Netflix launches Japanese series 'Human Vapor' and live‑action 'Great Teacher Onizuka

Netflix’s eight‑episode Japanese sci‑fi thriller “Human Vapor” has amassed 24.3 million viewing hours since its July 2 debut, propelling it into the platform’s Global Top 10 Non‑English TV rankings. The series, a modern reimagining of a 1960 Toho cult film, blends crime drama, political conspiracy, body horror and science‑fiction, and drew more than two million views in its first week.

The streaming service also released the first episode of a new live‑action adaptation of the classic manga “Great Teacher Onizuka” on July 20. The series sees Takashi Sorimachi return to the role of Eikichi Onizuka, reprising the part he first played in 1998, now portraying an older version of the former delinquent‑turned‑teacher. New episodes are scheduled weekly.

Both releases highlight Netflix’s ongoing strategy of expanding Japanese‑origin content for its global audience.