The Laughing Salesman live-action series debuts July 18 on Amazon Prime. Starring Ryūji Akiyama, with original Reiwa-era stories across 12 episodes.
Get ready for a spine-tingling return of one of Japan’s most iconic dark comedies! The staff behind the live-action adaptation of Fujiko Fujio A’s legendary manga Warau Salesman (The Laughing Salesman) has officially revealed the main visual and a 15-second teaser trailer and it’s already sending shivers down fans’ spines.
Comedy star Ryūji Akiyama, best known for roles in Night is Short, Walk On Girl and the live-action Detroit Metal City, steps into the shoes of the mysterious salesman Fukuzō Moguro. Known for his devilish grin and life-altering “offers,” Moguro is back but this time, his tricks unfold in the modern Reiwa era.
Premiere Details:
- Release Date: July 18, 2025
- Platform: Amazon Prime Video
- Episodes: 12 original stories, released over three weeks
Creative Team:
- Directors: Masaaki Itō, Yōhei Osabe, Daisuke Yamamoto, Shōta Sasaki
- Writers: Kankurō Kudō, Magy, Tōru Hosokawa, Udai Iwasaki
This isn’t just a remake it’s a bold reimagining, packed with fresh narratives tailored to today’s world while preserving the series’ eerie charm.
First published in 1968 under the name Kuroi Salesman (The Black Salesman) in Shogakukan’s Big Comic, Warau Salesman quickly carved out a niche for itself with its biting social commentary and dark humor. The original manga ran until 1971, sparking its first anime adaptation from 1989 to 1992, followed by a live-action drama in 1999.
In 2017, the series was revived with Warau Salesman NEW, an anime that introduced Moguro’s sinister smile to a whole new generation. Fans worldwide tuned in via Crunchyroll, which streamed it under the title The Laughing Salesman.
What’s the Story?
At its core, The Laughing Salesman centers around Fukuzō Moguro, a seemingly kind but mysterious salesman who offers to fulfill people’s deepest desires for free. But there’s always a catch. When clients betray his trust, break his rules, or succumb to greed, Moguro ensures they pay a devastating price. His job isn’t just selling… it’s revealing the darkest sides of human nature.
The Man Behind the Smile: Fujiko Fujio A
The original creator, Motoo Abiko, known globally as Fujiko Fujio A, is celebrated as half of the legendary manga duo behind Doraemon. Working alongside Hiroshi Fujimoto (known as Fujiko F. Fujio after their split), Abiko helped shape the golden age of Japanese manga. While Fujimoto passed away in 1996, Abiko continued to create works that blended humor with unsettling truths about society.
Why Fans Are Hyped
- A rare blend of dark humor, psychological thriller, and satire
- A cast and crew that balances comedy and creepiness perfectly
- Fresh, Reiwa-era twists on timeless moral dilemmas
- Streaming conveniently on Amazon Prime Video, with a binge-ready rollout
If you’ve never met Fukuzō Moguro, now’s your chance to experience one of manga’s most unforgettable characters. And if you’re already a fan brace yourself. The Laughing Salesman is back, and his grin is wider than ever.
