Vivant plot: what the series is about
Vivant (original title: VIVANT) is a Japanese crime drama with the scale of an international spy thriller. Its starting point is an ordinary workplace mistake. Yusuke Nogi works in the energy division of a large Japanese trading company, a shosha. A deposit for a solar power project abroad goes out at ten times the agreed amount, leaving roughly 90 million dollars in the wrong hands.
Nogi finds himself under suspicion. To clear his name and recover the money, he travels to the Balkan Republic, a fictional country in Central Asia. What looks like an accounting error starts to point toward something far more dangerous. The trail leads into a web of secret organizations, political scheming and people whose motives are hard to read.
The story moves from Tokyo office corridors to unfamiliar terrain. It blends corporate espionage and adventure with a growing conspiracy. At its centre is one company man pulled into a world much bigger than his job.

What makes Vivant notable: cast, network and format
A star-packed cast. Masato Sakai leads as Yusuke Nogi. He is joined by:
- Hiroshi Abe as Mamoru Nozaki
- Fumi Nikaido as Kaoru Yuzuki
- Tori Matsuzaka as Shun Kurosu
- Kazunari Ninomiya as Nokor
The supporting cast includes:
- Ryo Ryusei as Kotaro Shinjo
- Takashi Yamanaka as Ali
- Kenta Uchino as Sho Suzuki
- Barslkhagva Batbold as Genghis
- Tsaschikher Khatanzorig as Adiel
Network and creative team. The series airs on Japan’s TBS. Katsuo Fukuzawa, Yohei Miyazaki and Akiko Katō directed it. Fukuzawa is also part of the writing team, along with Hayato Miyamoto, Shoki Doi, Masami Ri, Nana Yamamoto and Hiroyuki Yatsu.
Format. Vivant is a returning series with 25 episodes listed across three seasons:
- Season 1: 10 episodes, premiered 16 July 2023
- Season 2: 14 episodes, premiered 19 July 2026
- Season 3: one episode listed so far
Episodes run about 47 minutes each. New episodes are still being released.
Who will enjoy Vivant
- Fans of spy thrillers and political conspiracy stories with an international backdrop
- Viewers who like corporate dramas set inside big Japanese companies
- Anyone who wants adventure and crime mixed with slow-burning mystery
- Followers of Masato Sakai, Hiroshi Abe, Kazunari Ninomiya or Tori Matsuzaka
- Those curious about Japanese dramas that venture far beyond Japan’s borders
Where to watch Vivant in the Philippines
In the Philippines, Vivant is listed on two official platforms:
- Netflix (subscription)
- HBO Max (subscription)
Check each platform for the episodes currently offered. A specific Philippine release date is not yet listed. The series first premiered in Japan on TBS on 16 July 2023.
Trailer
Cast
Masato Sakaias Yusuke Nogi25 episodes
Hiroshi Abeas Mamoru Nozaki25 episodesSee credits →
Fumi Nikaidoas Kaoru Yuzuki25 episodes
Tori Matsuzakaas Shun Kurosu25 episodes
Kazunari Ninomiyaas Nokor25 episodes
Ryo Ryuseias Kotaro Shinjo25 episodes
Takashi Yamanakaas Ali25 episodes
Barslkhagva Batboldas Genghis25 episodes
Photo: TMDB
Episode guide
| Season | Episode | Original air date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Aired | |
| 1 | 2 | Aired | |
| 1 | 3 | Aired | |
| 1 | 4 | Aired | |
| 1 | 5 | Aired | |
| 1 | 6 | Aired | |
| 1 | 7 | Aired | |
| 1 | 8 | Aired | |
| 1 | 9 | Aired | |
| 1 | 10 | Aired | |
| 2 | 1 | Aired | |
| 2 | 2 | Aired | |
| 2 | 3 | Aired | |
| 2 | 4 | Aired | |
| 2 | 5 | Aired | |
| 2 | 6 | Aired | |
| 2 | 7 | Aired | |
| 2 | 8 | Aired | |
| 2 | 9 | Aired | |
| 2 | 10 | Aired | |
| 2 | 11 | Aired | |
| 2 | 12 | Aired | |
| 2 | 13 | Upcoming | |
| 2 | 14 | Upcoming | |
| 3 | 1 | date not announced | Upcoming |
Dates are original broadcast dates in the country of origin (Korea/China). Official streaming platforms in your country may add episodes the same day or later.
FAQ
- What is Vivant about?
- Vivant follows Yusuke Nogi, an employee of a Japanese trading company. He travels to the fictional Central Asian Balkan Republic to recover a massive overpayment. What begins as a costly error draws him into espionage and political conspiracy.
- Who is in the cast of Vivant?
- Masato Sakai stars as Yusuke Nogi, alongside Hiroshi Abe, Fumi Nikaido, Tori Matsuzaka and Kazunari Ninomiya. Ryo Ryusei, Takashi Yamanaka and Kenta Uchino are also in the cast.
- How many episodes does Vivant have?
- There are 25 episodes listed across three seasons: 10 in Season 1, 14 in Season 2 and one listed for Season 3. Episodes run about 47 minutes, and new ones are still being released.
- When was Vivant released, and is there a Philippine release date?
- Vivant premiered on TBS in Japan on 16 July 2023, and Season 2 premiered on 19 July 2026. A specific Philippine release date is not yet listed.
- Where can I watch Vivant legally in the Philippines?
- Vivant is listed on Netflix and HBO Max in the Philippines. Both are subscription services.

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