Naoki Serizawa's action-comedy manga "Saru Lock" is being turned into a live-action drama on NTV this summer. The show will star young actor Hayato Ichihara (22), who had a major role in the hit drama "ROOKIES."

The manga tells the story of Yataro Sarumaru (nicknamed "Saru"), a genius locksmith who can open any lock. Like a typical teenage male, he is obsessed with girls, but despite his brilliance as a locksmith, he is sorely lacking in his skills with the opposite sex. While looking for some love, he uses his lockpicking abilities to take on dangerous cases.

Ichihara plays the lead as "Saru." Sei Ashina takes on the heroine role as his childhood friend Ritsuko, an honor student who is always scolding him. Other cast members include Gota Watabe as Saru's accomplice and Sousuke Takaoka as another child friend and police officer.

NTV will air the series on Thursday nights at 11:58pm, starting on July 23. In addition to the drama, there are plans for a movie to be released next year.