Netflix is heading back to the streets of Shinjuku.
The streamer has set City Hunter 2, a sequel to its hit Japanese live-action adaptation of Tsukasa Hojo’s beloved manga, with a global launch planned for 2027. Ryohei Suzuki will return for the new feature as Ryo Saeba, the sharp-shooting private “sweeper” whose mix of deadpan banter, physical prowess and incorrigible longing for beautiful women made him one of manga’s defining action-comedy heroes.
Misato Morita is also back as Kaori Makimura, Ryo’s indispensable partner, while Fumino Kimura returns as the quick-witted detective Saeko Nogami. Keiichiro Shiraki, who helmed the first film, returns to direct from a script by Junpei Yamaoka.
First published in 1985, Hojo’s City Hunter has sold more than 50 million copies and remains one of the foundational titles of modern Japanese pop culture, spawning anime series, films, games and stage adaptations over the decades. Netflix’s first live-action City Hunter, released in 2024, proved a solid launch for the property on the platform, debuting at No. 1 on Netflix’s Global Top 10 list for non-English films and reaching the top 10 in 32 countries, including Japan, France, South Korea, Hong Kong and Brazil. Netflix says the release also triggered a spike in sales of the original manga.
The sequel will push further into the world of Hojo’s original creation, with Suzuki again playing the “cool yet goofy” fixer for hire who navigates Tokyo’s criminal underworld with expert marksmanship and a cool head — until an attractive woman enters the frame.
“It’s thanks to everyone who loved and supported the previous film that we are able to bring you this new installment. I’m truly grateful,” Suzuki said in a statement. “Once again, we are entrusted with Tsukasa Hojo’s beloved original work, as well as the story cherished by fans around the world. With that responsibility in mind, I am approaching the filming with a strong sense of tension and determination. The previous film depicted the origin story between Ryo and Kaori. In this sequel, we’re delivering what you might call the most quintessential version of City Hunter yet.”
Netflix’s latest title art for ‘City Hunter 2’
Netflix
Hojo added: “I’m truly relieved and delighted to finally be able to officially share this news with everyone. I recently had the opportunity to visit the set, and I was deeply impressed by the incredible passion of Ryohei Suzuki and the director. In particular, Ryohei’s physical transformation was remarkable — it clearly reflected his dedication and commitment to every project he takes on. I have no doubt that this will be a fantastic piece of art filled with the passion of everyone involved.”
For Shiraki, the second stab at the material comes with both nostalgia and the burden of responsibility. “City Hunter was a series I was completely absorbed in as a boy, through both the manga and anime,” the director said. “Rather than pure excitement, I feel the immense pressure and challenge of taking on such a legendary work. How can we bring the world of the original to life in the Reiwa era without losing what makes it special? It truly feels like trying to thread a needle. Together with Ryohei Suzuki — who is a bundle of pure love for the original work — we’ve been holding daily meetings at a family restaurant somewhere in Tokyo. Our passionate team is steadily bringing our ideas and vision to life.”
The first film was one of Netflix Japan’s most notable recent local-language success stories, offering a slick, faithful take on a property long considered difficult to adapt in live action. The streamer also says the production delivered a local economic boost to the Japanese city of Kobe through location shooting at industrial heritage sites.
“We are truly delighted to bring you the first-ever sequel to a Netflix film from Japan,” said Shinichi Takahashi, director of live action creative for Netflix Japan. “Filming is already underway, and with deep respect for Tsukasa Hojo’s iconic original work, Ryohei Suzuki, Misato Morita, and the entire cast, along with the director and crew, are bringing this new installment to life with an even greater level of passion than before. I can hardly contain my excitement to see Ryo, Kaori, and the others once again racing through the streets of Shinjuku in their signature ‘cool yet goofy’ style. We promise an exhilarating entertainment experience not only for longtime fans, but also for those discovering City Hunter for the first time.”
