10 Things I Want to Do Before I Turn 40

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10 Things I Want to Do Before I Turn 40
Cover of vol. 1 of the Japanese version, first released on February 9, 2023 (2023-02-09)
GenreBoys' love[1]
Manga
Written byMamita
Published byLibre
English publisher
ImprintBBC Deluxe
MagazineMagazine Be × Boy
Original runJune 7, 2022 (2022-06-07) – present
Volumes2
Television drama
Directed by
Produced byRina Sobue [ja]
Written byYō Saitō
Music byErina Koyama [ja]
StudioStardust Pictures [ja]
Licensed byGagaOOLala
Original network
Original run July 5, 2025 (2025-07-05) – September 20, 2025 (2025-09-20)
Episodes12
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10 Things I Want to Do Before I Turn 40 (Japanese: 40までにしたい10のこと, Hepburn: Yonjū Made ni Shitai Jū no Koto) is a Japanese manga series by Mamita. It was serialized in the monthly boys' love manga magazine Magazine Be × Boy since June 7, 2022.

A live-action television drama adaptation was broadcast on TV Tokyo from July 5, 2025, to September 20, 2025, as part of their Drama 24 [ja] programming block.

Plot

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In three months, salaryman Suzume Tōjō will turn 40 years old. Having a mid-life crisis, Suzume creates a list of 10 things he wants to do before he reaches that age, as follows:

  1. Have a takoyaki party
  2. Sample all the cakes from the department store food markets
  3. Find a personal style
  4. Go to Harajuku
  5. Try Hyappikiya's parfait
  6. Get a custom-made luxury pillow
  7. Make a special customization of a menu item
  8. Find a lover
  9. Share a kiss
  10. Spend my birthday with a lover

Suzume's list is discovered by Keishi Tanaka, his subordinate and a popular employee at his company. Keishi confesses to Suzume that he, like Suzume, is gay, and that he will help him complete the list as his boyfriend. As Suzume completes each task with Keishi, each experience has him discover a new side to him, and eventually he develops a romantic attraction to him.[2]

Characters

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Suzume Tōjō (十条 雀, Tōjō Suzume)
Voiced by: Atsushi Abe (drama CD)[3]
Portrayed by: Shunsuke Kazama (TV drama)[4]
Suzume is a 39-year-old salaryman approaching his 40s. He has not had a girlfriend in 10 years. As his name means "sparrow" in Japanese, Suzume collects sparrow plushies.[5] Mamita described him as a "goofball" who "makes lists based on what he sees on television."[5]
Keishi Tanaka (田中 慶司, Tanaka Keishi)
Voiced by: Takuya Eguchi (drama CD)[3]
Portrayed by: Kōhei Shōji [ja] (TV drama)[4]
Keishi is Suzume's subordinate at work and also 10 years younger than him. While he pretends to be a playboy around women, he is in love with Suzume. He has a carefree personality.[5] Keishi has two older sisters who taught him how to cook.[5]
Suzuko (すず子)
Suzuko is a cushion designed as a sparrow.[5] Suzume often has imaginary conversations with her.

Media

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Manga

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10 Things I Want to Do Before I Turn 40 was written and illustrated by Mamita. It was serialized in the monthly boys' love manga magazine Magazine Be × Boy since the July 2022 issue released on June 7, 2022.[6] The chapters were later released in two bound volumes by Libre under the BBC Deluxe imprint.[5] The volume release featured several illustration revisions and included three new short stories.[5]

In October 2024, Seven Seas Entertainment announced that they had licensed the series for North American distribution in English.[2]

In 2023, Mamita stated through an interview with Chil Chil [ja] that they focused on showing how creating a list could change a mundane daily routine.[5] The cover illustration of the first volume shows Suzume fulfilling a task on his list that did not appear in the manga.[5]

No. Original release date Original ISBN English release date English ISBN
1 February 9, 2023 (2023-02-09)[7]9784799761328May 6, 2025 (2025-05-06)[8][9]9798893732894
2 February 19, 2025 (2025-02-19)[10]9784799770689TBA—

Audio drama

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An audio drama adapting the manga was released onto CD by Libre under the Cue Egg Label.[3][11] The first volume was released on April 12, 2025, with its limited edition featuring a manga booklet.[12]

Television drama

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Shunsuke Kazama (pictured in 2024) portrayed Suzume in the live-action drama adaptation.

A live-action television drama adaptation of 10 Things I Want to Do Before I Turn 40 was announced on May 28, 2025.[4][13] It was broadcast on TV Tokyo as part of their Drama 24 [ja] programming block from July 5, 2025,[a] to September 20, 2025, with a total of 12 episodes.[4] Additional broadcasts include TV Osaka, Television Saitama, TV Aichi, TV Setouchi, Television Hokkaido, and TV Kyushu.[4] The series is directed by Chihiro Ikeda [ja] and Noriyoshi Kosuge, with Yō Saitō in charge of the script and Erina Koyama [ja] in charge of music.[4] The opening theme song is "Sumire" by Chevon [ja] and the ending theme is "Maboroshi" by The Shes Gone [ja].[14] It was streamed internationally outside of Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and Thailand through GagaOOLala.[15]

Producer Rina Sobue [ja] stated that in an interview with The Television [ja] that a live-action television drama adaptation of 10 Things I Want to Do Before I Turn 40 had been heavily requested, and the manga's publisher Libre had given the rights to TV Tokyo, having been impressed with their late-night television dramas.[1] Several office scenes depicted in the show were created for the drama adaptation, and episode 8 featured original screenplay.[1]

The series stars Shunsuke Kazama as Suzume and Kōhei Shōji [ja] as Keishi.[4] Sobue stated that Kazama was the top choice for Suzume though internal staff discussions, due to his age and because the director, Ikeda, had previously worked with him in the live-action television drama adaptation of the manga Hatsukoi, Zarari [ja].[1] The staff chose Shōji for the role of Keishi, describing his audition as "relaxed, yet sincere."[1]

Additional cast members include Amon Hirai [ja] as Kaede Tanaka, Riko Takayama as Akane Utagawa, and Keisuke Watanabe as Shō Yoshizawa.[16] Sobue stated that their roles had expanded from the original manga, and that Takayama had also been cast at the insistence of Ikeda, who had also worked with her in Hatsukoi, Zarari.[1] Yūki Hirako [ja] from the comedy duo Alco & Peace [ja] was cast as Keisuke Kuroki, an original character created for the drama adaptation.[16] Sobue had created the character while imagining Hirako working at an advertising agency and had personally asked him to play the role.[1] Voice actress Kotono Mitsuishi provides the voice of Suzuko.[14] Sobue asked Mitsuishi to play the role, likening her to her roles as Misato Katsuragi from Neon Genesis Evangelion and Usagi Tsukino from Sailor Moon, and that she had cast Mitsuishi as Suzuko because Suzuko "watched over" Suzume just as Misato had watched over Shinji Ikari and how Sailor Moon had "been by [her] side since childhood."[1]

Episodes

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No.Title [17]Directed byWritten byOriginal release date
1"Between a Boss and His Subordinate... a Sudden Office Love!"
Transliteration: "Joshi to Buka... Totsuzen no Ofisu Rabu!" (Japanese: 上司と部下…突然のオフィスラブ!)		Chihiro Ikeda [ja]Yō SaitōJuly 5, 2025 (2025-07-05)[18]
2"The Finger that Wiped Sauce From My Face"
Transliteration: ""Sōsu, Tsuiteru" Fureru Yubisaki" (Japanese: 「ソース、ついてる」触れる指先)		Chihiro IkedaYō SaitōJuly 12, 2025 (2025-07-12)[19]
3"A Sudden Rainfall, With Wet Hair and Lips"
Transliteration: "Totsuzen no Ame, Nureru Kami to Kuchibiru" (Japanese: 突然の雨、濡れる髪と唇)		Chihiro IkedaYō SaitōJuly 19, 2025 (2025-07-19)[20]
4"A Man I Know From My Past Appears"
Transliteration: "Kako o Shiru Otoko, Tōjō" (Japanese: 過去を知る男、登場)		Noriyoshi KosugeChihiro Ikeda, Yō SaitōJuly 26, 2025 (2025-07-26)[21]
5"Since When Has He Been in Love With Me...?"
Transliteration: "Aitsu, Itsu Kara Ore no Koto o...?" (Japanese: あいつ、いつから俺のことを…?)		Chihiro IkedaYō SaitōAugust 2, 2025 (2025-08-02)[22]
6"Did You Only Plan on Eating Cake?"
Transliteration: "Kēki Taberu Dake no Tsumori Datta?" (Japanese: ケーキ食べるだけのつもりだった?)		Noriyoshi KosugeYō SaitōAugust 9, 2025 (2025-08-09)[23]
7"A Custom-made Luxury Pillow"
Transliteration: "Ōdā Meido no Yabai Makura" (Japanese: オーダーメイドのヤバい枕)		Chihiro IkedaYō SaitōAugust 16, 2025 (2025-08-16)[24]
8"Things I Realized While We Can't See Each Other"
Transliteration: "Aenai Jikan de Kizuita Koto" (Japanese: 会えない時間で気付いたこと)		Noriyoshi KosugeChihiro Ikeda, Yō SaitōAugust 23, 2025 (2025-08-23)[25]
9"An Unlikely Meeting"
Transliteration: "Masaka no, Hachiawase" (Japanese: まさかの、鉢合わせ)		Chihiro IkedaYō SaitōAugust 30, 2025 (2025-08-30)[26]
10"Barbeque at Home!"
Transliteration: "O-uchi de Bābekyū!" (Japanese: おうちでバーベキュー!)		Noriyoshi KosugeYō SaitōSeptember 6, 2025 (2025-09-06)[27]
11"I Don't Want to Regret This Anymore"
Transliteration: "Mou Kōkai wa Shitakunai no ni" (Japanese: もう後悔はしたくないのに)		Chihiro IkedaYō SaitōSeptember 13, 2025 (2025-09-13)[28]
12"Spending My Birthday With My Lover"
Transliteration: "Tanjōbi o Koibito to Sugosu" (Japanese: 誕生日を恋人と過ごす)		Chihiro IkedaYō SaitōSeptember 20, 2025 (2025-09-20)[29]

Reception

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10 Things I Want to Do Before I Turn 40 sold over 750,000 physical copies in 2025.[1] It won the 2024 Digital Comic Award by Comic CMoa in the BL category[30] and Best Comic at the 2024 Chil Chil [ja] BL Award.[31]

Notes

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  1. ^ TV Tokyo lists the broadcast date as July 4, 2025, at 24:12, which is July 5, 2025, at 12:12 AM.[4]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i "「風間さんと庄司くんに頼んで良かった」祖父江Pがキャストの起用理由や撮影の裏話、お気に入り回を語る＜40までにしたい10のこと＞" ["I'm glad I gave the roles to Kazama and Shōji": producer Sobue talks about the reasons behind the casting, secret stories from filming, and her favorite parts (10 Things I Want to Do Before I Turn 40)]. The Television [ja] (in Japanese). September 18, 2025. Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  2. ^ a b Tai, Anita (October 16, 2024). "Seven Seas Licenses IDOL x IDOL STORY!, 10 Things I Want to Do Before I Turn 40, Virgin Marriage: A Maiden Voyage into Passion's Embrace, 4 More Titles". Anime News Network. Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  3. ^ a b c "【本日より予約開始】ドラマCD『40までにしたい10のこと』が発売＆配信決定！　阿部 敦さん＆江口拓也さん出演の特別PV動画や特典・キャンペーン情報も公開!!" [(Preorders open today) Sales and distribution for drama CD for 10 Things I Want to Do Before I Turn 40 have been announced! A preview video has been revealed, featuring Atsushi Abe and Takuya Eguchi; special bonuses; and campaign information!]. Animate (in Japanese). December 6, 2024. Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h "マミタ「40までにしたい10のこと」テレ東でドラマ化　雀役は風間俊介、慶司役は庄司浩平" [Mamita's 10 Things I Want to Do Before I Turn 40 gets live-action drama adaptation on TV Tokyo, Shunsuke Kazama plays Suzume and Kōhei Shōji plays Keishi]. Natalie (in Japanese). May 28, 2025. Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i "マミタ先生インタビュー イケメン部下×枯れチョロ上司！男ふたりのイチャきゅんライフ♥コミックス『40までにしたい10のこと』" [Interview with Mamita: A good-looking subordinate and his shy boss! An exciting lovey dovey life between two men! Comic: 10 Things I Want to Do Before I Turn 40]. Chil Chil [ja] (in Japanese). February 17, 2023. Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  6. ^ MAGAZINE BE×BOY 2022年7月号 [Magazine Be × Boy July 2022 issue]. Magazine Be × Boy (in Japanese). Libre. Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  7. ^ 【2月9日付】本日発売の単行本リスト [(February 9) List of tankōbon released today]. Natalie (in Japanese). February 9, 2023. Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  8. ^ "Book: 10 Things I Want to Do Before I Turn 40". Seven Seas Entertainment. Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  9. ^ Mateo, Alex (May 8, 2025). "North American Anime, Manga Releases, May 4-10". Anime News Network. Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  10. ^ 【2月19日付】本日発売の単行本リスト [(February 19) List of tankōbon released today]. Natalie (in Japanese). February 19, 2025. Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  11. ^ "ドラマCD「40までにしたい10のこと」" [Drama CD: 10 Things I Want to Do Before I Turn 40]. Libre (in Japanese). Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  12. ^ "ドラマCD「40までにしたい10のこと」特装盤【描き下ろしマンガ小冊子セット】" [Drama CD: 10 Things I Want to Do Before I Turn 40 Limited Edition (special manga booklet set)]. Oricon (in Japanese). Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  13. ^ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (May 27, 2025). "10 Things I Want to Do Before I Turn 40 Boys-Love Manga Gets Live-Action Series". Anime News Network. Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  14. ^ a b "「40までにしたい10のこと」すず子の声は三石琴乃「一瞬で虜になってしまいました」" [Kotono Mitsuishi is the voice of Suzuko from 10 Things I Want to Do Before I Turn 40: "I became captivated in just one moment"]. Natalie (in Japanese). June 25, 2025. Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  15. ^ @gagaoolala.official; (June 28, 2025). "𝘾𝙊𝙈𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙎𝙊𝙊𝙉🎬⠀📺 "10 Things I Want to Do Before 40"⠀" – via Instagram.
  16. ^ a b "40までにしたい10のこと、2人がケーキ全制覇に挑戦するビジュアル　キャスト情報も" [Visual for 10 Things I Want to Do Before I Turn 40 visual released, showing the two main characters challenging themselves with conquering a pancake; supporting cast revealed]. Natalie (in Japanese). June 12, 2025. Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  17. ^ "40までにしたい10のこと" [10 Things I Want to Do Before I Turn 40]. U-Next (in Japanese). Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  18. ^ "第1話 ドラマ24　40までにしたい10のこと" [Episode 1, Drama 24, 10 Things I Want to Do Before I Turn 40]. The Television [ja] (in Japanese). Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  19. ^ "第2話 ドラマ24　40までにしたい10のこと" [Episode 2, Drama 24, 10 Things I Want to Do Before I Turn 40]. The Television [ja] (in Japanese). Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  20. ^ "第3話 ドラマ24　40までにしたい10のこと" [Episode 3, Drama 24, 10 Things I Want to Do Before I Turn 40]. The Television [ja] (in Japanese). Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  21. ^ "第4話 ドラマ24　40までにしたい10のこと" [Episode 4, Drama 24, 10 Things I Want to Do Before I Turn 40]. The Television [ja] (in Japanese). Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  22. ^ "第5話 ドラマ24　40までにしたい10のこと" [Episode 5, Drama 24, 10 Things I Want to Do Before I Turn 40]. The Television [ja] (in Japanese). Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  23. ^ "第6話 ドラマ24　40までにしたい10のこと" [Episode 6, Drama 24, 10 Things I Want to Do Before I Turn 40]. The Television [ja] (in Japanese). Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  24. ^ "第7話 ドラマ24　40までにしたい10のこと" [Episode 7, Drama 24, 10 Things I Want to Do Before I Turn 40]. The Television [ja] (in Japanese). Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  25. ^ "第8話 ドラマ24　40までにしたい10のこと" [Episode 8, Drama 24, 10 Things I Want to Do Before I Turn 40]. The Television [ja] (in Japanese). Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  26. ^ "第9話 ドラマ24　40までにしたい10のこと" [Episode 9, Drama 24, 10 Things I Want to Do Before I Turn 40]. The Television [ja] (in Japanese). Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  27. ^ "第10話 ドラマ24　40までにしたい10のこと" [Episode 10, Drama 24, 10 Things I Want to Do Before I Turn 40]. The Television [ja] (in Japanese). Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  28. ^ "第11話 ドラマ24　40までにしたい10のこと" [Episode 11, Drama 24, 10 Things I Want to Do Before I Turn 40]. The Television [ja] (in Japanese). Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  29. ^ "第12話 ドラマ24　40までにしたい10のこと" [Episode 12, Drama 24, 10 Things I Want to Do Before I Turn 40]. The Television [ja] (in Japanese). Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  30. ^ "立花慎之介・たかはし智秋・白井悠介"BL・TL"漫画を生アテレコ 色気漂うセリフに会場沸く" [Shinnosuke Tachibana, Tomoaki Takahashi, and Yusuke Shirai live dubbing session of "BL and TL" manga, sexy lines excite audience]. Oricon (in Japanese). January 25, 2024. Retrieved October 3, 2025.
  31. ^ "総合コミック部門" [Best comic cateory]. Chil Chil (in Japanese). Retrieved October 3, 2025.
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