Scripted

Fuji Television Network has unveiled new global thriller kiDnap GAME, starring Kentaro Sakaguchi in his first solo lead role for Fuji TV in four years. Produced in collaboration with MakerVille (Hong Kong) and SIMSTORY (Korea), the high-stakes survival drama will film across multiple Asian cities and is already set for broadcast and streaming in 18 territories ahead of its October 2026 launch.
The series begins with simultaneous kidnappings across Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok, Naha and Manila. Families of the victims receive a chilling message warning that only one loved one can be saved, forcing participants into a dangerous race to complete missions before their rivals.

Sakaguchi plays elite investigator Toshiro Niide, a detective known for his uncompromising sense of justice. After his wife becomes one of the kidnapped victims, Niide is ordered to track down the mastermind behind the deadly game.
Speaking about the project, Sakaguchi said: “When I first heard about the scale of the drama, I honestly wondered if it was possible to pull off, but the story became incredibly compelling as we developed it. A series set across multiple Asian cities, bringing together the emotions of different people and cultures, felt very unique and ambitious.” The actor also explained that portraying Niide required expressing a “quiet rage” throughout the series rather than explosive anger, while balancing the character’s grief and emotional intensity. On preparing for the role, Sakaguchi noted: “Because the series includes intense investigation and combat scenes, I trained physically and gained weight for the role. Working with an international cast, I also wanted to create a positive atmosphere on set despite the language barriers and the serious tone of the story.” Calling the production a major step forward for Japanese drama, he added: “This project feels like a bold new challenge for the industry in Japan. Alongside the emotional stakes, the visuals and cinematic scale are going to be breathtaking.”

Producer and director Yusuke Kato said: “I have wanted to collaborate with Kentaro for a long time. When this project finally came together, he was the first and only person I envisioned for the role. It’s not just because he’s a world-class actor with a thriving international career, but because I truly wanted to build the character of Toshiro Niide alongside him. Fortunately, we were able to have countless in-depth discussions long before the cameras started rolling. Watching Kentaro embody Niide—facing a ruthless game and fighting desperately to save the one he loves in a world where you can’t let your guard down for even a second—he became the exact person I had imagined. His breathtaking performance in the final scenes was so powerful that it remains vividly burned into my mind even now.”

“kiDnap GAME” is produced by Fuji Television Network, MakerVille and SIMSTORY, with co-production by Robot Communications Inc and is set to release in October 2026.