First Dance Footage from Yamaguchi-kun wa Warukunai Live-Action Film Released: Kyohei Takahashi Takes the Stage!
The popular romantic comedy manga Yamaguchi-kun wa Warukunai (Yamaguchi-kun Isn't Bad at All), written by Yuu Saiki, is preparing to hit the big screen. New footage shared as part of the film's promotional campaign has created great excitement among fans. In the released special clip, the film's lead actor and member of the famous idol group Naniwa Danshi, Kyohei Takahashi, is seen performing a dance sequence from the film alongside the rest of the cast.
The original manga series has been serialized in Kodansha's Bessatsu Friend magazine since 2019 and has become one of the most beloved examples of its genre, with over 2.1 million copies printed to date. The story follows the sweet relationship between Asuka Yamaguchi, who looks like a scary delinquent on the outside but actually has an extremely kind and shy personality, and Satsuki Shinohara, who dreams of an ordinary high school life. Series creator Yuu Saiki noted that Takahashi's Kansai roots made him the perfect choice to reflect the character's unique dialect.
The film is directed by Kentaro Moriya, known for the Kamen Teacher series. Joining Kyohei Takahashi in the lead roles are Hikaru Takahashi as Satsuki and Yoji Iwase as the love rival Rion Ishizaki. Another detail enhancing the film's musical atmosphere is that the theme song, "Be My Baby," is performed by the Naniwa Danshi group themselves. The shared dance footage signals that the film will offer not only romance but also a fun and energetic youth atmosphere.
Scheduled for release in Japan on June 5, 2026, the film aims to impress audiences, particularly with the main character's "gap moe" (the contrast between his appearance and personality). In an interview, Takahashi stated that he worked hard to strike a balance between the character's tough appearance and the cute details, such as his ears turning red when he is embarrassed. For fans of the romantic shojo genre, this adaptation is among the most anticipated productions of 2026.
