TBS Television, U-NEXT, and production company The Seven have announced a major collaboration on the live-action adaptation of the manga “Chiruran: Shinsengumi Requiem.” Slated for release in spring 2026 on both TBS and U-NEXT, the project marks the first time the manga will be adapted for live action, under a new global partnership model designed to bring high-end Japanese content to international audiences.
Led by star Yuki Yamada as Toshizo Hijikata, the cast includes a roster of rising and established Japanese actors such as Nobuyuki Suzuki, Aoi Nakamura, Kanata Hosoda, Shuhei Uesugi, Kisetsu Fujiwara, Yosuke Sugino, Shuntaro Yanagi, Shuto Miyazaki, and Hihio Iwanaga. Together, they portray the legendary Shinsengumi warriors, with a narrative focusing on friendship, betrayal, and honor at the end of the Edo period. This new rendition is designed as a "Japanese sword-action entertainment" experience, promising high-speed sword choreography, modern character design, and deep emotional storytelling based on historical events.
The production team behind “Chiruran: Shinsengumi Requiem” brings together some of Japan’s top creative talent. Akira Morii of The Seven, known for global hits like “Alice in Borderland” and “Yu Yu Hakusho,” serves as chief producer, working alongside Mamoru Inoue and Kazuya Shimomura. Direction is handled by Kazutaka Watanabe, with a screenplay by Masaaki Sakai. Action sequences are choreographed by Kensuke Sonomura, while visual effects are led by Tomofumi Akahane, both of whom bring extensive experience from high-profile anime and live-action adaptations.
Morii emphasized the strength of the ensemble: “The nine finest comrades alongside Yuki Yamada as Toshizo Hijikata. ‘Chiruran’ vividly portrays the Shinsengumi members as a truly diverse and exceptionally unique group. We have assembled a cast of actors who will fully embody each of these characters, bringing their considerable talents to truly live their roles.” He added that during early filming, “Yuki Yamada, as Hijikata, captivated the hearts of everyone present with his performance. Some were moved to tears, others to excitement, and our Shinsengumi literally became one.”
The source material, created by Eiji Hashimoto with story by Shinya Umemura (co-creator of “Record of Ragnarok”), has been praised for its bold interpretation of the Shinsengumi’s history and its stunning artwork. The adaptation aims to preserve that spirit through dynamic cinematography, emotionally driven character arcs, and immersive period detail. Supporting the series’ global ambitions, visuals and character videos are already rolling out across TBS’s YouTuboo channel and official social media platforms, offering fans early insight into the show’s dramatic tone and ensemble cast.
With the combined power of TBS, U-NEXT, and The Seven, and the star power of its lead cast, “Chiruran: Shinsengumi Requiem” positions itself as a marquee title in Japan’s content export pipeline for 2026. It also signals a growing appetite among Japanese broadcasters and streamers to invest in prestige international-facing productions that blend local heritage with global storytelling ambition.
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