Aoi Nakamura to star in drama adaptation of hit novel ‘Izayoi Zenbo’

Nippon Television has announced the live-action adaptation of ‘Izayoi Zenbo’, a popular novel by Mao Wu (Xu Zhenran) that gained international attention after being recommended by BTS member V. The drama is scheduled to begin broadcasting on October 12.

Set in a mysterious restaurant in the afterlife, the story follows a chef named Mengba, played by Aoi Nakamura, who serves a “final dish” to the deceased to help them process regrets and find peace. The production features Nagisa Shibuya as a white cat named Shiromujo and Ikuya Akiya as a punk-styled Enma, the ruler of the underworld.

The original novel, which surpassed 100 million views during its web serialization, was inspired by the author's experiences witnessing the end of life in an ICU while studying medicine in China. A Japanese edition of the book is expected to be published by Poplar Publishing in 2026.