by The live-action film Cells at Work! is set to make its first-ever terrestrial television broadcast, airing uncut and in its entirety on Friday Road Show. This marks a major milestone for the hugely popular franchise, allowing a broader audience to experience the intense, emotional, and surprisingly educational battle taking place inside the human body.
About “Cells at Work!” – From Manga Phenomenon to Box Office Hit
The film is based on the blockbuster manga Cells at Work!, created by Akane Shimizu, along with its darker and more mature spin-off Cells at Work! BLACK, written by Shigemitsu Harada and illustrated by Issei Hatsuyoshiya.
Released in theaters on December 13, 2024, the film quickly became a sensation thanks to its bold concept: anthropomorphized cells fighting to protect the human body. The movie topped domestic box office rankings for four consecutive weeks and achieved a remarkable ¥6 billion in total earnings, proving its appeal goes far beyond anime fans.
Star-Studded Cast Brings Cells to Life
One of the film’s biggest highlights is its exceptional cast:
- Mei Nagano as the cheerful Red Blood Cell
- Takeru Satoh as the stoic White Blood Cell (Neutrophil)
- Mana Ashida as high school student Hiko Urushizaki
- Sadao Abe as her father, Shigeru
- Supporting roles by Koji Yamamoto, Kyoko Fukada, Riisa Naka, and many more
Their performances give personality and emotional depth to cells that normally go unnoticed, making the microscopic world feel vivid and relatable.
Story Overview: A Battle Inside Two Very Different Bodies
The story unfolds inside the bodies of a father and daughter:
- Hiko Urushizaki lives a healthy, disciplined lifestyle. Inside her body, cells work efficiently and happily, maintaining perfect balance.
- Her father Shigeru, on the other hand, leads an unhealthy life filled with stress, smoking, and poor habits. His cells are overworked, exhausted, and constantly complaining.
Despite their contrasting internal environments, the father and daughter share a warm and lively life—until dangerous pathogens begin their invasion.
What follows is described as the “greatest biological battle in human history,” where red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and countless others fight desperately to protect life itself. The fate of the Urushizaki family and their bodies hangs in the balance.
Global Success and International Recognition
The popularity of Cells at Work! wasn’t limited to Japan:
- Hong Kong: Ranked No.1 among foreign films in both attendance and box office revenue
- Taiwan: Fans organized group viewings, buying out entire screenings
- Philippines: Comedy scenes especially Shigeru’s infamous restroom moment—earned praise as “darkly hilarious and painfully relatable”
The film also screened at major international festivals, including:
- Udine Far East Film Festival (Italy)
- Toronto Japanese Film Festival (Canada)
- Nippon Connection (Frankfurt, Germany)
These screenings highlighted the film’s unique ability to blend education, comedy, action, and human drama.
Production Team and Music That Elevate the Experience
The film is directed by Hideki Takeuchi, known for Fly Me to the Saitama, with a screenplay by Yuichi Tokunaga.
Action sequences were supervised by Takahito Ouchi, whose work includes Rurouni Kenshin and Yu Yu Hakusho.
The powerful theme song, “50%” by Official Hige Dandism, perfectly captures the balance between urgency, hope, and human emotion.
Terrestrial TV Broadcast Details (Friday Road Show)
- Broadcast Date: Friday, January 30, 2026
- Time: 9:00 PM – 11:14 PM (20-minute extended slot)
- Format: Uncut, full-length version
- Note: First-ever terrestrial TV broadcast
Upcoming Friday Road Show Lineup
- January 9 – The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (Uncut)
- January 16 – Detective Conan Episode “ONE”
- January 23 – Detective Conan: The Disappearance of Conan Edogawa
- January 30 – Cells at Work! (First terrestrial broadcast)
Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Broadcast
- Perfect for families and beginners new to anime adaptations
- Combines science, action, humor, and heartfelt storytelling
- Easy to enjoy even without prior knowledge of the manga
- Rare chance to watch the full, uncut version on TV
Whether you’re a long-time fan or completely new to the series, “Cells at Work!” offers a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience that’s both entertaining and surprisingly educational. Don’t miss this historic TV broadcast!
