Hiroshi Motomiya’s classic manga “Salaryman Kintaro” is set to inspire two new live-action films, bringing the beloved story to the big screen once again. The first film, titled “Salaryman Kintaro Akatsuki-hen” (Salaryman Kintaro Dawn), is scheduled to premiere on January 10, followed by the second film, “Salaryman Kintaro Sakigake-hen” (Salaryman Kintaro Vanguard), on February 7. The lead role of Kintaro Yajima will be portrayed by Nobuyuki Suzuki, known for his roles in popular series like “Wolf Girl and Black Prince,” “Tokyo Ghoul,” and “Tokyo Revengers.”
Directed by Ten Shimoyama, known for his work on live-action adaptations such as “SHINOBI – Heart Under Blade” and “Erased,” and with scripts by Shinichi Tanaka, the films are highly anticipated among fans of the manga. The story follows the journey of Kintaro Yajima, a retired ex-bike gang leader, who embarks on a new chapter in his life as a salaryman in Tokyo after the passing of his wife.
The manga, which has been running intermittently in Shueisha’s Weekly Young Jump magazine since 1994, has captured the hearts of readers with its engaging storyline. Motomiya revived the series as a web manga in 2005 and has since created several spinoff series in Weekly Young Jump. The latest installment, “Salaryman Kintaro Gojūsai” (Salaryman Kintaro 50 Years Old), ran from 2015 to 2016 in the same magazine.
While the manga was briefly available in English through NTT Solmare’s ComicFriends Facebook service, Manga Planet has taken the initiative to release the original manga in English, allowing a wider audience to enjoy the timeless tale of Kintaro Yajima. With its blend of office politics, personal growth, and compelling characters, “Salaryman Kintaro” continues to resonate with readers across the globe.
Over the years, the manga has spawned various adaptations, including a popular 1999 film directed by Takashi Miike and a television drama series that aired from 1999 to 2004, starring veteran actor Katsunori Takahashi as Kintaro. Additionally, a live-action series from 2008 to 2010 featured Masaru Nagai in the lead role. The success of the manga also led to a 2001 anime series that was well-received and even released in North America by Arts Magic.
The enduring popularity of “Salaryman Kintaro” speaks to its universal themes of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of a better future. With the upcoming live-action films set to bring the story to a new generation of fans, the legacy of Kintaro Yajima and his journey as a salaryman is sure to endure for years to come.
