inc. made the announcement on Wednesday, revealing that Hideo Jōjō, known for his work on the live-action “The Shadows of Who We Once Were” and “Believers” films, will direct the upcoming movie.
The Story of “Nanashi” Unveiled
The “Nanashi” manga begins with a shocking and indiscriminate slaughter at a popular cafe frequented by young people. Security camera footage of the incident reveals an unsettling scene: an unarmed man with a shaven head appears to kill individuals with a mere touch. The subsequent police investigation leads to a startling discovery, identifying the suspected murderer as a middle-aged man named Tarō Yamada. Further investigation at his apartment uncovers the decaying corpse of a woman, deepening the mystery surrounding the man and his inexplicable abilities.
Satō and Nagata launched the “Nanashi” manga on Hero’s Inc.’s Comiplex website in October 2024. The second compiled book volume of the manga is scheduled for release on October 29.
Jirō Satō: A Multifaceted Talent
Jirō Satō (born May 7, 1969) is a prominent Japanese actor, screenwriter, and film director hailing from Aichi Prefecture. He graduated from Shinshu University Faculty of Economics and has been active in the entertainment industry since 1995. Satō is represented by From First Production.
Prolific Acting Career
Satō boasts an extensive filmography, having appeared in numerous live-action films and television dramas. His recent roles include Akikazu Yoshida in the live-action film adaptation of Kengo Hanazawa’s “Under Ninja” manga, which premiered in January this year. He also played Kurihara in the 2024 film “Henna Ie” and Tatara Tamotsu in “An no Koto” (2024).
His diverse acting credits span various genres, showcasing his versatility. Notable past roles include Henpeita Takechi in the 2017 live-action “Gintama” film and Kanzō Mogi in the 2015 “Death Note” live-action series. He also lent his voice as Flanagan in the anime film “Mary and The Witch’s Flower”.
Beyond Acting: Writing and Directing
Beyond his acting prowess, Satō is also an accomplished screenwriter and director. His directorial debut was the 2008 film “Memo,” a work based on his personal experiences with obsessive-compulsive disorder. He has also written the screenplay for the film “Brothers in Brothel”. His involvement in “Nanashi” as both lead actor and scriptwriter highlights his deep creative investment in the project.
Director Hideo Jōjō’s Vision
Taking the helm for the “Nanashi” live-action film is director Hideo Jōjō. Jōjō has a notable track record in live-action adaptations and original films. His recent works include the live-action “The Shadows of Who We Once Were” series and the 2024 “Black Jack” series. He also directed the films “Believers” and “Joshikōsei ni Korosaretai”. His experience in bringing various narratives to the screen suggests a compelling adaptation for “Nanashi.”
The convergence of Jirō Satō’s multifaceted talents and Hideo Jōjō’s directorial experience promises an intriguing cinematic experience for fans of the “Nanashi” manga and Japanese cinema when it premieres in May 2026.
