HATU: Vampire Syndrome

2002•25m

The protagonist, high school student Akira Sakaguchi (played by Atsushi Harada), desires a normal human life, yet he is a vampire who cannot survive without consuming human blood. The series depicts the various human relationships surrounding Akira. It faced accusations of plagiarism for bearing striking similarities to Kazumasa Hirai's novel “The Wolf's Crest,” leading Hirai to publicly criticize Naoyuki Tomomatsu, who served as both screenwriter and director for this work.

Production

Seasons

13 Episodes • Premiered 2002

1. The Transfer Student

Akira (Atsushi Harada), who transferred to the evening high school, immediately became the center of attention among the female students. The male students, displeased by this, picked a fight with him. Akira was injured, but his wounds healed by the next day—only to reveal fangs at the corners of his mouth...

2. Suspicion After School

Homeroom teacher Yukiko (Hitomi Miwa) finds herself drawn to Akira (Atsushi Harada) yet remains puzzled by the scar on his face. She visits his home but is turned away. At the same time, the body of a woman who had been drained of blood is found in the city...