KEY TO LIT’s Mizuki Inoue Joins the Cast of Prime Original Drama “Hanzaisha” (“Criminal”)

The third round of additional cast members has been revealed for the Prime Video original “Hanzaisha” (“Criminal”) (犯罪者), which stars Issei Takahashi, Takumi Saitoh, and Koshi Mizukami in triple lead roles. The drama is based on the novel of the same name by Ai Ota, who has written scripts for popular television shows such as “Aibo” and “TRICK2.” Praised for its meticulous research and intense storytelling, the source material became highly regarded as a crime suspense work and was long considered difficult to adapt for the screen.

Set to start streaming on July 17, the live-action series is directed by Daishi Matsunaga, whose 2022 film “Egoist” received domestic and international acclaim, while the screenplay is penned by Takeharu Sakurai, who is known for productions such as the “Kasouken no Onna” and “Aibo” franchises.

Promotional poster for the Prime Original series 'Hanzaisha: Criminal,' featuring three male characters with a collage of images in the background.

Story Overview

The story begins with a stabbing spree in a station plaza where four people are killed in plain daylight. The perpetrator is found dead on a rooftop shortly after, believed to have died from drug intoxication. The sole survivor, Shuji Shigeto (Koshi Mizukami), receives a mysterious warning from a man in the hospital where he is taken to: “Run. If you survive for another 10 days, you’ll be saved.”

After leaving the hospital and returning to his apartment, Shuji — who strongly refuses police protection — is attacked again by a mysterious assailant. He is then saved in the nick of time by detective Ryosuke Soma (Issei Takahashi), who had come to investigate the case. Ryosuke then asks his friend, freelance writer Nanao Yarimizu (Takumi Saitoh), to help in sheltering Shuji.

Why is Shuji being targeted again? And what does it mean that he will be saved if he survives ten days? As the three investigate the truth behind the stabbing incident, they uncover a web of mysteries involving corporate cover-ups, political corruption, and the existence of a strange disease. Beyond these intertwined secrets lies a shocking truth…

Cast

In addition to its intriguing premise, the drama has attracted significant attention thanks to its highly-respected lead trio:

Issei Takahashi as Ryosuke Soma, an honest investigator whose uncompromising hatred of lies and corruption often isolates him from those around him. Issei has been featured in numerous productions since the 1990s: the drama “Invisible” (2022), the film “Romance Doll” (2020), and the “Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan” series (2020–2024), among countless others.
Takumi Saitoh as freelance writer Nanao Yarimizu. Saitoh has appeared in major productions, including “Shin Ultraman,” and is active not only as an actor but also as a director, screenwriter, and producer.
Koshi Mizukami as Shuji Shigeto, the survivor of the stabbing incident. He debuted in the drama “Meet Me After School” in 2018 and has headlined notable works, including the 2020 dramas “Itoshi no Nina” and “Oedo Mononoke Monogatari” (2020) as well as the 2025 “Wind Breaker” live-action film.

One of the series’ major attractions is its structure, which follows the investigation from the perspectives of these three characters, each occupying a different position in society.

A character relationship chart from a crime drama, detailing various characters and connections, including roles such as CEO, detective, and journalist, with images of each character.

Four new cast members have now been announced in a third wave of additional cast announcements, portraying characters that symbolize different facets of society — from industrial waste management to hotel personnel:

Seiyo Uchino, known for numerous acclaimed works including the “Jin” series (2009–2011) and the film “Hakkenden” (2024), plays the role of Shogo Masaki. A highly respected veteran actor, he has long remained active at the forefront of Japanese entertainment with his powerful presence and versatile performances. In “Hanzaisha,” he portrays the president of a waste disposal company connected to the core of the incident, bringing gravity and tension to the story.
Makita Sports plays Katsuo Sugita, a former high school classmate of Shogo Masaki. Known for appearances in the “What Did You Eat Yesterday?” series (2019–2023) and the film “Golden Kamuy” (2024), he is active as an actor, musician, and writer. His character adds depth to the story as someone who knows Shogo‘s past.
Mizuki Inoue (KEY TO LIT) plays Shun Suezawa, a hotel room attendant. As a Junior (pre-debut) artist under STARTO ENTERTAINMENT, he has starred in dramas such as “Dive!!” (2021) and “Nare no Hate no Bokura” (2023), as well as the film “Otona Najimi” (2023). He brings a transparent and delicate performance style, portraying a socially vulnerable character tied to the incident.
Nazuna Mitsushima plays Natsue Ogawa, a hotel front desk staff member. She has gained attention for her role in the NHK drama “Hirayasumi” (2025) and appears in the film “May You Become an Adult” (2026). Known for her natural acting style, she plays a key role connecting the hotel setting to individuals involved in the case.