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Picture Credit: Netflix
Get ready for your new mystery obsession. FujiTV’s new Japanese forensic drama LOVED ONE is coming to Netflix for international audiences, including in the United States and the United Kingdom. Following its premiere in Japan on April 8, 2026, the series will be available to stream weekly, starting Sunday, April 26th.
This completely original production from Fuji TV marks the much-anticipated return of Dean Fujioka to a leading role on the network after a six-and-a-half-year hiatus. He is joined by the acclaimed actress Kumi Takiuchi in her first on-screen collaboration with Fujioka. The series consists of 11 episodes.
What is LOVED ONE About?
The series tackles the poignant societal issue of deaths in Japan that are classified as having “unknown causes.” The story centers on a newly established forensic investigation team known as “MEJ” (Medical Examiner Japan). The title “LOVED ONE” is a term of respect used by forensic professionals for the deceased, acknowledging that they were once a cherished family member, partner, or friend.
The members of MEJ are tasked with delving into these complex and challenging cases, using the silent traces left behind by the deceased to uncover hidden truths and reveal the proof of the lives they once lived.
Picture Credits: Fuji TV
As per the official site for the show:
- Dean Fujioka plays Masumi Mizusawa: Fujioka portrays an eccentric but brilliant forensic pathologist. After years of working as a medical examiner in the United States, he returns to Japan with his exceptional skills. Described as elite yet unpretentious with an elusive demeanor, Mizusawa is set to be a captivating and unconventional protagonist. Fujioka, a multi-talented actor and musician fluent in several languages, is known for his roles in dramas like The Count of Monte Cristo and the anime theme song “History Maker” for Yuri!!! on Ice.
- Kumi Takiuchi as Maho Kiryu: Takiuchi plays a fiercely ambitious government official who is appointed as the director of MEJ. Raised by a single mother and having relied on government welfare, Kiryu entered the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare with the determination to create a better system for everyone. However, with her career ambitions stalled, she finds herself at a critical juncture. Takiuchi is a celebrated actress with an extensive filmography that includes roles in An Incurable Case of Love and A Balance.
The lead duo is supported by a strong ensemble cast, including Sayaka Yamaguchi as Honoka Dojima, Yusei Yagi as Masato Honda, Keito Tsuna as Rensuke Takamori, Seira Anzai as Suzune Matsubara, Asuka Kawatoko as Yukiko Yoshimoto, Takuya Kusakawa as Takumi Shinozuka, Kazushige Komatsu as Shinya Yamazaki, and Takuro Kamikawa as Kaoru Igawa.
Behind the camera, the series is helmed by directors Hiroaki Matsuyama and Michiko Namiki, with a writing team that includes Yusuke Moriguchi, Sayaka Shito, Kaoru Nakamura, Mayuko Ishida, and Yusuke Sato. The drama takes over the Wednesday 10 p.m. time slot on Fuji TV, which was previously occupied by “Ramune Monkey.”
Will you be checking out LOVED ONE when it drops on Netflix? Let us know in the comments. You can add the title to your queue here.
