Netflix Expands Japanese Unscripted Slate

Fifteen unscripted projects are in development at Netflix Japan, including a slew of new titles that are slated to debut over the next two years.

The true-crime documentary Tokyo Crime Squad: The Lucie Blackman Case (working title) details the complex investigation into the killing of the eponymous British tourist. Through unprecedented interviews with the Japanese detectives who led the case, the program details how the culprit, who toyed with the police at every stage, was eventually brought to justice.

Tokyo Crime Squad: The Lucie Blackman Case (w/t), produced by Vesuvius Pictures and Beach House Pictures, is set to debut this fall.

On the reality front, season two of The Future Diary, a reboot of a reality show that found success 20 years ago, is coming later this year. Love is Blind: Japan was renewed for a second season, set to air in 2023. Love Village, in which eight men and women live a self-sufficient live together in the mountains to see if love might transpire away from the realities of the world, will make its debut in 2023.

Among Netflix’s new documentaries, Sing, Dance, Act: Kabuki featuring Toma Ikuta follows Japanese actor and former teen idol Toma Ikuta as he trains to participate in Matsuya Onoe’s kabuki stage series. It is set to hit the platform on June 16.

LiSA Another Great Day, meanwhile, explores the true face of Japanese singer LiSA, who is well known for her numerous hit songs, including the theme song of Demon Slayer. The documentary will debut this fall.

The comedy talk show Last One Standing, hosted by the Japanese comedy duo Chidori, is now available on Netflix.

Other global highlights in Netflix’s unscripted catalog are Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend in the U.S. and Brazil, Iron Chef: Brasil, season two of Love is Blind: Brazil, season three of Love is Blind and Carlos Ghosn (w/t).