“ Human Specimens ,” Amazon MGM Studios’ latest Japanese original for Prime Video brings together acclaimed actor Nishijima Hidetoshi with 20-year-old Kabuki theater prodigy Ichikawa Somegorô in a psychological thriller that delves into the darkest corners of human obsession.

Based on a novel by Minato Kanae – whose previous work “Confessions” earned international recognition and an Academy Award submission for Japan – the five-part series follows a butterfly researcher who confesses to turning six young boys, including his own son, into “human specimens.”

Nishijima, whose international profile soared following his lead role in the Oscar-winning “ Drive My Car ” (2021), takes on the role of Professor Sakaki. Making his first foray into contemporary television drama, Ichikawa has

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