TBS, U-NEXT, and THE SEVEN team up on groundbreaking drama project

Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS), Japan’s leading streaming platform U-NEXT, and global hit-maker THE SEVEN join forces for the very first time to launch a mega-scale drama project, Japanese Sword Action Entertainment, which set to shake up the landscape of Japanese television.

Masamine Ryuuho, President and Representative Director, Tokyo Broadcasting System Television said: “This is a historic moment for Japanese entertainment. To challenge the world with partners like THE SEVEN, which keeps creating global hits, and U-NEXT, which drives Japan’s streaming content industry, is truly exciting. I believe this project will thrill audiences everywhere and become a new landmark in Japanese drama. Don’t miss this moment.”

Tapping into the timeless allure of jidaigeki (period dramas) and samurai culture—genres already beloved worldwide—the three companies are combining their strengths. THE SEVEN, the hit-making studio behind global smashes with its cutting-edge visuals and VFX; TBS, the broadcaster behind countless drama-driven social phenomena in Japan; and U-NEXT, Japan’s fastest-growing streaming platform, known for innovation in both content and technology. Together, they aim to deliver entertainment like never before.

Tenshin Tsutsumi, President and Representative Director, U-NEXT pointed out: “We are thrilled to announce this large-scale drama project. By maximizing our partnership with TBS and joining THE SEVEN’s world-class production, this project links broadcasting and streaming in a brand-new way. We hope it will first delight Japanese viewers, and then captivate audiences around the world.”

Chief Producer Akira Morii of THE SEVEN, who steered "Alice in Borderland" and "Yu Yu Hakusho" to worldwide success, leads the charge. Producers Mamoru Inoue and Kazuya Shimomura, both with impressive credits, are also on board. Acclaimed director Kazutaka Watanabe will direct.

The script comes from versatile writer Masaaki Sakai ("Cold Case 2 & 3"). Action director Kensuke Sonomura is set to elevate the sword battles to a new level. VFX will be handled by Tomofumi Akahane, who won the Asian Academy Creative Award for Best Visual Effects for Netflix’s "Yu Yu Hakusho". And character design comes courtesy of Yuya Maeda, celebrated for creating immersive worlds across everything from period dramas to sci-fi.

Katsuaki Setoguchi, President and CEO, THE SEVEN added: “At THE SEVEN, our mission is to create innovative content that entertains the world. With 'Alice in Borderland' and 'Yu Yu Hakusho', we’ve proven we can compete globally. Now, with TBS and U-NEXT as our strongest partners, we’re pouring everything into this new adventure. Our goal is simple: to thrill global audiences with Japanese Sword Action Entertainment that fuses tradition with cutting-edge visual technology.”