Premiering in Japan on Friday, July 3, 2026 at 24:12
From Junji Ito, Japan’s legendary master of horror manga, comes
a live-action series adaptation of his acclaimed works.
His nightmares step into the real world in this live-action horror anthology
brought to life by a new generation of J-horror directors.
Across thirteen chilling tales, ordinary lives twist into
the uncanny, the grotesque, and the inescapable.
International Premiere at Anime Expo 2026
“Strange: Junji Ito’s Tales for Sleepless Nights” will be presented at Anime Expo 2026, one of the world’s largest anime events, taking place from Thursday, July 2 to Sunday, July 5, 2026, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
On Friday, July 3, the event will feature a special screening of Episode 1, “The Mansion of Phantom Pain,” followed by the world premiere of Episode 2, “Lovesickness.” A panel discussion with the producer and industry guests is also scheduled, offering audiences an inside look at the enduring appeal of Junji Ito’s works and the creative vision behind bringing them to life as a live-action series.
We invite entertainment fans from around the world to look forward to this special event.
<Information>
Date & Time: Friday, July 3, 6:45 PM–8:15 PM, PST
Venue: Room 411, Anime Expo
Content:
Screening of Episode 1, “The Mansion of Phantom Pain,”
Screening of Episode 2, “Lovesickness” — World Premiere
Panel discussion with producers and industry guests, scheduled
Comment from Original Creator Junji Ito
To my surprise, TV Tokyo has adapted my manga into a live-action drama.
This series brings several of my short stories and serialized works to the screen. Every script is highly polished—not only do they preserve the spirit of the original works, but the adaptations are also wonderfully handled. There were many moments when I found myself thinking, “I see… perhaps I should have written the original that way!”
I am also delighted that a group of up-and-coming directors has come together for this project, and the performances by the talented cast are something to look forward to. I hope the series will reflect the unique personalities of both the directors and the actors.
On top of that, the opening theme song, “JIGSAW” by K-pop artist IVE, is a fantastic track that is sure to make the drama even more compelling.
I sincerely hope many people will watch and enjoy the series.
Original Works
Title: Junji Ito Story Collection and Fragments of Horror
Author: Junji Ito
Publisher: Asahi Shimbun Publications Inc.
URL: https://publications.asahi.com/
Program Information
Title
Strange: Junji Ito’s Tales for Sleepless Nights
Introduction
Junji Ito’s nightmares step into the real world in this live-action horror anthology. Across thirteen chilling tales, ordinary lives are pulled into the uncanny, where beauty becomes obsession, bodies betray their owners, and familiar places twist into something grotesque. From the fogbound terror of “Lovesickness” to stories of phantom pain, cursed music, and impossible transformations, each episode brings Ito’s singular imagination to life in flesh and blood.
Cast
Nijiro Murakami, Kanata Hosoda, Yoko Maki, Wan Marui, Manato Sakamoto, Yoshizumi Ishihara, Rairu Sugita, Riho Nakamura, Hina Higuchi, Nanami Yamazaki, Nagisa Saito, Jun Saito, and Yuri Tsunematsu
Listed in episode order
Writers
Daisuke Hosaka, Tatsuro Inamoto
Directors
Atsuhiro Yamada, Yuta Shimotsu, Ryota Kondo
Theme Song
IVE “JIGSAW”
Chief Producer
Toshiki Kitagawa, TV Tokyo
Producers
Mayu Nobe, TV Tokyo
Soichiro Koga, SS Kobo
Kentaro Suzuki, ROBOT
Tatsuhiko Hirata, Double Field
Production
TV Tokyo / SS Kobo
Copyrighted by
“Strange: Junji Ito’s Tales for Sleepless Nights” Flim Parnters