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Groundbreaking Biology Anime Hits TV! “Cells at Work!” Movie Gets First Free-to-Air Broadcast
Mark your calendars, biology buffs and anime fans! The massively popular live-action film adaptation of Hataraku Saibou (known as Cells at Work!) is making its terrestrial television debut. The broadcast is set for Friday, January 30, 2026, at 9:00 PM on the “Friday Roadshow” block, and it will be the full, uncut version of the movie.
What’s “Cells at Work!” All About?
The movie is based on the hit manga series Hataraku Saibou by Akane Shimizu and its spin-off, Hataraku Saibou BLACK (by Shigemitsu Harada, Issaku Hatsukaya, and Akane Shimizu). It brings the ingenious and unique premise of personified cells within the human body to the big screen. Directed by Hideki Takeuchi of Fly Me to the Saitama fame, with a script by his frequent collaborator Yuichi Tokunaga, the film stormed Japanese theaters on December 13, 2024. Its fresh concept resonated wildly with audiences, topping the domestic box office for four consecutive weeks and raking in over 6 billion yen.
A Stellar Cast Brings Your Cells to Life
This cinematic adventure boasts an all-star cast. It features Mei Nagano as the diligent Red Blood Cell and Takeru Satou as the fierce White Blood Cell (Neutrophil) in a dynamic dual lead role. They are joined by a host of other talented actors portraying the body’s many defenders and workers.
The Story: A Tale of Two Bodies
The story follows high schooler Higo Urushizaki (played by Mana Ashida), who lives a healthy, routine life with her father, Shigeru (played by Sadao Abe). Inside Higo’s body, the cells are happy and productive. In stark contrast, the cells inside her irregular, unhealthy father Shigeru are exhausted and complaining in a grim, black-company-like work environment.
Despite their vastly different internal worlds, father and daughter get along well. However, their peaceful lives are threatened when pathogens begin to plot an invasion of their bodies! This sets the stage for the “greatest battle in bodily history,” as the cells fight to secure the future of the Urushizaki family.
Meet the Immune System’s Heavy Hitters
The film’s immune response is led by some formidable characters. Kouji Yamamoto plays the ruthless and efficient Killer T Cell, a key commander in the body’s defense force.
Meanwhile, Riisa Naka portrays the formidable NK (Natural Killer) Cell, a relentless hunter of virus-infected cells and tumors.
International Acclaim and Viral Moments
The movie’s success wasn’t confined to Japan. It saw theatrical releases in Taiwan, the Philippines, and Hong Kong, where it debuted at #1 in both attendance and revenue for a foreign film. In Taiwan, dedicated fans even bought out entire screenings for private viewing parties.
A particular scene featuring Shigeru (Sadao Abe) desperately holding in a bathroom visit—which caused waves of laughter in Japan—was highlighted in the Philippines as “the most darkly comedic and tense hilarious commotion.” The film has also been featured at international festivals like Italy’s Udine Far East Film Festival, Canada’s Toronto Japanese Film Festival, and Germany’s Nippon Connection in Frankfurt.
The Dream Team Behind the Scenes
This blockbuster is the work of a Japanese entertainment dream team. The heart-pounding action sequences were orchestrated by Takahito Oouchi (known for Rurouni Kenshin and the live-action Yu Yu Hakusho). The iconic theme song “50%” is provided by the chart-topping band Official Hige Dandism. Together, they deliver a uniquely creative battle inside the human body that you’ve never seen before.
Full Broadcast & Staff Details
■ “Cells at Work!” Movie Broadcast Information
・Date & Time: January 30, 2026 (Fri), 9:00 PM – 11:14 PM (expanded time slot)
・Note: First terrestrial broadcast, uncut version.
・Original Work: Hataraku Saibou by Akane Shimizu (Kodansha’s “Monthly Shounen Sirius”) / Hataraku Saibou BLACK by Shigemitsu Harada, Issaku Hatsukaya, Akane Shimizu (Kodansha’s “Morning”)
・Director: Hideki Takeuchi
・Screenplay: Yuichi Tokunaga
Cast
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Mei Nagano | Red Blood Cell |
| Takeru Satou | White Blood Cell (Neutrophil) |
| Mana Ashida | Higo Urushizaki |
| Kouji Yamamoto | Killer T Cell |
| Riisa Naka | NK Cell |
| Wakana Matsumoto | – |
| Shouta Sometani | – |
| Rihto Itagaki | – |
| Ryou Katou | – |
| Seishirou Katou | Arata Takeda |
| Mycah Pyper | – |
| Kyoko Fukada | – |
| Ainosuke Kataoka | – |
| Shinya Shinohara | – |
| Shinju Oozawa | – |
| Shingo Tsurumi | – |
| Ken Mitsuishi | – |
| Fukase (SEKAI NO OWARI) | – |
| Sadao Abe | Shigeru Urushizaki |
■ Upcoming “Friday Roadshow” Lineup:
・Jan 9: The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (Uncut)
・Jan 16: Detective Conan: Episode “One” – The Great Detective Turned Small
・Jan 23: Detective Conan: The Disappearance of Edogawa Conan – The Worst Two Days in History
・Jan 30: Cells at Work! (First terrestrial broadcast, Uncut)
Don’t miss this chance to witness the epic, microscopic war for health from the comfort of your living room!
(C) Akane Shimizu/KODANSHA
(C) Shigemitsu Harada, Issaku Hatsukaya, Akane Shimizu/KODANSHA
(C) 2024 Movie “Hataraku Saibou” Production Committee
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