Japanese satellite TV station WOWOW revealed plans for a live-action adaptation of Ryo Nakama’s comedic manga Isobe Isobee Monogatari: Ukiyo wa Tsurai yo, set to premiere in summer 2024 with a ten episode run.
Yosuke Sugino, known for his role as Seishu Handa in the live-action adaptation of Satsuki Yoshino’s Barakamon manga, will take on the lead role as Isobe Isobee in the upcoming adaptation.
Sugino expressed excitement about the project, stating, “I feel we have created a rather strange work. The worldview of the original manga, the location of Kyoto, the director and staff, and the personalities of the cast members came together in a good way. Please watch it!
After several one-shot chapters, the original manga Isobe Isobee Monogatari: Ukiyo wa Tsurai yo was serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump from October 2013 to October 2017.
It was later compiled into 16 tankobon volumes. The series received various adaptations, including a Flash anime during its initial serialization in 2013, followed by a short anime series in 2015 and a musical adaptation in 2016.
With a total circulation exceeding 1.5 million copies, the manga has garnered significant popularity.
The story takes place in a town reminiscent of the Edo period, portraying the leisurely and aimless daily life of Isobe Isobee, a schoolboy samurai.
Isobe claims he aims to become a great samurai, but in reality, he is lazy, irresponsible, and puts minimal effort into everything he does.
About Sobe Isobee Monogatari
It follows the story of Isobe Isobee, a laid-back samurai student living in the Edo era. Despite his lazy tendencies, Isobee harbors ambitions of becoming a respected samurai.
Living with his supportive mother, he spends his days lounging around, sneaking peeks at period artwork, and napping during school hours.
However, when the town faces a threat from bandits, Isobee decides to step up and join the samurai ranks to protect his community.
Despite his initial reluctance, Isobee surprises everyone with his unexpected courage and determination during the bandit attack, showcasing that even the most unlikely heroes can rise to the occasion.