Utsumi Keito is a highly capable manga editor who, beneath his professional exterior, struggles with self-confidence. Rather than trusting himself, he relies on a Chat AI to validate his decisions and maintain his sense of self-worth. When the government suddenly enforces an AI ban, however, his emotional support system disappears overnight. Just then, he receives a message from a company called "Rental Shinyu," which deals in "humanoid AI." Skeptical, Utsumi visits the company and is shown a row of humanoid AIs, among which he finds one that looks exactly like his high school classmate, Fujino Makoto. A few days later, the humanoid AI arrives at Utsumi's house, and their strange cohabitation begins. Fujino always encourages and affirms Utsumi, and just when Utsumi thought this comfortable life would continue, he learns Fujino's secret. (Source: Japanese = thetv.jp || Translation = MyDramaList) Edit Translation
- English
- Español
- Português (Brasil)
- 한국어
- Native Title: Chat Boy
- Also Known As:
- Director: Kakehi Masaya, Eda Yuuka
- Genres: Drama, Sci-Fi
Cast & Credits
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![Masakado Yoshinori in Chat Boy Japanese Drama(2026)]( "Masakado Yoshinori in Chat Boy Japanese Drama(2026)")
Masakado YoshinoriUtsumi KeitoMain Role -
![Kawashima Noel in Chat Boy Japanese Drama(2026)]( "Kawashima Noel in Chat Boy Japanese Drama(2026)")
Kawashima NoelFujino MakotoSupport Role -
![Katagiri Jin in Chat Boy Japanese Drama(2026)]( "Katagiri Jin in Chat Boy Japanese Drama(2026)")
Katagiri JinReitaniSupport Role -
![Ochiai Motoki in Chat Boy Japanese Drama(2026)]( "Ochiai Motoki in Chat Boy Japanese Drama(2026)")
Ochiai MotokiNakazawaSupport Role -
![Wakabayashi Jiei in Chat Boy Japanese Drama(2026)]( "Wakabayashi Jiei in Chat Boy Japanese Drama(2026)")
Wakabayashi JieiYotsuiSupport Role -
![Kikuchi Ginga in Chat Boy Japanese Drama(2026)]( "Kikuchi Ginga in Chat Boy Japanese Drama(2026)")
Kikuchi GingaIchikawaSupport Role
Photos
Reviews
I have to say I had my judgements all ready: vertical drama, previous Esudora with Ryosuke Hashimoto with a completely different tone...
However, Chat Boy turned out to be very well made and managed to cover so many important issues we'e facing in the modern world. From AI to burnout, loneliness and mental health issues (definitely a trigger warning should come with it- feel free to reach out to me if you would like more info/spoilers before watching).
The only thing I would say this show lacked, is that it shed light on so many big societal issues in Japan, but it didn't really give a call to action or leave the viewer wondering what they could do to help/improve these issues. In fact, the ending was where it fell a little short, I feel like we are left with a lot of questions and not really any kind of support system.
I was really happy to see Massan back acting, the last drama I saw him in was Musashino Rondo which I actually really enjoyed. Glad that his acting skills have levelled up, he really nailed some of those emotional scenes.
I think Noel also did an amazing job, great casting because he has that big eyed look which I feel he harnessed really well to give it more a "non human" effect.
I watched the version with all eps edited together like a film and found that really easy to watch, curious to hear about the experience of those who watched episode to episode.
