Prime Video to Exclusively Premiere a New Japanese Drama Series "Human Specimens," on December 18

Japanese Screen Icon HIDETOSHI NISHIJIMA and Rising Kabuki Star SOMEGORÔ ICHIKAWA Unite in Mystery Series. Prime Video's Latest Japanese Original Series Pairs Award-winning Director RYŪICHI HIROKI with Best-selling Mystery Author KANAE MINATO

TOKYO - 12 August 2025 - Today, Prime Video announced that Human Specimens, a new mystery series produced by Amazon MGM Studios, will premiere exclusively on December 18 worldwide. The five-episode series will be released simultaneously worldwide. The new series Human Specimens is the latest addition to Prime membership. Prime members in Japan enjoy savings, convenience, and entertainment, all in a single membership.

Human Specimens is adapted from the novel by Kanae Minato, one of Japan's most celebrated mystery writers, known for her international bestseller Confessions which was adapted into the acclaimed film that represented Japan at the 83rd Academy Awards. The dark tale follows Professor Shirô Sakaki, a butterfly researcher, who confesses to turning six young boys, including his own son Itaru, into "human specimens."

The series stars Hidetoshi Nishijima, one of Japan's most respected actors whose international acclaim has grown significantly following his leading role in the Oscar-winning Drive My Car (2021). With a career spanning over three decades, Nishijima has consistently delivered powerful performances across film and television, earning numerous prestigious awards and critical recognition. In Human Specimens, he takes on the complex role of Professor Shirô Sakaki, delivering a mesmerizing portrayal of a character whose calm exterior masks unfathomable depths. In the role of Sakaki's son is Somegorô Ichikawa, one of the most promising young stars in Kabuki theater, making his contemporary drama debut. At just 20 years old, Ichikawa has already garnered critical acclaim for his performances in Kabuki, Japan's centuries-old theatrical art form recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. His participation in this series marks an exciting convergence of traditional Japanese performing arts and contemporary television, showcasing the dynamic evolution of Japan's entertainment landscape.

Veteran director Ryûichi Hiroki, known for his nuanced portrayal of human psychology in award-winning films such as April Bride (2009) and The Waxing and Waning of the Moon (2022), helms the series. This marks his second collaboration with Minato following their critically acclaimed Motherhood (2022).

The series explores themes universal to mystery dramas while incorporating distinctly Japanese aesthetic elements, particularly through its use of butterfly imagery and artistic presentation. The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, revealing layers of truth behind Professor Sakaki's disturbing actions, while examining the complex dynamics of father-son relationships and the human obsession with preserving beauty.

"We are excited to present to our Prime customers worldwide a new series that will leave a lasting impression," said Thomas Dubois, Head of French and Japanese Originals, Prime Video. "This dark and compelling drama series earnestly confronts the eternal questions that Kanae Minato explores with her sharp pen - the purpose of life and the nature of love. Bringing together the extraordinary talents of Hidetoshi Nishijima and Somegoro Ichikawa, masterfully directed by Ryuichi Hiroki, we have created a series that fully realizes the power of the original work while delivering an intense and unforgettable experience that transcends cultural boundaries."

"The original novel by Ms. Kanae Minato is layered with powerful themes - the infinite depths of parent-child love and conflict, the complexity of human nature, the fine line between art and madness, and the desperate pursuit of beauty," said Hidetoshi Nishijima. "I was captivated by how the story kept surprising me with unexpected turns right up to the end. When I first heard about this project, I knew immediately that I wanted to be involved. Now, working with Director Ryûichi Hiroki for the first time, alongside our incredible cast and crew, we're pushing through the challenges of bringing this story to life. As we near completion, I can't wait for audiences to experience this rich, intense human drama where the truth keeps shifting until the very end."

"Sometimes, humans find a strange beauty in their endless desires and inner darkness. Perhaps this is because these very desires are what make us human," said Somegorô Ichikawa. "Ms. Kanae Minato portrays this human essence through descriptions that are sometimes hard to face yet utterly gripping - impossible to stop once you start reading. It was incredibly exciting to be part of bringing this world to life, alongside Director Hiroki and our team of visual artists who have given physical form to this vision. I also had the pleasure of sharing fresh, inspiring moments with Mr. Nishijima and the rest of the cast. I hope audiences everywhere will get to experience this work."

"As a mystery writer and parent, I challenged myself to tackle 'filicide' - perhaps the most difficult theme for me to imagine," said Kanae Minato. "At the same time, I explored one of my recurring themes since my debut: whether people truly see the same things. I combined this question together with the nature of butterflies and art. It was particularly challenging to express colors and specimen designs through words alone. That's precisely why I strongly hoped for a visual adaptation, and my wish has been granted in the most wonderful way possible. I'm truly excited to see how audiences will respond to this series and what emotions it will evoke in them."

"This series explores humanity's obsession with beauty through the lens of a complex father-son relationship," said Ryûichi Hiroki. "When I first read the original work, while overwhelmed by its profound themes, the sharp insights into human nature and the beautiful world Ms. Kanae Minato created through butterfly motifs proved deeply captivating. The series aims to carefully yet boldly portray a world where love and madness intersect, expressed through butterflies and art. The anticipation of how Prime customers will respond to this unique vision fills me with great excitement."

Human Specimens Overview

Launch: December 18, 2025

Casts: Hidetoshi Nishijima, Somegorô Ichikawa

Original Work: Human Specimens by Kanae Minato (KADOKAWA)

Director: Ryûichi Hiroki

Copyright： ©2025 Amazon Content Services LLC or its Affiliates.

*Membership registration is required to view the show. (for more information about Amazon Prime, visit amazon.co.jp/prime).

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