Sai Asai’s popular Boys’ Love (BL) manga, “Anata o Korosu Tabi” (A Journey to Kill You), is officially receiving a live-action series adaptation, set to premiere on Fuji TV on Demand (FOD) starting September 26. Fuji TV made the announcement on Friday, revealing a trailer that also features the series’ theme song.
A Deadly Journey Takes Shape
The live-action adaptation will star Masanari Wada and Hiroto Takahashi in the lead roles. Wada is well-known for his extensive work in popular stage productions, including the “Touken Ranbu” series and “Jujutsu Kaisen,” and recently secured his first solo lead role in the drama “Kamisama no Saikoro.” Takahashi, on the other hand, began his career as an exclusive model for the fashion magazine “MEN’S NON-NO.”
Daisuke Kamijo, who directed the 2017 movie version of I Hear the Sunspot, is helming the series. Natsuko Takahashi, known for her work on other BL adaptations like I Hear the Sunspot (2017), Does the Flower Bloom? (2018), and No Touching At All (2014), is penning the script. The music for the series will be composed by Masaki Takao. Takeshi Katayama, Ueru Shikanai, and Ryo Murata are serving as producers.
Unpacking the Plot of “Anata o Korosu Tabi”
“Anata o Korosu Tabi” dives into the dangerous world of the yakuza, blending elements of drama, romance, and suspense. The story centers on two yakuza members, Odajima and Kataoka. Kataoka, a young wakagashira (underboss), makes a significant error, leading to him and Odajima being sent away on a trip to escape the immediate fallout. However, this journey conceals a dark secret: Odajima has been ordered to assassinate Kataoka.
The manga explores the complex relationship that develops between the two men as they are on the run. While Kataoka appears to enjoy the trip, Odajima grapples with internal conflict, bittersweet memories, and the looming mission to kill the man he is traveling with. The narrative is lauded for its intense storytelling, emotional depth, and the interplay between Odajima’s serious demeanor and Kataoka’s more carefree, charismatic personality. The series is known for its blend of “steam, angst, and grit,” with an ever-present sense of impending doom. The manga is a completed work, comprising five chapters.
Fans have praised the manga for its unique emotional storyline, charismatic leads, and realistic, culturally tied mentalities of the characters. The impending live-action series is highly anticipated by fans of the original work and the broader Boys’ Love genre.
