VIVANT Season 2 (2026): The Return of Japan’s Grandest Spy Saga Begins Again

🌍 A New Chapter in Japan’s Most Ambitious Drama

When VIVANT first aired on TBS in 2023, it wasn’t just a drama—it was a national event. Mixing espionage, family secrets, international politics, and breathtaking cinematography, the series captured the imagination of millions. Now, nearly three years later, the VIVANT sequel is officially on its way — premiering in 2026 on TBS’s Sunday Theater slot.

Directed and written by Katsuo Fukuzawa, the creative genius behind Hanzawa Naoki and Black Forceps, this continuation promises to push boundaries even further.

🎬 Recap: The World of “VIVANT”

At its heart, VIVANT told the story of Yusuke Nogi (Masato Sakai) — a Japanese businessman who becomes entangled in a billion-yen conspiracy that drags him into an international web of espionage and terror. What begins as a hunt for missing corporate funds turns into a confrontation with his own past — and a shocking revelation that the terrorist leader Nogon Beki (Koji Yakusho) is none other than his father.

As Nogi grapples with dual identities, shifting loyalties, and moral choices, the line between hero and villain blurs. The first season ends with the symbol of the mysterious red bun, hinting that Nogi’s story—and his mission—is far from over.

“In the end, the enemy was never just out there. It was the shadow within.” – Yusuke Nogi

🕵️‍♂️ Season 2: What Awaits the Return of VIVANT

The upcoming sequel begins right where Season 1 left off. With the Tent organization dismantled and Beki dead, a new mystery emerges. What did the red bun truly symbolize? Why has Nogi been summoned once again by his alter ego “F”?

The new story takes us to Azerbaijan, a location filled with historical and modern contrasts. This massive overseas shoot will reportedly span over two months, showing that VIVANT continues to aim for cinematic excellence rarely seen in TV dramas.

👥 Returning Cast of Legends

Fans will be delighted to see 26 cast members returning, including:

• Masato Sakai as Yusuke Nogi

• Hiroshi Abe as Mamoru Nozaki, the seasoned intelligence officer

• Fumi Nikaido as Kaoru Yuzuki, Nogi’s companion and emotional anchor

• Kazunari Ninomiya as Nokor, Beki’s adopted son and possible new adversary

• Tori Matsuzaka as Shun Kurosu, Nogi’s enigmatic ally

Supporting roles include familiar faces like Fumiyo Kohinata, Gaku Hamada, Ryo Ryusei, Midori Kimura, and Kento Hayashi, alongside new international actors from Mongolia and Azerbaijan.

🌐 Themes: Blood, Betrayal, and Redemption

Season 1 explored the tension between duty and identity, while Season 2 dives deeper into the idea of legacy. How far will Nogi go to escape his father’s shadow? Can loyalty survive in a world built on lies?

In this continuation, viewers can expect:

• Political intrigue spanning Tokyo, Balka, and Baku

• Covert operations within shadowy global networks

• A moral struggle between justice and vengeance

• A deeper exploration of the mysterious group “Beppan”

🎥 Cinematic Scale: Filming in Azerbaijan

The shift from Balka’s deserts to Azerbaijan’s ancient cities and Caspian landscapes represents more than a change in scenery—it’s symbolic of VIVANT’s evolution. The teaser trailer already showcases breathtaking visuals that merge historical grandeur with high-tech espionage, signaling that this sequel will outdo its predecessor in every aspect.

🔥 Why “VIVANT” Redefined Japanese Television

Unlike typical domestic dramas, VIVANT combined Hollywood-scale action with emotional storytelling rooted in Japanese values. Its realistic depiction of international conflict and human psychology set new benchmarks for Asian television.

With the sequel, Fukuzawa aims to expand the universe even further — potentially connecting VIVANT to global spy franchises in tone and ambition.

“I wanted to create something Japan has never seen — a human drama hidden inside a spy thriller.”— Katsuo Fukuzawa, Director & Writer

📺 Where to Watch

• 🗓 Release Year: 2026

• 📡 Network: TBS (Sunday Theater, 9 PM JST)

• 🌏 Streaming Platforms: U-NEXT & Netflix (Worldwide)

• 🎧 Special Feature: VIVANT Alternative Edition: Director’s Commentary (Exclusive on U-NEXT)

💭 What We Expect

With VIVANT Season 2, fans can look forward to:

✅ Mind-bending twists and character revelations

✅ A complex new mission that questions Nogi’s loyalty

✅ Expansive international cinematography

✅ A redefined spy narrative with emotional depth

📖 FAQs About VIVANT (2026)

1. When will VIVANT Season 2 release?

The sequel will air in 2026 on TBS’s Sunday Theater slot at 9 PM JST.

2. Where can I stream VIVANT online?

All episodes will be available on U-NEXT and Netflix globally.

3. Do I need to watch Season 1 before Season 2?

Yes. Season 2 directly continues from the Season 1 finale, so watching the first season is highly recommended.

4. Who is returning in the new season?

Masato Sakai, Hiroshi Abe, Fumi Nikaido, Kazunari Ninomiya, and Tori Matsuzaka are among the 26 returning cast members.

5. Where was VIVANT Season 2 filmed?

Major filming took place in Azerbaijan, featuring unique landscapes and architecture that will define the sequel’s tone.

6. What does “VIVANT” mean?

In Japanese, it was interpreted as “Beppan” — “another group” — symbolizing dual identities and secret lives within the story.

⭐ Final Thoughts

VIVANT returns as Japan’s most ambitious drama — part espionage thriller, part emotional odyssey. As Nogi steps back into the shadows of global conspiracies, the question remains: Can he ever escape the legacy of his father—or the double life within himself?

Stay tuned for more updates, teasers, and streaming dates as the VIVANT sequel approaches in 2026.