“Human Specimens,” Amazon MGM Studios’ latest Japanese original for Prime Video brings together acclaimed actor Nishijima Hidetoshi with 20-year-old Kabuki theater prodigy Ichikawa Somegorô in a psychological thriller that delves into the darkest corners of human obsession.
Based on a novel by Minato Kanae – whose previous work “Confessions” earned international recognition and an Academy Award submission for Japan – the five-part series follows a butterfly researcher who confesses to turning six young boys, including his own son, into “human specimens.”
Nishijima, whose international profile soared following his lead role in the Oscar-winning “Drive My Car” (2021), takes on the role of Professor Sakaki. Making his first foray into contemporary television drama, Ichikawa has already established himself as a rising talent in traditional Kabuki theater, an art form recognized by UNESCO.
Veteran director Hiroki Ryûichi, known for “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 story unfolds through multiple perspectives, revealing layers of truth behind Professor Sakaki’s disturbing actions while examining complex father-son dynamics and humanity’s 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 at Prime Video. “This dark and compelling drama series earnestly confronts the eternal questions that Minato Kanae explores with her sharp pen – the purpose of life and the nature of love.”
Nishijima added: “The original novel by Minato Kanae 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. I was captivated by how the story kept surprising me with unexpected turns right up to the end.”
Ichikawa said: “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. Minato Kanae portrays this human essence through descriptions that are sometimes hard to face yet utterly gripping – impossible to stop once you start reading.”
Minato added: “As a mystery writer and parent, I challenged myself to tackle ‘filicide’ – perhaps the most difficult theme for me to imagine,” she said. “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.”
Hiroki said: “This series explores humanity’s obsession with beauty through the lens of a complex father-son relationship. The series aims to carefully yet boldly portray a world where love and madness intersect, expressed through butterflies and art.”
“Human Specimens” will be available worldwide exclusively on Prime Video beginning Dec. 18, with all five episodes releasing simultaneously.
