Takahashi Issey, Saitoh Takumi, Mizukami Koshi to Star in Prime Video Japan Crime Thriller ‘Hanzaisha’ (EXCLUSIVE)

Prime Video has unveiled “Hanzaisha,” a Japanese original drama series adapted from Ota Ai‘s novel of the same name.

The series will roll out weekly over four consecutive weeks. Matsunaga Daishi – whose feature “Egoist” drew critical recognition in Japan and abroad – directs, with a screenplay by Sakurai Takeharu, a frequent contributor to the long-running “Aibou” television franchise and the theatrical “Detective Conan” series. Sakurai’s work on “Detective Conan: Black Iron Submarine” helped make it the first entry in that franchise to cross JPY10 billion yen ($62.4 million) at the Japanese box office. Music is by composer Kawai Kenji.

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The story follows Shigetou Shuji (Mizukami Koshi), the sole survivor of a mass stabbing at a crowded station plaza. When the suspected attacker – identified as a drug addict – dies at the scene, a stranger appears at the hospital to warn Shuji that he has 10 days to stay alive. Targeted again almost immediately, Shuji is rescued by detective Soma Ryosuke (Takahashi Issey), who turns to former television journalist Yarimizu Nanao (Saitoh Takumi) for help sheltering him. The trio’s investigation draws them into a sprawling conspiracy involving corporate malfeasance, political interference and a concealed illness.

Ota Ai, whose credits as a screenwriter include the “Aibou” series and “Trick2,” had turned down several previous adaptation approaches for the debut novel, citing longstanding concern that sponsorship pressures would force changes to the story’s essential elements. “On this occasion, however, I was presented with an offer for an adaptation in what I consider to be the best possible form, and I decided that, under those circumstances, I could entrust the original work,” Ota said.

Matsunaga made his feature debut with “Pieta in the Toilet” before garnering wider attention for “Egoist.” “Rather than trying to neatly package the story, we were propelled by the overwhelming energy of the original work and took on the four-month shoot with a determination to challenge ourselves each day,” he said.

Takahashi, known for the drama “Quartet” and the “Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan” series, said: “As I started to see the figures of those who continue to resist within the story, I sensed that it might offer an opportunity to reexamine my own way of life and my place. With that feeling, I knew I had to be part of this project.”

Saitoh is known internationally for his roles in “Shin Ultraman” and “Bullet Train” and is also active as a director and producer. Mizukami debuted in the drama “Meet Me After School” and has since appeared in “Till We Meet Again on the Lily Hill”; his upcoming film “The Roundup” is also in the pipeline.

“We are confident this film will leave a lasting impression not only on existing fans but also on audiences around the world,” said Keisuke Oishi, country manager of Prime Video Japan.

“Hanzaisha” is produced by Protx and premieres July 17.