"Ao to Midori" Manga’s Unrequited Love Blossoms into Live-Action Series

Tokyo, Japan – August 29, 2026 – A poignant tale of mutual, unrequited love, "Ao to Midori" (Ao and Midori), the acclaimed boys-love manga by Roji, is set to captivate audiences with its upcoming live-action television series. The highly anticipated adaptation will premiere on October 5, bringing the beloved characters and their complex emotional journey to the small screen. The announcement was made via a dedicated website that launched on Saturday, generating considerable excitement within the fandom.

The series boasts a promising cast, with Naoya Kusakawa stepping into the role of Midori Yamamura and Hidekazu Chinen portraying Ao Hayama. Their performances are expected to breathe life into the delicate dance of unspoken affection that defines the source material. Behind the camera, Nao Nomura, known for her work on the live-action "Ayaka is in Love with Hiroko" series, will be directing alongside Hitomi Kitagawa and Saki Michimoto. Ayumi Shimo, also a contributor to the "Ayaka is in Love with Hiroko" adaptation, will be penning the scripts, ensuring a faithful yet compelling translation of Roji’s narrative.

A Deep Dive into the Narrative: Mutual Unrequited Love

At its core, "Ao to Midori" explores the intricate relationship between its titular characters, Ao and Midori. Ao, a high school prodigy who excels in both academics and athletics, is known for his almost childlike innocence, earning him the nickname "baby" among his peers. Midori, on the other hand, harbors deep romantic feelings for Ao. However, a complex web of internal struggles and external circumstances prevents him from openly expressing his emotions. This leads to a poignant state of "mutual unrequited love," where both protagonists are trapped by their inability to communicate their true desires.

The narrative skillfully portrays the constraints of societal expectations and personal inhibitions during their high school years. Both Ao and Midori are bound by the perceived need for "normalcy," which stifles their romantic confessions. The story then gracefully transitions over the subsequent eight years, charting their growth into working adults and the gradual, yet profound, deepening of their connection. This extended timeline allows for a nuanced exploration of how time, maturity, and shared experiences can influence the evolution of love and understanding.

The manga, originally published by France Shoin, saw its first volume released in August 2023. Printemps Shuppan followed suit, releasing the second volume on May 28, 2026. The manga’s unique premise and heartfelt portrayal of unspoken affection have resonated deeply with readers, paving the way for this significant live-action adaptation.

Broadcast and Streaming Details: Reaching a Wide Audience

The live-action series is slated for a multi-platform release, ensuring accessibility for a broad audience. Viewers in Japan can catch the series on several television networks. BS Asahi will air the first episode on October 5 at 11:24 p.m., followed by TV Kanagawa at 11:30 p.m. on the same evening. Additionally, HBC, RKB Mainichi Broadcasting, and CBC TV will begin broadcasting the series on October 8.

For those who prefer to stream, the series will be available on Lemino starting October 5 at 10:00 a.m., offering an early digital viewing experience. Following the BS Asahi broadcasts, episodes will also be accessible on TVer, providing further convenience for viewers. This strategic rollout across traditional broadcast and digital streaming platforms underscores the producers’ commitment to making "Ao to Midori" a widely accessible and talked-about series.

A Legacy of Adaptation: Roji’s Growing Influence

This adaptation of "Ao to Midori" is not Roji’s first foray into live-action. The creator’s work has previously inspired a television series based on their boys-love manga "Countdown to Yes," which premiered in January 2026. This earlier success likely contributed to the anticipation surrounding the "Ao to Midori" adaptation.

Furthermore, Roji’s presence in the international manga market is also notable. Animate International actively publishes Roji’s works in English, including the "Countdown to Yes" manga and "All About My Two Dads," which became available on major digital platforms in December 2023. This global reach highlights the universal appeal of Roji’s storytelling and the increasing demand for boys-love narratives across different cultures and media.

Production Team and Creative Vision

The creative minds behind the live-action "Ao to Midori" series are dedicated to capturing the essence of the original manga while delivering a compelling visual narrative. The directing trio of Nao Nomura, Hitomi Kitagawa, and Saki Michimoto, with their experience in adapting similar genres, are well-positioned to translate the delicate emotional nuances of the story. Ayumi Shimo’s scripting expertise, honed through her work on the "Ayaka is in Love with Hiroko" series, promises a script that respects the source material while engaging a television audience.

The visual representation of the characters and their world is crucial for a story centered on unspoken feelings and internal turmoil. The casting of Naoya Kusakawa and Hidekazu Chinen, both relative newcomers to prominent leading roles, offers a fresh dynamic that could further enhance the audience’s connection to the characters. Their ability to convey subtle emotions and the complexities of unrequited love will be central to the series’ success.

Implications and Future Outlook

The live-action adaptation of "Ao to Midori" signifies a growing trend of diverse manga genres being translated into mainstream television. Boys-love stories, once considered niche, are increasingly gaining broader appeal and production investment. This adaptation not only provides a new platform for Roji’s work but also contributes to the ongoing diversification of Japanese television programming.

The series’ success could pave the way for further adaptations of popular boys-love manga, potentially opening doors for more LGBTQ+ themed storytelling within the Japanese entertainment industry. The international success of Roji’s manga, coupled with the global reach of streaming platforms, suggests that "Ao to Midori" could find a significant audience beyond Japan, further cementing the growing global interest in this genre.

The production’s commitment to faithfully representing the themes of unrequited love and personal growth, while adapting it for a visual medium, will be a key factor in its reception. The anticipation surrounding the October 5 premiere suggests that "Ao to Midori" is poised to become a significant addition to the landscape of Japanese television, offering a heartfelt and relatable story to a wide array of viewers. The journey of Ao and Midori, once confined to the pages of a manga, is now set to unfold in a new and exciting dimension, promising to resonate with audiences who understand the profound complexities of love and longing.