Human Specimens
Prime Video Ended Drama • Thriller • Mystery
Human Specimens is adapted from the novel by Kanae Minato, one of Japan's most celebrated mystery writers, known for her international bestseller Confessions which was adapted into the acclaimed film that represented Japan at the 83rd Academy Awards. The dark tale follows Professor Shirô Sakaki, a butterfly researcher, who confesses to turning six young boys, including his own son Itaru, into "human specimens."
Where to Watch:
Prime Video
Next Air Time: No upcoming air date
Seasons & Episodes
Season 1
5 episodes
E01
Episode 1
Thu, Dec 18 2025 12:00 PM GMT+0000
56 min
The bodies of young boys were found in six cases. Shiro Sakakil, a professor considered Japan's leading expert on butterflies, turns himself in. He has recorded everything in a report published on the Internet, from his motive to the process of his creation. The interrogation proceeds as if tracing his distorted record, leading to a sensational suspense story where beauty and madness intertwine.
E02
Episode 2
Thu, Dec 18 2025 12:00 PM GMT+0000
46 min
Shiro starts to express his artistic viewpoint during interrogation. The art camp is canceled when Rumi falls ill. Shiro goes to the mountain to take the boys home. In the warehouse, there are six cases on display. Shiro feels emotional upheaval due to his expectations toward Itaru. As the detective investigates further, a big mystery arises, and the interrogation gets to the crux of his story.
E03
Episode 3
Thu, Dec 18 2025 12:00 PM GMT+0000
47 min
After creating five specimens, Shiro's final target is his beloved son, Itaru. Despite the memories with Itaru, Shiro only sees his son as a butterfly. Shiro makes up his mind to create his last specimen. At last, the report named "Human Specimen by Shiro Sakaki" seems to have ended. However, the letters in the report start to get distorted, and the story shifts to a new perspective.
E04
Episode 4
Thu, Dec 18 2025 12:00 PM GMT+0000
46 min
Itaru stays home while Shiro leaves for an observation survey of butterflies. Itaru stares at his father's specimens and invites his friends over. He starts recording his observations in his own report. When Shiro returns, they have dinner and share memories. Shiro opens his son's computer with a strange feeling about the specimens in his room.Three years later, Shiro receives a letter from Anna.
E05
Episode 5
Thu, Dec 18 2025 12:00 PM GMT+0000
63 min
Anna seemed proud, but she longed for a successor while looking at her mother, in the spotlight for her art book. After the art camp is canceled, Anna invites the boys to the mountain house. She insists she made the Human Specimen. Shiro understands Itaru's hopes to become his father's specimen. The truth of Itaru's death and the mystery of Anna's confession will be unraveled.