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VIVANT
VIVANT Season 2 is airing on TBS's Sunday Theater slot, having premiered July 26, 2026, with two consecutive cours ordered. The season has introduced new cast members, a new Betsuban member, and a mysterious tattooed man, with Episode 13 previewed to reveal the 'biggest traitor.'
Synthesized from 17
Yomimono stories · updated
1d ago
VIVANT returned for a second season on July 26, 2026, after a three-year gap. The premiere picked up immediately after the Season 1 finale, with protagonist Yusuke Nogi responding to an emergency summons. The episode revealed that five Betsuban members had been abducted, sending Nogi to Balka and Cyprus. Surprise cameos included game creator Hideo Kojima as a photo of Superintendent General Ken Watanuki and voice actress Minami Takayama as the new supercomputer AI Hayato.
Leading up to the premiere, TBS reported that free streaming views of Season 1 exceeded 11 million and TVer favorites surpassed 2.2 million, a record for the network's serial dramas. The production also expanded its merchandising and promotional efforts: the first Ichiban Kuji lottery launched with 49 prizes, a Sanrio collaboration produced plush figures, and a behind-the-scenes program, VIVANT-Adventure Log-, began streaming on TVer after each episode.
The season introduced new characters and plot threads. Episode 12 revealed Toshihiko Nagano, managing director of Marubishi Shoji, as a new Betsuban member, confirming a fan theory from Season 1. The same episode introduced a mysterious tattooed man played by Thai actor Pattarapol Kantapoj, whose brief appearance drew viewer attention. A spin-off, Drum: VIVANT The Origin Story, premiered on U-NEXT on July 12, filling in the backstory of the smartphone-voiced partner. The child actor playing Jamaine was recast, with Honma Sae taking over the role. Fans have speculated about a traitor within the group, pointing to a change in Shota Tojo's room decorations as a clue, ahead of Episode 13's promised reveal.
Key facts
- Season 2 premiere date
- July 26, 2026 ↗
- Season 2 run
- Two consecutive cours ↗
- Season 1 free streaming views
- Over 11 million ↗
- New Betsuban member in Episode 12
- Toshihiko Nagano, played by Fumiyo Kohinata ↗
- Mysterious tattooed man actor
- Pattarapol Kantapoj ↗
- Jamaine recast
- Honma Sae replaces Nandin Erdene Khongorzul ↗
- Spin-off premiere
- Drum: VIVANT The Origin Story on U-NEXT, July 12 ↗
- Ichiban Kuji launch
- First VIVANT Ichiban Kuji, 49 prizes, sales from August 1, 2026 ↗
- Episode 13 preview
- Reveals the 'biggest traitor' ↗
Timeline
- Aug 5, 2026 New VIVANT Jamaine Actor Honma Sae Is the Calpis Commercial Kid
- Aug 5, 2026 VIVANT Mystery Thai Man Played by Pattarapol Kantapoj
- Aug 5, 2026 VIVANT Fans See Tojo Traitor Clues in His Room Change
- Aug 3, 2026 VIVANT Episode 12 Reveals New Betsuban Member and Mysterious Tattooed Man
- Jul 26, 2026 First Ichiban Kuji for Sunday Drama VIVANT Reveals 49 Prizes Including Bepan Manju Cushion
- Jul 26, 2026 Masato Sakai Endorses VIVANT Season 2 Premiere Ahead of July 26 Broadcast
- Jul 26, 2026 VIVANT Season 1 Free Streaming Views Top 11 Million Before Season 2
- Jul 19, 2026 VIVANT Season 2 to Explore Unresolved Mysteries From Season 1
- Jul 12, 2026 Drum: VIVANT The Origin Story Adds Three Cast Members
- Jul 12, 2026 VIVANT and Sanrio Team Up for Plush Figures Ahead of Season 2
- Jul 9, 2026 Filmarks 2026 Summer Drama Expectation Ranking: VIVANT Season 2 Leads by Wide Margin
- Jul 5, 2026 Drum: VIVANT The Origin Story Gets July 12 U-NEXT Premiere
- Jun 29, 2026 VIVANT Season 2 Character Visuals Revealed Ahead of July Premiere
- Jun 26, 2026 Behind-the-Scenes Program 'VIVANT-Adventure Log-' Set for VIVANT Sequel
- Jun 19, 2026 VIVANT Season 2 Sets July Premiere, New Truths Expected
- Jun 15, 2026 VIVANT Season 2 Key Visual Reveals 16 Characters Including Two Mysterious New Faces
- Jun 5, 2026 VIVANT Season 1 Free Distribution Tops 4.5 Million Views, Rerun Starts Today
Synthesized by Yomimono from the cited Yomimono stories below, each itself
sourced, then editorially reviewed. Every
fact links the story it came from.
Facts
- Noted
- Pattarapon Kantapot, the Thai actor who plays the tattooed agent Gern in the TBS drama VIVANT, posted on Instagram that fans tell him he resembles Tomoya Nagase and Kazuma Kiryu. · 2026-08-29
- Noted
- He shared comparison photos and thanked fans in Japanese, drawing responses that agree he looks like both. · 2026-08-29
- Noted
- The actor directly acknowledged the viral comparison to Nagase and Kiryu, confirming the fan reactions reached him and inviting continued attention on his still-silent VIVANT character. · 2026-08-29
- Noted
- Kaito Sakurai, who played a young Yusuke Nogu in season one of the Sunday Theater drama VIVANT, is drawing renewed attention as calls grow for his return in the current second season. · 2026-08-29
- Noted
- Three years after a brief flashback appearance, Sakurai's elevated profile makes him a prime candidate for a VIVANT return, with fans speculating on expanded roles. · 2026-08-29
- Noted
- Ninomiya Kazunari, who plays Nokoru in VIVANT Season 2 · 2026-08-28
- Noted
- Sumire Hanaoka is the new Blue Walker in season two of the drama VIVANT. · 2026-08-21
- Noted
- Streaming tickets cost 3,000 yen and go on sale August 20. · 2026-08-19
- Noted
- The archive will be available until September 6. · 2026-08-19
- Noted
- Pattarapon Kantapoj, who plays Thai agent Gern in TBS's drama VIVANT, revealed on Instagram a close-up of the tiger tattoo covering his back. · 2026-08-18
- Noted
- TBS drama VIVANT has collaborated with Kamakura confectioner Toshimaya on Hato Sabure cookies in collectible tins. · 2026-08-15
- Noted
- Two versions, Ver.N and Ver.F, feature the show's characters alongside the brand's signature dove mascot. · 2026-08-15
- Noted
- The tins are available at Toshimaya stores, the TBS Store Tokyo Station, and online for 1,944 yen each. · 2026-08-15
- Noted
- The collaboration extends VIVANT's merchandising push into a beloved regional snack brand, with packaging that nods to the show's plot and characters, and it sold out quickly on its first day. · 2026-08-15
- Noted
- Ai Iinuma, who played Blue Walker in the first season of 'VIVANT,' posted Instagram photos from a shoot for Monthly Basketball magazine. · 2026-08-09
- Noted
- VIVANT producer Kazutaka Iida revealed that actor Yutaka Yamanaka, who plays Ali, continued his furious performance well beyond what aired in episode 12. · 2026-08-08
- Noted
- Iida said the cut footage may surface somewhere, hinting at possible release of extended material from the interrogation scene. · 2026-08-08
- Noted
- Cast members will appear live on the show every Friday starting August 7. · 2026-08-06
- Noted
- On Mondays it will broadcast a portion of the making-of series "VIVANT-Adventure Log-" from TVer. · 2026-08-06
- Noted
- During August, a stamp rally will let viewers enter to win prizes including autographed goods. · 2026-08-06
- Noted
- The collaboration runs alongside the drama's second season, which airs Sundays at 9 p.m. · 2026-08-06
- Noted
- Honma Sae replaces Nandin Erdene Khongorzul as Jamaine in season 2 · 2026-08-05
- Noted
- Episode 12 revealed Toshihiko Nagano as a new Betsuban member, confirming a fan theory. · 2026-08-03
- Noted
- Bandai Spirits announced the prize lineup for the first Ichiban Kuji based on the TBS Sunday drama VIVANT on July 24, 2026 · 2026-07-26
- Noted
- free streaming views of the first season of the drama "VIVANT" have exceeded 11 million · 2026-07-26
- Noted
- TVer favorites have surpassed 2.2 million as of July 23 · 2026-07-26
- Noted
- The second season, starring Masato Sakai, begins airing on July 26 at 9 p.m. in the Sunday Theater slot and will run for two consecutive cours · 2026-07-26
- Noted
- VIVANT Season 2 took first place with 9,912 Clip! · 2026-07-09
- Announced
- live stream and archive of the VIVANT PREMIUM SUMMER PARTY event · 2026-08-19
- Announced
- special collaboration with THE TIME morning program (THE TIME) · 2026-08-06
- Announced
- special events: a fan meeting in August and an immersive drama experience in September · 2026-07-26
- Release
- tv · season 2 · Japan · 2026-08-05
- Release
- tv · 2026-08-02 · Japan · 2026-08-03
- Release
- game · 2026-08-01 · Japan · 2026-07-26
- Release
- tv · 2026-07-26 · JP · 2026-07-26
- Release
- tv · 2026-07-26 (two consecutive cours) · 2026-07-19
- Release
- tv · 2026-07-12 · Japan · 2026-07-05
- Release
- live_action · 2026-07-26 · JP · 2026-06-29
- Release
- tv · July 26, 2026 · 2026-06-19
- Release
- tv · 2026-07-26 · Japan · 2026-06-15
Connections
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All coverage
1d ago
Episode 16 of VIVANT, broadcast August 30, brought back Ryu Minshuen, played by Masato Sakai in his triple role. Ryu was reported to have disappeared and died five years ago. He reappeared before Nozaki (Hiroshi Abe) as a member of the hostile organization Shinshi, and his confrontation scene with his former superior drew heavy attention on social media.
Fans are split on whether Ryu returned as an enemy or an ally. The ally theory draws on the pair's history: Ryu disappeared after going on a reckless mission alone out of a desire to be recognized. Some read the opening line delivered with a slap as a message that Ryu knows all Nozaki's lies, and the confrontation itself as a performance to divert suspicion. Bolder theories propose a secret pact made five years ago to undermine Shinshi from within.
Skeptics counter that a double agent has weak motivation to side with Nozaki at the cost of abandoning his homeland, and that the thrill of finishing off Nozaki with his own hands seems stronger.
Director Miyazaki Yohei said comedian Shinya, who played a mercenary in the flashback, has a brother in the Balka police. Fans connect this to the unnamed officer Shinya played in Season 1 episodes 1 and 2.
4d ago
The 16th episode of TBS's Sunday drama "VIVANT" aired on August 30, and it was revealed that lead actor Sakai Masato is playing a third role. Following protagonist Nogi Yusuke and his alternate personality F, Sakai now plays Liu Mingsheng, an agent with a face identical to Nogi's who once worked alongside Public Security's Nozaki (Abe Hiroshi) during intelligence activities in Beijing five years ago. Liu was reported dead after a solo undercover operation, but he reappears as a member of the mysterious organization Shinshi, bearing torture scars on his forehead. Liu loved Nozaki and knows his methods, putting Nozaki, who carries out double-agent activities, in a tight spot. The episode also confirmed that Chou Keishi, another agent from that time, was played by Mitsuomi Takahashi, who broke through in "GoGo Sentai Boukenger" and previously worked with director Katsuo Fukuzawa on "No Side Game" and "Shitamachi Rocket." Viewers reacted with shock on social media, with comments like "He was alive!" and "Gives me goosebumps." The episode 17 preview shows a decision to abandon the rescue of five Betsuban members, with Nogi stating, "If captured, I will end my life immediately." Episode 17 airs September 6 at 9 p.m.
5d ago
Pattarapon Kantapot, the Thai actor who plays the tattooed agent Gern in the TBS drama VIVANT, posted on Instagram that fans tell him he resembles Tomoya Nagase and Kazuma Kiryu. He shared comparison photos and thanked fans in Japanese, drawing responses that agree he looks like both.
5d ago
Kaito Sakurai, who played a young Yusuke Nogu in season one of the Sunday Theater drama VIVANT, is drawing renewed attention as calls grow for his return in the current second season. His profile has risen sharply since 2023 through lead roles including Aqua Hoshino in Oshi no Ko and Meguru Bachira in Blue Lock.
6d ago
Ninomiya Kazunari, who plays Nokoru in VIVANT Season 2, spoke at the Sunday Theater VIVANT PREMIUM SUMMER PARTY event on August 23 at the National Yoyogi Stadium First Gymnasium before 11,000 fans. Asked whether his screen time was reduced from Season 1, he asked producer Iida Kazutaka directly, who confirmed Nokoru appears more in Season 2. Iida added that based on Ninomiya's social media posts and the number of times he has eaten Midoriyama's tantanmen, there is still more to come.
Aug 23
Gaku Hamada, the actor playing white-hat hacker Tojo Tojo in the TBS Sunday drama "VIVANT" Season 2, attended a one-day event on August 23 and said he was shocked by fan theories about his character. Speaking at the "Sunday Theater VIVANT PREMIUM SUMMER PARTY" at Yoyogi National Stadium First Gymnasium, Hamada said viewers had speculated that because he is the actor, his character would not commit a large betrayal. He said he learned his own product value through that speculation. He added that as an actor he wants to betray the audience, and that the comment suggesting he would not do anything big was a shock. The event also featured cast members including Masato Sakai, Kazuya Ninomiya, Hiroshi Abe, and Ryusei Ryu. Episode 15 aired the same day, showing Tojo being interrogated by Nogi's alternate personality F, who slapped Tojo's cheeks with a fly swatter and warned him he would not be killed if he answered honestly. Tojo wet himself during the scene. Producer Kazutaka Iida called it the funniest episode of Season 2 so far.
Aug 21
Sumire Hanaoka, the new Blue Walker in season two of the drama VIVANT, posted off-shots on social media on August 19. The photos show her eating Betsupan red melon bread, viewing a shark specimen at a museum, and playing in a park. Fans reacted warmly, praising her relaxed vibe.
Aug 19
TBS will live-stream and archive the VIVANT PREMIUM SUMMER PARTY event from Yoyogi Stadium on August 23. Streaming tickets cost 3,000 yen and go on sale August 20. The event features 11 cast members, a big band performance, talk segments, and a mystery-solving activity. The archive will be available until September 6.
Aug 18
Pattarapon Kantapoj, who plays Thai agent Gern in TBS's drama VIVANT, revealed on Instagram a close-up of the tiger tattoo covering his back. The Japanese-style tattoos on Gern's body are Kantapoj's own. Fans reacted with comments like 'Super cool!' and wondered if the back tattoo will appear in the main story.
Aug 17
Takashi Yamanaka, who plays former Tent executive Ali Khan in the second season of TBS's Sunday drama VIVANT, opened a two-day pop-up curry shop in Kichijoji, Tokyo, on August 15 and 16, 2026. The shop, named Street Corner Chicken Curry with Iced Milk Tea, drew attention after Yamanaka posted photos on X and Instagram showing a poster of himself in a red turban and curled beard holding a ladle, which reminded fans of his VIVANT character. Yamanaka, a certified Curry Meister since 2016, has a history of curry-related projects, including a BS11 program where he created original curries. Fans who visited praised the curry's gentle flavor and noted long lines. Yamanaka hinted at a possible future reopening, suggesting the next event may draw even larger crowds.
Aug 17
The TBS drama VIVANT will bring back Chinggis, the Barca Republic police officer played by Barsarakhagva Batbold, in episode 15 airing August 23. It is his first full appearance in season 2, after a brief glimpse in episode 11. His return sets up a possible alliance or conflict with Nogii and Nozaki.
Aug 15
TBS drama VIVANT has collaborated with Kamakura confectioner Toshimaya on Hato Sabure cookies in collectible tins. Two versions, Ver.N and Ver.F, feature the show's characters alongside the brand's signature dove mascot. The tins are available at Toshimaya stores, the TBS Store Tokyo Station, and online for 1,944 yen each.
Aug 15
The official recap project "After VIVANT" for the TBS Sunday drama "VIVANT" released its Episode 13 segment on August 15, and producer Kazutaka Iida discussed the reactions to the revelation that Public Security officer Nozaki Mamoru (Hiroshi Abe) is the true traitor who captured the Separate Unit. In Episode 13, broadcast on August 9, Nogi Yusuke (Masato Sakai) secured custody of former Public Security officer Shinjo (Ryuto Dragon Star), who confessed after torture that he had not sold information on the five Separate Unit members. Producer Iida said the reactions on social media, from friends, and from family were "truly chaos, unlike anything before," and recalled letting out an "Ehhh!" when first reading the script. He also praised Ryuto's performance in the torture scene, noting his extraordinary determination on the filming day. Director Katsuo Fukuzawa had said before Season 1 production that Shinjo would be a key figure in the sequel, and Iida offered Ryuto the role. Meanwhile, the post-broadcast radio program "Villain Meeting Room" on TBS Radio and YouTube featured actor Takaya Sakata as Yamamoto, mimicking Nogi's scream "Nozaki-san ga!!" and being scolded by Wanzu (Yamato Kawachi), which drew laughter from fans.
Aug 12
Knights member Tsuchiya Nobuyuki, who studies at Nihon University College of Art, recreated the interrogation scene from 'VIVANT' Season 2 Episode 12 in a pencil drawing parody. The drawing, posted on Instagram, includes parody elements and has drawn high praise from fans for its quality and humor.
Aug 10
The media platform note has published its 2026 Summer Season Drama Ranking, based on the number of posts using the official prompts '#TVドラマ感想文' or '#ドラマ感想文' along with a program-name hashtag between July 1 and July 31, 2026. The list is led by 'T-Shirt ga Kawaku made' (TBS), an original work by screenwriter Ubukata Miyu, known for 'silent' and 'Umi no Hajimari.' It also drew attention because Aoi Yu starred in a terrestrial drama series for the first time in 18 years. Second place went to 'VIVANT' (TBS), a sequel for the first time in three years since the first season in 2023, which ranked despite only its first episode airing during the aggregation period. The Netflix original 'Gas Ningen' placed third, marking the second consecutive season that a streaming-originated work has broken into the top three, following 'Kyujo no Taizai' in the spring season. The rest of the top 10 includes 'Sayonara Noir,' 'Last Note,' 'Ichijigen no Sashiki,' 'Kokuhaku -25-nenme no Himitsu-,' 'Kimi no Suki wa Muteki,' 'My Fiction,' and 'GTO.'
Aug 9
Ai Iinuma, who played Blue Walker in the first season of 'VIVANT,' posted Instagram photos from a shoot for Monthly Basketball magazine. She left Tanabe Agency in March 2026 and joined TSUKIMI Inc. in April. Her departure from the 'VIVANT' sequel was announced in October 2025, with Sumire Hanaoka taking over the role.
Aug 8
VIVANT producer Kazutaka Iida revealed that actor Yutaka Yamanaka, who plays Ali, continued his furious performance well beyond what aired in episode 12. Iida said the cut footage may surface somewhere, hinting at possible release of extended material from the interrogation scene.
Aug 6
TBS has announced a special collaboration between the Sunday drama "VIVANT" and the morning information program "THE TIME,". Starting August 7, cast members will appear live on the show every Friday. The first guest is Takashi Yamanaka, who plays Ali, a former Japan division executive of the international terrorist organization Tent. Ali fled to Venezuela with his family in the first season and reappeared in episode 12, where he helped protagonist Nogi in Cyprus. The program will feature exclusive advance footage of the drama every Friday, and on Mondays it will broadcast a portion of the making-of series "VIVANT-Adventure Log-" from TVer. Lead actor Masato Sakai and Hiroshi Abe, who plays Osamu Nozaki, will appear on Fridays only for the "Shimaenaga-chan Time Signal" segment. During August, a stamp rally will let viewers enter to win prizes including autographed goods. The collaboration runs alongside the drama's second season, which airs Sundays at 9 p.m.
Aug 5
The child actor playing Jamaine in the second season of TBS's Sunday Theater drama VIVANT has been identified as Honma Sae, a current first-year middle school student. Honma replaces Mongolian child actor Nandin Erdene Khongorzul, who played the role in the first season. The change drew viewer comments, with some noting that since Jamaine now lives in Japan, it might have been difficult for a Mongolian actor to continue, and others accepting it as a common occurrence with child actors. Honma previously appeared in a 2020 Asahi Beverages Koime no Calpis commercial, playing Nagasawa Masami at age 5. In the ad, she pouts and says, "No! I want it stronger!" while pouring Calpis concentrate into a glass. The commercial aired from March 2020, and Honma was selected through audition at age 6. Viewers who recognized her commented, "Is she the kid from the Calpis CM?" and "She's that cute kid who played Nagasawa Masami's childhood; she's grown up." Jamaine is a girl from the Republic of Balka who helped protagonist Nogi Yusuke in the previous season and now lives at his house with doctor Yuki Kaoru. The role change was announced as part of the season 2 cast updates, which also included replacing the character Ota Riho with a different actor.
Aug 5
The mystery tattooed man who appears in episode 12 of TBS Sunday Theater's "VIVANT" is played by Thai actor Pattarapol Kantapoj, who turned 40 this year. The episode, which aired August 2, shows protagonist Yusuke Nogi, played by Masato Sakai, arriving in Bangkok with Drum, played by Tomiei Dora, to pursue Kohtaro Shinjo, the detective suspected of masterminding the abduction of Separate Unit members. While Nogi waits at a restaurant for a new Separate Unit member to join, the tattooed man catches his eye. The official program social media posted a scene cut after broadcast with the caption about a mysterious man glaring at Nogi in a Thai restaurant, suggesting the character's importance. Viewers noted Kantapoj's resemblance to former TOKIO member Tomoya Nagase, and comments on his Instagram suggest the tattoos are his own rather than makeup. His pinned September 2025 pool photo includes Thai text about adding more tattoos, with hashtags referencing Japanese-style tattooing, which fits the show's line that tattoos are part of fashion in Thailand.
Aug 5
A new traitor theory has emerged for the TBS Sunday drama "VIVANT" after its 12th episode aired on August 2. The episode showed a change in the home of white-hat hacker Shota Tojo, played by Gaku Hamada. In Season 1, Tojo's room was filled with merchandise from Tsuburaya Productions' "Ultraman" series, and a poster for the 1999 film "Ultraman Tiga & Ultraman Dyna & Ultraman Gaia: The Battle in Hyperspace" appeared, a movie in which Hamada acted as a child. In Season 2, that merchandise is gone, replaced by posters and figures of the classic pro wrestling manga "Tiger Mask." The manga's protagonist, Naoto Date, donates his prize money to an orphanage anonymously, a practice viewers note resembles the ideology of the terrorist organization Tent, led by Nogoon Beki. On social media, fans speculate that Tojo may sympathize with Tent or is on its side, making the room change foreshadowing that he is the traitor. The next episode, Episode 13, is previewed to reveal the "biggest traitor."
Aug 3
The 12th episode of TBS's Sunday Theater drama "VIVANT" aired on August 2, revealing the identity of the new Betsuban member who appears before protagonist Yugo Nogi. The character is Toshihiko Nagano, the managing director of Marubishi Shoji where Nogi works, played by Fumiyo Kohinata. Nagano had been suspected of being a Betsuban member since season one, with theories about a two-year blank period in his history. Viewers reacted with shock on social media, with comments like "The managing director, really?" and "No way, Nagano-san..." The episode also introduced a mysterious tattooed man played by Thai actor Pattarapol Kantapoj, who appeared for only a few seconds in the final scene. When Nogi's alternate personality "F" points him out, the man glares back, but F denies he is the contact. Nogi notes that tattoos are fashion in Thailand, and the man's identity remains unrevealed. The episode also featured the first appearance of Chokky Thepanit, a monitor for the terrorist organization Tent, played by Thai actor Tanapak Jongjaiphar, whose quirky character drew reactions like "too quirky" and "too intense I trembled."
Jul 26
Bandai Spirits announced the prize lineup for the first Ichiban Kuji based on the TBS Sunday drama VIVANT on July 24, 2026. The lottery-style merchandise set includes 49 prizes across nine grades plus one Last One prize, with items ranging from a Bepan Manju cushion to a Nogi family crest display and an adventure acrylic stand. The A prize is a soft cushion modeled after the key in-show item Bepan Manju, available in two versions: one with the Bepan lettering and one with the Nogi family crest. The B prize is a Nogi family crest display, and the C prize is a large acrylic stand featuring protagonist Nogi Yusuke, marking the first VIVANT product to depict his likeness. Other prizes include bath towels, desktop figures, small plates, hand towels, acrylic assortments, and clear files with stickers. The Last One prize is a large-scale figure of the VIVANT logo. Each Ichiban Kuji draw costs 790 yen. Sales begin sequentially at FamilyMart, bookstores, and hobby shops from August 1, 2026, with online sales starting August 3. Fans on social media expressed strong interest in the Bepan Manju cushion, while some noted the absence of prizes for the character Nozaki, played by Abe Hiroshi.
Jul 26
Masato Sakai, star of TBS's Sunday Theater drama "VIVANT," appeared at a Season 1 special edition screening event on July 25 at Tokyo International Forum Hall A alongside producer Kazutaka Iida and director Yohei Miyazaki. The event preceded the Season 2 premiere, which aired on July 26 at 9 p.m. as Episode 11. Sakai, who had viewed an almost-complete version of the episode, called it "interesting" and said viewers would be drawn in and unable to stop, advising them to prepare everything around them before watching. The episode opens immediately after the Season 1 finale, with protagonist Yusuke Nogi returning from missions against the terrorist organization Tent and spotting a red bun at a shrine, signaling an emergency summons from the Betsuban intelligence unit. The premiere revealed that five Betsuban members have been abducted, including Shun Kurosu played by Tori Matsuzaka, prompting Nogi to travel to Balka and Cyprus. The episode also introduced surprise guest appearances: game creator Hideo Kojima appeared as a photo of Superintendent General Ken Watanuki, and voice actress Minami Takayama voices the new supercomputer AI Hayato. Voice actors Natsuki Hanae and Akari Kito appeared as news anchors, and judoka Natsumi Tsunoda appeared in an airport scene. Takayama, known for voicing Conan Edogawa in "Detective Conan," said she focused on clarity and ease of understanding for the AI role. Director Miyazaki stated the team aims to deliver a work that meets audience expectations.
Jul 26
TBS announced that free streaming views of the first season of the drama "VIVANT" have exceeded 11 million, and TVer favorites have surpassed 2.2 million as of July 23, setting a record for the highest figure among TBS's past serial dramas. The second season, starring Masato Sakai, begins airing on July 26 at 9 p.m. in the Sunday Theater slot and will run for two consecutive cours. The first episode picks up immediately after the first season's final scene, with protagonist Yusuke Nogi responding to an emergency summons from the separate unit. To commemorate the broadcast, Oyatsu Company will release two limited-edition Baby Star Dodekai Ramen flavors inspired by the series starting August 10, and BANDAI SPIRITS will launch an Ichiban Kuji lottery with 49 prize types on August 1. The lottery includes items such as a Betsuhan Manju cushion, a Nogi family crest display, and an acrylic stand featuring Nogi's portrait for the first time as official merchandise.
Jul 19
The second season of the TBS drama VIVANT premieres July 26, retaining its full cast and adding large-scale location shooting in Azerbaijan. Two consecutive cours have been ordered. The article reviews unresolved mysteries from season one, including the fate of terrorist leader Nogon Beki, the true nature of Nozaki, the identity of the alternate personality 'F', and Kaoru Yuki's past.
Jul 12
The spin-off drama "Drum: VIVANT THE ORIGIN STORY" has announced Rei Maruyama, Kumi Goshiro, and Takuro Nagata join the cast. Maruyama plays teacher Marsha, Goshiro plays mother Amira, and Nagata plays servant Nabil. The four-episode series is distributed on U-NEXT starting July 12, with Season 2 of the main series beginning July 26.
Jul 12
TBS drama VIVANT has launched a collaboration with Sanrio characters, featuring plush figures of Hello Kitty, Hangyodon, and others dressed as VIVANT characters. The merchandise is available now on TBS Shopping and at a pop-up shop in Tokyo Station. VIVANT's second season begins July 26.
Jul 9
Filmarks, the Japanese review service, published its 2026 summer drama expectation ranking based on Clip! (want-to-watch) counts. VIVANT Season 2 took first place with 9,912 Clip!, far ahead of second-place Kokuhaku: 25-nenme no Himitsu (2,195 Clip!). The top 10 includes dramas starring Aoi Yu and Hokuto Matsumura, as well as multiple medical-themed works.
Jul 5
A four-episode side story centered on Drum, the smartphone-voiced partner from TBS drama VIVANT, will stream exclusively on U-NEXT starting July 12. The origin story reveals Drum's harsh past and features new cast members Ryohei Otani and Ginji Watanabe. Producer Kazutaka Iida said the story's motif is Harry Potter.
Jun 29
TBS has released new character visuals for the second season of Sunday Theater drama VIVANT, starring Masato Sakai. The visuals, shared on official social media since June 27, include returning characters and two new additions played by Kyoko Miyashita and Tanapak Jongjaiper, whose allegiances are unknown. Season 2 begins immediately after the Season 1 finale and premieres July 26.
Jun 26
TBS announced on June 26 that a behind-the-scenes program titled "VIVANT-Adventure Log-" will be exclusively distributed on TVer after each episode of the VIVANT sequel. The second season of the Sunday Theater drama, starring Masato Sakai, premieres July 26 at 9:00 p.m. and will run for two consecutive cours. The making-of program will cover the approximately 12-month location shoot in Japan and abroad, featuring behind-the-scenes conversations and reflections on roles from cast members including Sakai, Hiroshi Abe, Fumi Nikaido, Kazunari Ninomiya, and Tori Matsuzaka. Previously unseen footage from the first season and stories about the series' creation will also be included. The first season of VIVANT is currently available on TVer until 8:59 p.m. on July 26, while catch-up distribution for the sequel will begin the same day.
Jun 19
The second season of the Sunday Theater drama VIVANT, starring Masato Sakai, will begin on July 26. The first season aired in summer 2023 and became a cultural phenomenon, nominated for the U-Can Shingo Ryukogo Taisho buzzword award for the term BEPPAN/VIVANT. The new season is expected to reveal truths left unresolved in the finale, including the fate of antagonist Nogon Beki.
Jun 15
TBS has released the key visual for the second season of its Sunday Theater drama "VIVANT," which premieres July 26 and will run for two consecutive cours. The image shows 16 characters standing calmly in a desert, with protagonist Yusuke Nogi (Masato Sakai) at the center. Returning cast members include Hiroshi Abe, Fumi Nikaido, Kazunari Ninomiya, Tori Matsuzaka, Ryo Ryusei, and Drum Tomoe. Two unidentified new characters appear on the left edge of the visual. The second season picks up immediately after the first season's finale, with Nogi returning from missions against the terrorist group Tent and receiving an emergency summons signaled by a red bun left at a shrine. The first episode will reveal what happened on the day Nogi shot his biological father, Tent leader Nogon Beki, and the day he reunited with Kaoru and Jamine. Three special events are planned: a digest screening of season one with a talk show on July 25 at Tokyo International Forum, a fan meeting in August, and an experiential event in September where attendees can undertake missions within drama sets in Tokyo and Osaka.
Jun 5
The first season of the TBS Sunday Theater drama "VIVANT" has been re-released for free on TVer and TBS FREE starting June 5, following a previous limited-time distribution from March 22 to April 18 that surpassed 4.5 million total views across all 10 episodes. The series, which originally aired in July 2023, stars Masato Sakai as Yusuke Nogi, a member of the Self-Defense Forces' covert unit Bepan who pursues the international terrorist organization Tent while confronting his own fate. Producer Kazutaka Iida said the first season contains unresolved mysteries and truths that will be revealed in the second season, which is set to air for two consecutive cours starting in July. Iida encouraged both returning viewers to rewatch for unnoticed clues and newcomers to start with the first episode, describing the story as a "great escape drama" that becomes a "hero story" and then a "father-son story." The free viewing period varies by episode.