NEWS

THE SEVEN, Inc., a production studio in Japan known for its Chief Content Officer Akira Morii who produced the hit Netflix series Alice in Borderland, has announced to take part in planning and production of a live-action drama adaptation of the legendary cult favorite manga “KOKUMIN KUIZU” starring Takayuki Yamada, who captivated audiences worldwide with the Netflix series The Naked Director. The drama series will be directed by Teruyuki Yoshida, who directed the NHK historical drama The 13 Lords of The Shogun. The scripts are co-written by the director and Magy, who has diverse talents as a scriptwriter, director and performer in many dramas, films and stage productions. And Akira Morii of THE SEVEN, who led the Netflix series Alice in Borderland and Yu Yu Hakusho to biggest global hit success, will serve as chief producer.

Quiztopia, is a new ultimate dystopian entertainment series adapted from the cult-favorite manga "KOKUMIN KUIZU." Originally written by Reiichi Sugimoto and illustrated by Shinkichi Kato, the manga was serialized in 1993 and became a rare find until its reissue by Ohta Publishing Company due to high demand.
Set in an alternate Japan, the narrative revolves around a government-sanctioned quiz show with supreme authority, as established by the Japanese Constitution. Contestants who win have any wish granted by the government, but those who lose face severe consequences, such as fines, forced labor or conscription. This deadly game tests participants’ resolve to pursue their deepest desires.

“I’ve always wanted to surprise our viewers, and when Producer Sasaki suggested the original work, we were blown away. We immediately approached Netflix to bring it to life as a live-action adaptation. Thanks to an amazing director, cast, and crew, we're thrilled to finally make this announcement. Dystopian Japan depicted in “Quiztopia.” An extravagant and obnoxious quiz show set up by the government to stir up desire, and the people who are misled by it. As you delve into this alternate Japan, a shocking truth will be revealed. Please look forward to it!”

■Profile:
After working on numerous films such as Maborosi, Kids Return, and Blood and Bones, he produced a number of hit series including MOZU (nominated for Best Drama Series at the 43rd at International Emmy Award). Among them, Alice in Borderland which he planned himself, was distributed worldwide as a Netflix series and became a huge hit in Japan and other countries. Since then, he has been one of Japan's leading hit makers with a string of high-profile productions that have become hits around the world, including Alice in Borderland Season 2, Zom 100:Bucket List of the Dead and Yu Yu Hakusho. The highly anticipated Alice in Borderland Season 3 will be streamed this year.

“The world of the original “KOKUMIN KUIZU” is so much more relevant today that it is hard to believe that it was created during the bubble period (economic boom of the 1980s) in Japan. We will do our utmost towards this work that was said to be impossible to make into a live-action film.”

■Profile:
He has produced numerous hit films and TV series, including Library Wars, The Big Bee, Museum, Let's Go, JETS!, AJIN: Demi-Human and Stolen Identity, and served as line producer for the global Netflix hit Alice in Borderland Season 1 and Season 2, and as a producer for Season 3.

“I am enjoying the process of reconstructing the overwhelming visuals of the original work on the world's best visual canvas, Netflix. Like the participants in the Quiztopia, we are greedily trying to catch the best pictures!”

■Profile:
He has worked as a VFX producer for numerous productions such as Fly Me to the Saitama, THE CONFIDENCEMAN JP, City Hunter and Yu Yu Hakusho. At last year's Asian Academy Creative Awards (AACA) 2024, Yu Yu Hakusho won the Grand Prix in the VFX (Visual Effects) category, bringing international recognition to the VFX technology of Japanese works.

Established in January 2022 with investment by TBS HOLDINGS, INC. The company plans, develops and produces high-end content for the entire world, mainly in cooperation with global distribution platforms, and promotes the global content business as the core of the TBS Group's overseas strategy.
These have included a strategic partnership with Netflix, completion of its own dedicated world-standard sound stage, production of Alice in Borderland Season 3, co-development with American and Korean partners, and a partnership with VFX studio.
“Quiztopia” will be the first production planned and produced by THE SEVEN.Netflix, the world's largest online entertainment service, Japan's top-level cast and creators, and THE SEVEN will weave together an astonishing, never-before-seen entertainment experience!

Starring: Takayuki Yamada
Based on the manga: “Kokumin Kuizu” by creator Reiichi Sugimoto, artwork by Shinkichi Kato, 
Published by Ohta Publishing Company
Director: Teruyuki Yoshida
Screenplay: Magy, Teruyuki Yoshida
Executive Producer: Shinichi Takahashi (Netflix)
Chief Producer: Akira Morii (THE SEVEN)
Producers: Hirotake Sasaki (LesPros entertainment), Tomoki Takase (THE SEVEN)
VFX Producer: Tomofumi Akahane (THE SEVEN)
Post Production Supervisor: Norimasa Ishida (THE SEVEN)
In Association with: THE SEVEN, Inc.
Produced by: Netflix
Netflix Official Page: https://www.netflix.com/quiztopia