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Netflix Launches Japanese Drama 'S&X' - Live-Action Adaptation of Kisei Tadas Manga Debuts Aug. 20, 2026
Netflix announced on 12 January 2026 that it will bring Kisei Tada’s 2021‑2022 manga S&X: The Confession of Therapist Ichito Shimotori to the screen as a live‑action series titled S&X. The new drama will stream worldwide on 20 August 2026.
The manga, which ran in Kodansha’s Morning magazine from 2021 to 2022, follows 32‑year‑old sex therapist Ichito Shimotori, who runs a modest clinic in Tokyo. His practice pulls him into the intimate lives of clients dealing with sexual and relational challenges, while his own buried trauma slowly resurfaces. When a childhood friend, Yumi Ichinose, reappears after 17 years, Shimotori is compelled to confront the past that has kept him from fully healing.
Kento Nakajima—known for his tenure in the idol group Sexy Zone—will portray Shimotori. The supporting ensemble includes Ryota Miura as nurse Yuta Saikawa, Sawako Fujima as administrative assistant Marin Natsume, Sayaka Yamaguchi as Shimotori’s own therapist Sion Kaze, Yusuke Santamaria as mentor Professor Daisuke Kurusu, Yuko Araki as reporter Yumi Ichinose, and Shiro Sano as medical school dean Norio Toyohara. Netflix describes the cast as a “well‑written, balanced group” that underpins the series’ exploration of delicate subjects.
The production will run for seven episodes, each 39 to 51 minutes long. Positioned as a romantic drama, S&X tackles taboo topics such as sex therapy, societal expectations, and personal healing. The series is intended for mature audiences and contains sexual content, though it does not feature graphic or explicit scenes.
This adaptation fits into Netflix’s broader effort to diversify its international slate. The streaming giant has been expanding its catalog of non‑English language originals, and S&X adds a Japanese live‑action drama that adapts a manga addressing sensitive issues. By doing so, Netflix aims to broaden the range of stories available to global viewers.
All Netflix platforms worldwide—including Japan, the United States, and other regions where the service operates—will have the series available on its release date. No staggered windows or additional availability plans have been announced.
Production for S&X is complete and the series is currently in post‑production. Netflix has not released viewership projections or a marketing plan for the show. Once the series is added to the catalog on 20 August 2026, viewers can stream all seven episodes on demand.
In summary, Netflix’s S&X is a Japanese live‑action drama that adapts a manga about sex therapy and personal trauma. The series stars Kento Nakajima and features a supporting cast that includes Ryota Miura, Sawako Fujima, Sayaka Yamaguchi, Yusuke Santamaria, Yuko Araki, and Shiro Sano. With seven episodes of 39‑51 minutes each, the show will debut globally on 20 August 2026 as part of Netflix’s push to broaden its international content offering.
The manga, which ran in Kodansha’s Morning magazine from 2021 to 2022, follows 32‑year‑old sex therapist Ichito Shimotori, who runs a modest clinic in Tokyo. His practice pulls him into the intimate lives of clients dealing with sexual and relational challenges, while his own buried trauma slowly resurfaces. When a childhood friend, Yumi Ichinose, reappears after 17 years, Shimotori is compelled to confront the past that has kept him from fully healing.
Kento Nakajima—known for his tenure in the idol group Sexy Zone—will portray Shimotori. The supporting ensemble includes Ryota Miura as nurse Yuta Saikawa, Sawako Fujima as administrative assistant Marin Natsume, Sayaka Yamaguchi as Shimotori’s own therapist Sion Kaze, Yusuke Santamaria as mentor Professor Daisuke Kurusu, Yuko Araki as reporter Yumi Ichinose, and Shiro Sano as medical school dean Norio Toyohara. Netflix describes the cast as a “well‑written, balanced group” that underpins the series’ exploration of delicate subjects.
The production will run for seven episodes, each 39 to 51 minutes long. Positioned as a romantic drama, S&X tackles taboo topics such as sex therapy, societal expectations, and personal healing. The series is intended for mature audiences and contains sexual content, though it does not feature graphic or explicit scenes.
This adaptation fits into Netflix’s broader effort to diversify its international slate. The streaming giant has been expanding its catalog of non‑English language originals, and S&X adds a Japanese live‑action drama that adapts a manga addressing sensitive issues. By doing so, Netflix aims to broaden the range of stories available to global viewers.
All Netflix platforms worldwide—including Japan, the United States, and other regions where the service operates—will have the series available on its release date. No staggered windows or additional availability plans have been announced.
Production for S&X is complete and the series is currently in post‑production. Netflix has not released viewership projections or a marketing plan for the show. Once the series is added to the catalog on 20 August 2026, viewers can stream all seven episodes on demand.
In summary, Netflix’s S&X is a Japanese live‑action drama that adapts a manga about sex therapy and personal trauma. The series stars Kento Nakajima and features a supporting cast that includes Ryota Miura, Sawako Fujima, Sayaka Yamaguchi, Yusuke Santamaria, Yuko Araki, and Shiro Sano. With seven episodes of 39‑51 minutes each, the show will debut globally on 20 August 2026 as part of Netflix’s push to broaden its international content offering.
