The guests and scriptwriters for each of the 12 episodes of "The Laughing Salesman" (available from Prime Video starting July 18th), a live-action adaptation of the classic manga by the late Fujiko Fujio A, starring Ryuji Akiyama of the comedy trio "Robert," have been announced.
"The Laughing Salesman" is an omnibus-style story about a salesman dressed in all black, Moguro Fukuzou, who fills the "gaps in the hearts" of troubled modern people. This is the first drama adaptation of the Reiwa era, and Akiyama will play Moguro, with the script written by Kudo Kankuro, Maggy, Hosokawa Toru, and Iwasaki Udai of the comedy duo "Kamomentaru." The lineup will include episodes updated for modern times and completely original stories, while keeping the dark worldview intact. Episodes 1-4 will be available on July 18, episodes 5-8 on the 25th, and episodes 9-12 on August 1.
Koji Yamamoto will appear in the first episode "A Fun Face" (script: Miyato), Saito Yuki, Chiba Yudai, and Tomoya Maeno Kanata Hongo in the second episode "See-Saw Game" (script: Miyato), Hongo Kanata and Ano will appear in the third episode "The Look-Alike" (script: Maggy), and Kuroshima Yuina will appear in the fourth episode "The Decision Stick" (script: Hosokawa).
Ishida Shigehiro and Hoshina Yuri will appear in episode 5, "Dream One-Hit Wonder - Mogurism I" (script: Miyato), Igeta Hiroe, Karma, and Yoshida Uronta will appear in episode 6, "Detox Heroine" (script: Maggie), Takashima Masanobu and the idol group "OCHA NORMA" will appear in episode 7, "Underground Idol - Mogurism II" (script: Maggie), and Taishi Nakagawa will appear in episode 8, "The Fountain of Borrowing" (script: Miyato).
Nakama Yukie will appear in episode 9 "Investigator" (script by Maggy), Kunimura Jun in episode 10 "Kaiba Gum" (script by Maggy), Katsuji Ryo and Hirano Aya in episode 11 "The White Boss" (script by Iwasaki), and Hamada Gaku, Aya Hirano Fumiyo Kohinata, and Manami Hashimoto in episode 12 "Subscription Grandpa" (script by Hosokawa).
A collaboration with Cafe Fan Base, a cafe on the 5th floor of Landmark Plaza in Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, was also announced. For a limited time only from July 18th to 30th, limited food and drinks themed on the drama "The Laughing Salesman" will be served. Customers will receive a free Moguro Fukuzou upon entry, and a placemat and trading card upon ordering. There will also be photo spots in the store, and props used in the filming of the drama will be on display. Advance reservations for the cafe are being accepted on the Cafe Fan Base official website.
