A crossover promotional video featuring both the anime and the upcoming live-action film adaptation of Kowloon Generic Romance, a manga by Jun Mayuzuki—also known for After the Rain—has been unveiled. The TV anime, which began airing this April, has just concluded with its final episode, while the live-action film will premiere nationwide in Japan on August 29.

Set in the mysterious and enchanting urban labyrinth of the former Kowloon Walled City in Hong Kong, the story follows Reiko Kujirai, a woman who has lost her memory, and Hajime Kudou, a man harboring a secret past. As the two draw closer to one another, their deepening connection only intensifies the mysteries surrounding them in this bittersweet mix of romance and suspense. Eventually, they are forced to make the ultimate choice.

In the anime, Haruka Shiraishi voices Reiko Kujirai, while Tomokazu Sugita plays Hajime Kudou. In the live-action version, Riho Yoshioka takes on the role of Reiko, and Kouji Mizukami plays Kudou .

The newly released crossover PV begins with Reiko from the anime tearfully saying, “Kudou-san, please look at me,” highlighting her deep emotions. As their past romantic ties begin to unravel, Reiko’s confusion and pain become evident. The scene then transitions into live-action footage, where Mizukami's Kudou confesses, “It never started, and it never ended—and that’s how it should be.” In response, Yoshioka’s Reiko declares, “I want to become my true self,” as she resolves to confront her inner struggles.

A man haunted by the past, and a woman looking toward the future—within the lingering emotions of the anime, a new “Kowloon Generic Romance” begins on the silver screen.

It was also revealed that Yoshioka made a surprise voice appearance in the anime as “Success,” the goldfish kept by Reiko. “I only played Success for a moment, but I was incredibly honored,” she commented. “Success, as drawn by Mayuzuki-sensei, is such an adorable character that I truly love.”

Yoshioka added, “The anime stayed beautifully faithful to the original manga, and the subtle emotional expressions truly moved me. The bittersweet yet loving relationships between couples like Reiko and Kudou, Hebinuma and Gwen, are something I admire as a viewer.” She continued, “For the live-action adaptation, our team worked together to bring out the charm of this story in cinematic form. I hope audiences will immerse themselves in the mysterious world of Kowloon, filled with love and secrets.”

The world of Kowloon—expressed uniquely through both anime and live-action—offers two distinct artistic interpretations. To recreate the film’s unique atmosphere, the team shot entirely on location in the summer heat of Taiwan, utilizing narrow alleyways and nostalgic old shops. Amid these timeless, evocative settings, the film tells a poignant tale of love, memory, and hidden truths between Reiko and Kudou .

Source : ORICON NEWS