Masanari Wada and Hiroto Takahashi will be speaking! Drama “A Journey to Kill You” Premiere Screening Event Report, Held on Friday, September 26th
Fuji Television Network, Inc. Press release: September 27, 2025 To Members of the Press Masanari Wada and Taito Takahashi will be on stage! Drama “A Journey to Kill You” Premiere Screening Event Report Held on Friday, September 26th The popular Yakuza BL comic by Nishi Asai has been made into a long-awaited live-action drama! Where will the journey of these two gangsters, a warm-hearted underboss and a gang member with a secret mission, end? The latest episode is available every Friday at 8:00 PM on FOD https://youtu.be/NzwDbLQJMXk
multi-theater on Friday, September 26th.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/152943/77/152943-77-c2d805b774d3a9b8d7ff6bbf28e5f000-1558×1057.jpg “The Journey That Kills You” (C) 2025 “The Journey That Kills You” Production Committee (from left) Masanari Wada, Taito Takahashi The drama “The Journey That Kills You” is a live-action adaptation of the comic of the same name by author Nishi Asai. The theme of “Yakuza x BL,” which enjoys enduring popularity within the BL genre, has never been adapted into a TV drama in Japan until now, but it is finally being adapted into a live-action drama on FOD. This work depicts the woven journey of two men: Kataoka Kinji, a young yakuza boss who is loved by many of his gang members for his strong sense of duty and humanity, and Odajima Ren, a gang member who disappears along with Kataoka after a certain incident. This highly anticipated work stars Wada Masanari as Kataoka and Takahashi Taito as Odajima. At the premiere screening, lead actors Wada and Takahashi appeared on stage. They spoke about their thoughts on the film, how they approached their roles, and stories from filming. At the end of the event, Takahashi surprised Wada, whose birthday was September 5th, with a gift, creating a warm and celebratory mood in the venue. The event will be streamed on FOD at a later date. Below are excerpts from the premiere screening.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/152943/77/152943-77-25ab7e988133a7d667f25da48c148e7b-1559×1039.jpg (C) 2025 “The Journey to Kill You” Production Committee (From left) Masanari Wada, Taito Takahashi ■About the drama “The Journey to Kill You” Wada: “This work combines the world of yakuza chivalry with BL, allowing you to experience both its beautiful and grimy aspects. There are scenes with blood, so I was a bit worried about how audiences would accept it, but personally, I love this work.” Takahashi: “Odajima is a taciturn character with a horrific past. He’s quiet and cool, but deep inside he has purity and kindness. I made sure to remember that when I played the role. As I was seriously working on the role, Wada-san said, ‘Let’s make a breakthrough,’ and that flipped a switch for me, and I thought, ‘Let’s blow it up!'” ■Things I kept in mind when playing the role Wada: “When I played Kataoka, I kept my movements and emotions fast in my mind, while slowing down the speed of my facial expressions and gestures. I tried to project a calm and collected impression while projecting the relaxed masculinity that everyone admires.” Takahashi: “Odajima’s eyes are striking in the original work. I was conscious of their sharpness, and checked my posture and demeanor in the mirror to avoid appearing too gruff. I also consulted with the makeup artist about the flow of my bangs, and made sure they were true to the original.”
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/152943/77/152943-77-a9e15a0ec5b47895153e4c69e6a2e0f8-1559×1039.jpg (C) 2025 “The Journey That Kills You” Production Committee, Masanari Wada ■About Wada’s recommended scene (Kataoka’s profile in the car) Wada: “I’m always getting compliments on my profile, but this scene is an important moment that expresses Kataoka’s feelings. I was conscious of the facial expression that changes when I take off Odajima’s shirt and see his face, and then he changes into a more serious mood.” Takahashi: “Even looking at it again, it’s really cool.” ■ Takahashi’s recommended scene (the scene where he cares for Kotori) Takahashi: “We had been shooting outdoors, so it was memorable to be in a closed space with just the two of us in the car. I could hear every little movement and breathing, and it was so mysterious. Director Kamijo told me, ‘That was amazing,’ so it’s a precious memory for me as an actor.” Wada: “Themes like life and parents were running through the background, and even the silent moments were enjoyable as
conversations. Mixing in their true feelings, they deepened their relationship without saying a word… I think those moments made for great scenes.” ■Watch scenes that will make you chuckle or make your heart flutter Wada: “The scene in the car where Odajima feeds me instant ramen and tells me to ‘blow on it’ wasn’t in the script. The director wouldn’t cut the scene, so I had no choice but to say, ‘blow on it some more,’ and it turned out to be a really fun scene.” ■About your impression of Yuya, played by Kirii Wada: “He must really love acting, because he stays in character even when the cameras aren’t rolling. He played Kirii with the same charm as in the original, and it was truly wonderful.” ■Question from Yuya to Wada (What do you keep in mind when behaving on the job?) Wada: “I truly, truly wanted everyone on set to be happy. I didn’t want to see anyone feeling down in a tense environment, and I didn’t want that to happen to me either, so I would naturally reach out and try to lighten the mood. It wasn’t like I was trying to be a “nice person” or anything; I just wanted to create a fun time together.” ■ Takahashi’s view of Wada’s behavior on set Takahashi: “The filming itself was hard, but Wada-san always took the initiative to speak up, so the set ran smoothly. Even during filming, he would call out, ‘Okay, be quiet! It’s time for the real thing,’ and today, in the elevator before the event, he called out to everyone, ‘Get in, get in!’ He has the presence of Kataoka himself, and he brings the set together like an older brother.” ■Question from Hori, who plays Asahi, to Takahashi (Do you prefer Asahi’s hair color to black or blonde?) Takahashi: “Everyone says blonde is good for me. (Thinking) Yes, I prefer blonde to black. I only dyed my hair for a short time, so I was sad to say goodbye.” ■Tattoo Preparation Wada: “In addition to getting matching tattoos with Odajima, it took eight hours to get a phoenix tattoo on my back. It was tough having to endure eight hours in the same position and then filming right away. But I think the impact can’t be achieved with stickers; it’s something that can only be achieved with hand-drawn art, so I hope you’ll check it out.” Takahashi: “It felt like we’d just said goodbye (and filming had finished), and now he’s already here.” ■Communication during filming Wada: “When we were filming on the ferry, they prepared a room for us two, so that’s when we talked the most. We had some passionate discussions about what we wanted to do in the future. I also got the impression that our relationship, and the relationship between Kataoka and Odajima, was formed through the acting.” Takahashi: “Well, because of the role, I wasn’t actively trying to get close to her at first. I just wanted to keep a good distance from her at first, so if we could become closer as we got to know each other, that would have been great. In the end, we became super close.” ■Questions for each other ・Wada-san → Takahashi-san (What do you enjoy most?) Takahashi: “I really enjoy acting. In the past, I honestly couldn’t tell whether I enjoyed the moment I was acting, watching the finished video, or thinking about the role. But recently, I’ve come to feel that the moment I’m acting is the fun part.” Wada: “I understand. I enjoy performing on stage, of course, but I also like spending time objectively watching my own performances on DVD. So, what about outside of work?” Takahashi: “These days, I like to spend the most time relaxing at home. I check my phone, watch movies or TV shows, and look at furniture. Even if someone invites me out and says, ‘Let’s go to lunch,’ I might decline by saying, ‘I’ve already eaten.’ (laughs) But if they come over to my house, I’m welcome.” Wada: “I don’t mind going to other people’s houses, but I don’t like them coming to my house. I tell them, ‘I’m busy today.’ (laughs)” Takahashi: “I’m glad I asked.” ・Takahashi-san → Wada-san (Were you nervous about the kissing scene with me?) Wada: “In that case, I’m not nervous! It would be awful if Kataoka was nervous when we were kissing, right?” Takahashi: “I wasn’t nervous either. But there was one time when we kissed during a camera test.” Wada: “You really don’t have to kiss during a camera test (laughs).” Wada: “I thought people would be reserved about their first kiss, but we had no reservations about it. Also, the finger kiss scene was beautifully shot, so I hope you’ll check it out. The moment when their lips part, as if pulled by their index fingers, is amazing.”
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/152943/77/152943-77-eb39117dac71fa521736a14ff855aa28-1559×1039.jpg (C) 2025 “The Journey That Kills You” Production Committee, Takahashi Taito ■ Tip-off from the Director ・Director Kamijo (Wada-kun kept his gentle expression hidden until Odajima pointed a gun at him) Wada: “The moment the cut was called, the director came running over and said, ‘Wada, you kept it!’ I’ll never forget those words. I’d been acting while constantly wondering where Kataoka’s true feelings lay, where his heart was. I’d been holding back for so long, so the emotion of that moment…touched me deeply. I felt from the bottom of my heart that the director was really watching me.” ■About the theme song (“Tsurezure” sung by singer-songwriter Daito Yamamoto) Wada: “The atmosphere of the theme song is a perfect fit for the film, and it’s truly wonderful. The many film photos that Ohto took in between filming are also cleverly incorporated into the opening video, making it truly worth watching. The melodies of the first and second verses of the theme song are also different, which is also great.” Takahashi: “Originally, I took film photos for social media as a ‘travel record of Odajima,’ and they used a lot of them in the opening video. I was surprised, ‘Wow, they used so many!’ On the contrary, it added to the realism and the finished product was amazing. It really is a perfect fit for the theme song.” ■Message to all fans Takahashi: “When I was cast in the role of Odajima, I thought, ‘Wow, this is a tough role.’ But I spent a lot of time crafting it, so I’m confident. I put my heart and soul into it, so I hope many people will see it.” Wada: “I’ve been looking forward to this project since it was decided until its release. I’m happy that everyone can finally see the work that the staff risked their lives to create. This is a world we’ve never tried before, so I’m really looking forward to seeing how this combination of yakuza and BL is received. Please join us in getting excited on social media by using the hashtag “Anakoro” (in katakana).” ■Work information
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/152943/77/152943-77-9f01720b847ca53a4bb25ff0e18f0bdf-1472×829.jpg “The Journey That Kills You” (C) 2025 “The Journey That Kills You” Production Committee 【Story】 The greatest love in the history of Yakuza BL. Where will the journey of these two gangsters, a
warm-hearted underboss and a gang member with a secret mission, end? Kataoka (Masanari Wada), a warm-hearted underboss and a man of chivalry, is beloved by many gang members. However, after a certain incident, Kataoka is ordered by the boss’s son, Kirii (Yuya Shintaro), to go on a journey of disappearance until the heat dies down. The person entrusted with taking care of Kataoka is Odajima (Takahashi Taito), a former attendant to the boss. Odajima calmly fulfills his duties as a driver, attendant, and sometimes even a convenient caretaker who satisfies Kataoka’s sexual needs. However, he harbors a “secret mission” in his heart. Odajima had received strict orders from Kirii to “kill” Kataoka, who stood in the way of the succession dispute. After an incident during a conflict seven years ago, Odajima harbored a strong hatred for Kataoka. With a sense of mission and a desire for revenge in his heart, he sets out on a journey with Kataoka. During their journey together, Odajima is drawn to Kataoka’s human charm, a man of great loyalty and kindness who is loved by everyone he meets. Meanwhile, Kataoka is intrigued by the unexpected side of the usually quiet and dispassionate Odajima, and the two gradually grow closer. The past, mission, and love. What is the answer that Odajima, who is suffering from clumsily swaying emotions, comes up with? What awaits her at the end of her journey–death or love? A dangerous and sad chivalrous love story where hate and love
intertwine. ◇ Drama summary ■Title: “The Journey to Kill You” (6 episodes in total) ■Distribution: The latest episode will be distributed every Friday at 8pm on FOD *#1 Free Making Short Ver. Free delivery now Making Long Ver.October 24th (Friday) 20:00 delivery (FOD Premium) *The delivery date and time may change without notice. Thank you for your understanding. ■出演： 和田雅成／高橋大翔 遊屋慎太郎／堀 海登／寺中敬輔／工藤俊作／小沢真珠 他 *Takahashi’s “taka” is officially written as ladder. ■Original work: Nishi Asai “The Journey to Kill You” (Tokuma Shoten Chara Comics/Cork) ■Theme song: Daito Yamamoto “Tsurezure” Lyrics and music: Daito Yamamoto ■Staff: Director: Daisuke Kamijo Script: Natsuko Takahashi Music: Masaki Takao Producer: Takeshi Katayama (Culture
Entertainment), 鹿内植（フジテレビ）、村田亮 ■Production production: Anrico ■Production: “The Journey to Kill You” Production Committee (Culture Entertainment Fuji Television) ■URL:
https://www.fujitv.co.jp/drama_anakoro/ (Official page)
https://fod.fujitv.co.jp/title/10br (Distribution page)
https://youtu.be/NzwDbLQJMXk （オープニング映像） https://youtu.be/OgxoRbOKtm4 （60秒スポット動画） https://x.com/drama_anakoro （公式X）
https://www.instagram.com/drama_anakoro/ （公式Instagram） ■Hashtag: “#anakoro” “#anakoro” ■Copyright: (C)2025 “The Journey to Kill You” Production Committee ◇ FOD Overview “FOD” is the official video and e-book distribution service operated by Fuji Television. With “FOD Premium,” you can watch over 100,000 eligible works, including dramas, anime, variety shows, and movies, from the latest releases to classics of the past, for just 976 yen (tax included) per month. You can also read over 200 magazines as much as you like. You can also enjoy a rich lineup of over 700,000 e-books such as manga. With “FOD Catch Free”, which does not require membership registration, popular TV programs are distributed for a limited time after they air. It is free and easy to use. We offer an entertainment experience unique to a television station.