NHK produced two live-action specials in 2002 and 2003, and Fuji TV produced a live-action film in 2004, a live-action series in 2005, a second film in 2006, a third film in 2010, and a fourth film in 2012.
Sato revealed in 2012 that he cut his ties with Fuji TV, saying as a result there would “absolutely” be no more live-action films based on Umizaru.
Manga creator Shuho Sato revealed via his Twitter account on Tuesday that all the contracts for the live-action adaptations of his Umizaru manga have expired as of October.
The manga ran in Shogakukan’s Weekly Young Sunday magazine from 1999 to 2001, and had 12 volumes.