Live-Action Series, ‘Sins of Kujo’ Release Window Confirmed by Netflix

Netflix is set to ignite the screen with Sins of Kujo, a live-action adaptation of Shohei Manabe’s (Ushijima the Loan Shark) best-selling manga “Sins of Kujo”. Premiering worldwide in spring 2026, the Japanese-language series promises a thrilling exploration of law, morality, and the dark underbelly of modern society, led by a powerhouse cast and creative team.

Since its debut in Weekly Big Comic Spirits (Shogakukan) in October 2020, “Sins of Kujo” has become a phenomenon, with 14 volumes and over 4 million copies sold. Now, this captivating crime drama bursts onto the screen, showcasing Yuya Yagira in the role of Taiza Kujo, a brilliant yet controversial lawyer notorious for tackling the most perilous and ethically murky cases. Kujo operates under a bold philosophy: “A lawyer isn’t guided by ideology; my duty is simply to defend my client.” Each case he takes on challenges the very notion of morality, with Kujo wielding the law like a double-edged sword as he champions even the most despicable of clients, pushing viewers to grapple with the precarious balance between justice and corruption.

Hokuto Matsumura shines as Shinji Karasuma, an esteemed University of Tokyo graduate turned elite lawyer, whose polished demeanor hides a fierce intellect. Elaiza Ikeda captivates as Hitomi Yakushimae, a compassionate social worker who offers a unique and empathetic perspective on the individuals she encounters within the criminal justice system. Meanwhile, Keita Machida embodies Kengo Mibu, an unassuming auto repair shop owner with intricate connections to the underworld, revealing the shadowy ties that can bind seemingly ordinary lives to crime.

In a compelling counterpoint, Takuma Otoo takes on the role of Detective Yoshinobu Arashiyama, a figure driven by a deep-seated grudge against both Kujo and Mibu, seeking justice in a world rife with moral ambiguity. Lastly, Tsuyoshi Muro delivers a powerful performance as Kiyoshi Kyogoku, the imposing second-in-command of the Fushimi-gumi gang, whose presence looms large over the unfolding drama, adding layers of tension and danger to the narrative. This series promises to delve into the darkest corners of human nature, challenging viewers to question their own beliefs about right and wrong.

Yuya Yagira shares, “The original manga was a work of fiction, but it also offered an impressive kind of realism and immediacy. Reading through it, you sense the constant push and pull between the ideas that ‘ignorance is bliss’ and ‘ignorance is a sin.’ Where do the principles and beliefs behind the actions of the so-called ‘corrupt lawyer’ Kujo ultimately lie? I hope audiences will notice how Kujo grows and develops while interacting with Karasuma, as portrayed by Hokuto Matsumura. It felt exhilarating to collaborate with my trusted colleagues on this project, like director Doi, producer Nasuda, Netflix, and all my fellow actors, and I was truly excited to help bring it to life. I hope you will enjoy it as much as we did.”

Hokuto Matsumura adds, “Dangerously alluring, secretly devoted in love, and somehow lonely, Kujo makes a compelling and beloved character. Now that we’ve finished filming, I feel like I’m still in my role as Karasuma, continuing to gaze at Yuya Yagira’s Kujo. I think feeling that way really lines up with Karasuma’s character. This series has many fascinating characters whose stories leave lasting impressions. I hope you will enjoy the magic and excitement of getting caught up in them.”

Visionary director Nobuhiro Doi helms the series (We Made a Beautiful Bouquet, The Voice of Sin), with Takeyoshi Yamamoto and Hiroshi Adachi also directing. Acclaimed producer Atsushi Nasuda (The Full-Time Wife Escapist, The Voice of Sin) joins for his first collaboration with Netflix. Together, they bring Shohei Manabe’s vision to life in a bold new way.

Below are the comments from director amd producers of this upcoming series.

Director: Nobuhiro Doi - A lawyer who stands on the dark side, Yuya Yagira and Hokuto Matsumura paired up to play the buddy, and streaming worldwide on Netflix - at this point, there isn’t a single creator who wouldn’t be interested in this project. As we recreated the setting and mood of the original manga with all its unforgettable thrills and heart-pounding excitement, we focused on interactions between flesh-and-blood actors to make the most of the exuberant vitality that is only possible with a live-action shoot. Just like in the original manga, you won’t find a simple or easy-to-understand character in Yagira’s Kujo or anyone else. Every character has their own nuanced perspectives and complex circumstances that aren’t simply black and white. I hope that all of you will join us on this journey to discover what exactly "sin" and "justice" mean to Kujo through this incredible drama shaped by these characters. I’m confident that you’ll find the experience worthwhile.

Producer: Atsushi Nasuda - When I heard from Shinichi Takashashi at Netflix about this adaptation, I had read up to volume four. I read the original manga and imagined all the countless other things surely happening in-between the panels. I felt so intensely excited about the future of the characters to come, and I let my imagination run wild toward the adaptation. The perfect cast of actors would bring to life the incredible original manga characters that somehow live life so vibrantly even in an unpredictable and unreasonable world and in a society holding a darkness that seemed so eerily plausible and relatable to the real world. Their performances here are superb, must-watch artistry. Two lawyer pals tackling law and morality, the suspense of a crooked lawyer and outlaws betraying and being betrayed — it’s an unconventional, thrilling and fully immersive experience packed with tears and emotion! You won’t want to miss it!

Executive Producer: Shinichi Takahashi (Netflix) - I still remember reading from the first chapter in the manga series. With quotes like "a good lawyer has a bad attitude" and "a lawyer isn’t guided by ideology," Kujo and Karasuma took on absurd legal cases in a way that felt refreshingly modern and up-to-date, and I really wanted to take on the challenge of adapting it into a live-action series. This thrilling human drama woven together by the efforts of so many people — producer Nasuda, director Doi and all the incredible staff members, screenwriter Nemoto, Yagira, Matsumura and so many cast intent on doing justice to the incredible original work — far exceeded my original hopes and expectations for this adaptation. This is one of the moments that make being a producer worthwhile. I hope that I’ll always be able to keep following this story of “sins” alongside Kujo and Karasuma, and I’m confident that all of you watching at home will feel the same way.

Original author: Shohei Manabe - I’d like to congratulate everyone on the completion of this live-action adaptation. It’s been a few years since this project was first developed. I was genuinely awestruck by the first episode, and watching it actually brought me to tears. I really want to share the incredible world of Kujo with audiences as soon as possible, created by phenomenal lead actors Yagira and Matsumura, the directors, the casts, the script, the sets and costumes, and the music. Today’s rapidly changing, complicated world is an endlessly fascinating time to work as a creator, but life is neither simple nor easy. These days, the overwhelming flood of information has caused many people to simply close their weary ears. Truth is being crushed by what the loud majority deems justice. Good and evil are interchangeable, depending on your perspective. In these times when we aren’t quite sure how to live our lives, Sins of Kujo might just help each of us to decide. These characters and their interactions now come fully to life with a new vividness in this live-action series. Please don’t miss it!