Kento Nakajima To Star in Netflix Manga Adaptation S&X', Exploring Intimacy and Modern Relationships

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Kento Nakajima To Star in Netflix Manga Adaptation S&X', Exploring Intimacy and Modern Relationships

Entertainment

12 January 2026

GlobalJapan

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It concerns all of humankind, yet the topic remains taboo... Ichito Shimotori is a sex therapist at Shimotori Clinic, and every day, he sees patients facing intimate issues they can't talk about with anyone else. Ignoring the ridicule and prejudice he receives for his chosen profession, he treats each patient with utmost sincerity and respect. But little do the people around him know that he hides an anxiety of his own.

Kento Nakajima (Love Like the Falling Petals, Concordia) stars as Shimotori, bringing a nuanced blend of composure and warmth. The series is based on Kisei Tada's popular manga S&X (serialized in Morning by Kodansha), which explores complex and delicate modern-day themes through a serious yet empathetic lens.

Kisei Tada, author of the original manga, expressed high expectations for Nakajima's portrayal of Shimotori: "While writing the manga, I focused on the themes that you don't have to carry sexual concerns alone and there are places where you can seek help. As a viewer myself, I am incredibly excited to see how Kento Nakajima will bring this complex character to life!"

Lead actor Kento Nakajima shared his enthusiasm for the role: "The way Shimotori pays close attention to the finest details of his patients emotions and gently empathizes with them felt very similar to my own process of making music. I felt ready for this challenge now, which led me to accept the role."

Producer Mariko Seto explained the vision behind the production: "This story confronts sexuality and the inner heart head-on. Sexual concerns are unique to every individual. Rather than being swept away by the current trend of labeling things as right or wrong, I hope to convey the importance of facing others, listening to them, and standing by their side."

Director Shogo Kusano, who worked with Nakajima to bring the bold yet delicate original work to life, shared his confidence in the result: "Just as Shimotori stands by his clients in their struggles, I believe we have created a work that gently stands by the concerns of the audience as well."

Rooted in the idea that everyone carries private sexual anxieties, the series unfolds an earnest romance that explores how desire, romantic expression, and self-esteem shape our relationships. It reexamines how we understand one another, how we view ourselves, and what it means to truly love someone - speaking directly to adults struggling with the complexities of modern society.

Based on the manga: "S X" by Kisei Tada, originally published by KODANSHA LTD. Directed by: Shogo Kusano Series composition Written by: Tomoko Yoshida Written by: Shogo Kusano, Ruriko Matushima, Takumi Baba Producers: Mariko Seto / Daisuke Saitoh Production Producer: Kosuke Oshida Production Company: OFFICE SHIROUS Planned and Produced by: Netflix Cast: Kento Nakajima

Streaming worldwide in 2026, only on Netflix https://www.netflix.com/ sandx

LINK:	https://about.netflix.com/en/news/s-and-x-title-announcement...
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