Scripted

TBS Television, U-NEXT, and THE SEVEN have revealed the details of their large-scale "TBS × U-NEXT × THE SEVEN Global Project," featuring the first live-action adaptation of the popular manga "Chiruran: Shinsengumi Requiem." Titled "Song of the Samurai" for its international release, the series is scheduled for a global launch on Saturday, May 9, reaching over 100 countries and regions through HBO Max, including North America, Latin America, Europe, and parts of Asia.

Starring Yuki Yamada as protagonist Toshizo Hijikata, the production is set in Kyoto at the end of the Edo period. The story depicts the lives of the Shinsengumi through spectacular action and VFX technology provided by THE SEVEN. The ensemble cast includes Nobuyuki Suzuki, Aoi Nakamura, Kanata Hosoda, and Kento Nakajima, among others. The project was designed for the global market from its inception, leveraging high-end production capabilities to transform Japanese period drama into a modern entertainment experience.

Yuki Yamada commented on the project: “In mid-19th century Japan, the Shinsengumi were among the so-called 'last samurai,' warriors who upheld the way of the sword during a time of profound change. To me, the samurai spirit is the wish to protect someone; a universal feeling that is shared by people across the world. I hope audiences can enjoy the sword-action adventure, while also feeling the emotion carried within each blade.”

James Gibbons, President of Asia Pacific at Warner Bros. Discovery, highlighted the importance of the partnership: “'Song of the Samurai' is the next series to launch on HBO Max through our partnership with U-NEXT, focused on spotlighting Japanese series and the creators behind them. With a growing appetite for this genre, we hope fans enjoy this captivating new samurai story - rooted deep in Japanese culture, with passionate action and a charismatic ensemble cast.”

U-NEXT President Tenshin Tsutsumi added: “We are delighted to bring this new series to fans around the world through our partnership with HBO Max. This project was developed with global distribution and broadcast integration in mind, aiming to expand the reach of Japanese content. With THE SEVEN;s production quality, TBS;s creative strength, and a world- renowned manga at its core, we are confident the series will captivate international viewers."

TBS President Masamine Ryuho emphasized the group's commitment to world-class storytelling, while Katsuaki Setoguchi, President and CEO of THE SEVEN, noted that the production embodies a clear mission: “Since our founding, THE SEVEN has pursued a clear mission: to bring stories from Japan to the global market at a world-class level. This production embodies that strategy and stands as a work that truly tests our capabilities.”

Finally, Chief Producer Akira Morii stated: “From the very beginning of this project, our goal has been to transform Japanese period drama (Jidaigeki) into an entertainment experience that captivates young audiences worldwide.”