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New live action Japanese comedy will star Jesus Christ and Buddha hanging out together

10 Comments
By Andrew Kane, RocketNews24

For North American audiences, the idea of a comedic story about the mundane misadventures of Jesus Christ and Gautama Buddha living as roommates might seem strange, perhaps even offensive. In Japan, however, an unlikely living arrangement between the divine duo serves as the premise for a long-running series of comics, "Saint Young Men," by artist Hikaru Nakamura.

The series, which has proven an unlikely critical and commercial success since its creation over a decade ago, started serialization in 2006 and has since yielded 13 complete volumes, as well as several anime adaptations, including an OVA series and feature film both released in 2013. Jesus and Buddha are both presented as easy-going, good-natured young men with ordinary interests like shopping, blog-writing, as well as frequent difficulties with their strict landlord.

The story revolves around the two heavenly beings as they attempt to navigate the typical challenges of mortal existence during an earthbound “vacation” in Tachikawa, a rather ordinary suburban area in the Tokyo metropolitan area. The series draws much of its humor from its matter-of-fact treatment of the two super-powered entities living a low-rent existence in a cheap, flop-house apartment, and includes plenty of observational humor about contemporary life in Japan.

You can watch the trailer of the theatrical version of "Saint Young Men" below.

The two roommates get into many hijinks together, but basically demonstrate the kindness and compassion they’re both traditionally known for. While the series won’t likely win many converts amongst the devoutly religious set, a passing familiarity with some of the protagonists’ past exploits certainly adds to the humor. Animals constantly flock around Buddha, causing the pair trouble since they’re staying in an apartment building whose strict and nosey landlady strictly forbids pets of any kind. Jesus, meanwhile, inadvertently causes a scene by turning water into wine at the local bathhouse.

The announcement of the live-action adaptation was teased in a full-page ad featuring Jesus in a recent issue of Kodansha’s Morning Two magazine, which serializes the comic. Additional details weren’t immediately clear, but it seems additional information will be shared in the magazine on Dec 22.

In the meantime you can get ready by getting your own Buddha statue knit hat or Buddha-shaped chocolates. We’re sure the Buddha in "Saint Young Men" would approve.

Source: Mainichi Shimbun

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10 Comments
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They seem to be missing a character from the other major religion; I wonder why.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Hmm, sounds fun. Just needs some Hindi representation. Unfortunately Hinduism doesn't have a main founder.

Some evangelistic southern Baptist bible thumpers will always be offended. But aside from that it's not expected to be offensive enough to make the Christian majority go nuts and protest.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Its gotta be better than black jesus

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Don't take that to Trumps America! Or Japan will be sunk.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

@Scrote: Because they cannot find a human with a lot of arm, nor any with an elephant head. To portray Mohammad would get a serious backlash as you are not suppose to draw any images of him, let alone have an actor portray him. etc.

I wonder how this will go about. I think I will pick up one copy and check it out. Will they have round eyes?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I find this very offensive, and suspect Japan's large Catholic population would too. Jesus is God, and had many witnesses to his brutal death, subsequent resurrection, and ascension into heaven. Buddha, wherever his is, is still laying in his grave.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

The manga and anime are a big hit in Japan and overseas, hence the movie.

Yeah Buddha is rotting but he never claimed any godhood nor performed miracles.

He was a human who taught a way to become enlightened, which can be attained by anyone regardless of creed, social standing, etc nor did he put down rules on food, sex, kiling, etc those came later added by various groups.

Granted he lived before single god or single entities religions became common, hence his views on them is unknown, but i doubt it would have changed his teachings.

The Manga and Anime uses this to show those differences

0 ( +0 / -0 )

"they’re staying in an apartment building whose strict and nosey landlady strictly forbids pets of any kind."

Good thing there are lots of tower condos that allow pets. What? Not pulling in over 700,000 yen a month? Oh well...

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Jesus is God, and had many witnesses to his brutal death, subsequent resurrection, and ascension into heaven

I personally think the flying spaghetti monster died for my deliverance. Praise his noodly appendage.

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I find this very offensive, and suspect Japan's religious population would too. The flying spaghetti monster is God, and had many witnesses to his brutal death, subsequent resurrection, and ascension into heaven. Buddha, wherever his is, is still laying in his grave.

Better moderator? The gestapo levels of suppression of expression are astounding to say the least!!

Moderator: The expression "flying spaghetti monster" is meaningless drivel. Also, your use of the word "gestapo" is extremely offensive. If you had any idea what the Gestapo were (which you evidently do not), you would realize how inappropriate your use of the word is. A very poor contribution from you. Next time, please post something pertinent and inoffensive to the topic.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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