TOKYO, thekabarnews.com—Fuji Television will premiere its multinational survival thriller kiDnap GAME in Japan in October 2026. The cast brings together Kentaro Sakaguchi, Lee Joon-gi and leading actors from across Asia.

The original series will air during Fuji TV’s Tuesday 9 p.m. drama slot. Its story begins when kidnappers simultaneously abduct seven people in Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok, Naha and Manila.

As news of the fictional abductions spreads, each victim’s family receives the same chilling message. It says, “How far are you willing to go to save your loved one? Only one can be saved.”

Sakaguchi plays Toshiro Niide, a determined Japanese detective whose wife, Saori, becomes one of the victims. South Korean actor Lee portrays Han Ki-joo, a highly regarded surgeon who enters the game after kidnappers take his young daughter.

The organizers give each contestant a different mission. To rescue their loved one, participants must complete their orders before their rivals.

The game promises to release only one victim. They must decide whether to work together to uncover the mastermind or undermine each other to protect their families.

The mystery surrounding the contestants’ selection—and the unidentified organizer’s real objective—drives the story across seven cities, languages and cultural backgrounds.

Fuji Television developed the KiDnap GAME with Hong Kong-based MakerVille and South Korea’s SIMStory.

Production began in November 2025 and used local crews and performers in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Seoul, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok and Manila.

The companies have secured broadcast and streaming distribution in 18 countries and territories. Viu will carry the drama as a Viu Original in selected markets across Asia, the Middle East and South Africa, according to Fuji Television’s official announcement.

Fuji Television Content Business Department head Kentaro Shibuya described the series as the broadcaster’s first prime-time terrestrial drama. It was developed through an international co-production framework.

“As Fuji Television continues its evolution into a full-scale content company, expanding our IP internationally remains a key strategic priority,” Shibuya said.

The multinational cast includes Taiwan’s Alice Ko, Hong Kong actor and MIRROR member Stanley Yau, Singaporean actress Carrie Wong, Filipino veteran actor Joel Torre and Thai actress Praew Narupornkamol Chaisang.

Japanese cast members include Yuki Sakurai as Niide’s kidnapped wife, Sae Okazaki, Machiko Ono, Shinnosuke Mitsushima, Sho Kasamatsu, Ryutaro Yamasaki and Makita Sports. Fuji Television’s Yusuke Kato directs and produces the series.

The production’s multilingual format and international locations position kiDnap GAME as one of Fuji Television’s largest cross-border drama projects.

The broadcaster said the series aims to present Asian storytelling to a wider global audience. It does so through a single interconnected survival mystery.

Fuji TV has confirmed the October 2026 broadcast window and Tuesday evening time slot. It had not announced the exact premiere date or episode count as of July 31. Viewers can watch the first promotional video through the show’s official Fuji Television page.