Format

Nippon TV has announced its return to the Series Mania Forum with the debut of two new scripted formats, the gripping thriller "The Right to Judge" (10x60’), wich has already garnered over 44 million views with its original Japanese version and, a high-stakes suspense drama "Escape" (10x60’).

This year marks the company’s fifth consecutive participation as the sole Japanese firm consistently exhibiting at the Forum since 2021. The delegation will feature high-level executives attending for the first time to bolster international growth: Shinji Enari, Head of Studio Strategy—responsible for scripted series development and greenlighting—and Masanori Kobayashi, Head of Global Strategy Headquarters.

Shinji Enari, Head of Studio Strategy, said: “Nippon TV has a proven track record of bringing dynamic stories to global audiences through scripted formats and co-productions. Building on the success of award-winning titles like 'Mother', we are proud to introduce the new formats, 'The Right to Judge' and 'Escape'.”

Masanori Kobayashi, Head of Global Strategy Headquarters, said: “We look forward to exploring new opportunities to grow our scripted series internationally. Series Mania Forum is the perfect venue to engage with top industry players and foster new global partnerships.”

The company’s lead title for the event is "The Right to Judge". Originally aired in 2025, the series became a massive hit, ranking as Nippon TV’s most-watched drama on national VOD services. The plot follows former elementary school classmates who reunite after 22 years to open a time capsule, only to discover a yearbook where the faces of former bullies have been violently obscured. As group members begin to die in ways that mirror childhood drawings, the former class leader—and lead bully—must team up with a journalist he once targeted to uncover the killer and face their past sins.

Also premiering internationally is "Escape", a fast-paced human suspense story blending romance and mystery. The narrative follows the sheltered heiress of a pharmaceutical empire who, after being kidnapped on her 20th birthday, decides to run away with her abductor to flee her controlling father. The protagonist possesses a secret gift: she can see people's hidden emotions as "colors" through touch. As she and her captor evade pursuers, their connection evolves into a deep emotional bond, leading her to discover the harsh truth about her origins.