The live-action adaptation of Ya Boy Kongming is officially set to return as a feature film, titled Ya Boy Kongming THE MOVIE, with a confirmed release date of April 25, 2025 in Japan. International release date has not been announced yet.
This follows the Fuji TV drama series adaptation in 2023, which brought the manga’s story into live action with the same cast and production team. Teaser visuals and a special trailer have already been released, with Zhuge Kongming prominently featured.
Ya Boy Kongming started as a manga written by Yuto Yotsuba and illustrated by Ryo Ogawa. It was first serialized on December 31, 2019, on Kodansha’s Comic Days platform before moving to Weekly Young Magazine.
The story follows Zhuge Kongming, the legendary strategist from China’s Three Kingdoms era, who is reincarnated in modern-day Shibuya. Upon hearing the voice of Eiko Tsukimi, an amateur singer, Kongming devotes his tactical genius to helping her rise in the modern music industry.
The manga received a 12-episode anime adaptation by P.A. Works in 2022, gaining significant attention for its blend of historical comedy and music themes. The anime’s opening theme, “Chikichiki Banban” by QUEENDOM, achieved widespread popularity, contributing to the series’ visibility beyond its core audience.
The upcoming Ya Boy Kongming THE MOVIE will continue from the live-action drama, with the original cast reprising their roles:
- Osamu Mukai as Zhuge Kongming
- Moka Kamishiraishi as Eiko Tsukimi
- Dean Fujioka as Liu Bei
- Mirai Moriyama as Kobayashi, owner of BB Lounge
The story centers around the “Music Battle Awards 2025,” a major festival where Japan’s top three music labels compete for dominance.
New characters include Shun Shibai, played by Fuju Kamio, a descendant of Kongming’s historical rival Sima Yi, and Shin, Shun’s sister and a singer, portrayed by Uta, the vocalist of Wednesday Campanella. Shin will also feature in key singing scenes for the film.
A live kickoff event is scheduled for February 22, 2025, at Kanagawa’s Pia Arena MM. The event will include performances of songs from the original drama, as well as new tracks written specifically for the movie.
Cast members Osamu Mukai, Moka Kamishiraishi, Dean Fujioka, and Fuju Kamio will appear as part of the promotion.
More details, including additional promotions and events, will be shared through the movie’s official website and social media platforms leading up to its release.
Source: Comic Natalie
