“There’s no one who doesn’t struggle with sex.”
Sex is a universal human topic — yet somehow taboo.
A human love story that listens to all troubled adults.
Netflix has officially announced the production of “S & X,” a new live-action drama series based on Motoi Tada’s manga “S & X: Confessions of Sex Therapist Ichito Shimotori.” It has drawn attention for tackling modern society’s complex, delicate, and socially charged themes head-on.
The story follows Ichito Shimotori, a sex therapist who treats clients struggling with deeply personal issues, and will be starring Kento Nakajima, known for embodying pure romance in the 2022 Netflix film Love Like the Falling Petals and for his striking presence in the international drama Concordia. He now marks his return to Netflix to deliver a nuanced portrayal of a therapist who is both earnest and warm. With a global rollout planned for 2026, the project is already attracting international attention.
“The way sex therapist Shimotori pays close attention to his patients’ emotional landscapes and gently draws out their feelings reminded me greatly of how I create music. I felt that I could take on this role now, so I accepted,” Kento shared.
At Shimotori Clinic, individuals visit with worries they cannot easily share—sexless marriages, erectile dysfunction, infidelity, sexual trauma, menopause-related issues, and more. Shimotori makes the conscious choice to treat each case with care despite facing social misconceptions and prejudice, while quietly carrying his own unresolved struggles. Through sexuality—a topic that intersects with self-worth, affection, and communication—the story aims to reexamine what it means to understand others and to love.
The path to Kento’s casting originated during the production period of Love Like the Falling Petals, where continued discussions with the producer explored future collaborations. Netflix later expressed a desire to present a universal and timeless theme through Kento. The character’s deeply attentive approach to his clients resonated with Kento’s own creative process in music, which became a pivotal reason for his decision to take the role. “When I read the script, I strongly felt how precious it is to depict sexuality. Each episode portrays something that someone, somewhere can relate to. Even if it’s not relevant to you now, one day—whether in the near or distant future—it may become your own experience. I think the story will resonate deeply.”
Kento commented, “As an ‘idol,’ I reflected deeply on the meaning of taking on a work themed around ‘sex.’ Since filming Love Like the Falling Petals, the producer and I discussed for years what kind of work we could deliver next. Four years later, the Netflix team approached me saying, ‘We want to create a universal story with a global theme—with Kento Nakajima.’”
“S & X” is set for worldwide exclusive streaming on Netflix in 2026. Love Like the Falling Petals continues to perform strongly, especially in Southeast Asia, suggesting that this new series is positioned for similar global momentum. For those who have yet to watch it, this is the perfect time to catch up on Netflix.
Motoi, the original author, commented:
“While writing the manga, I wanted to convey that no one has to shoulder sexual worries alone, and that there are places where you can seek help. I’m very excited, as a viewer, to see how Kento Nakajima expresses such a complex character!”
“Sexual worries are familiar to everyone, yet avoided, misunderstood, or spoken about with prejudice. While writing, I focused on the idea that ‘you don’t have to hold sexual worries alone’ and that ‘there are places to seek help.’ If this work pushes someone forward, I will be happy.
I’m excited to see how the story expands on screen, and how Nakajima portrays Shimotori—a doctor who supports others while carrying his own wounds.”
Producer Mariko Seto shared the motivation behind the series:
“This is a story that faces sexuality and the inner heart directly. Sexual worries differ for everyone. Without being swept up by current trends that dictate what is right or wrong, I hope this series conveys the importance of listening, facing others, and showing empathy.”
“Although S & X deals with sexuality, we never intended to depict it sensationally. This is a story that faces sexuality and the heart directly. Sexual worries differ for everyone. Without being swept up by trends that judge right from wrong, I hope the series conveys the importance of truly listening to one another.
Director Kusano’s thoughtful approach and Nakajima’s sincerity enrich the story with warmth and depth. I hope viewers will stay with it until the end.”
Director Shogo Kusano, who brings both boldness and delicacy to the adaptation with Nakajima, said:
“Just as Shimotori tends to his clients’ concerns, I believe this series will gently accompany the worries of its viewers as well.
There’s no one who doesn’t struggle with sex.”
Through sexuality—not just limited to reproduction, but deeply tied to affection, self-esteem, and relationships—the story invites us to re-examine ourselves, our relationships, and what it means to love.”
“The original work begins with a sex therapist declaring, ‘There’s no one who doesn’t struggle with sex,’ which is bold, yet the story delicately reveals what truly matters. Nakajima plays Shimotori with sharp intellect and sensitivity—sometimes sexy, sometimes comedic, but always compelling. I believe the series will gently accompany viewers’ worries, just as Shimotori does for his clients.”
Executive Producer — Shuhei Akita (Netflix) said:
“Following ‘Love Like the Falling Petals,’ we are thrilled to work with Kento Nakajima on this Netflix series, taking on the theme of ‘sexual worries.’
Tada-sensei’s original manga depicts Shimotori’s growth and love story with humor and sensitivity. In Japanese culture, where ‘public façade’ and ‘private truth’ often differ, sexual worries are something many carry in silence. We hope to deliver a positive, uplifting message through this universal theme. Please look forward to the release.”