TBS×U-NEXT×THE SEVEN global project Broadcasting & Streaming in Spring 2026 Starring Yuki Yamada

TBS Television Co., Ltd. (Tokyo; President: Masamine Ryuho; hereafter “TBS”) ,U-NEXT and THE SEVEN  have announced a large-scale project: the “TBS × U-NEXT × THE SEVEN Global Project." This project  will be the first live-action adaptation based on the popular manga, “Chiruran: Shinsengumi Requiem"  which features powerful artwork and overwhelming drawing skill by Eiji Hashimoto, and is based on a  story by Shinya Umemura (also known for “Record of Ragnarok"). Set in Kyoto at the end of the Edo  period (Bakumatsu), the story depicts the intense and passionate lives of the Shinsengumi, the strongest  samurai group, through spectacular action and a bold interpretation based on historical facts. Yuki  Yamada will play the protagonist, Toshizo Hijikata, and the other members of the Shieikan will be played  by a group of talented young actors, each combining strong individuality and skill: Nobuyuki Suzuki, Aoi Nakamura, Kanata Hosoda, Shuhei Uesugi, Kisetsu Fujiwara, Yosuke Sugino, Shuntaro Yanagi, Shuto  Miyazaki, and Hihio Iwanaga. 

It has also been announced that Go Ayano will play Kamo Serizawa, the “strongest and most ruthless  nemesis” who stands in the way of the protagonists. In addition, a diverse cast of actors has also been  announced, including Eita Okuno, Mitsuomi Takahashi, Nobuaki Kaneko, Masanobu Ando, and Yuki  Sakurai.  

This "Japanese sword-action entertainment" will portray how Toshizo Hijikata, upon encountering the  greatness of Isami Kondo, went on to build the legendary Shinsengumi together with comrades of  powerful individuality such as Soji Okita and Hajime Saito. The story depicts not only how they lived, but  also how their life came to an end̶where friendships, betrayals, and convictions intertwine̶ as these  men questioned the meaning of their own existence during a period of historical change, living briefly but  brilliantly, driven by fierce determination so intense they were willing to stake their very lives, will be  depicted with modern, alluring, and attractive character designs, also featuring high-speed sword fighting  (“tate”) that has been praised as the fastest in history. 
  
Kento Nakajima to play “Hitokiri Izo" (Izo the Assassin), the sworn enemy and ally who clashes souls with  Yuki Yamada's Toshizo Hijikata! Beautiful, fleeting, and lovable̶Nakajima is set to portray this tragic  figure in a gritty, dedicated performance!  
  
Izo Okada, a samurai from Tosa, became feared throughout the late Edo period under the infamous title  “Hitokiri Izo" (Izo the Assassin), threatening the capital of Kyoto and eventually clashing with the  Shinsengumi, who were tasked with protecting the city.  

The "Hitokiri Izo" depicted in this series is a captivating character, richly endowed with the bold and  unique interpretations found in the original story. He serves as a rare existence̶a sworn enemy, yet also  an ally to the protagonist, Hijikata, played by Yuki Yamada and s a tragic figure who lives a life both vivid  and fleeting before falling in the Bakumatsu era.  

Taking on the role of Izo Okada̶extremely popular both historically and in the original story̶is Kento  Nakajima, an actor who, despite his overwhelming charm and star quality, brings a gritty authenticity  born from his disciplined approach to acting.  

Nakajima himself admitted to being surprised upon receiving the offer, reportedly asking, 'Are you sure  I'm the right casting choice?' Driven by ambition, he tackles a role that contrasts sharply with his usual  public image, pouring himself into full-scale sword action̶a surprising first time for him̶resulting in an  unprecedented, uniquely "lovable Izo Okada," rich with charm and sorrow. 

A character movie featuring Nakajima as Izo has been released on the official social media accounts and  the TBS official YouTube channel. We invite you to get an exclusive, early glimpse at this “Izo Okada"  that is unique to both this work and Kento Nakajima. 

LC