The legal drama series 99.9 -Criminal Lawyer- Season II, starring Jun Matsumoto, began streaming on Prime Video on August 1, according to Model Press reports. The series is a legal entertainment drama that follows eccentric criminal defense lawyers as they tackle seemingly impossible criminal cases where the verified facts account for just 0.1 percent of the truth.
Cast and Characters in Season II
Jun Matsumoto reprises his role as the eccentric defense lawyer Daiho Fuyama, while Teruyuki Kagawa returns as the skilled attorney Atsuhiro Sada, according to Model Press. The second season introduces a new heroine, former judge-turned-lawyer Maiko Ozaki, portrayed by Fumino Kimura. According to Model Press, Ozaki’s background as a judge introduces new legal complications and sets up conflicts with the judiciary, supported by an expanded cast featuring Shofukutei Tsurube and Azusa Babazono.
Behind-the-Scenes Preparation and Rehearsals
Production began around August 2017 with a kickoff event organized by Matsumoto, according to Model Press. Because the production faced a three-month break in shooting leading into the new year, Matsumoto requested a series of independent script-reading sessions. According to Model Press, Matsumoto arranged for a TBS rehearsal room to host these unscripted practice sessions. Kagawa noted in reports that he had never experienced actor-only table reads during his 30-year career. Kimura described the atmosphere as welcoming, stating that the established cast integrated newcomers without hesitation.
Easter Eggs and Pop Culture References
According to Model Press, the series generated online discussion for subtle visual references hidden within the episodes. In the first episode, a tapestry labeled “Sakurai-sho” appeared in Sada’s room, which viewers connected to Arashi member Sho Sakurai. The series finale featured sales slips from a gas station linked to a fictional purchase, displaying names such as “Rui Hanazawa” and “Susumu Makino,” alluding to Matsumoto’s earlier appearance in Hana Yori Dango. Additional props included a bag of chili pepper candy printed with “Aotog-Arashi-” and a newspaper clipping referencing the drama Black Pean, which starred fellow Arashi member Kazunari Ninomiya in the same broadcasting slot.
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