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New Series 'Plastic Beauty' Cuts Deep into Japan's Cosmetic Surgery Industry, Premiering 2026
Following its bold dives into the hidden corners of society - from the adult film industry in The Naked Director to real estate scams in Tokyo Swindlers - Netflix now turns its lens to the flourishing world of cosmetic surgery with the new Japanese series, Plastic Beauty. As society celebrates beauty in diversity and pushes back against lookism, cosmetic procedures continue to be commonplace - proof that in today's world, beauty can be bought.
Premiering in 2026, Plastic Beauty navigates the fine line between self-empowerment and self-obsession, examining the price many are willing to pay for transformation.
The series is directed by Yuki Saito, known for the acclaimed drama Unmet: A Neurosurgeon's Diary, with an original screenplay by Junya Ikegami (The Blood of Wolves, The Queen of Villains). Shinichi Kudo serves as the development producer. Harue Miyake, producer of the Netflix series Tokyo Swindlers, and Katsuhito Motegi, who directed The Queen of Villains, join the project as producers. Together with Netflix, the team conducted extensive research into Japan's modern cosmetic surgery industry to craft an original story.
At the center of Plastic Beauty is Fumi Numata (Mayu Matsuoka), a gifted surgeon whose passion lies in saving lives through medicine. When circumstances push her to shift from general surgery to aesthetics, she finds herself at odds with Rin Tohyama (Riisa Naka), a celebrity cosmetic surgeon who views beauty as a form of salvation. Through their clash and the stories of patients caught in the pursuit of physical perfection, the series unravels the emotional, psychological, and societal pressures behind the beauty boom.
Set against the glittering backdrop of Japan's aesthetic medicine industry, Plastic Beauty is a visually rich and emotionally gripping human drama that examines the allure and the cost of beauty.
Plastic Beauty streams 2026, only on Netflix.
Talent quotes:
Mayu Matsuoka (as Fumi Numata)
I'm grateful for the opportunity to take on a new challenge. The character I play, Fumi Numata, is not a flawless hero who saves everyone - she's filled with prejudice, speaks harshly, acts selfishly, and only moves when something feels right to her. And yet, I admire her determination to protect her family and her refusal to abandon anything once she's committed to it. This series portrays both the glamorous and shadowy sides of plastic surgery, boldly reflecting the endless pursuit of beauty. In an era of unprecedented personal freedom, I hope this story invites viewers to confront their own insecurities and reflect deeply on what beauty really means.
Riisa Naka (as Rin Tohyama)
At first, I was surprised by the boldness of the theme. But the world of beauty is very special to me - it's a place I love. That's why I wanted to portray Rin's strength and inner turmoil with great care. If this series can shine a light on someone's heart or body, and help them love and cherish themselves just a little more, I'll be truly happy.
Yuki Saito (Director)
I'm grateful every day for the chance to work with such a reliable team to create a series from Japan that can resonate with audiences worldwide on Netflix. This story explores both the light and dark sides of the increasingly popular world of plastic surgery. By depicting the inner conflicts behind the pursuit of beauty, I hope we can present a broader spectrum of values. Having two actors as distinct as Mayu Matsuoka and Riisa Naka face off, challenge each other, and ultimately find mutual understanding - if we can capture even the subtlest emotional shifts in their performances, I believe it will deeply resonate with our viewers.
Harue Miyake (Producer)
Today, plastic surgery is no longer a rare choice. The possibility of becoming more beautiful can be both empowering and imprisoning. Rather than glorifying cosmetic surgery, this series focuses on the emotional struggles that lie in the space between what can be changed and what cannot. It is told from both the doctor's and the patient's perspectives. The story also explores the unspoken pressures and difficulties of living in a society with rigid expectations. At its core, it is a tale of sisterhood - women coming together and finding strength in one another. With a cast that brings Ikegami's script to life, and the guidance of director Yuki, we hope to deliver a powerful series that asks, "What does it mean to be true to yourself?"
Shinichi Takahashi (Executive Producer/Netflix)
What is beauty, really? That fundamental question became the starting point for Plastic Beauty. Through rigorous research, this series explores the often untold realities of the glamorous plastic surgery industry, including the procedures many are curious about but hesitant to try. Together with Mayu Matsuoka, Riisa Naka, and director Yuki Saito, we delve into the complex, deeply personal, yet universally relatable pursuit of beauty. Join us on this journey to discover what beauty truly means to you.
About Plastic Beauty
Cast: Mayu Matsuoka, Riisa Naka
Director: Yuki Saito
Screenplay: Junya Ikegami
Producers: Harue Miyake, Katsuhito Motegi
Development Producer: Shinichi Kudo
Production Company: K2 Pictures
Planning and Production: Netflix
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