For anime fans, the quest for legal access to certain titles can feel like an endless trial. Licensing complexities, geographical restrictions, and disappearing content plague the industry. Fans hoping to experience the divine comedy of Saint Young Men, which follows Jesus and Buddha living as roommates in Tokyo, are still out of luck in the United States, as the OVA and film remain unavailable through legal streaming channels.
The Divine Roommates’ Unseen Adventures
Saint Young Men, based on the manga by Hikaru Nakamura, presents a unique premise: Jesus Christ and Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) decide to take a vacation from their divine duties and rent an apartment in modern-day Tokyo. The series chronicles their hilarious attempts to blend in with human society, navigate everyday life, and deal with the quirks of their shared living situation. Their interactions, often stemming from their distinct personalities and divine backgrounds, provide a constant source of comedy.
Licensing Hurdles Block US Access
Despite the popularity and critical acclaim of Saint Young Men, official distribution in the U.S. has been notoriously absent. Unlike many other anime titles that eventually find their way to streaming platforms or physical releases, this particular gem has remained elusive. This situation forces interested viewers to resort to unofficial means, a frustrating reality for those who wish to support the creators and the industry through legitimate channels.
The lack of legal availability is a recurring issue for many anime titles, often due to complex international licensing agreements, differing regional interests, or simply a lack of a distributor willing to take on the project. For fans of Saint Young Men, the hope for a legal viewing option, perhaps through a new subscription service or a dedicated release, persists, but a definitive solution remains out of reach.
Based on reporting from Polygon. Read full report.
