Japan‘s Kadokawa is set to make a splash at this year’s Hong Kong FilMart with two new titles aimed at the Asian market, both featuring stars with strong regional appeal.
The first offering is the completed film adaptation of “My Love Story With Yamada-kun at Lv999,” based on the popular comic series that has sold 4.5 million copies in Japan. The property has already proven its cross-platform appeal with a successful animation series that gained high ratings on streaming platforms including Crunchyroll and Bilibili.
The film stars Ryuto Sakuma from Starto Entertainment’s band HiHi Jets, previously seen in “Village,” alongside Mizuki Yamashita, a former member of pop group Nogizaka 46 who appeared in “6 Lying University Students.”
The title has already secured distribution in Thailand through Kadokawa Amarin, with negotiations underway for additional territories. Potential buyers at FilMart can catch a market screening on March 19.
Also on Kadokawa’s slate is “Love Song,” a romantic comedy currently in post-production. The film is written by Thai director Weerachit Thongila, known for directing popular Thai series “2gether” and “1,000 Years Old.”
Starring Win Morisaki (“Ready Player One”) and Koji Mukai (member of Starto Entertainment’s boy band Snow Man), the production leverages both actors’ Southeast Asian connections. Set between Tokyo and Bangkok, the film chronicles two people reuniting in a foreign land and gradually developing their relationship. Distribution talks for Thailand are already in progress.
“We are very excited to present our latest titles especially the two new titles with Asian potential,” says Kadokawa sales representative Haruka Sakumi. “It will be an ideal market to present them for all the Asian buyers and we are thrilled to find the distributors in this market.”
Earlier this year, Sony became the largest shareholder in Kadokawa with the aim of adapting their IP into live action films and TV dramas globally, co-produce anime projects and expand global distribution of Kadokawa’s anime works.
