Smoke Blue no Ame nochi Hare: Live-Action Drama Set for April Release
The popular manga by Hasanada Kamome, titled Smoke Blue no Ame nochi Hare, is officially getting a live-action drama adaptation. This news has really created a buzz among fans who have been following the series. The show is scheduled to be broadcast on Yomiuri TV starting from 6th April, which is not very far away now. In this upcoming series, the character of Sakutaro Azuma will be portrayed by Kohei Takeda, while Shizuka Kuji will be played by Kento Shibuya. Both actors will be taking on the roles of double leads, bringing this intense story to life.

Drama “Smoke Blue no Ame nochi Hare” Visual (c) Kamome Nami Sanada/KADOKAWA/“Smoke Blue no Ame Nochi Hare” Production Committee
A Deep Dive into the Plot: A Story of Bitter Love
The original story, also known as Smoke Blue's Rain After Clear, is a mature BL (Boys' Love) narrative that focuses on Sakutaro. He is an unemployed gay man who previously worked as a top-tier MR at a pharmaceutical company. However, the heavy pressure and exhaustion forced him to retire early. On the other side, we have Kuji, who used to be Sakutaro’s biggest rival in the sales department. Years later, Kuji has shifted his career path and now works as a medical translator. For anyone looking for a more mature narrative, understanding why life in smokey blue is the must watch adult bl anime of the season is quite essential.
The story kicks off as Sakutaro spends his nights going out to manage his stress levels. During one of these nights, he happens to meet Kuji again. This chance encounter reignites their complex history, leading to a bitter and emotional love story between the two men. It is not just a simple romance; it explores the burdens of adult life and career struggles quite deeply.

Cast and Production Insights
Author Hasanada has been very involved in the process, communicating closely with the production team. He mentioned that the manga was supported by very passionate readers, and he wanted to ensure they would be happy with this adaptation. After seeing some of the filming, the author expressed that he became quite convinced about the quality of the project. Here are some interesting points about the cast and their thoughts:
- Kohei Takeda: He has actually been a fan of the series for a long time. He shared that the entire team, including his co-star Kento Shibuya, the director, and the staff, are working very hard to capture the delicate balance of the relationship.
- Kento Shibuya: Shibuya mentioned that he wants to act with great care so the story reaches a wide audience and becomes a work that is loved for many years.
- Narrative Depth: The series is expected to highlight the miraculous balance between the two characters who were once rivals.
The anticipation for this drama is quite high because of how it handles realistic themes. The way it explores why life in smokey blue is the must watch adult bl anime of the season really sets it apart from more typical romance stories. Fans are eagerly waiting to see how the "Rain After Clear" theme unfolds for Sakutaro and Kuji in this live-action version. It’s definitely going to be one of the highlights for the April season.