Netflix has announced the premiere of its new Japanese series, Plastic Beauty. The series, which will release exclusively on the platform in 2026, delves into the complex and expanding world of cosmetic surgery.
Plastic Beauty stars Mayu Matsuoka as a compassionate surgeon and Riisa Naka as a celebrity cosmetic surgeon, exploring the compelling intersection of self-empowerment and the high price of physical transformation. While the series is set to tackle beauty standards and societal expectations, it’s also looking to bring authenticity to its portrayal of the medicine behind it all.
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With a team that conducted extensive research into Japan’s modern cosmetic surgery industry, the show is poised to be an emotionally gripping human drama, as promised by the streamer in their promotion. It is the latest addition to Netflix’s slate of acclaimed Japanese dramas that have explored hidden corners of society, from the adult film industry in The Naked Director to real estate scams in Tokyo Swindlers.
What is Plastic Beauty about?
At the center of Plastic Beauty is Fumi Numata (Mayu Matsuoka), a gifted surgeon whose passion lies in saving lives through medicine. When circumstances push her to shift from general surgery to aesthetics, she finds herself at odds with Rin Tohyama (Riisa Naka), a celebrity cosmetic surgeon who views beauty as a form of salvation. Through their clash and the stories of patients caught in the pursuit of physical perfection, the series unravels the emotional, psychological, and societal pressures behind the beauty boom.
The series’s story follows their professional clash and incorporates the compelling stories of patients who are navigating the pursuit of physical perfection. Set against the glittering backdrop of Japan’s aesthetic medicine industry, the series examines the emotional, psychological, and societal pressures driving the beauty boom.
Production details
The production team collaborated with Netflix to undertake comprehensive research into the modern cosmetic surgery industry in Japan to ensure an authentic and original story. Plastic Beauty is directed by Yuki Saito, known for the acclaimed drama Unmet: A Neurosurgeon’s Diary. The original screenplay was penned by Junya Ikegami, whose credits include The Blood of Wolves and The Queen of Villains.
“I’m grateful every day for the chance to work with such a reliable team to create a series from Japan that can resonate with audiences worldwide on Netflix. This story explores both the light and dark sides of the increasingly popular world of plastic surgery,” director Yuki Saito said, in a release in the Netflix newsroom.
“By depicting the inner conflicts behind the pursuit of beauty, I hope we can present a broader spectrum of values. Having two actors as distinct as Mayu Matsuoka and Riisa Naka face off, challenge each other, and ultimately find mutual understanding — if we can capture even the subtlest emotional shifts in their performances, I believe it will deeply resonate with our viewers,” they said.
What is the Plastic Beauty release date?
The series will release exclusively on Netflix sometime in 2026, but a specific Plastic Beauty release date hasn’t yet been announced.
Cast and Characters
Mayu Matsuoka as Fumi Numata
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to take on a new challenge. The character I play, Fumi Numata, is not a flawless hero who saves everyone — she’s filled with prejudice, speaks harshly, acts selfishly, and only moves when something feels right to her,” Mayu Matsuoka said.
“And yet, I admire her determination to protect her family and her refusal to abandon anything once she’s committed to it. This series portrays both the glamorous and shadowy sides of plastic surgery, boldly reflecting the endless pursuit of beauty. In an era of unprecedented personal freedom, I hope this story invites viewers to confront their own insecurities and reflect deeply on what beauty really means.”
Riisa Naka as Rin Tohyama
“At first, I was surprised by the boldness of the theme. But the world of beauty is very special to me — it’s a place I love. That’s why I wanted to portray Rin’s strength and inner turmoil with great care. If this series can shine a light on someone’s heart or body, and help them love and cherish themselves just a little more, I’ll be truly happy, “Riisa Naka said.
