Live-Action 'Kowloon Generic Romance' Film Set for August 29 Release in Japan, Anime Reaches Final Episode This Week
A live-action adaptation of the anime and manga series Kowloon Generic Romance—a story infused with nostalgic charm and suspense—will hit Japanese theaters on August 29. The film stars Riho Yoshioka and Koji Mizukami, and its main trailer and key visual have now been released. The trailer also features the newly written theme song “HAZE” by the five-member band Kroi.
Live-action film Kowloon Generic Romance (in theaters August 29) (C) Jun Mayuzuki / Shueisha / “Kowloon Generic Romance” Production Committee
Set in a nostalgic cityscape of Kowloon, the trailer opens with the lively daily lives of co-workers Reiko Kujirai and Hajime Kudou. As Reiko gradually falls for her senior colleague Kudou, the two begin to grow closer.
What starts as a seemingly romantic tale soon takes a tense turn. “If it’s just an illusion, would you still want to be touched?” Reiko asks Kudou, hinting at the unsettling strangeness between them and the secrets hidden within Kowloon.
Live-action film Kowloon Generic Romance (in theaters August 29) (C) Jun Mayuzuki / Shueisha / “Kowloon Generic Romance” Production Committee
While struggling with the existence of a "second self," Reiko can no longer suppress her feelings and pleads, “Please look at me.” Kudou, haunted by his past and conflicted emotions, continues to drift away. Their misaligned hearts, entangled in mystery and romance, form a poignant love story laced with intrigue.
The original manga by Jun Mayuzuki—best known for After the Rain—follows Reiko Kujirai, who has lost her memories, and Hajime Kudou, a man unable to reveal his past. As their relationship deepens, the mysteries surrounding them grow, culminating in a life-changing decision.
To authentically recreate the world of Kowloon, the film was shot on location in the sweltering heat of Taiwan. The result is a visually rich narrative that blends bittersweet mystery and captivating romance.
The newly released main visual features Reiko and Kudou gazing at each other at zero distance, accompanied by the tagline: “I want to touch you. Even if this love disappears.” It heightens anticipation for the romance and the mysteries to be unveiled in Kowloon.
The cast includes Riho Yoshioka as Reiko Kujirai, Koji Mizukami as Hajime Kudou, Ryo Ryusei as Miyuki Hebinuma (the CEO of a large pharmaceutical company), Shuntaro Yanagi as Tao Gwen (a staff member at the café “Kingyo Chakan”), Minami Umezawa from Nogizaka46 as Yaomay (a shoe shop owner and Reiko’s best friend), Kotone Hanase as Xiaohei (a versatile part-timer in Kowloon), and Figaro Tseng as Yūlong (a researcher investigating Kowloon with Hebinuma).
kroi
Kroi, whose music blends nostalgic and modern elements with an ennui-tinged vocal, commented: “We were inspired by the nostalgic, Eastern atmosphere of the original work and visuals. We especially loved Kowloon’s scenery and imagined its scent and humidity while creating the song. We hope audiences will enjoy both the film and the music.”
Teaser Trailer
Source : ORICON NEWS