Learn about the new cast and theme song for the live-action adaptation of 'Chotto Matō yo, Harutora-kun' based on the popular boys-love manga.
In simple terms, the upcoming live-action adaptation of the boys-love manga Chotto Matō yo, Harutora-kun has unveiled exciting news regarding its cast and the series' opening theme song. This announcement came from MBS, showcasing not only the talented individuals set to join the project but also giving fans a taste of its musical direction.
What happened is that the trailer released on July 30, 2026, revealed new cast members including Rio Takahashi, Aren Sakurai, Yūga, Gakuto Tanaka, Ryōko Takizawa, and Eri Tokunaga. The series stars Masaya Sakuragi as Harutora Kurobe and Tsubasa Nakagawa as Sui Kishida, centering on their journey through love and bullying in a high school setting.
The fresh additions to the cast reflect a strong commitment to portray the emotional depth and character dynamics central to the story. The characters navigate issues related to gender identity and acceptance, making the casting choices particularly pivotal. The confirmed cast members will play roles that complement Sakuragi and Nakagawa, although specific character details for each new member have yet to be released.
Director Keisuke Shibata and writer Motoko Takahashi, along with others in the creative team, are known for bringing compelling narratives to life, ensuring viewers can expect quality storytelling. The directorial and writing teams' experience in similar genres bolster the anticipation surrounding the series.
Alongside the cast announcement, the series will feature the opening theme song titled Ichizu no Rinbu (Single-Minded Round Dance) performed by the group Lienel. This musical choice serves as a crucial emotional backdrop for the series, hinting at the love-focused storytelling that is expected to captivate audiences.
Themes of love and resilience carry through the lyrics, playing a vital role in enhancing the visual narrative. With the song previewed, fans can look forward to its official release alongside the series premiere.
The excitement culminates in the series' scheduled premiere on August 13, 2026. Viewers can catch the show on multiple platforms starting that day, including MBS, TV Kanagawa, TV Saitama, and others, with staggered release dates across various networks. This strategic rollout is likely aimed at maximizing audience reach and engagement, particularly among the LGBTQ+ community, which is often underrepresented in media.
The live-action series draws inspiration from the manga of the same name, created by Amekiri, which has been a notable work since its first volume was published in October 2022. Current releases include the second volume, which came out in April 2025, indicating sustained interest in the story among readers. The manga's exploration of LGBTQ+ themes and experiences contributes to its popularity, paving the way for its transition to live-action.
Notably, Chotto Matō yo, Harutora-kun aims to portray authentic representations of its characters' struggles and triumphs, supported by the involvement of LGBTQ supervisors and intimacy coordinators in the production. This attention to detail reinforces the creators’ commitment to handling sensitive topics responsibly.
For those interested in similar series, Disney+ Reveals 1st Teaser Poster for Live-Action Series The Remarried Empress provides insight into how adaptations are gaining momentum in various genres. Equally compelling are other adaptations highlighted by recent articles, such as Wareware wa Uchuujin, which emphasizes the increasing trend toward live-action interpretations of manga and anime.
The live-action rendition of Chotto Matō yo, Harutora-kun appears to be positioning itself as a significant contribution to LGBTQ+ representation in media. With its premiere on the horizon, fans not only have the chance to experience a beloved story in a new format but also the opportunity to engage in conversations about gender identity and acceptance in today's society. Moving forward, the series may pave the way for more inclusive stories in mainstream platforms, although the depth of its impact will largely depend on audience reception and critical feedback following its release.
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