Prime Video’s Human Specimens, a gripping new Japanese mystery drama is set to premiere on December 18, 2025. Produced by Amazon MGM Studios, the five-episode series is adapted from the novel by acclaimed writer Kanae Minato, best known internationally for Confessions, which inspired the award-winning film that represented Japan at the 83rd Academy Awards.
Human Specimens explores timeless mystery-genre themes through a distinctly Japanese lens, weaving together psychological tension, artistic symbolism, and the complicated relationship between a father and son. As the narrative reveals multiple angles behind Professor Sakaki’s confession, viewers are challenged to piece together the truth hidden beneath calm exteriors and obsessive pursuits of beauty.
A Dark and Intriguing Premise
Human Specimens follows the unsettling confession of Professor Shirô Sakaki, a butterfly researcher who admits to transforming six young boys — including his own son, Itaru — into what he chillingly calls “human specimens.” The story unfolds through shifting perspectives, slowly revealing the truth behind Sakaki’s disturbing actions.
Balancing its mystery elements with themes of obsession, beauty, and family, the series incorporates striking Japanese aesthetics, including symbolic butterfly imagery and artfully composed visuals.
Starring Hidetoshi Nishijima and Somegorô Ichikawa
The series is led by Hidetoshi Nishijima, one of Japan’s most respected screen actors whose global recognition surged after his award-winning performance in Drive My Car (2021). With more than three decades of acclaimed roles across film and television, Nishijima takes on the complex character of Professor Sakaki, delivering a layered performance that anchors the series.
Portraying Sakaki’s son, Itaru, is Somegorô Ichikawa, a rising star from the world of Kabuki theater. At only 20 years old, Ichikawa has already earned praise for his traditional stage work, and Human Specimens marks his debut in contemporary drama. His involvement bridges classical Japanese performing arts with modern storytelling, highlighting a dynamic evolution within Japan’s entertainment scene.
Creative Team
The series is directed by Ryûichi Hiroki, an award-winning filmmaker known for his nuanced character dramas and atmospheric storytelling. Together with Kanae Minato’s source material, the creative pairing promises a tense, emotional, and visually compelling adaptation.
Produced by: Amazon MGM Studios
Directed by: Ryûichi Hiroki
Cast: Hidetoshi Nishijima, Somegorô Ichikawa
Streaming Date: December 18, 2025
