Scripted

Netflix Japan has ordered Quiztopia, a live-action drama based on Kokumin Kuizu, the cult-favorite manga by Reiichi Sugimoto. The adaptation promises a dark, high-stakes thriller set in an alternate Japan where a ruthless government-run quiz show determines the fate of its participants.

Produced by Netflix in collaboration with Tokyo-based production company The Seven, Quiztopia marks a major venture for the studio, which is led by CCO Akira Morii—best known for producing Netflix’s sci-fi hit Alice in Borderland. The series will be helmed by director Teruyuki Yoshida (The 13 Lords of The Shogun) and will feature acclaimed actor Takayuki Yamada (Socrates in Love) in a leading role.

Set in a dystopian Japan, the story revolves around a deadly game show where contestants compete for the ultimate reward—having their deepest wish granted. However, losing comes at a brutal cost: forced labor or military conscription. The original manga, first published in 1993, recently saw a resurgence in popularity, leading to a reissue by Ohta Publishing Company.

Quiztopia also marks the first production from The Seven since becoming part of TBS and launching its state-of-the-art M6 Studio, a ¥20 billion (US$136 million) facility designed to create high-end content for global streaming audiences.

Reflecting on the project, Akira Morii shared his excitement:“I’ve always sought to surprise audiences, and when producer Sasaki introduced this concept, we knew it had massive potential. We approached Netflix right away to bring it to life as a live-action series. Quiztopia presents an extravagant yet unsettling quiz show designed by the government to fuel ambition and manipulate society. As viewers immerse themselves in this alternate Japan, a shocking truth will be unveiled. "