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| Manga to Live-Action: Yakuza × BL Collide in New Drama Anata wa Korosu Tabi |
Japanese drama fans, brace yourselves — something brand new is about to shake up the BL scene. Anata wa Korosu Tabi/あなたを殺す旅 (The Trip to Kill You) is officially set to premiere on 26 September 2025 via Fuji TV’s streaming service FOD, and it’s already being billed as a first-of-its-kind.
This live-action is adapted from Asai Nishi’s popular manga of the same name, a cult hit among BL readers. The twist? It’s set in the underworld of the yakuza, mixing loyalty, power struggles, and forbidden affection in a way Japanese TV hasn’t touched before.
The Story: Duty vs. Desire
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At the centre of the tale is Kataoka Kinji (Wada Masanari), a charismatic wakagashira (young underboss) admired by his crew for his warmth and authority.
But after a violent incident shakes the gang, young member Odashima Ren (Takahashi Hiroto) is tasked with a dangerous mission: accompany Kataoka on the run until things cool down — and secretly kill him on the orders of the boss’s son.
Sounds dark enough, right? But as the pair travel together, their relationship begins to twist in unexpected ways. Odashima, who has always harboured deep resentment, finds himself drawn to Kataoka’s humanity and charm.
Meanwhile, Kataoka discovers sides to Odashima that stir something beyond mere loyalty. The question is, will their journey end in blood… or in love?
The Cast Line-Up
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Wada Masanari (Touken Ranbu, Jujutsu Kaisen Stage Play) takes on Kataoka Kinji, a role described as both challenging and eye-opening for the actor.
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Takahashi Hiroto, best known as a MEN’S NON-NO model and rising star in dramas like Aoharaido and My Happy Marriage, plays Odashima Ren, a man torn between vengeance and unexpected affection.
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Supporting them are:
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Yuya Shintaro as Kirii Keito, the jealous heir who sets the deadly plan in motion.
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Hori Kaito as Asahi Miho, Odashima’s loyal friend.
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Teranaka Keisuke as Kumakura Genichiro, a senior enforcer.
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Kudo Shunsaku as Seizo Kirii, the third-generation boss.
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Ozawa Maju as Kyoka Kirii, the tough matriarch of the family.
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Behind the Scenes & Reactions
The actors have already spoken about how heavy the roles were. Wada called it a “journey to discover parts of myself I’ve never touched,” while Takahashi admitted Odashima was one of the most difficult yet rewarding characters he’s ever played.
Asai Nishi, the manga’s original creator, couldn’t hide their excitement either: “I’m thrilled that this story is reaching new audiences through live-action. The contrast between Wada’s commanding presence and Takahashi’s fragile transparency is exactly what I hoped to see brought to life.”
Adding extra flair, the theme song “Tsurezure” comes from singer-songwriter Yamamoto Daito, whose soulful style is expected to perfectly capture the show’s mix of tension and tenderness.
BL dramas have been steadily rising in popularity worldwide, but Japan’s entries usually lean towards school romances or slice-of-life themes. By tackling the high-stakes world of the yakuza — with betrayal, brotherhood, and love at the heart of the story — Anata wa Korosu Tabi might just redefine what fans expect from Japanese BL.
FOD will drop the first two episodes exclusively on 26 September (with the debut episode free to watch), followed by new episodes every Friday at 8pm JST.
So, is it going to be a tragic ending or the most unexpected romance of the year? Fans will have to tune in to see where this dangerous journey ends.