The Journey to Killing You is a 2025 Japanese BL series adapted from Asai Sai’s manga Anata wa Korosu Tabi. The series has a total of 6 episodes, with each episode running for approximately 28 minutes.
It is a short BL drama, and you can finish the entire series in under 3 hours. The Journey to Killing You aired from September 26, 2025, to October 24, 2025.
The Journey To Killing You Information
- Native Title: あなたを殺す旅
- Also Known As: A Journey to Kill You , The Journey to Kill You , Anata wa Korosu Tabi
- Episodes: 6 Duration: 28 min.
You can watch on Gagaoolala
The series is adapted from the manga ‘Anata wa Korosu Tabi’ (あなたを殺す旅) by Asai Sai (浅井西). This manga consists of 5 chapters. Unfortunately, it does not have an official English license. However, if you wish to read it, you may be able to find fan translations by searching online.
Content Warning: This series contains themes of dubcon and violence. Please be mindful of these elements before watching.
Understanding the Yakuza
Before diving into the story, here is a brief explanation for anyone who may not be familiar with the name or isn’t entirely sure who they are. This background will make the series much easier to follow.
At its core, the Yakuza is often described as Japan’s version of the mafia, but that comparison doesn’t fully capture what they are. They are not just a criminal organization—they operate with strict codes, deep-rooted traditions, and a strong, family-like hierarchy.
The Boss at the Top
The head of the entire “family” is called the oyabun, which literally means “father.” His authority is absolute, and loyalty to him is the highest principle within the group.
The Iconic Tattoos (Irezumi)
Those large, intricate full-body tattoos—known as irezumi—are far more than decoration. They represent bravery, identity, and a member’s bond with the organization. It is a commitment literally worn on their skin.
The Finger-Cutting Ritual (Yubitsume)
One of the most striking traditions is their ritual of apology. When a member commits a serious mistake, they may cut off a small part of their finger—a practice called yubitsume. It is harsh and painful, yet it has existed in their world for generations as a way to show remorse and accountability.
Keeping this unique blend of honor, loyalty, and violence in mind will truly help you understand why the characters make such difficult decisions and why the bonds between them run so deep.
The Journey To Killing You Plot
The Journey to Killing You tells the story of Odajima, a young Yakuza member tasked with keeping watch over the charismatic but unpredictable Kataoka, following a dangerous conflict within the clan.
Although it appears to be a simple bodyguard assignment on the surface, this situation conceals a much darker reality: Odajima carries a secret mission, one tied to a deep-seated grudge fueled by oaths of vengeance and loyalty.
As the two men spend their days together on the road, a constant tension builds beneath the surface. Kataoka’s disarming warmth clashes with Odajima’s cold determination, sparking an unsettling bond that neither of them can fully name.
The series gradually uncovers the characters’ pasts, where their true loyalties lie, and the perilous line between desire and betrayal—ultimately driving them down a path of no return where every choice carries a heavy cost.
The Journey To Kill You Cast
Characters
Odajima Ren – Takahashi Hiroto
Odajima Ren is a cold and disciplined young member of the Kirii Group. He is assigned to act as the chauffeur and assistant to Kataoka during their journey, but this role is merely a facade.Bound by strict orders from his superiors, Odajima’s true mission is to assassinate his companion, Kataoka. His acceptance of this deadly assignment is driven not only by Yakuza discipline but also by a heavy, unresolved matter from his past.
Kataoka Kinji – Wada Masanari
Kataoka is a charismatic Yakuza boss, popular among women and his subordinates. He appears cheerful and approachable, but beneath this facade lies a mature, composed, and highly strategic leader. His charm is backed by sharp insight and authority, making him both admired and respected.
The Journey To Kill You Official Trailer
The Journey to Kill You Review (8/10)
Honestly, I was not expecting such a deep, emotional, and impactful story from this six-episode mini-series, especially considering the dark and brutal tone it adopted. I’m usually not a huge fan of dark themes, but the Japanese handle these subjects with such mastery; they blend brutal realities with genuine human emotions, resulting in an unforgettable, almost aesthetic experience.
This drama was a journey, as brutal as it was emotional, where we watch a man—who thought he shouldn’t exist, who learned to kill instead of love, and who didn’t fear death because he had nothing left to lose—find his salvation through love. We witnessed how seemingly irreparable wounds were finally healed, and how love could blossom even in the most hopeless moments.
The emotional weight of the series was undoubtedly carried by Odajima. This young Yakuza member appeared cold, stoic, and reserved.
Plagued by a cruel destiny and a tragic past, he was a character who had given up on life, who didn’t know how to love, and saw being loved as a luxury.
Watching Odajima, I cried with him, feared with him, and suffered his pain. Especially after learning his heartbreaking past, I realised that some lives truly cannot be consoled.
Then there is Kataoka, Odajima’s target. Despite being a Yakuza boss, potentially responsible for hundreds of deaths, he is portrayed as a rather kind-hearted and unpredictable character—the complete opposite of Odajima.
Loved by everyone except his step-brother, this man is compassionate even towards his subordinates and strangers he just met, so naturally, he tried to get along well with the cold Odajima.
Seeing Kataoka’s intense desire for Odajima, both in flashbacks and in the present, made me wonder if he had been watching and admiring him from afar for years, although the series didn’t focus heavily on this detail.
The biggest surprise and success of the story, in my opinion, was the irresistible pull between these two contrasting characters. I felt a genuine sweetness and charm in this duo that I haven’t even found in many rom-coms; they were one of the most endearing couples I’ve ever watched!
Their dynamic perfectly fit the description of “black cat and golden retriever.” Odajima’s distant and cold demeanor, combined with Kataoka’s radiating warmth and unexpected kindness, made their chemistry absolutely explode on screen.
The dark atmosphere, the heavy subject matter, and the chemistry between the characters were all excellent. The acting and cinematography particularly stood out; the series favored psychological tension and emotional conflict over action. The drama was never boring; the strategic use of flashbacks skillfully added depth and excitement to the plot, clarifying the characters’ motivations.
The fight scenes, inherent to the Yakuza world, were realistic and effective, supporting the series’ harsh tone. Even the antagonist (Kiriei) was a compelling element that heightened the tension. Ultimately, the series offers a satisfying, tension-filled viewing experience for those who love gradually uncovering secrets.
Overall, I absolutely loved the series. A manga could hardly have been adapted this successfully into a six-episode drama. The Japanese have once again proven their excellence in adaptation and character depth.
However, despite such a powerful story, the finale unfortunately felt rushed. I became so attached to the main couple that I believe an extra one or two episodes, with more time dedicated to the closing scenes, would have provided a much more satisfying conclusion.
If you’d like to read Mafia and Yakuza themed BL, you can take a look at the list I’ve prepared. 👉 Mafia Romance in BL: 17 Amazing Manga and Webtoons to Check Out
