NEWS

Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS), Japan’s leading streaming platform U-NEXT, and global hit-maker THE SEVEN are teaming up for the very first time—and they’re coming in with a bang. The powerhouse trio just announced a mega-scale drama project that promises to deliver “Japanese Sword Action Entertainment” on a scale unlike anything seen before in Japanese television.

To set the stage, a teaser video and teaser key visual have dropped ahead of the official title and cast reveal—offering the first thrilling glimpse into this ambitious new world.

A powerhouse collaboration is making headlines: THE SEVEN, Tokyo Broadcasting System Television (TBS), and streaming giant U-NEXT are teaming up for the very first time to launch a bold new initiative—the “TBS × U-NEXT × THE SEVEN Global Project.”

At the heart of this project is something truly unprecedented: a large-scale “Japanese Sword Action Entertainment” drama, set to shake up the landscape of Japanese television. Tapping into the timeless allure of jidaigeki (period dramas) and samurai culture—genres already beloved worldwide—the three companies are combining their strengths. THE SEVEN, the hit-making studio behind global smashes with its cutting-edge visuals and VFX; TBS, the broadcaster behind countless drama-driven social phenomena in Japan; and U-NEXT, Japan’s fastest-growing streaming platform, known for innovation in both content and technology. Together, they aim to deliver entertainment like never before.

And there’s no better studio to lead the charge than THE SEVEN, which is on fire right now. On September 25, its Alice in Borderland Season 3 premiered on Netflix and immediately sparked a global frenzy. Just a day later, the company’s very first self-produced and distributed film, Baka’s Identity, made history at the 30th Busan International Film Festival, where three of its actors took home the Best Actor Award simultaneously. Riding this wave of international momentum—and at a time when jidaigeki content is once again captivating audiences worldwide—THE SEVEN is ready to unveil its next major creation for the global stage.

The production team reads like a dream roster of Japan’s 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 Watanabe—trusted by actors for his meticulous pursuit of realism and dramatic tension in works like NHK’s Naotora: The Lady Warlord, Mare, and Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan—will 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 Netflix’s 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 place—and a soon-to-be-announced cast of major talents—the buzz is only growing louder.

While the full scope of the project will be revealed in stages, fans are already getting their first taste: a teaser video and teaser key visual have just been released. It’s only a glimpse, but enough to feel the scale, intensity, and passion fueling this groundbreaking project.

With TBS, U-NEXT, and THE SEVEN joining forces for the very first time, their collaborative project promises to deliver a groundbreaking “Japanese Sword Action Entertainment” that could mark a turning point in the history of Japanese drama. Get ready for a moment that will change everything.

From the Partners
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 Japan’s streaming content industry, is truly exciting. I believe this project will thrill audiences everywhere and become a new landmark in Japanese drama. Don’t 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 SEVEN’s world-class production, this project links broadcasting and streaming in a brand-new 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, we’ve proven we can compete globally. Now, with TBS and U-NEXT as our strongest partners, we’re 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



For press inquiries:
THE SEVEN PR: Akihiko Watase & Mikako Watanabe | E-mail: info@the7.co.jp