S&X with Kento Nakajima – The plot and everything you need to know about Netflix’s upcoming manga adaptation
On January 13, 2026, Netflix officially announced its next Japanese series. S&Xstarring singer, actor, voice actor and television personality and Nakajima in the lead role. The series is a live-action adaptation of the popular manga by Kisei Tada. S&Xserialized in Morning by Kodansha.
Kento Nakajima will play Ichito Shimotori, an as*x therapist who treats patients struggling with deeply personal and intimate concerns. Set to premiere worldwide in 2026, the series explores modern relationships, desire and emotional vulnerability through an earnest yet empathetic lens.
S&X on Netflix: Plot, vision and more on Kento Nakajima’s upcoming manga adaptation
S&X is based on the manga SEX by Kisei Tada, originally published by Kodansha Ltd. The story centers on Ichito Shimotori, an as*x therapist who runs the Shimotori Clinic. Every day he meets patients facing sexual and emotional issues that they can’t discuss with anyone else.
Despite the ridicule and prejudice associated with his profession, Shimotori approaches each patient with sincerity and respect. At the same time, he hides his own anxieties, adding emotional depth to his character.
The series is rooted in the idea that everyone has private sexual concerns. It presents heartfelt romance while examining how desire, romantic expression, and self-esteem influence relationships.
Through Shimotori’s interactions with his patients, the story re-examines how people understand themselves, how they perceive themselves, and what it means to truly love someone. The story is aimed at adults navigating the complexities of modern society and personal identity.
Japanese idol groups Sexy Zone and Yuma Nakayama with BIShadow member Kento Nakajima play the role of Shimotori. Netflix describes his participation in the project as adding a nuanced mix of composure and warmth to the role. The series is directed by Shogo Kusano, who is also one of the screenwriters.
Series composition and main storyline are handled by Tomoko Yoshida, with additional writing by Shogo Kusano, Ruriko Matsushima, and Takumi Baba. The series is planned and produced by OFFICE SHIROUS and Netflix.
The author of the original manga, Kisei Tada, shared high expectations for the adaptation and the portrayal of Kento Nakajima. He explained,
“When writing the manga, I focused on the themes of ‘you don’t have to deal with your sexual concerns alone’ and ‘there are places you can seek help’. As a viewer myself, I’m incredibly excited to see how Kento Nakajima will bring this complex character to life!”
Kento Nakajima also spoke about his connection to the role. He explained that Shimotori’s attention to his patients’ emotions and his ability to empathize with them was similar to Nakajima’s process of creating music.
“The way Shimotori pays close attention to the smallest details of his patients’ emotions and gently sympathizes with them seemed very similar to my own process of creating music. I now felt ready to take on this challenge, which led me to accept the role.”
The production is also directed by Mariko Seto and Daisuke Saitoh, with Kosuke Oshida serving as producer. Producer Mariko Seto explained the broader vision behind the project, saying the story directly confronts sexuality and the inner heart.
“This story confronts sexuality and the inner heart head-on. Sexual concerns are unique to each individual. Rather than getting caught up in the current trend of labeling things as good or bad, I hope to convey the importance of facing others, listening to them, and standing with them.”
S&XShogo director Kusano also commented on the approach taken to adapting the manga. He said that just as Shimotori supports his clients in their struggles, the production team aimed to create work that gently supports and resonates with the audience’s own concerns.
S&X is expected to stream exclusively on Netflix worldwide in 2026.
Edited by Adrija Chakraborty
