Human Vapor is set to release on Netflix this July 2, marking the first collaboration between the streamer and Toho. The series reboots Toho’s legendary 1960 film The Human Vapor as an eight-episode epic drama with an entirely original story reimagined by writer and executive producer Yeon Sang-ho (Train to Busan, Hellbound) and director Shinzo Katayama (Gannibal, Siblings of the Cape).
The series follows Detective Kenji Okamoto (Shun Oguri) and reporter Kyoko Kono (Yu Aoi) as they investigate the “Human Vapor” (UTA), a murderer who can transform his body into gas. The mystery of the Human Vapor becomes an all-out battle driven by clashing agendas, with various factions chasing their own version of justice, truth and control. When the thick gas shrouding the case finally clears, a shocking truth is revealed that shakes Japan to its core.
Human Vapor is developed and produced by TOHO and WOWPOINT, the Korean production company behind Colony and The Ugly. The series sets a new benchmark for Japanese series production, using over 120 locations selected from more than 1,000 scouted sites, and featuring unprecedented car action like a dynamic backflip inspired by major global films such as The Dark Knight and 007.
All eight episodes of Human Vapor start streaming worldwide Thursday, July 2, 2026, only on Netflix. For more information, visit https://www.netflix.com/humanvapor.
