TOKYO, JAPAN – Fuji Television Network, Inc. (“Fuji TV”), Japan’s leading commercial television network, with MakerVille and SIMSTORY, held the world premiere of the new October drama series kiDnap GAME. The red-carpet ceremony for the new Tuesday 9PM drama airing from October 6, took place at Fuji Television Headquarters. The star-studded cast including Kentaro Sakaguchi, Lee Joon-gi, Sae Okazaki, Alice Ko, Stanley Yau, Carrie Wong, Joel Torre, Praew Narupornkamol Chaisang, Show Kasamatsu, and Shinnosuke Mitsushima, made a spectacular entrance sharing their thoughts on the project and revealed behind-the-scenes stories from the shoot.
From Left: Sae Okazaki, Kentaro Sakaguchi, Lee Joon-giCast including Kentaro Sakaguchi, Lee Joon-gi, and Sae Okazaki Dazzle on the Red Carpet!
As the star-studded cast appeared on the red carpet set along the grand staircase at Fuji Television Headquarters in Tokyo’s Odaiba, the venue erupted in loud applause and cheers. One by one, they descended the staircase, waving to fans, as voices calling their names and cheers in multiple languages filled the air.
Lead actor Kentaro Sakaguchi opened by saying, “It’s been raining a lot lately, so I’m really happy the weather cleared and that we can be here with all of you today.” Lee Joon-gi then added, “I’m just as nervous as the viewers. Please support us,” candidly sharing his feelings ahead of the upcoming broadcast.
Kentaro SakaguchiAs each cast member took turns greeting the audience, Shinnosuke Mitsushima closed the segment with humor, remarking on the sound of a motorcycle passing nearby, “That’s quite something—even the bikes are joining in (laughs). Let’s keep this level of excitement going!” The red-carpet ceremony then ended.
Sharing Their Thoughts on the Project and Behind-the-Scenes Stories at Stage Greeting
Ahead of its premiere broadcast and streaming release, a special advance screening was held. In front of a full house, the cast members, along with Director Yusuke Kato, took the stage and shared their thoughts on the project and their roles.
Director Yusuke Kato commented, “As you can see, this project brought together stars from across Asia, with filming taking place in seven cities and a crew of over 1,000 working tirelessly to bring it to life. We hope you enjoy it.”
All-Star Cast Brings the ‘Life-or-Death Survival Game’ to Life with Intense Performances!
For the cast members who joined from across Asia, participating in the project and attending the world premiere event in Japan marked a special opportunity.
Alice Ko reflected, “This was my first time collaborating with a Japanese production team. I’ve visited Japan before, but this was my first time coming here for a project like this, and thanks to the wonderful cast and crew, we were able to create something truly special.”
And in his comments, Stanley Yau introduced his character, “I play Andy, who is a really smart guy and an international lawyer. He would do everything he needs to do to achieve his goal (to rescue his younger sister). I hope you will enjoy it.”
Carrie Wong added, “It is my also first time working with a Japanese production team on such a big scale, and it is going to air internationally, despite, the whole filming process was mentally and physically challenging, I really enjoyed it a lot.”
Joel Torre commented, “It’s very impressive to have the international cast, Asian actors, even more impressive is the storytelling. Each character has the story; story invented by our director Kato-san.”
Praew Narupornkamol Chaisang added “When I first received the offer, I was so surprised, thrilled, and overjoyed. I’m truly delighted to be a part of such a wonderful project.”
Breaking Language Barriers, Building Bonds: Cast Reveal Behind-the-Scenes Moments
From their surprise at being part of a major international co-production to the growing excitement sparked by reading the script, the cast shared a wide range of stories—from their thoughts before filming to memorable on-set episodes.
Sakaguchi shared a unique experience from the internationally diverse set, saying, “Looking back on the first scene after filming began, I realized I was speaking entirely in English—I didn’t use a single word of Japanese.” He added, “I’d like to first express my gratitude for the passion and ambition to create such an internationally rich project,” conveying his appreciation for the staff.
Lee Joon-gi commented, “I’m honored to be part of a project of this scale. It was an incredible experience for all of us, filled with energy, and I hope audiences can feel that as well. I also hope the project will be a success and serve as a model for future international co-productions.”
Kasamatsu reflected, “It had been about seven years since I last worked with the director, and I vividly remember him excitedly presenting the proposal, saying things like, ‘This is what we’re going to do,’ and even joking, ‘We might even stop a train.’” He conveyed the sense of scale he had felt from the project’s early planning stages.
To close the event, Kentaro Sakaguchi delivered a message on behalf of the cast: “I’m standing here alongside incredible actors from different cities, but in fact, some of us don’t meet in the drama. This is the first time all the participants of kiDnap GAME have come together like this, so I’m truly happy. I believe this is a story where the characters connect with one another, sometimes clash, and reveal a wide range of human emotions. I hope audiences will enjoy not only its grand scale, but also the subtle emotional nuances.”
Set across Japan and beyond, kiDnap GAME unfolds in locations throughout Asia, where individuals from different walks of life are drawn across borders into a single ‘game.’ What truth awaits them at the end? Following a world premiere event where the cast and director shared behind-the-scenes stories and their thoughts on the project, the story finally begins on October 6.
kiDnap GAME represents a definitive synergy of cross-border financing and creative collaboration. Anchored by Japan’s Kentaro Sakaguchi as the lead, alongside South Korean superstar Lee Joon-gi, this powerhouse collaboration between Japan, Hong Kong and South Korea has already evolved into massive pan-Asian phenomenon.
Principal photography has been underway across multiple Asian hubs since production commenced in November 2025. While the core creative team is led by Fuji Television’s top Japanese showrunners, the production seamlessly utilizes fully localized crews and elite regional talent, with support from MakerVille and SIMSTORY, in every featured city—including Tokyo, Hong Kong, Seoul, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok, and Manila. This unprecedented international integration redefines the boundaries of global television.
Conceived three years ago with the bold vision of creating a Japanese-led survival thriller built for a massive global impact, the project has rapidly secured broadcast and streaming distribution across 28 (Oct. 2）territories including Viu markets across Asia, Middle East and South Africa, with now more added. Engineered to captivate an international audience, this high-stakes thriller is being crafted with cinematic tension to ensure the highest standards of production quality.
<STORY>
The saga kicks off with a wave of simultaneous abductions paralyzing seven major Asian cities: Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok, Naha, and Manila. As sensational headlines grip the globe, the families of the victims receive a chilling email: “How far are you willing to go to save your loved one? Only one can be saved.” Each contestant in this twisted game is handed a unique set of directives. To rescue their loved ones, they must complete their missions before anyone else. Seven strangers—divided by nationality, background, and faith—are thrust together by fate. But why were they chosen? Who is the mastermind pulling the strings of this survival game? And what is their true endgame? The curtain rises on “kiDnap GAME”—a lethal, high-stakes battle for survival pushed to the absolute limit.
About Fuji Television Network, Inc.
Since its establishment in 1959, Fuji Television has shared countless stories of love and friendship, good and evil. Fuji Television has maintained its position as the leading commercial broadcaster in the Japanese media industry, by delivering innovative dramas, variety shows, news, sports programs, and motion pictures. With its established status in premium content production, Fuji Television has accumulated extensive expertise and knowledge in producing hit TV shows, award-winning dramas and films, and globally successful formats, such as “Hole In the Wall”, “Run for Money” and “Iron Chef”, prompting both scripted and unscripted adaptations in local markets, as well as co-producing original content with major global production companies. For more information visit www.fujitv.com.
kiDnap GAME (Official Website)
https://www.fujitv.co.jp/kidnap-game
News release
https://www.fujitv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/4af09a79decca0d2c86aa9acbeeb85e9.pdf