TBS Television Co., Ltd. (Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Masamine Ryuuho; hereafter “TBS”) has announced the launch of a major initiative titled "TBS x U-NEXT x THE SEVEN Global Project." This marks the first collaboration among the three companies: TBS, U-NEXT Co., Ltd. (Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President: Tenshin Tsutsumi; hereafter “U-NEXT”), and THE SEVEN Co., Ltd. (Minato-ku, Tokyo; President/CEO: Katsuaki Setoguchi; hereafter “THE SEVEN”), a creative studio under the TBS umbrella that focuses on the planning and production of global-strategy entertainment content, particularly dramas and films.
Launch of the "TBS x U-NEXT x THE SEVEN Global Project"
This project will deliver a "Japanese Sword Action Entertainment" experience on a massive, unprecedented scale for a television drama. The three partners will leverage their respective strengths in this joint endeavor: TBS, which has broadcast numerous TV dramas that became social phenomena in Japan; U-NEXT, the Japan-born video streaming service that has achieved remarkable growth to become the second-largest player in the market by innovating in both technology and content; and THE SEVEN, a creative force known for its production capabilities, rich visual expression, and high-level VFX technology that has generated global hit productions. Together, they aim to elevate the globally recognized elements of Japanese culture̶ - "Jidaigeki" (period dramas) and "Samurai"̶ - to a new level.
A Stellar Creative Team Unites for Unprecedented Scale
The production team reads like a dream roster of Japanʼs top talent. Chief Producer Akira Morii of THE SEVEN, who steered Alice in Borderland and Yu Yu Hakusho to worldwide success, leads the charge. Producers Mamoru Inoue and Kazuya Shimomura, both with impressive credits, are also on board. Acclaimed director Kazutaka Watanabe̶trusted by actors for his meticulous pursuit of realism and dramatic tension in works like NHKʼs Naotora: The Lady Warlord, Mare, and Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan̶will direct. The script comes from versatile writer Masaaki Sakai (Cold Case 2 & 3 and Small, Slow but Steady). Action director Kensuke Sonomura, known for his innovative fight choreography, is set to elevate the sword battles to a new level. VFX will be handled by Tomofumi Akahane, who won the Asian Academy Creative Award for Best Visual Effects for Netflixʼs Yu Yu Hakusho. And character design comes courtesy of Yuya Maeda, celebrated for creating immersive worlds across everything from period dramas to sci-fi. With such an all-star team in place̶and a soon-to-be-announced cast of major talents̶the buzz is only growing louder.
Masamine Ryuuho, President and Representative Director, Tokyo Broadcasting System Television, Inc
“This is a historic moment for Japanese entertainment. To challenge the world with partners like THE SEVEN, which keeps creating global hits, and U-NEXT, which drives Japanʼs streaming content industry, is truly exciting. I believe this project will thrill audiences everywhere and become a new landmark in Japanese drama. Donʼt miss this moment.”
Tenshin Tsutsumi, President and Representative Director, U-NEXT Co., Ltd.
“We are thrilled to announce this large-scale drama project. By maximizing our partnership with TBS and joining THE SEVENʼs world-class production, this project links broadcasting and streaming in a brandnew way. We hope it will first delight Japanese viewers, and then captivate audiences around the world.”
Katsuaki Setoguchi, President and CEO, THE SEVEN, Inc.
“At THE SEVEN, our mission is to create innovative content that entertains the world. With Alice in Borderland and Yu Yu Hakusho, weʼve proven we can compete globally. Now, with TBS and U-NEXT as our strongest partners, weʼre pouring everything into this new adventure. Our goal is simple: to thrill global audiences with Japanese Sword Action Entertainment that fuses tradition with cutting-edge visual technology.”
Project Summary:
Broadcast/Streaming: TBS Television / U-NEXT
Production: THE SEVEN
Staff:
Producers:
Akira Morii (THE SEVEN) / Netflix series Alice in Borderland, Yu Yu Hakusho
Mamoru Inoue / TBS×WOWOW series Double Face, MOZU
Kazuya Shimomura (THE SEVEN) / Netflix series Yu Yu Hakusho, film The Fable: The Killer Who Doesn't Kill
Director:
Kazutaka Watanabe / NHK taiga drama Naotora: The Lady Warlord, morning drama Mare, Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan series
Screenwriter:
Masaaki Sakai / WOWOW series Cold Case 2 & 3, film Small, Slow but Steady
Action Director:
Kensuke Sonomura / film Baby Assassins, Onmyoji 0
VFX Producer:
Tomofumi Akahane (THE SEVEN) / Netflix series Alice in Borderland Season 3, Yu Yu Hakusho
Character Designer:
Yuya Maeda / film THE LEGEND & BUTTERFLY
Music: Yoshiaki Dewa / Netflix series Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, animation Hell's Paradise Post-Production Supervisor: Norimasa Ishida (THE SEVEN) / Netflix series Alice in Borderland, Yu Yu Hakusho
Inquiries
THE SEVEN, Inc.
Akihiko Watase Mikako Watanabe
Email：info@the7.co.jp
TBS HOLDINGS, INC. Corporate Branding and Promotion Center
Hongpyo Choi
Email：choi.hongpyo@tbs.co.jp
