Now streaming on Netflix, Did Someone Happen to Mention Me? is an eight-episode Japanese series that blends comedy, drama, and fantasy into the entertaining story of a famous performer whose existence has inexplicably been collectively forgotten. The show finds the ideal lead in internationally acclaimed actor Koji Yakusho, whose filmography includes Tampopo, Shall We Dance?, Cure, and Perfect Days. With a talented cast and impressive production, this Kankuro Kudo-written series looks to be a wacky, wonderful journey worth embarking on.
DID SOMEONE HAPPEN TO MENTION ME?: STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?
Opening Shot: An actor sits in his dressing room preparing for the opening night in a production of King Lear. A woman enters, and he only acknowledges her to eagerly ask if any reviewers are mentioning him.
The Gist: Actor Gen Takasegawa (Koji Yakusho) is a household name in Japan. The son of silver-screen Showa-era star Yorozu Mantaro, Gen wanted to carve out his own impressive legacy separate from his father and threw himself into performing onstage, though he is perhaps best known in Japan as the spokesperson in Royal Ham commercials. Determined to shed his label as a second-generation star and escape the fallout from cheating on his second wife, Machiko (Noriko Eguchi), Gen declares to the press, “Takasegawa Gen is dead. Please, forget about him,” before moving to London in 2024. He eventually earns the titular role in a production of King Lear at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, where his already-sizable ego is further inflated by a standing ovation.
Gen’s triumphant return to Japan is delayed by the outbreak of a deadly virus, forcing the nation to close its borders and rush to create a vaccine that 99% of the population elects to receive. In August 2026, Gen’s homecoming is without the fanfare he expected, and no one reacts to his name-dropping. His merch, promotional photos, ads, and videos still exist, but people now assume he’s just a random old man and begin pulling his social media accounts, Wikipedia page, credit cards, and ads. Gen goes to his ex-wife and current agent, Yoko Nonomura (Yoh Yoshida), for help, but she doesn’t recognize him, and their daughter Ema Nonomura (Yumi Kawai) seems similarly affected. After learning that memory loss is a side effect of the vaccine, Gen believes it’s the cause of his bizarre conundrum. Penniless and at rock bottom, Gen starts working at the rundown Sauna Shirakaba with young actor Tetsu Okamoto (Kento Kaku) and offbeat manager Chijimi (Maki Sakai) and resolves to regain the world’s recognition by any means necessary.
What Shows Will It Remind You Of? While it’s hard to think of any direct comparisons on TV, you may be reminded of movies where the protagonist is widely forgotten or forced to experience an alternate reality, like It’s A Wonderful Life, Unknown, Yesterday, Spider-Man: No Way Home, and Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
Our Take: Did Someone Happen to Mention Me? is so much fun. Koji Yakusho is game for anything, delivering an exceptional performance as a needy narcissist who goes from the highest highs to the lowest lows all in the span of one episode. In addition to Yakusho’s Gen, multiple supporting characters flesh out the world with quirky charm and strong performances that have you eager to see more from them.
The show’s absurd humor and silly self-awareness had me laughing out loud more than once, while certain moments of clever parallels, sharp irony, and genuine heart further cemented it as a must-see. Beyond the goofs, Did Someone Happen to Mention Me? poses intriguing questions about validation, success, and the nature of fame. And with a protagonist who, despite being self-obsessed, hotheaded, and pathetic, you can’t help but root for, the show makes for a unique, compelling watch that anyone could enjoy.
Performance Worth Watching: Koji Yakusho does wonderful work as Gen Takasegawa, skillfully portraying the humor, frustration, and chaos that ensue when an egotistical actor’s worst nightmare comes true and everyone forgets his name, work, and fame.
Parting Shot: Gen is under a bridge, officially homeless, broke, and completely unknown, realizing that he’s been knocked down to the lowest level of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Putting his pride aside, he begs a homeless man to share his cup noodles, and then eats them with gusto.
Our Call: Did Someone Happen to Mention Me? is an entertaining, well-acted, and thoughtful series perfect for lovers of international media, heartfelt comedy, or existential crises. STREAM IT!
Maddy Casale is a Chicago-based writer and comedian who covers everything from animated series to Hallmark movies. Follow her on Duolingo @MCasale.