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Hana-Kimi: New Live-Action Series Premieres in December, Stage Play to Follow
The eight-episode series stars Hana Kawamura, Makoto Hasegawa and Itsuki Fujiwara in the lead roles.
Hana-Kimi (Hanazakari no Kimitachi e) is receiving a new Japanese live-action series and, for the first time, a stage adaptation to mark the 30th anniversary of the manga series. The eight-episode TV drama premieres on December 5, 2026 on Nippon TV. The stage play follows from February 2027, with performances in three Japanese cities.
The new version is based on the eponymous shōjo manga by Hisaya Nakajo, which was serialized in the magazine Hana to Yume from 1996 to 2004. At its center is Mizuki Ashiya, who disguises herself as a boy and transfers to a boys' school to be near high jumper Izumi Sano. There she eventually ends up sharing a room with him. According to the production, the manga series has so far circulated more than 17 million copies.
Three Lead Roles and Eight TV Episodes
Hana Kawamura takes on the role of Mizuki Ashiya. Makoto Hasegawa of THE RAMPAGE plays Izumi Sano, and his bandmate Itsuki Fujiwara portrays fellow student Shuichi Nakatsu. In total, twelve lead actors as well as individual character visuals have been presented.
The series airs every Saturday at 2 p.m. Japan time on Nippon TV, beginning December 5. After the TV broadcast, the episodes are available in Japan via TVer and Hulu. Hulu will also offer an extended cut with scenes not shown on television. The announcement does not mention a release of the new live-action series for the German market.
Stage Premiere in February 2027
The stage version adopts the cast of the TV series, with individual replacements depending on the venue. The first performances take place from February 13 to 15, 2027 in Osaka, followed by February 18 to 19 in Aichi. From March 13 to 22, the production can be seen at the Tokyo Tatemono Brillia Hall in Tokyo. The stage version features changing program segments and scenes connected to the series.
The project builds on a series of earlier live-action adaptations from Japan and other Asian countries. In 2026 the story was also adapted as a TV anime by Signal.MD; its second season ran from July to September.
Live-action adaptations of well-known manga are a current topic for other titles as well: a new film trailer was released for Wandance, while a Japanese live-action film has likewise been announced for Mashle.
The official project announcement contains the dates and cast for the stage production.