Japan’s Blockbuster Drama “VIVANT” Arrives in Los Angeles Just Four Weeks After Premiere by Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS)
Japan Hollywood Network Begins English-Subtitled Air August 23
Japanese television’s blockbuster drama “VIVANT” returns this summer with a highly anticipated second season, bringing its international action, espionage and mystery to audiences in the United States.
Produced by Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) Television, “VIVANT (2026)” premiered in Japan on July 26 and continues the story of Yusuke Nogi, played by popular Japanese actor Masato Sakai. The sequel follows directly from the dramatic conclusion of the original series, which became a major television hit in Japan in 2023.
For viewers in Southern California, Japan Hollywood Network (JHN) will begin broadcasting the English-subtitled “VIVANT (2026)” on Sunday, August 23, at 7 p.m. on Channel 44.1 (KXLA). Following each broadcast, the program will also be available for free nationwide streaming through the Japan Hollywood Network website.
“VIVANT” is known for its large-scale production, international locations, complicated storyline and unexpected twists. The first season attracted considerable attention in Japan with its combination of suspense, action, mystery and emotional drama.
The new season picks up immediately after the final scene of the original series. At the center of the story is Nogi, a trading company employee who secretly serves as a member of Beppan, Japan’s elite covert intelligence unit.
In the first season, Nogi became involved in an international conflict surrounding the terrorist organization Tent, led by his father, Nogoon Beki. The second season brings Beppan into a new crisis involving national security and a conflict of global proportions.
According to the series description, the new story unfolds as a “great vortex involving the world” draws Beppan into another dangerous mission. As the story progresses, viewers are once again challenged to determine who can be trusted and who is an enemy.
The mystery surrounding the title itself also remains an important part of the drama.
Sakai returns as Nogi, joined by a prominent cast including Hiroshi Abe as Nozaki, Fumi Nikaido as Kaoru, Ryohei Matsuda, Kazunari Ninomiya, Koji Yakusho, Ryo Ryusei, Takashi Yamanaka and Tomie Kakei, among others.
The extensive overseas filming and cinematic production give “VIVANT” a scale that is unusual for a weekly Japanese television drama. The second season promises even greater suspense, emotion, betrayal and human drama.
The series is being broadcast in Japan in TBS’s prestigious Sunday Theater (Nichiyō Gekijō) time slot at 9 p.m. Japan time. The second season is also notable for its extended broadcast schedule, running for two consecutive seasons.
For American viewers interested in contemporary Japanese entertainment, JHN’s English-subtitled broadcast provides an opportunity to watch one of Japan’s most talked-about television dramas around the same time as Japanese audiences.
Japan Hollywood Network is a Japanese-language television station based in Los Angeles that aims to introduce Japanese culture and provide news and information to Japanese-speaking communities in the United States.
JHN broadcasts on Channel 44.1 (KXLA-TV) every Sunday evening and serves the Greater Los Angeles and Orange County areas. It also makes selected Japanese television programs available nationwide through streaming, with English subtitles.
“VIVANT (2026)” can be received by viewers within the KXLA broadcasting area. Those using an antenna can find JHN on Channel 44.1. Cable and satellite viewers should check their local listings, including Spectrum/Charter, Cox, DirecTV, Dish and U-Verse.
With its international story, star-studded cast and large-scale production, “VIVANT (2026)” offers American audiences a chance to experience one of Japan’s most ambitious television dramas.
For more information about “VIVANT (2026)” and Japan Hollywood Network’s programming, visit https://jhollywoodnet.com/en/