The “mature BL” genre is getting a major boost. Recently, producers confirmed that the acclaimed manga “Smoke Blue Rain, Then Sunshine” is becoming a live-action drama. Titled Life in Smokey Blue, the series focuses on grounded, adult storytelling. Fans are already celebrating the lead casting of Takeda Kohei and Shibuya Kento. Takeda gained global fame after his performance in Old Fashion Cupcake. Now, he joins the versatile Shibuya for a series that prioritizes emotional depth. Together, they will explore the nuances of realistic adult relationships.
The Plot: Rivals, Regrets, and a Second Chance
Based on the popular manga by Kamome Hamada, the story has already sold over 700,000 copies. Life in Smokey Blue follows two men in their late 30s as they navigate middle age.
Sakutaro Azuma (Takeda) once worked as a top pharmaceutical sales representative. However, the relentless pressure of the corporate world left him exhausted. Currently, he is unemployed and drifting through a new reality. During a visit to a gay bar, he unexpectedly reunites with Shizuka Kuji (Shibuya).
Eight years ago, these two were fierce rivals. They constantly competed for the top sales spot at their firm. On Kuji’s final day, they shared a single, “sealed-away” night together. Now that they have reconnected, the story dives into several relatable themes:
- Career Fulfillment: The struggle of starting over in your late 30s.
- Family Pressures: The difficulty of caring for aging parents and dealing with grief.
- Loneliness: Deciding whether to live alone or build a life with someone else.
Meet the Cast: Character Deep Dive
Takeda Kohei plays Sakutaro Azuma, a 38-year-old former sales rep. Because career stress pushed him to his limits, Sakutaro is now out of work. After he reunites with Kuji, he begins spending more time at Kuji’s home. Eventually, he takes a part-time job working for his former rival. This step helps him rejoin society and sparks new dreams. Takeda is a long-time fan of the original manga. He expressed his dedication to the role, noting that the characters support each other through very personal conflicts. He aims to carefully portray their indispensable and delicate balance.
Kohei Takeda as Sakutaro Azuma
Shibuya Kento stars as Shizuka Kuji, who is also 38 years old. Years ago, he was Sakutaro’s primary rival for the top sales position. However, he left the corporate world to care for his father. Currently, he works as a medical translator. His father’s strict guidance heavily influenced this career choice. Although he struggles with a family inferiority complex, he has liked Azuma for a long time. Shibuya described an intense filming process. He noted that he felt a connection to the role from the very first day. Consequently, he plans to portray Shizuka Kuji with great care.
Production and Creative Team
This series is a collaborative effort between Yomiuri Television and Avex Pictures. LesPros Entertainment is handling the production.
- Directors: Takahashi Meigetsu and Nakada Eirei.
- Scriptwriters: Kai Mari and Erika Aoki.
- Original Creator: Kamome Hamada.
The author, Kamome Hamada, expressed high confidence in the adaptation. After visiting the set, she stated that seeing Takeda and Shibuya in character confirmed her high expectations.
Why “Life in Smokey Blue” is a Must-Watch
Unlike typical school-themed BL, Life in Smokey Blue targets an adult audience. It offers a bittersweet love story that remains grounded and realistic. The plot explores the “smokey blue” uncertainties of life. Specifically, it looks at those moments when you feel lost despite your experience. However, it also shows the sunshine that follows when you find a partner.
The drama will air on YTV. This continues the trend of high-quality Japanese BL productions that focus on realistic dialogue and cinematic beauty.
