The Laughing Salesman Heads to the Big Screen: A New Live-Action Drama Inspired by a Manga Classic
Live-Action "The Laughing Salesman" Premieres on Amazon Prime Video
The unsettling psychological manga Warau Salesman (known as The Laughing Salesman in English) is getting another adaptation, this time as a live-action TV drama series. Premiering exclusively on Amazon Prime Video Japan on July 18, 2025, this new series promises fresh stories set in the current Reiwa era while preserving the dark and thought-provoking essence of the original. The series will feature 12 episodes released over three weeks, offering an immersive journey into Moguro Fukuzou's darkly humorous world.
The Laughing Salesman's Legacy: Prior Adaptations
Created by Fujiko Fujio A (Motoo Abiko), "Warau Salesman" — originally published as "Kuroi Salesman" between 1968 and 1971 — boasts a rich history of adaptations. Before this new live-action series, it was adapted into an anime from 1989 to 1992, a television drama in 1999, and a more recent anime titled "Warau Salesman NEW" in 2017 (broadcast on Crunchyroll). A stage play adaptation also ran as recently as 2021. This enduring popularity stems from the manga's unique narrative, which follows Fukuzō Moguro, a mysterious salesman who offers help to people with problems, but whose promises come at a high price for those who fail to follow his advice or try to deceive him.
Ryuji Akiyama: The Enigmatic Salesman
Ryuji Akiyama, a choice perhaps surprising to some but recognized as ideal by many, will portray Moguro Fukuzou. His impressive acting background makes him a brilliant fit. Akiyama is a master of transformation, having embodied a wide array of distinctive characters throughout his career. He excels at delivering humor that can be both absurd and subtly unsettling—a crucial quality for Moguro. Furthermore, his knack for physical comedy and expressive face are perfectly suited to nail key visual elements that might appear ridiculous when attempted by others. As a skilled voice actor, his versatility in altering his voice strongly suggests he'll accurately replicate Moguro's distinct and eerie vocalizations.
A Dedicated Performance
Demonstrating a commitment akin to method acting, Akiyama reportedly gained weight specifically for the role, aligning his physical build with Moguro's iconic rotund figure. Beyond the visual, he also meticulously altered his voice, immersing himself so deeply that Moguro's distinct speech patterns and unsettling "Oho ho ho ho" laugh lingered even after filming. This complete physical and vocal transformation truly shows Akiyama's talent for fully becoming his characters, promising a remarkably authentic and captivating performance.
Preserving The Laughing Salesman's Essence with a Modern Touch
The comedy duo "Kamomentaru," the creative team behind the adaptation, described a lively and enjoyable production process, with each writer contributing their unique perspective. Producer Miyato emphasized the careful balance struck between updating the original's themes for contemporary audiences while preserving its timeless appeal and exploration of human psychology. “We pushed the line between updating and not updating the original theme of 'the gaps in the heart'," Miyato commented.
While primarily known for their creation of *Doraemon*, their darker and more psychological *Warau Salesman* offers a starkly different, yet equally compelling perspective on human desires, consequences, and the fragility of happiness. This new live-action adaptation promises to introduce this dark comedy/psychological thriller to a wider audience on Amazon Prime Video, solidifying its place as one of Japan's most intriguing manga franchises.
