Riisa Naka of Alice in Borderland fame and Shoplifters star Mayu Matsuoka are set to play competitive surgeons in the upcoming Japanese drama series, Plastic Beauty, premiering on Netflix, which provides a glimpse into Japan’s cosmetic surgery scene.
This series, slated for release in 2026, represents the latest effort from the creators behind Tokyo Swindlers and The Queen of Villains.
Naka, recognized for her performance in Netflix’s popular series Alice in Borderland as well as films like The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, will portray Rin Tohyama, a celebrity plastic surgeon who views beauty as a route to redemption. Her character will find herself at odds with Matsuoka’s Fumi Numata, a devoted physician who is reluctantly drawn from life-saving general surgery into the realm of aesthetic medicine.
Matsuoka, known for her roles in award-winning films such as Shoplifters and Tremble All You Want, plays a doctor whose professional ideals are challenged when she enters the field of cosmetic surgery.
The series delves into themes of change and self-image, set against the backdrop of Japan’s thriving aesthetic medicine industry. Patients striving for ideal beauty navigate the contrasting philosophies of the two surgeons, providing a platform to explore societal beauty norms and personal identity.
Yuki Saito will direct the series, leveraging his experience from the medical drama Unmet: A Neurosurgeon’s Diary. The screenplay is penned by Junya Ikegami, who continues his partnership with Netflix Japan after The Queen of Villains, and is known for The Blood of Wolves.
The production team comprises several seasoned professionals from previous Netflix Japan projects. Harue Miyake, producer of Tokyo Swindlers, teams up again with Katsuhito Motegi, director of The Queen of Villains. Additionally, Shinichi Kudo serves as the development producer, while K2 Pictures manages production.
Saito remarked, “This narrative illustrates both the positive and negative aspects of the growing plastic surgery trend. By showcasing the internal struggles in the pursuit of beauty, I aim to offer a wider range of values. With the dynamic performances of Mayu Matsuoka and Riisa Naka as they challenge one another and eventually find common ground, I believe that even the most subtle emotional nuances can deeply resonate with our audience.”
The creative team conducted thorough research on Japan’s current cosmetic surgery landscape to craft authentic narratives that mirror contemporary practices and patient journeys.
Producer Miyake commented, “Plastic surgery is no longer an uncommon option today. The chance to enhance one’s beauty can feel both liberating and confining. Instead of glamorizing such procedures, this series highlights the emotional turmoil residing in the gray area between what can and cannot be altered. It presents viewpoints from both doctors and patients, addressing the unspoken pressures and challenges of conforming to societal expectations. Ultimately, it’s a story of sisterhood—women united in strength.”
Netflix’s commitment to Plastic Beauty aligns with its approach of addressing provocative social issues through original Japanese content. Previous productions have explored topics such as the adult entertainment sector in The Naked Director and real estate fraud in Tokyo Swindlers.
Shinichi Takahashi, Netflix’s director of live-action creative for Japan, stated, “What does beauty truly mean? This essential question serves as the foundation for Plastic Beauty. Through extensive research, this series sheds light on the often-overlooked realities of the glamorous cosmetic surgery field, including procedures many are curious about yet reluctant to undergo. Together with Mayu Matsuoka, Riisa Naka, and director Yuki Saito, we will explore the intricate, deeply personal, yet universally relatable journey of seeking beauty.”
