The Journey to Killing You by Sai Asai

[reviews_and_ramblings]

Yakuza members Odajima and Kataoka are sent away on a trip after Kataoka, the young wakagashira, screws up. However, this trip hides the true mission: Odajima has been ordered to kill Kataoka.

My Rate: 7

Having been completely enthralled by the live-action adaptation of The Journey to Killing You, I immediately dove into the source material—the manga itself. And I have to say, fans of the drama will find themselves on incredibly familiar ground. In a rare move for screen adaptations, the live-action drama is an almost perfect visual copy of the manga. Scene for scene, panel for panel, the adaptation faithfully recreates the story. The primary difference? The manga edges out the drama by being just a little more explicit in its content. The core narrative is a seductive blend of dark and sexy. Despite its Yakuza theme, the manga isn't defined by heavy violence. Instead, its "dirtiness" comes from a different place. These aren't the sleek, aloof, or stoic gangsters often depicted; rather, they are surprisingly down-to-earth and perhaps too willing to give in to their baser instincts. Amidst this gritty, unpolished underworld, the central romance manages to shine. It's a stark contrast that makes the relationship compelling—like watching a pure white flower push its way up through the mud. This unexpected purity growing out of a dirty, instinct-driven environment is truly the heart of the story's appeal. Ultimately, I did enjoy the manga and its raw, explicit portrayal of the narrative. However, I found myself drawn back to the live-action drama. The visual impact of seeing these compelling characters brought to life "in flesh and blood" gave the story an extra layer of depth and intensity that elevated the experience for me. Recommended for Fans of dark romance, gritty settings, and those who want the uncensored version of the live-action drama.