Shohei Manabe's Acclaimed Legal Drama 'Kujō no Taizai' Set for Netflix Live-Action Series

The highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Shohei Manabe’s groundbreaking legal drama, Kujō no Taizai, is officially heading to Netflix, with a global premiere slated for spring 2026. This monumental project brings the acclaimed manga's gritty portrayal of Japan's justice system and its mature, uncompromising themes to a worldwide audience, marking a significant expansion for Japanese live-action content on the streaming giant.

Casting and Key Roles

At the heart of the series is Yuya Yagira, the celebrated veteran actor, who will embody the formidable Kujo Majin. Kujo is a maverick lawyer renowned for taking on the most challenging and often morally ambiguous cases, defending clients from the fringes of society, including gangsters and those with extensive criminal records. Joining Yagira is Hokuto Matsumura, a prominent member of the popular J-pop sensation SixTONES, cast as Karasuma Shinji. Matsumura's character is a sharp, young legal professional thrust into the unconventional and demanding world of Kujo’s law firm, promising a dynamic interplay between the two leads.

Produced by Japan’s major broadcaster TBS, this adaptation is poised to elevate Japanese legal dramas onto the international stage. The original Kujō no Taizai manga, serialized in Shogakukan’s Weekly Big Comic Spirits since October 2020, has already captivated millions, boasting sales exceeding 4 million copies. It has garnered widespread critical praise for its unflinching exploration of the nuanced boundaries between law and morality, delving into taboo subjects rarely tackled in mainstream media.

Manga's Acclaim and Themes

Manabe, recognized for his earlier triumph Yamikin Ushijima-kun, masterfully crafts a narrative that challenges conventional notions of justice, loyalty, and professional ethics. His protagonist, Kujo, famously asserts, “A lawyer has no ideology or beliefs. A lawyer’s mission is to defend his clients,” setting the tone for the series' profound moral quandaries. The manga's excellence has been acknowledged through multiple accolades, including a nomination for the prestigious 51st Angoulême International Comics Festival in 2024 and a nominee spot for the 70th Shogakukan Manga Award in the same year. It also secured the 10th spot in the Nationwide Bookstore Employees’ Recommended Comics of 2022.

The announcement has ignited a wave of excitement among both devoted manga enthusiasts and followers of Japanese pop culture, all eagerly anticipating how the series’ intricate themes and compelling character dynamics will translate to live-action. With a seasoned production team deeply familiar with both dramatic storytelling and the intricacies of Japanese legal culture, the Kujō no Taizai live-action series is set to be a landmark event, offering a rare and insightful look into the complex moral dilemmas faced by those operating at the very edges of the law.