Official Website
www.tv-asahi.co.jp/akechi

Broadcast
From 9.00 p.m., 30 & 31 March 2019

First Night: Shadow ~ Keisatsu Database Ryushutsu!! Hanzaisha Renzoku Satsujin
Synopsis: A hacker group called Phantom 20 which is wanted internationally, wages a sudden cyber attack on Hikari Bank which is the nerve centre of Japan’s financial sector. While the bank’s vice president Udagawa (Nakao Akira) frets, Namikoshi Kenjiro (Kagawa Teruyuki), the head of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department’s criminal investigations, takes command and an investigation task force scrambles an emergency response. But they do not stand a chance. However, a man saves them from this unprecedented predicament. The man’s name is Akechi Kogoro (Nishijima Hidetoshi). The former CEO of AK Logistics, a cyber security company which is currently headed by his wife Fumiyo (Ishida Yuriko), he leads Team BD which has brilliant hacking skills and he himself has the best cyber knowledge and skills. His talent has drawn the attention of Namikoshi who sends Kobayashi Yoshio (Ito Atsushi), a senior officer from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department’s Cyber Investigation Support Office, to Akechi with an invitation for him to be an advisor in cybercrime investigation. He is immediately asked to identify the criminal in a case. In fact, half a month ago, someone leaked confidential data containing the present addresses of former juvenile offenders and released the information online. Namikoshi fears a second former juvenile offender will be harmed and does everything he can to track the criminal as quickly as possible. Akechi deciphers the code that appeared on the website at once and succeeds in making contact with a criminal by the name of Shadow. At that moment, Shadow makes on move on his actual target, declaring that the first target will be punished. Shadow produces a difficult new code which they are given one hour to crack. Akechi smiles confidently at this declaration of hostilities and takes up the challenge but … …
Cast: Nishijima Hidetoshi, Ito Atsushi, Ishida Yuriko, Kishii Yukino, Nakao Akira, Kagawa Teruyuki

Second Night: Vampire ~ Kyodai Byouin Cyberjack!!
Synopsis: Right after brilliantly solving a kidnapping case, Akechi Kogoro (Nishijima Hidetoshi) carelessly falls down a flight of steps and is admitted to a big hospital called Josai Medical. Strangely enough, this is the same hospital that is aggressively adopting medical technology such as robot-assisted surgery which Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare, Kawamoto Keiko (Baisho Mitsuko), is a leading proponent. In order to personally vouch for the safety of such technology, she even announces that she will undergo heart surgery and draws sudden attention. Meanwhile, a bizarre incident takes place. Someone hacks a security system and switches all the cooking recipes on the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s official website. However, there are no specific leads on the hacker and the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department stand idly by. Then Kobayashi Yoshio (Ito Atsushi) is ordered by Namikoshi Kenjiro (Kagawa Teruyuki) to ask for Akechi’s assistance in the investigation and visits Josai Medical where Akechi is hospitalised. At that very moment, Kawamoto’s security police including Sawai Masakazu (Takashima Masanobu) are standing guard inside the hospital. Kawamoto’s surgery is about to begin. However, right after it starts, there is confusion in the hospital. The hospital’s network has been hit by a ransomware attack and all computers are down. Even the medical robotic arm will not move and remains inside Kawamoto’s body. At the same time, an unsettling message is broadcast within the hospital, “There are criminals in this world who suck the lifeblood of innocent people and line their pockets.” Akechi and Kobayashi quickly try to restore the computers. However, men with mysterious tattoos stand in their way.
Cast: Nishijima Hidetoshi, Ito Atsushi, Takashima Masanobu, Ishida Yuriko, Kishii Yukino, Baisho Mitsuko, Kagawa Teruyuki

Scriptwriter
Sakai Masaaki (Cold Case Season 2, Hamon Series, Smoking Gun)

Original Work
Edogawa Ranpo (with assistance from Hirai Kentaro)

Related Post:

• Meitantei Akechi Kogoro CM

© jdramas.wordpress.com.

Poison Daughter, Holy Mother
Date: Summer 2019
Network: WOWOW
Scriptwriter: Shimizu Yukako (Reverse, Fukigenna Kajitsu (2016), Onna Sore o Yurusanai)
Original Work: Poison Daughter, Holy Mother by Minato Kanae
Genre: Mystery
Cast: Terajima Shinobu
Synopsis: Actress Fujiyoshi Yumika has been troubled by her mother Yoshika (Terajima Shinobu) since young. She regards her mother who tries to control her the way she wants, as a toxic parent. Yumika runs to Tokyo in an act of rebellion but she is unable to break free. Yoshika’s machinations cause her to split up with a man and lose important work. Learning about this, Yumika accuses her mother on a talk show and this generates tremendous response. Meanwhile, the people who know Yoshika, regard her as a caring mother and certainly not a toxic parent. Yoshika reflects on her own life after hearing what Yumika said, and decides to let go of her daughter. But … …
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/dramaw/poison

Heaven? Gokuraku Restaurant^*NEW*
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Tuesdays, July 2019
Station: TBS
Scriptwriter: Yoshida Erika (Hana Nochi Hare, Dansui)
Original Work: Heaven? Gokuraku Restaurant by Sasaki Noriko
Genre: Comedy
Cast: Ishihara Satomi, Fukushi Sota, Shison Jun, Katsumura Masanobu, Dante Yasunori, Kishibe Ittoku
Synopsis: Iga Kan (Fukushi Sota) has been working at a French restaurant. He is serious and inflexible. Because he cannot even smile for the sake of customer service, both his colleagues and customers have a low opinion of him. However, a mysterious woman named Kurosu Kanako (Ishihara Satomi), who has a high regard for him, shows up. She is scouting Iga for the French restaurant that she is going to open soon. She tells him, “My staff need to have originality. You’ll certainly be a good service guy.” Iga is moved by her words and decides to work at her restaurant. But this restaurant is located in a cemetery far from train stations, shopping districts and even residential areas. In addition, the employees that Kanako has assembled are all novices – Kawai Taichi (Shison Jun), a former trainee hairdresser; Tsutsumi Keitaro (Katsumura Masanobu), a manager of a beef bowl shop for five years; Yamagata Shigeomi (Kishibe Ittoku), a retired banker who is a qualified sommelier – with no prior experience with the exception of Ozawa Yukio (Dante Yasunori), a talented chef who has had the misfortune of working in restaurants that all subsequently closed down. Why has Kanako brought them together and will the restaurant be able to open without incident?
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/Heaven_tbs

Soshite, Ikiru
Date: Summer 2019
Station: WOWOW
Scriptwriter: Okada Yoshikazu (Hiyokko Series, Kono Sekai no Katasumi ni, Kibougaoka no Hitobito)
Genre: Romance
Cast: Arimura Kasumi, Sakaguchi Kentaro
Synopsis: Ikuta Toko’s (Arimura Kasumi) parents died in a traffic accident when she was three years old. She was adopted by her father’s older brother who runs a barber shop in Morioka, Iwate Prefecture, and grew up happily. Toko was sometimes active as an idol and eventually aspired to become an actress. Then when she turned 19, Toko decided to try for an audition that was being held in Tokyo. However, on 11 March 2011, the day before her performance, the Great East Japan Earthquake struck. That autumn, Toko participates in volunteer activities in Kesennuma in Miyagi Prefecture together with a Korean coworker at the cafe. This is where she meets Shimizu Kiyotaka (Sakaguchi Kentaro), a Tokyo University student who is a executive committee member of a student volunteer group. Kiyotaka runs operations on the ground quietly and systematically, but Toko feels something is off about his smile for some reason. She has no way of knowing his own cruel fate. As Toko and Kiyotaka spend time together in Kesennuma, they begin to develop special feelings for each other.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/dramaw/ikiru

No Side
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Sundays, July 2019
Station: TBS
Scriptwriter: Ushio Kentaro (Shitamachi Rocket Season 2, Black Pean, Chiisana Kyojin)
Original Work: No Side by Ikeido Jun
Genre: Corporate
Cast: Oizumi Yo
Synopsis: Kimijima Hayato (Oizumi Yo) is a mid-level salaryman who works for a large manufacturer Tokiwa Motor. He is said to be leading the field of candidates for an executive position. However, he is relegated to be the administrative manager of a regional plant as a result of opposing an acquisition led by his boss. This transfer is against his wishes but this is also the fate of a salaryman. As a disconsolate Kimijima takes up his position at the plant, he is ordered to double as the general manager of Tokiwa Motor’s rugby team Astros. Astros was once a mighty team. However, it has been mired in a slump. Rebuilding a team is a heavy burden for Kimijima who lacks knowledge and experience in rugby. He begins his battle to make a comeback with a struggling rugby team and no hope for career advancement.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/program/nichi201907

Anata no Ban desu
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, July 2019 (continues from last season)
Station: NTV
Scriptwriter: Fukuhara Mitsunori (Gokudo Meshi, Makanai-sou Series, Shikaku Tantei Higurashi Tabito Series)
Genre: Mystery
Cast: Harada Tomoyo, Tanaka Kei, Nishino Nanase, Asaka Kodai, Nao, Yamada Maho, Mikura Kana, Otomo Karen, Kanazawa Miho, Tsubokura Yoshiyuki, Nakao Masaki, Koike Ryosuke, Isaka Ikumi, Araki Towa, Hakamada Yoshihiko, Katagiri Jin, Matobu Sei, Wada Soko, Nomaguchi Toru, Hayashi Yasufumi, Kataoka Reiko, Minagawa Sarutoki, Tokui Yu, Tanaka Yoji, Nagano Satomi, Sakata Masanobu, Okata Hisako, Minemura Rie, Takenaka Naoto, Ando Masanobu, Kimura Tae, Namase Katsuhisa
Synopsis: A newlywed couple move into an apartment near the Sumida River in Tokyo. Tezuka Nana (Harada Tomoyo) is a designer of sportswear. She was pursued by sports gym trainer Shota (Tanaka Kei) whom she met through work and they got married despite their 15-year age gap. What they share in common is a love of mysteries. Seeing the close families and couples, they imagine a bright and happy future for themselves. However, the fates of the Tezukas are rocked by a residents meeting that Nana attends. The residents of the apartment building start dying around them. Those with motives to kill have alibis and the murderers cannot be arrested in any of the cases. The riddle lies in a game that the residents are playing among themselves. 13 of them have written down the people they want to kill for offending them and started this murder game where these slips of paper are randomly drawn. At first, it was something that none of them took seriously. Then the people whose names were written started getting killed one after another and another threatening note is delivered with the warning, “You are next”. There is no turning back even if they have regrets.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/anaban

© jdramas.wordpress.com.

Official Website
www.mushikago-pj.net

Broadcast
From 10.00 p.m., Fridays, 22 March 2019

Network
WOWOW

Story
A religious cult called Mushikago no Niwa that secretly developed hidden human potential existed in the past. However, one such person, whose potential was unleashed, rose in rebellion. After the cult was destroyed, the members dispersed and only the rumour of a vast fortune on the cult’s grounds is whispered in the underworld. Nanami is a go-between and trades information with people of the underworld. One day, he meets Kagoroku who happens to be there when he is in a tough spot in a secret deal on Mushikago no Niwa-related goods with a designated criminal organisation. Kagoroku cajoles the men and gets Nanami and his goods out safely. The two of them eventually team up to solve all sorts of issues. They get involved in a fight between the former Mushikago no Niwa members that went through human experiments and the people of the underworld over the mystery of the cult’s assets.

Characters
Suzuki Hiroki as Kagoroku
A mysterious guy who is remarkably skilled and strong. He is honest, straighforward and has a strong sense of justice, but this also causes trouble around him. As a result, he keeps getting fired from jobs and is particular about money. He is also very obsessed with food.

Kiyohara Sho as Nanami
An underworld broker who serves as an intermediary for work and information. He is glib and but deep down he trusts no one. He only treats an amnesiac young girl Yana whom he lives with kindly. He plots to get his hands on Mushikago no Niwa’s assets.

Scriptwriters
Shimizu Masashi (Otoko Meshi)
Kodera Kazuhisa (Shinjuku Seven)

Original Work
Mushikago no Jomae by Narita Ryogo

Click here for photos from the press conference.

© jdramas.wordpress.com.

Official Website
www.fujitv.co.jp/takanetohana

Broadcast
From 18 March 2019

Network
Fuji on Demand

Story
26-year-old Saibara Takane, the scion of the Takaba Group, has the perfect looks and perfect career but is a snob. One day, he is introduced to 16-year-old Nonomura Hana, an ordinary high school student 10 years his junior, at an arranged marriage meeting. Hana is a dead ringer for her older sister Yukari who refused to meet him. Hana intends to end things amicably. Takane is more handsome than she had imagined and at first, her heart skips a beat. However, Hana is so infuriated by his haughty attitude and insulting words that in the end she shouts defiantly at him and leaves. Although the meeting is considered a wash, Takane is intrigued by Hana who is unaffected by his appearance and status while Hana accepts the match to bring him to his knees. Then Takane is told by his grandfather, the Chairman, to attend a gathering of associates of the Takaba Group. He in turn prepares everything including a dress and handbag for Hana and orders her to come with him to the party as her sister. Will they be able to pull off their charade in front of the guests and his grandfather? As the two of them trade barbs, and run hot and cold, glimpses of pure love can be seen.

Cast
* Takasugi Mahiro as Saibara Takane
* Takeuchi Aisa as Nonomura Hana
* Ito Asahi as Nicola Luciano
* Tozuka Junki as Kirigasaki Eiji
* Endo Kenshin as Okamoto Souma
* Nagami Rea as Fujiwara Hikaruko
* Miyazaki Yu as Ogawa Mizuki
* Deguchi Arisa as Nonomura Yukari
* Nishihori Ryo as Nonomura Shigeru
* Nito Yuko as Nonomura
* Okada Koki as Takaba
* Shinagawa Toru as Takaba Souten

Scriptwriters
Takeda Juri (Juken no Cinderella, Rikon Bengoshi)
Nishikori Iyo
Yamamoto Nana

Original Work
Takane to Hana by Shiwasu Yuki

Related Post:

• Takane to Hana Teaser

© jdramas.wordpress.com.

Natsuzora
Date: From 8.00 a.m., Mondays – Saturdays, 1 April 2019
Station: NHK
Scriptwriter: Omori Sumio (Frankenstein no Koi, Seirei no Moribito Series, Nezumi Edo o Hashiru Series)
Cast: Hirose Suzu, Okada Masaki, Kusakari Masao, Matsushima Nanako, Fujiki Naohito, Kiyohara Sho, Fukuchi Momoko, Kobayashi Takashi, Otoo Takuma, Yasuda Ken, Takahata Atsuko, Yamada Yuki, Yoshizawa Ryo, Totsugi Shigeyuki, Kobayashi Ayako, Sendo Nobuko, Hirao Nanaka, Tomita Miu, Inukai Atsuhiro, Emoto Tasuku, Nakahara Takeo, Kitano Kii, Yamaguchi Tomoko, Higa Manami, Kondo Yoshimasa, Lily Franky, Toda Keiko, Suzuki Anju, Mizutani Kaho, Kudo Asuka, Iura Arata, Kanjiya Shihori, Nakagawa Taishi, Sometani Shota, Watanabe Mayu, Ihara Rikka, Kawashima Akira, Kote Shinya, Kinoshita Houka, Kadono Takuzo
Synopsis: 9-year-old Okuhara Natsu lost her parents in the war and was separated from her older brother Saitaro (Okada Masaki) and younger sister Chiharu. In the summer of 1946, she is taken to Tokachi in Hokkaido by her adoptive father Shibata Takeo (Fujiki Naohito) who was her father’s comrade in arms. The Shibatas who are dairy farmers from the Hokuriku region. As Natsu helps out with dairy farming, she regains her cheerfulness. She begins to learn about the spirit of the settlers and the importance of life from Shibata’s father-in-law Taiju (Kusakari Masao), a first-generation immigrant to Hokkaido. In elementary school, Natsu is introduced to animated films, which had become popular in America at that time, by a youth called Yamada Tenyo (Yoshizawa Ryo). She is moved by this dreamlike world. Under the influence of Tenyo who aspires to be an artist, Natsu (Hirose Suzu) hopes to get a job where she can draw. However, Shibata wants her to marry his only son Teruo (Kiyohara Sho) and take over the farm. At this point, Natsu is informed that her brother is working in Tokyo. The day when she leaves draws near … …
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/natsuzora
Preview: Natsuzora Teaser

Takane to Hana
Date: From 18 March 2019
Station: Fuji on Demand
Scriptwriters: Takeda Juri (Juken no Cinderella, Rikon Bengoshi), Nishikori Iyo, Yamamoto Nana
Original Work: Takane to Hana by Shiwasu Yuki
Genre: Love comedy
Cast: Takasugi Mahiro, Takeuchi Aisa, Ito Asahi, Tozuka Junki, Kirizasaki Eiji, Endo Kenshin, Nagami Rea, Miyazaki Yu, Nishihori Ryo, Nito Yuko, Deguchi Arisa, Okada Koki, Shinagawa Toru
Synopsis: 26-year-old Saibara Takane (Takasugi Mahiro), the scion of the Takaba Group, has the perfect looks and perfect career but is a snob. One day, he is introduced to Nonomura Hana (Takeuchi Aisa), an ordinary high school student 10 years his junior, at an arranged marriage meeting. Disguised as her older sister Yukari (Deguchi Arisa) who refused to meet him, Hana intends to end things amicably. However, she is so infuriated with Takane’s haughty attitude and insulting words that she shouts defiantly at him and leaves. Takane is intrigued by Hana who is unaffected by his appearance and status while Hana accepts the match to bring him to his knees. As the two of them trade barbs, and run hot and cold, glimpses of pure love can be seen.
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/takanetohana
Preview: Takane to Hana Teaser

Yasuragi no Toki ~ Michi
Date: 12.30 p.m., Mondays – Fridays, 8April 2019
Station: TV Asahi
Scriptwriter: Kuramoto Sou (Yasuragi no Sato, Kaze no Garden, Haikei Chichiue-sama)
Cast: Fubuki Jun, Seino Nana, Ishizaka Koji, Asaoka Ruriko, Kaga Mariko, Mickey Curtis, Yamamoto Kei, Kamijo Tsunehiko, Fuji Tatsuya, Nadaka Tatsuo, Kusakari Tamiyo, Itaya Yuka, Kazama Shunsuke, Hirayama Hiroyuki, Miyata Toshiya, Kishimoto Kayoko, Hashizume Isao, Yanagiba Toshiro (guest star)
Synopsis: Kikumura Sakae (Ishizaka Koji) begins writing a script based on the late “princess” Kujo Setsuko (Seino Nana/Fubuki Jun) from his recollection of a script set in a mountain village in Yamanashi Prefecture about a couple who lived through the Showa and Heisei periods, that was rejected in the past.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/yasuraginotoki

Radiation House
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Mondays, 8 April 2019
Station: Fuji TV
Scriptwriter: Okita Haruka (Good Doctor, Keiji Yugami, Sukina Hito ga Iru Koto)
Original Work: Radiation House by Mori Taishi
Genre: Medical
Cast: Kubota Masataka, Honda Tsubasa, Hirose Alice, Suzuki Nobuyuki, Endo Kenichi, Yamaguchi Sayaka, Asano Kazuyuki, Wakui Emi, Hamano Kenta, Maruyama Tomomi, Yano Masato
Synopsis: Igarashi Iori (Kubota Masataka) is a talented radiographer who believes the “truth” is definitely captured in CT and MRI images. He and radiologist Amakasu An (Honda Tsubasa) work at a hospital’s radiology department where they determine the causes of patients’ illnesses and injuries.
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/radiationhouse

Spiral ~ Machikoujou no Kiseki
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Mondays, 15 April 2019
Station: TV Tokyo
Scriptwriter: Habara Daisuke (Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu, Kurokawa no Techou (2017), Godan)
Original Work: Hagetaka 4.5/Spiral by Mayama Jin
Cast: Tamaki Hiroshi, Kanjiya Shihori, Tozuka Junki, Fukushi Seiji, Nonami Maho, Hiraizumi Sei, Mashima Hidekazu, Maya Miki, Kunimura Jun
Synopsis: Shibano Takeo (Tamaki Hiroshi) is a corporate restructuring expert. He shifts from a major electronics manufacturer to a small metal moulding factory called Majitech upon the sudden death of his benefactor, the talented inventor Fujimura Tokio (Hiraizumi Sei). Majitech is on the brink of bankruptcy and he has to turn it around. While Shibano feels a sense of inferiority to the late Fujimura’s daughter Asako (Kanjiya Shihori), he battles together with her younger brother Nozomu (Tozuka Junki), Fujimura’s right-hand man Okemoto (Kunimura Jun) and others to save the factory. However, a vengeful Murao Koichi (Mashima Hidekazu), who had a connection with Shibano in the past, and a foreign fund Horizon headed by CEO Naomi Tominaga (Maya Miki), in an attempt to take over Majitech for some purpose.
Website: www.bs-tvtokyo.co.jp/spiral

Itsuka, Nemuri ni Tsuku Hi
Date: From 12.00 a.m., Tuesdays, 12 March 2019
Station: Fuji on Demand
Scriptwriter: Motoyama Kumiko
Original Work: Itsuka, Nemuri ni Tsuku Hi by Inu Jun
Cast: Otomo Karen, Koseki Yuta, Kai Shoma, Kita Noa
Synopsis: Morino Hotaru (Otomo Karen) is a second year high school student who has had an unrequited crush on Otaka Ren (Kai Shoma) since junior high school. One day, while on a school trip with Ren and her good friend Yamamoto Shiori (Kita Noa), their bus gets into an accident. When Hotaru wakes up, she is told by Kuro (Koseki Yuta) who is dressed fully in black, “I’m your guide. Morino Hotaru, listen carefully. You are dead.” Hotaru learns that if she does not get over her attachment to three things within 49 days, she will end up becoming a ghost bound to a specific physical location. And so, Hotaru sets out to settle the three lingering regrets with the limited time she has, in the company of Kuro.
Website: fod.fujitv.co.jp/s/genre/drama/ser4g87

Atama ni Kitemo Aho to wa Tatakauna!
Date: From 12.59 a.m., Tuesdays, 23 April 2019
Station: NTV
Scriptwriter: Fukihara Kota (Yube wa Otanoshimi deshite ne, I”s, 99.9 Keiji Senmon Bengoshi Series)
Original Work: Atama ni Kitemo Aho to wa Tatakauna! by Tamura Kotaro
Genre: Semi-autobiographical
Cast: Chinen Yuri
Synopsis: Tanimura Kotaro (Chinen Yuri) was granted an early entry into Cambridge University in the UK and returned to Japan after obtaining his MBA. He joined an established toy manufacturer as a new recruit. He has big ambitions but there the fools that he must deal with on the road to success – fools that rob people like him of precious time, energy and opportunities and get in his way. This passionate young man will have to use his wits and energy to deal with the fools of this world without a fight as he paves the way to his future.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/Ahodrama

Perfect World
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 16 April 2019
Station: Fuji TV
Scriptwriter: Nakatani Mayumi (Tonari no Kazoku wa Aoku Mieru, Jimi ni Sugoi Series, Last Cinderella)
Original Work: Perfect World by Aruga Rie
Genre: Romance
Cast: Matsuzaka Tori, Yamamoto Mizuki, Seto Koji, Nakamura Yuri, Matsumura Hokuto, Kimura Yuichi, Mizusawa Erena, Horiuchi Keiko, Toyota Maho, Aso Yumi, Matsushige Yutaka
Synopsis: Architect Ayukawa Itsuki (Matsuzaka Tori) is paralyzed from waist down. Although he was the ace of the basketball team back in high school, he injured his spinal cord in an accident while in the third year in university. After that, he decided that he would not play basketball or fall in love ever again because he is wheelchair-bound. Itsuki was Kawana Tsugumi’s (Yamamoto Mizuki) classmate and her first love. Tsugumi liked drawing and her ambition was to get into art college. But she lacked confidence and gave up on the exam. Even though she got into an interior design firm, it is a clerical position. Itsuki and Tsugumi happen to meet again at a work-related drinking session. The two of them are attracted to each other. However, they face problems including disapproving parents, the appearance of a love rival and illness as they search for the meaning of happiness.
Website: www.ktv.jp/perfectworld

Watashi, Teiji de Kaerimasu
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 16 April 2019
Station: TBS
Scriptwriters: Okudera Satoko (Reverse, N no Tame ni, Yakou Kanransha), Shimizu Yukako (Aino Kekkon Soudanjo, Reverse, Fukigenna Kajitsu (2016))
Original Work: Watashi, Teiji de Kaerimasu by Akeno Kaeruko
Genre: Office
Cast: Yoshitaka Yuriko, Mukai Osamu, Nakamaru Yuichi, Emoto Tokio, Izumisawa Yuki, Shishido Kafka, Sakurada Dori, Eguchi Noriko, Kajihara Zen, Sakai Toshiya, Uchida Yuki, Santamaria Yusuke
Synopsis: 32-year-old Higashiyama Yui (Yoshitaka Yuriko) is a director at Net Heroes, a web production company. Her motto has been to leave work on time ever since she suffered some past trauma when she was a fresh graduate. Yui does not believe in living for work. She tries to be effective and productive while at work and cherishes her personal life, enjoying beer at her regular Chinese restaurant after she leaves office. However, when a new department manager Fukunaga Seiji (Santamaria Yusuke) comes on board, Yui’s life starts to change. She struggles between her boss and colleagues Taneda Kotaro (Mukai Osamu), her workaholic ex-fiancee; Azuma Toru (Emoto Tokio), the inefficient front-end engineer who lives in the office; Kurusu Taito (Izumisawa Yuki), the unmotivated newbie who always talks about quitting; Mitani Kanako (Shishido Kafka), a fellow web director with a perfect attendance, and Shizugatake Yae (Uchida Yuki), her mentor who has just had twins; but pulls off small miracles every day.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/watatei
Related: Watashi, Teiji de Kaerimasu CM

Otto no Chinpo ga Hairanai
Date: From 20 March 2019
Station: FOD & Netflix Japan
Scriptwriter: Kurosawa Hisako (Minshuu no Teki, Tokyo Joshi Zukan, Arechi no Koi)
Original Work: Otto no Chinpo ga Hairanai by Godama
Cast: Nakamura Aoi, Ishibashi Natsumi, Ono Machiko, Sakai Maki, Eguchi Noriko, Hamano Kenta, Matsuo Satoru, Ochiai Motoki, Tsutsui Mariko, Harumi Shiho, Kunihiro Tomiyuki, Chiba Masako
Synopsis: Kumiko (Ishibashi Natsumi) enters university and begins dating Kenichi (Nakamura Aoi) who has moved into the same apartment. On the first night that they try to sleep together, Kenichi cannot perform at all. Even after that, the two of them are unable to make love. However, their desire to be together because they love each other is stronger and they decide to get married. Kumiko feels a strong sense of inferiority that she cannot do something normal like this while an anguished Kenichi thinks he is “defective” and cannot make her happy. The couple gradually drift apart.
Website: fod.fujitv.co.jp/s/genre/drama/ser4f47

Hakui no Senshi
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Wednesdays, 10 April 2019
Station: NTV
Scriptwriter: Umeda Mika (Seigi no Se, 37.5°C no Namida, Hanasaki Mai ga Damattenai Series)
Genre: Comedy
Cast: Nakajo Ayami, Mizukawa Asami, Kotaki Nozomu, Yasuda Ken, Sawamura Ikki, Katase Nana, Suzuki Sarina
Synopsis: Cheerful, unconventional Tachibana Haruka (Nakajo Ayami) used to be a delinquent but is now a rookie nurse. She is compassionate and easily moved to tears. She hates anything crooked and unreasonable. Although Haruka fulfilled her dream to become a nurse, she is constantly shocked by the gap between the world she had imagined and reality, and repeatedly makes blunders. Her mentor is Mihara Natsumi (Mizukawa Asami), a veteran nurse who has the disposition of a caring big sister. Natsumi is trusted by their superiors, colleagues as well as patients. A romantic and wants to pampered by men, she has been proactively hunting for a marriage partner so that she can quit being a nurse, but she has not been successful yet. As Natsumi guides Haruka, her feelings begin to change.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/hakui

Kinkyuu Torishirabeshitsu Season 3
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Thursdays, 11 April 2019
Station: TV Asahi
Scriptwriter: Inoue Yumiko (Kinkyuu Torishirabeshitsu Series, Pandora Series, 14-sai no Haha)
Genre: Investigative
Cast: Amami Yuki, Tanaka Tetsushi, Hayami Mokomichi, Suzuki Kosuke, Okura Koji, Denden, Kohinata Fumiyo
Synopsis: Makabe Yukiko (Amami Yuki) is a detective in the First Investigative Division’s Emergency Investigation Response Team. They are a team of interrogation experts that goes by the name of Kintori. Surrounded by idiosyncratic veteran interrogators (Tanaka Tetsushi, Denden, Osugi Ren, Kohinata Fumiyo), she pursues the truth hidden behind cases as she plays mind and word games with tough criminals.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/kintori
Related: Kinkyuu Torishirabeshitsu Season 2

Strawberry Night Saga
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Thursdays, 11 April 2019
Station: Fuji TV
Scriptwriters: Tokunaga Yuichi (Good Doctor, Kuragehime, Keiji Yugami), Hikawa Kayo (Cecile no Mokuromi, Kirawareru Yuuki, GTO (2014)), Seki Erika (Gosaigyou, Kekkon Aite wa Chusen de, Hello Harinezumi)
Original Work: Himekawa Reiko Series by Honda Tetsuya
Genre: Detective
Cast: Kamenashi Kazuya, Nikaido Fumi, Eguchi Yosuke, Shishido Kai, Nakabayashi Taiki, Shigeoka Daiki
Synopsis: Himekawa Reiko (Nikaido Fumi) became an assistant inspector with the Tenth Homicide Section at the young age of 27 even though she was not on the career track. As the only female section chief in the First Investigative Division, she leads Team Himekawa, armed with her intuition, dramatic ideas and energy, and has solved many challenging cases. Her older subordinate Kikuta Kazuo (Kamenashi Kazuya), a sergeant, is initially skeptical of her when he is transferred to the team. However, he gradually comes to realise her competence and charm, and special feelings begin to grow. Reiko’s nemesis is Katsumata Kensaku (Eguchi Yosuke), an assistant inspector with the Fifth Homicide Section. Although he boasts an overwhelming lead in the number of arrests, his illegal investigation methods have also drawn suspicion.
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/strawberrynight
Preview: Strawberry Night Saga Teaser

Mukai no Bazuru Kazoku
Date: From 11.59 p.m., Thursdays, 4 April 2019
Station: NTV
Scriptwriter: Magy (Kanna-san!, Rinshou Hanzai Gakusha Himura Hideo no Suiri)
Genre: Comedy
Cast: Uchida Rio, Takaoka Saki, Shirasu Jin, Kinoshita Takayuki, Nachi, Ogawa Sara, Nagano Munenori, Yamanaka Takashi, Fujii Takemi, Ono Takehiko
Synopsis: Kagari Akari (Uchida Rio) is the manager of a cafe. An earnest young lady, she plays the good child who conforms to the expectations of the people around her. But on the internet, she is a completely different person and she keeps this “dark side” a secret from her family, friends and even colleagues. Then one day, Akari’s life totally changes with the sudden appearance of the perfect love and a video that can happen to anyone. She gets elevated to an influencer after the video goes viral on the internet, and upends her family’s quiet life.
Website: www.ytv.co.jp/buzz
Preview: Mukai no Bazuru Kazoku Teaser

Mushikago no Jomae
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Fridays, 22 March 2019
Network: WOWOW
Scriptwriters: Shimizu Masashi (Otoko Meshi), Kodera Kazuhisa (Shinjuku Seven)
Original Work: Mushikago no Jomae by Narita Ryogo
Genre: Action suspense
Cast: Suzuki Hiroki, Kiyohara Sho, Uno Shohei, Kuroda Daisuke, Ikeda Akana, Hagiwara Minori, Sadamoto Fuma, Matsumoto Ukyo, Suzuki Shinsuke, Yamanaka Takashi, Murakami Wataru, Izawa Yuki, Akazawa Tomoru, Niina Motohiro, Chiba Masako, Tanigawa Shoichiro, Kobayashi Ryuju
Synopsis: A religious cult called Mushikago no Niwa that secretly developed hidden human potential existed in the past. However, one such person, whose potential was unleashed, rose in rebellion. After the cult was destroyed, the members dispersed and only the rumour of a vast fortune on the cult’s grounds is whispered in the underworld. Nanami (Kiyohara Sho) is a go-between and trades information with people of the underworld. One day, he meets Kagoroku (Suzuki Hiroki) who happens to be there when he is in a tough spot in a secret deal. The two of them eventually team up to solve all sorts of issues. They get involved in a fight between the former Mushikago no Niwa members that went through human experiments and the people of the underworld over the mystery of the cult’s assets.
Website: www.mushikago-pj.net

In Hand
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Fridays, 12 April 2019
Station: TBS
Scriptwriter: Yoshida Yasuhiro (Cold Case ~ Shinjitsu no Tobira Series, Kounodori Season 2, Plage)
Original Work: In Hand by Akato Ao
Genre: Science mystery
Cast: Yamashita Tomohisa, Hamada Gaku, Nanao, Fujimori Shingo, Takahashi Haori, Sakai Takahiro, Mitsuishi Ken
Synopsis: Himokura Tetsu (Yamashita Tomohisa) is a scientist who specialises in the study of parasites. He loathes people and is very sadistic. Tetsu bought a huge botanical garden in Hakone which he converted into his home and lab. He holes up in the conservatory where he researches his favourite parasites. His right arm is fitted with a black robotic hand. However, it is not known how this artificial hand came about. Tetsu is an eccentric genius who solves a series of difficult cases with astounding scientific methods.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/inhand
Preview: In Hand Teaser

Mistresses ~ Onnatachi no Himitsu^*NEW*
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Fridays, 19 April 2019
Station: NHK
Scriptwriters: Yoshida Noriko (Kataomoi, Chuushingura no Koi, Henshin), Yokota Rie (Daisy Luck, Koi ga Heta demo Ikitemasu, Hairbrush Onna Tomodachi)
Original Work: Mistresses by BBC
Cast: Hasegawa Kyoko, Hyunri, Oma Aya, Shinoda Mariko, Sugino Yosuke, Hosoda Yoshihiko, Mori Yusaku, Koshino Ena, Komoto Masahiro, Yoshizawa Hisashi, Kanie Ippei, Hashimoto Satoshi, Sato Ryuta,Aso Yumi, Mizuno Miki
Synopsis: Four women who became close friends through a chance encounter have frequent gatherings where they drink, converse and vent their frustrations. However, they actually have serious issues which they cannot tell others. Shibasaki Kaori (Hasegawa Kyoko) is a doctor who feels burdened by the suicide of her lover Kido. Although his son Takashi suspects her involvement in his death, they are drawn to each other. Noguchi Tomomi’s (Mizuno Miki) husband went missing overseas and she recently received an insurance payout after he was deemed to be dead. She meets a new man who makes her feel excited about romance for the first time in a long while. Harada Saeko (Hyunri) discovers that her husband who wants children, is sterile. As they grow apart, she ends up having a one night stand. Mizushima Juri (Omasa Aya) has had a string of lovers. But when she meets a lesbian who is about to get married, she finds herself attracted to her and experiences true love for the first time in her life. Will the four women find their happy ever afters?
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/drama/drama10/mistress

Kaseifu no Mitazono Season 3
Date: From 11.15 p.m., Fridays, 19 April 2019
Station: TV Asahi
Scriptwriter: Yatsu Hiroyuki (Rikuou, Kaseifu no Mitazono Series, Chiisana Kyojin)
Genre: Home
Cast: Matsuoka Masahiro, Ino Kei, Kawaei Rina, Hirata Atsuko, Yo Kimiko
Synopsis: Mitazono Kaoru (Matsuoka Masahiro) is a superb housekeeper who belongs to Musubi Housekeeping Agency. Although he is a male in an industry dominated by females, he handles housework such as cleaning, laundry, cooking and babysitting perfectly. However, it is not just the dirt in the house that Mitazono cleans. He learns the family secrets and exposes the family for who they really are. Then he gives the last push that breaks up relationships. However, this becomes the catalyst for the family to start again and solve the problems they have. This time Mitazaono is in the service of a family that drills for oil in Arabia. He is summoned back to Japan by Musubi Yoriko (Yo Kimiko) and is tasked with teaching her newphew Murata Hikaru (Ino Kei) to stand on his own two feet. And so Mitazono takes Hikaru and the young housekeeper Onda Moe (Kawaei Rina) and act as a trio.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/mitazono
Related: Kaseifu no Mitazono Season 1

Tokyo 23-ku Onna
Date: From 12.00 a.m., Saturdays, 13 April 2019
Station: WOWOW
Scriptwriter: Nagae Toshikazu
Original Work: Tokyo 23-ku Onna by Nagae Toshikazu
Genre: Horror mystery
Cast: Kurashina Kana, Tsukifune Sarara, Sakata Masanobu, Sano Shiro, Adachi Yumi, Kamimura Ami, Kuno Makiko, Hasegawa Tomoharu, Suzuki Sawa, Sakuraba Nanami, Fujiwara Kisetsu, Kohinata Fumiyo, Dan Mitsu, Onishi Shima, Takenaka Naoto, Nakayama Miho, Mafia Kajita, Asakawa Yu, Ogi Shigemitsu, Shimazaki Haruka, Shirasu Jin, Yamasaki Mami, Fujiki Yuki, Okayama Amane
Synopsis: Freelance writer Harada Ririko (Shimazaki Haruka) and former lecturer on folklore Shimano Hitoshi go around to Tokyo’s hidden spots with horror stories. They encounter many apparitions in places that everyone knows about in the 23 wards. There is the office lady (Kurashina Kana) who wanders the subterranean drains of Shibuya ward in search of her missing mother. The mistress (Adachi Yumi) who hides a dead body in Koto ward’s Yume no Shima. The riddle of the Ikebukuro woman and romance in old age. The secret of the female CEO (Dan Mitsu) who encounter an apparition in a late night taxi plying Minato ward. The doctor’s wife (Nakayama Miho) whose fate is at the mercy of Itabashi ward’s tree which is supposed to severe ties between man and woman. The mystery of a woman and the Suzugamori execution grounds related to a crime scene in Shinagawa ward.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/tokyo23ku

Kyou Nani Tabeta?
Date: From 1.12 a.m., Saturdays, 5 April 2019
Station: TV Tokyo
Scriptwriter: Adachi Naoko (Toumeina Yurikago, Daibinbo, Shitsuren Chocolatier)
Original Work: Kyou Nani Tabeta? by Yoshinaha Fumi
Genre: Food
Cast: Nishijima Hidetoshi, Uchino Masaaki, Yashuba Toshihiro, Tanaka Misako, Marin, Chan Kawai, Takaizumi Atusko, Nakamura Yurika
Synopsis: Kakei Shiro (Nishijima Hidetoshi) is a lawyer who works at a small law firm. He is a good cook and a meticulous and thrifty person who keeps the monthly food budget to 25,000 yen. Shiro’s daily routine is to leave work on time and head to a discount supermarket nearby. His partner Yabuki Kenji (Uchino Masaaki) is the affable hairdresser. The two of them share a two-bedroom apartment and the finer points of two men living together comes up at the dining table every day.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/kinounanitabeta

Dying Eye
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Saturdays, 16 March 2019
Station: WOWOW
Scriptwriter: Yoshida Noriko (Kataomoi, Chushingura no Koi, Manmakoto)
Original Work: Dying Eye by Higashino Keigo
Genre: Suspense
Cast: Miura Haruma, Takahashi Maryjun, Matsumoto Marika, Kakizawa Hayato, Onozuka Hayato, Fuchikami Yasushi, Kimura Yuichi, Horiuchi Keiko, Namase Katsuhisa
Synopsis: One night, Amemura Shinsuke (Miura Haruma), a bartender at a Nishi Azabu bar in Tokyo, is attacked by a male stranger and loses a part of his memories. However, he soon learns that he caused the death of a woman called Kishinaka Minae (Takahashi Maryjun) in a traffic accident one and a half years ago. And the man who came to attack him and later committed suicide, was her husband Reiji (Kakizawa Hayato). For some reason, Shinsuke is frequently advised by the people around him that it is better not to recall bad things. He begins to have misgivings about the truth of the accident. Then when Shinsuke returns to the bar on one rainy night, Ruriko (Takahashi Maryjun), a woman in mourning clothes and of unworldly beauty, shows up all of a sudden. From the time of her appearance, Shinsuke descends into a world of madness and anguish. Does she truly exist or is she a figment of imagination conjured by a guilty conscience?
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/dramaw/dyingeye
Preview: Dying Eye CM

Ore no Sukato, Doko Itta?
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Saturdays, 20 April 2019
Station: NTV
Scriptwriters: Sakurai Tomonari (Zombie ga Kita kara Jinsei Mitsumenaoshita Ken), Kato Takuya (Miki Clinic de Kanpai o)
Genre: School
Cast: Furuta Arata, Matsushita Nao, Nagase Ren, Michieda Shunsuke, Nagao Kento, Arakawa Yoshiyoshi, Okura Koji, Takahashi Hikaru, Jiro, Kiriyama Ren, Onishi Ayaka, Koichi Mantaro, Kataoka Yuki, Ito Asahi, Tanokura Yuta, Nakagawa Daisuke
Synopsis: 52-year-old Harada Nobuo (Furuta Arata) is a gay, cross-dressing Japanese language teacher who has joined a private high school that touts diversity. The wacky and extraordinary Harada is unbeatable in the face of authority and sets the hearts of students (Nagase Ren, Michieda Shunsuke, Nagao Kento, Takahashi Hikaru) free.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/oresuka

Tokyo Dokushin Danshi
Date: From 11.15 p.m., Saturdays, 13 April 2019
Station: TV Asahi
Scriptwriter: Kaneko Arisa ( Watashi Kekkon Dekinai Janakuta Shinain desu)
Genre: Love comedy
Cast: Takahashi Issei, Saito Takumi, Takito Kenichi, Naka Riisa, Takahashi Maryjun, Sakurai Yuki
Synopsis: Ishibashi Taro (Takahashi Issei) works for a major bank. He is an organisation man with a fine sense of balance. However, his analytical skills and observant eye gets in the way of romance. Miyoshi Reiya (Saito Takumi) heads a dental clinic. He is a divorced man who was “released” after a two-year”sentence”. Iwakura Kazuhiko (Takito Kenichi), the ultimate bachelor, is like an older brother to Ishibashi and Miyoshi. He is a lawyer with his own practice. These three men with better than average looks and qualities, are not bothered about marriage. They hang out with like-minded buddies and enjoy single life. One day, Ishibashi happens to meet Takeshima Mai, an ex-girlfriend who broke up with him three years ago. He begins to quietly regret for the “marriage” that he had once dreamt of. Although Miyoshi is happily divorced, he faces a serious problem about his own identity and feels anxious while Iwakura finds himself at a critical juncture when his father falls ill in his hometown and he starts to reconsider love and marriage.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/tokyo-dokushin-danshi

Mirror Twins Season 1
Date: From 11.40 p.m., Saturdays, 6 April 2019 (followed by Season 2 in June on WOWOW)
Networks: Fuji TV & WOWOW
Scriptwriter: Takahashi Yuya (Hi no Ko, Angel Heart, Tenshi to Akuma)
Genre: Suspense
Cast: Fujigaya Taisuke, Kurashina Kana, Takeda Rina, Watanabe Dai, Takahashi Katsunori, Ishiguro Ken
Synopsis: Katsuragi Keigo (Fujigaya Taisuke) is detective with the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department’s First Investigative Division. The only evidence discovered at the scene of a case that he is investigating, is DNA that is exactly the same as his and he finds himself under pursuit. He wonders if the criminal is his older twin brother Yugo (Fujigaya Taisuke) who was abducted and went missing as a child. Despite having the same genes, their lives have turned out like two sides of a mirror. That is why deep in their hearts, each twin thinks that he is different from the other. Which one is truly evil and which one is righteous?!
Website: mirror-twins.com
Preview: Mirror Twins Teaser

Shudan Sasen!
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Sundays, 21 April 2019
Station: TBS
Scriptwriter: Izumi Yoshihiro (Todome no Kiss, Aogeba Toutoshi, Death Note)
Original Work: Shudan Sasen! & Shinsouban Ginkou Shitenchou by Ebato Tetsuo
Genre: Corporate
Cast: Fukuyama Masaharu, Kagawa Teruyuki, Kamiki Ryunosuke, Nakamura Anne, Inowaki Kai, Takahashi Kazuya, Sakoda Takaya, Masuda Shuichiro, Taniguchi Shota, Hashimoto Mami, Ichimura Masachika, Sakou Yoshi, Hashizume Jun, Tsukayama Masane, Omi Toshinori, Mikami Hiroshi
Synopsis: Banker Kataoka Hiroshi (Fukuyama Masaharu) is receives a promotion to branch manager before his 50th birthday. However, his joy is doused once he learns that he is taking up a post at the bank’s Kamata branch which is slated to wind up business. He is told that he does not need to put in hard work since the closure of the branch has been decided, and he is promised preferential treatment by senior management. When the branch is closed without a hitch, he will return to headquarters. Kataoka is uncomfortable with being told not to work hard for the first time in his life. However, he cannot bring himself to say the same to the unsuspecting employees at the branch. He is conflicted about his position and as he sees their efforts, he begins to wonder whether he should leave things as they are.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/program/nichi201904

Saka no Tochuu no Ie
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Saturdays, 27 April 2019
Network: WOWOW
Scriptwriter: Shinozaki Eriko (Hanzai Shokogun Series, Rakuen, Copyface)
Original Work: Saka no Tochuu no Ie by Kakuta Mitsuyo
Genre: Suspense
Cast: Shibasaki Kou, Tanabe Seiichi, Ito Ayumi, Mashima Hidekazu, Sakurai Yuki, Matsuzawa Takumi, Matsumoto Emika, Nishida Naomi, Baisho Mitsuko, Takahata Atsuko, Sato Megumi, Takizawa Saori, Riju Go, Sakai Miki, Mitsuishi Ken, Fubuki Jun, Mizuno Miki
Synopsis: Yamazaki Risako (Shibasaki Kou) lives with her husband Yoichiro (Tanabe Seiichi) and 3-year-old daughter Fumika (Matsumoto Emika). One day, she receives a notification from the court that she has been selected as an alternate member of the jury for a shocking criminal case. The defendant in the case is Ando Mizuho (Mizuno Miki), a full-time housewife who is the same age as Risako. She is on trial for causing the death of her 8-month-old daughter by dropping her into the bathtub. As a mother herself, Risako feels repulsed that Mizuho killed her own child. However, after the trial opens, Mizuho’s circumstances remind Risako of her own past and she soon becomes confused with the chaotic feelings that have lain dormant in her.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/dramaw/sakaie
Preview: Saka no Tochuu no Ie Teaser

Wagaya no Himitsu
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 3 March 2019
Station: NHK BS Premium
Scriptwriters: Watanabe Chiho (Holiday Love, Beppin-san, 5-nin no Junko), Arai Shuko (Pretty ga Oosugiru, Tsubaki Bunguten, Higanbana)
Original Work: Wagaya no Himitsu by Okuda Hideo
Cast: Sato Hitomi, Tanaka Naoki, Yashima Norito, Nagai Masaru, Kishitani Goro
Synopsis: An omnibus drama about four wives (Sato Hitomi), one addicted to internet auctions, the others anxious about their husbands who (Yashima Norito, Nagai Masaru, Kishitani Goro) keep changing occupations and starting businesses.
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/pd/himitsu
Related: Wagaya no Mondai

Zekkyou
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 24 March 2019
Network: WOWOW
Scriptwriter: Ikeda Natsuko (Shin Hannin, Miyazawa Kenji no Shokutaku, Algernon ni Hanabata o (2015))
Original Work: Zekkyou by Hamanaka Aki
Genre: Suspense
Cast: Ono Machiko, Yasuda Ken, Konishi Manami, Katagiri Jin, Maekawa Yasuyuki, Koyanagi Yu, Kaku Tomohiro, Hamatsu Takayuki, Okunuki Kaoru, Sakai Wakana, Kaname Jun, Aso Yumi
Synopsis: Suzuki Yoko (Ono Machiko) is an ordinary woman who grew up in a typical family. She was not loved by her mother who doted on her talented younger brother, and she concealed that loneliness as she worked as an office lady. However, Yoko’s life took a turn for the worse after her father disappeared one day. She was forsaken by society and turned to killing people for insurance money in order to survive.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/dramaw/zekkyo

Dai Zenryoku Shissou
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 7 April 2017
Station: NHK BS Premium
Scriptwriters: Shimada Ureha (Zenryoku Shissou, Koekoi, Sumika Sumire)
Cast: Harada Taizo, Ogawa Tamaki, Yuki Mio, Asano Atsuko, Yamada Yuki, Tezuka Toru, Ishimaru Kenjiro
Synopsis: Seven years after his disappearance, Isoyama Takeshi (Harada Taizo), who returned home, runs a bakery with his wife Seiko (Ogawa Tamaki) and daughter Nanami (Yuki Mio), but it has been in the red. The only happy news is that Nanami is engaged to Shirokane Masaya (Yamada Yuki), the son of the family that runs a long-established trading company. However, Masaya’s father (Ishimaru Kenjiro) shows contempt for the poor Isoyama and wants to break off the engagement. One day, Isoyama happens to meet an old friend Kurebayashi (Osumi Kenya) again. He is asked by Kurebayashi, who seems to be in poor health to deliver something to someone and spends a night in his car. The next morning, Isoyama encounters Meguro Yuki (Yokomizo Naho) who says she wants to escape from her father’s abuse. In order to save her, he pretends that they are father and daughter and flee from Tokyo … …
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/pd/daizen
Related: Zenryoku Shissou

Akuto ~ Kagaisha Tsuiseki Chousa
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 12 May 2019
Network: WOWOW
Scriptwriter: Suzuki Kenichi (Bye Bye Blackbird, Medamayaki no Kimi Itsu Tsubusu?, Akuto Byouto)
Original Work: Akuto by Yakumaru Gaku
Genre: Mystery
Cast: Higashide Masahiro, Matsushige Yutaka, Shinkawa Yua, Aoyagi Sho, Renbutsu Misako, Yamaguchi Sayaka, Kanichiro, Shinohara Yukiko, Nakajima Ayumu, Watanabe Ikkei, Miura Masaki, Yamanaka Takashi, Namioka Kazuki, Emoto Tokio, Itaya Yuka, Masuoka Toru
Synopsis: Saiki Shuichi (Higashide Masahiro) is a former detective who now works for an investigation agency. His older sister was murdered in his childhood and he lives with the desire for revenge. One day, a couple asks him to track Sakagami, the man who killed their son and has reintegrated with society after leaving a juvenile correctional institution. Saiki finds out that Sakagami has turned to crime and is involved in remittance fraud. With the help of a hostess called Haruka (Shinkawa Yua), Saiki gets to the villainous trio who drove his sister to her death years ago. What final action will the vengeful Saiki take?
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/dramaw/akutou

Anata no Ban desu
Date: From 10.30 p.m., Sundays, 14 April 2019 (for two seasons)
Station: NTV
Scriptwriter: Fukuhara Mitsunori (Gokudo Meshi, Makanai-sou Series, Shikaku Tantei Higurashi Tabito Series)
Genre: Mystery
Cast: Harada Tomoyo, Tanaka Kei, Nishino Nanase, Asaka Kodai, Nao, Yamada Maho, Mikura Kana, Otomo Karen, Kanazawa Miho, Tsubokura Yoshiyuki, Nakao Masaki, Koike Ryosuke, Isaka Ikumi, Araki Towa, Hakamada Yoshihiko, Katagiri Jin, Matobu Sei, Wada Soko, Nomaguchi Toru, Hayashi Yasufumi, Kataoka Reiko, Minagawa Sarutoki, Tokui Yu, Tanaka Yoji, Nagano Satomi, Sakata Masanobu, Okata Hisako, Minemura Rie, Takenaka Naoto, Ando Masanobu, Kimura Tae, Namase Katsuhisa
Synopsis: A newlywed couple move into an apartment near the Sumida River in Tokyo. Tezuka Nana (Harada Tomoyo) is a designer of sportswear. She was pursued by sports gym trainer Shota (Tanaka Kei) whom she met through work and they got married despite their 15-year age gap. What they share in common is a love of mysteries. Seeing the close families and couples, they imagine a bright and happy future for themselves. However, the fates of the Tezukas are rocked by a residents meeting that Nana attends. The residents of the apartment building start dying around them. Those with motives to kill have alibis and the murderers cannot be arrested in any of the cases. The riddle lies in a game that the residents are playing among themselves. 13 of them have written down the people they want to kill for offending them and started this murder game where these slips of paper are randomly drawn. At first, it was something that none of them took seriously. Then the people whose names were written started getting killed one after another and another threatening note is delivered with the warning, “You are next”. There is no turning back even if they have regrets.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/anaban

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Official Website
mirror-twins.com

Broadcast
From 11.40 p.m., Saturdays, 6 April 2019 (followed by Season 2 in June on WOWOW)

Network
Fuji TV

Story
Katsuragi Keigo and Yugo are twin sons of a wealthy man. The older Yugo is free spirited while the younger Keigo is serious. One day while playing in the park, Keigo looks at his watch and says it is time to go back. However, Yugo does not listen and heads deeper into the park. Keigo leaves him and hurries home on his own. Right after that, Yugo is unexpectedly abducted by a kidnapper. 20 years later, Keigo who is now 30, has become a detective with the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department’s First Investigative Division. His older brother Yugo’s kidnapping case remains unsolved. No one knows where he is and whether he is even dead or alive. Keigo became a detective to bring the truth to light but his colleague Akagi Katsuhiko dislikes him. Although Keigo is a police officer, he trusts the police less than anyone else. Meanwhile, his father Eiichi is on a television programme. He calls for information on the case 20 years ago and says he will personally offer 100 million yen for important leads. The family believes that Yugo is alive somewhere and will not give up. Keigo shares the same sentiment as his father since Yugo’s body was never found. He also feels strongly that he cannot develop a close relationship with his girlfriend Shiraishi Satomi, who is the only person he trusts, until they find Yugo. Satomi wants to know how long Keigo will make her wait, and how long he will continue tormenting himself. Her words make him recall the remorse he felt 20 years ago for leaving Yugo alone at the time. Like Keigo, Minagawa Kosaku and Kuno Genichiro, who were the detectives in charge of the investigation at that time, still cannot get over the case – a curse that they are unable to solve for as long as they live. Then an attempted murder takes place. The man who was stabbed is Tajima, an unemployed man who intended to provide information after watching the television programme. Keigo happened to be nearby and is the first person at the scene of the crime. The only evidence discovered is DNA that is exactly the same as his and he finds himself under pursuit. He wonders if the criminal is Yugo. Despite having the same genes, their lives have turned out like two sides of a mirror. That is why deep in their hearts, each twin thinks that he is different from the other. Which one is truly evil and which one is righteous?!

Characters
Fujigaya Taisuke as Katsuragi Keigo/Yugo
Katsuragi Keigo: A detective with the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department’s First Investigative Division. He is a serious and stoic man who puts his career first. He became a detective in order to reveal the truth of the kidnapping case 20 years ago. He feels uncomfortable being the only one happy given his brother’s misfortune, and cannot develop a close relationship with his girlfriend Shiraishi Satomi. He drinks coffee black.

Katsuragi Yugo: Katsuragi Keigo’s older twin brother. The victim of a kidnapping case that happened 20 years ago. The investigation was called off while he remained missing. Although he is believed to be dead, he is actually alive. He wants to take revenge on all the people who ruined his life. He drinks coffee with sugar.

Kurashina Kana as Shiraishi Satomi
Katsuragi Keigo’s girlfriend. She works as a chef at a restaurant in Tokyo. She heard about the kidnapping case that took place 20 years ago from Keigo and is aware of the weight of his burden. She hopes he will forget the past and live for his own happiness. This also ends up straining her relationship with him. In fact, she does not know her parents and seems burdened with a shadow over her past … …

Takeda Rina as Kuno Shiori
The daughter of Kuno Genichiro, the head of the First Investigative Division. She admires her father who inspired her to become a police officer. She has a strong sense of justice and currently works at Midorisaka Police Precinct where she partners detective Minagawa Kosaku who is a trainer. She realises that her father has a personal interest in the case 20 years ago and regrets that it remained unsolved when it reached the statue of limitation.

Watanabe Dai as Akagi Katsuhiko
A detective with the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department’s First Investigative Division. He sees Katsuragi Keigo as his rival and regards him with hostility. Because he started out as an inspector, he shows no mercy even to his relations if they are suspected. He is the type of rigid bureaucrat who is proud of his profession.

Satoi Kenta as Katsuragi Eiichi
The father of Katsuragi Keigo and Yugo. He grew up in a distinguished family and once worked for a big corporation. 20 years ago, one of his twin sons, Yugo, was kidnapped and went missing. After the police investigation was called off, he uses his personal wealth to continue the search for Yugo. When his wife Harue falls ill, he appears on a television programme to call for information on Yugo and offers a reward of 100 million yen.

Takahashi Katsunori as Minagawa Kosaku
A detective of Midorisaka Police Precinct. Rank: Assistant Inspector. A non-career police officer who was in charge of Katsuragi Yugo’s kidnapping case 20 years ago. However, case remained unsolved when it reached the statue of limitation. A man with a deep sense of compassion and duty, he still persists in pursuing the kidnapper. He and his wife Satsuki do not have any children, and they watch over Katsuragi Keigo as if he were their own child. He also becomes a confidant and mentor whom Keigo can consult after the young man joins the police force as a detective.

Ishiguro Ken as Kuno Genichiro
The head of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department’s First Investigative Division. He led the investigation of the kidnapping case 20 years ago. He shoulders the burden of the unsolved case in his heart. Although he is a career police officer unlike Minagawa Kosaku, their relationship is like that of fellows who carry the same scars.

Scriptwriter
Takahashi Yuya (Hi no Ko, Angel Heart, Tenshi to Akuma)

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Official Website
www.fujitv.co.jp/radiationhouse

Broadcast
From 9.00 p.m., Mondays, 8 April 2019

Network
Fuji TV

Story
Igarashi Iori is a radiographer who believes the “truth” will always be captured in CT and MRI images and his talent has been recognised by the most respected radiologist in the US. After his return to Japan, Iori gets a job at Amakasu General Hospital where Amakasu An, the childhood friend he has fancied all this while, works as a radiologist. 22 years ago, An told Iori about her dream to become a doctor and follow in her father’s footsteps. At that time, An said she will make him her helper after he becomes the world’s best “photographer” since a “photographer” is necessary to detect illnesses. On his first day of work, Iori heads to the hospital by bus. Hirose Hirono, a new radiographer who got a job with Iori, is also on the same bus. During the journey, Iori notices a slight change in the bus driver and tells a passenger to call for an ambulance. Iori instructs the ambulance crew that rushed over to take the man to a hospital which can perform an angiography. The bus driver is brought to Amakasu General Hospital and accepted by orthopedic surgeon Tsujimura Shuntaro who is in charge of emergencies. However, the bus driver is well enough to stand on his own … … Amakasu General Hospital’s Department of Radiology is headed by Kaburagi Yasutomi who is also the Medical Services Director. Gossip spreads among the radiographers that Iori might be the illegitimate child of hospital director Omori Nagisa. Iori arrives late because of the incident on the bus, but is finally reunited with An. Although she does not remember him at all and he gets quite a shock, their meeting eventually turns out to be a life-changing moment.

Characters
Kubota Masataka as Igarashi Iori
A radiographer who believes the “truth” will always be captured in CT and MRI images. After gaining recognition from the most respected radiologist in the US, he returns to Japan. He starts working at Amakasu General Hospital where Amakasu An, his crush since childhood, is a radiologist. He discovers diseases that cannot be seen as a “photographer” of illnesses, and saves patients’ lives.

Honda Tsubasa as Amakasu An
A radiologist who is the daughter of the previous director of Amakasu General Hospital. She always wants to help patients, but as a hospital staff, she ends up having to put the hospital’s rules and efficiency ahead of them. She looks down on radiographers who do not have a medical license. Although she is serious, extremely proud and strong-minded, she actually has no confidence in herself.

Hirose Alice as Hirose Hirono
Igarashi Iori’s colleague. A new radiographer. In her desire to be of help to patients, she works hard at everything. However, her efforts are always fruitless because she is poor at remembering things and clumsy. The ace of the basketball club during high school days, she is an energetic young woman who has confidence in her stamina.

Suzuki Nobuyuki as Tsujimura Shuntaro
A handsome orthopedic surgeon who works at Amakasu General Hospital. Igarashi Iori’s rival in love. He has a promising future and good looks, and is also popular with females in contrast to the free-spirited Iori who is “completely hopeless” at everything. He makes all sorts of advances such as asking Amakasu An out on dates.

Endo Kenichi as Onodera Toshio
The chief radiographer. He is typically scruffy and loves gambling. However, his skills as a veteran radiographer are truly top-notch and he takes notice of Igarashi Iori’s talent early on.

Asano Kazuyuki as Kaburagi Yasutomi
The head of Amakasu General Hospital’s Department of Radiology and Medical Services Director. Because he desires status and fame, he has been keeping an eye on the hospital director’s position. He wants to quickly expel Igarashi Iori who causes nothing but trouble at every turn.

Wakui Emi as Omori Nagisa
The director of Amakasu General Hospital. She is the hospital’s conscience and like a “mother” who gently watches over everyone without being seen. She has the best understanding of how highly skilled Igarashi Iori is although he is considered a “completely hopeless fellow” by the people around him including Amakasu An. She is the only person who knows his secret.

Scriptwriter
Okita Haruka (Good Doctor, Keiji Yugami, Sukina Hito ga Iru Koto)

Original Work
Radiation House by Mori Taishi

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Official Website
www.ntv.co.jp/hakui

Broadcast
From 10.00 p.m., Wednesdays, 10 April 2019

Network
NTV

Story
Rookie nurse Tachibana Haruka has just started working at Shiki General Hospital’s surgery ward. She is actually a reformed delinquent. Although cheerful and unconventional, she hates anything crooked and unreasonable. She is even known to be compassionate and easily moved to tears. Although Haruka fulfilled her childhood dream to become a nurse, she is constantly shocked by the gap between the world she had imagined and reality. She is motivated but has a tendency to go round in circles so she keeps getting scolded by her supervisor Mihara Natsumi while her contemporary, the dependable Saito Hikaru, has a lead over her. A veteran nurse of 13 years, Natsumi has the disposition of a caring big sister. She is trusted by their superiors, colleagues as well as patients. But she is just hopeless romantic who wants to pampered by a man. She has been proactively hunting for a marriage partner so that she can quit being a nurse by the time she is 35, but she has not been successful yet. At first, Natsumi is reluctant to train Haruka who is such a handful. But as she sees Haruka’s diligence, her feelings gradually begin to change. The first patient that Haruka is put in charge of is a high school student Junya, who has been hospitalised for bowel obstruction. He tries to smoke cigarettes in hospital, eat solids against the advice of his doctor Yagira Keiichiro and displays all sorts of problematic behaviour. Haruka hears from the head nurse Honjo Akiyuki that Junya’s mother Tomoko has barely come to see him. She wonders whether that is the reason for Junya’s defiant behaviour and marches over to Tomoko’s workplace … …

Characters
Nakajo Ayami as Tachibana Haruka
A rookie nurse who is a former delinquent. She is cheerful, uninhibited and hates irrational things. She is compassionate and easily moved to tears. Even though she gets yelled at day after day for making mistakes, she never loses heart but quickly pulls herself together with characteristic grit and smiles cheerfully.

Mizukawa Asami as Mihara Natsumi
Tachibana Haruka’s “strict” supervisor. A veteran nurse who is in her 13th year. She no longer finds her job rewarding and has been actively looking for a marriage partner with the goal of quitting after getting married by 35. However, she has not had a boyfriend in three years. Although she loathes being a supervisor, her feelings gradually change as she watches Haruka.

Kotaki Nozomu as Saito Hikaru
A rookie nurse who is Tachibana Haruka’s contemporary. He is a delightful, sporty young man who does his work efficiently. The senior nurses find him a very good nurse. Although he treats everyone kindly, Haruka regards him as a rival and they often quarrel.

Sawamura Ikki as Honjo Akiyuki
The chief nurse of the surgery ward. He is cheerful and mild-mannered. As he has been working in a female-dominated profession for a long time, he also shows perfect consideration for his subordinates. When it comes to the crunch, he is a dependable boss who will even fight against the top.

Yasuda Ken as Yagira Keiichiro
A surgeon who looks laid-back but is actually an outstanding doctor. Because of that, it seems that he was rather popular in the past. However, he is now a hen-pecked husband.

Scriptwriter
Umeda Mika (Seigi no Se, 37.5°C no Namida, Hanasaki Mai ga Damattenai Series)

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Official Website
www.tbs.co.jp/inhand

Broadcast
From 10.00 p.m., Fridays, 12 April 2019

Network
TBS

Story
Himokura Tetsu is a scientist who specialises in the study of parasites. He bought a massive botanical garden in the outlying Kanto region which he converted into his home and research lab. He holes up in the conservatory where he researches his favourite parasites. Although Tetsu dislikes people and is very sadistic eccentric, he is knowledgeable and has the mind of a genius. His right arm is fitted with a black robotic hand. However, it is not known how this artificial hand came about. One day, Makino Tomoe from the Cabinet Secretariat’s Medical Science Office visits Himokura. The Medical Science Office is a team which deals with all sorts of issues that arise in scientific and medical institutions. With the advances in science and globalisation, it was established to handle unknown illnesses and cases that go beyond conventional notions. They have received an anonymous warning letter about the possibility that several patients who died of heart attack at a hospital, had contracted the infectious Chagas disease which is rarely seen in Japan. If there really are people infected with Chagas disease in the country, this is a serious matter. Believing that ordinary doctors and scientists will not be able to deal with it, The Medical Science Office directed Makino to visit Himokura who is an expert on parasites, unknown organisms and diseases. Himokura is only interested in his research and flatly refuses to cooperate with her. However, Makino offers a deal that he cannot resist. The two of them quickly go to meet Takaie Haruma, the doctor who treated patients with the suspected infection. With Takaie’s help and some sleuthing, they stumble upon a case that happened 10 years ago. Together with Makino and Takaie, Tetsu goes on to solve a series of difficult cases with astounding scientific methods.

Characters
Yamashita Tomohisa as Himokura Tetsu
An eccentric scientist with a robotic right hand. He specialises in the study of parasites. He is obstinate, blunt and only gets into action if something is his interest. However, he is knowledgeable and has the ideas of a genius. He works on things that he is interested in with the glee of a teenager. He is somehow wealthy and bought a massive botanical garden in Hakone which he converted into his home and research lab outfitted with the most advanced equipment. He lives with animals such as a dog, snake and tortoise in his research lab and jungle-like conservatory. He is deeply attached to organisms and their ecology but is indifferent to humans. He is called an eccentric and oddball for that reason.

Hamada Gaku as Takaie Haruma
An earnest emergency doctor with a strong sense of duty, he hopes to work for Médecins Sans Frontières some day. However, he meets the eccentric Himokura Tetsu through a case and is pulled in as his assistant. He is a good-natured guy who ends up helping out against his better judgment even when Himokura makes unreasonable demands. In the end, he always gets pushed around by the self-serving Himokura. In contrast to Himokura, he has a gentle but meddlesome nature. He dreads parasites.

Nanao as Makino Tomoe
A beautiful and sharp government official who graduated at the top of her cohort at Tokyo University. She is on secondment to the Cabinet Secretariat’s Medical Science Office from the Foreign Ministry. Because of her strong desire to return to the Foreign Ministry as quickly as possible, she baits Himokura Tetsu with something in exchange for his cooperation in a case. She is capable of doing anything in order to achieve her goals. She gets into skirmishes with the eccentric Himokura who only gets involved if it interests him, and the kindhearted Takaie Haruma at every turn.

Mitsuishi Ken as Amino Hajime
The head of the Cabinet Secretariat’s Medical Science Office who was seconded from the National Police Agency. He is the type who wants to maintain the status quo, thinking that he can return to the agency in due course if he does not cause big problems and passes the time uneventfully. He believes there is no need to poke one’s nose into a problem and that it is better to tackle the problem when it arises. As a result, he constantly has disputes with the proactive Makino Tomoe who wants to achieve results and quickly go back to the Foreign Ministry.

Scriptwriter
Yoshida Yasuhiro (Cold Case Series, Kounodori Season 2, Plage)

Original Work
In Hand by Akato Ao

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Official Website
www.bs-tvtokyo.co.jp/spiral

Broadcast
From 10.00 p.m., Mondays, 15 April 2019

Network
TV Tokyo

Story
Shibano Takeo, who resigned from a bank and became a corporate restructuring expert, has the talent to revive major electronics manufacturers that are in danger of going bankrupt. One day, he receives news of the sudden death of Fujimura Tokio, the talented inventor and founder of a small metal moulding factory called Majitech in the working-class neighbourhood. Fujimura was the benefactor who taught Shibano many things during his days as a banker. Shibano is reunited with Fujimura’s daughter Asako, her younger brother Nozomu and Fujimura’s right-hand man Okemoto Osamu after 10 years at the wake. With Fujimura’s death, Majitech may go out of business. Shibano decides to shift from Akebono, a major electronics manufacturer, to Majitech to work on turning it around. He battles together with Asako, Nozomu, Okemoto and others to save the factory. However, Murao Koichi, who is scheming revenge against Shibano because of some incident in the past, and a foreign fund Horizon headed by CEO Naomi Tominaga, make moves to take over Majitech for some purpose.

Characters
Tamaki Hiroshi as Shibano Takeo
A corporate restructuring expert who rescues failing companies. He receives news of the death of his benefactor Fujimura Tokio just when he gets the restructuring plan for major electronics manufacturer Akebono Denki underway as its Chief Risk Officer. He takes it upon himself to turn Majitech around. He has a personal conviction about wanting a job that helps people instead of a job that plays people.

Kanjiya Shihori as Fujimura Asako
Fujimura Tokio’s daughter. She is in charge of Majitech’s accounting.

Tozuka Junki as Fujimura Nozomu
Fujimura Asako’s younger brother. He sat for the university entrance exam as his father but failed and feels a sense of inferiority although he grows up. After that, he starts on music as if to escape from studies.

Mashima Hidekazu as Murao Koichi
The general manager of a shinkin bank in the working class neighbourhood which makes loans to small businesses and individuals. He worked at the same bank as Shibano Takeo but left because of some incident. He is hostile towards Shibano.

Hiraizumi Sei as Fujimura Tokio
The CEO of Majitech whom everyone admired. A talented inventor who was nicknamed Dr.

Maya Miki as Naomi Tominaga
The CEO of the foreign fund Horizon Capital Japan. She has her sights on acquiring Majitech including its patents.

Scriptwriter
Habara Daisuke (Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu, Kurokawa no Techou (2017), Godan)

Original Work
Hagetaka 4.5/Spiral by Mayama Jin

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Official Website
www.tbs.co.jp/watatei

Broadcast
From 10.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 16 April 2019

Network
TBS

Story
32-year-old Higashiyama Yui is a director at Net Heroes, a web production company. Her motto has been to leave work on time ever since she joined the company because of some past traumatic experience. Yui does not believe in living for work. In a climate where it is hard to go off without a reason, she tries to be more effective than anyone else as well as highly productive while in office. Yui cherishes time with her boyfriend Suwa Takumi, and enjoying beer at her regular Chinese restaurant after she leaves office. However, when a new department manager Fukunaga Seiji comes on board, her life starts to change. She struggles between her boss and colleagues Taneda Kotaro, her workaholic ex-fiancee; Azuma Toru, the inefficient front-end engineer who lives in the office; Kurusu Taito, the unmotivated newbie who always talks about quitting; Mitani Kanako, a fellow web director with a perfect attendance, and Shizugatake Yae, her mentor who has just had twins; but pulls off small miracles every day.

Characters
Yoshitaka Yuriko as Higashiyama Yui
A web director at the web production company Net Heroes. Her motto is to never work overtime and she has been leaving office punctually ever since she joined the company. Growing up, her workaholic father did not come home and she thoroughly rejects that lifestyle of living for work. Her daily routine after work is to drink beer during her regular Chinese restaurant’s happy hour. At work, she places emphasis on efficiency and strives for a way of working that does not inconvenience others.

Mukai Osamu as Taneda Kotaro
The deputy manager of the Fourth Production Department and a web producer. Higashiyama Yui’s ex-fiance. He met Yui when he was working in the company where Fukunaga Seiji served as CEO, and they got engaged. However, they spent little time together because work came first and eventually broke off the engagement. After that, he was headhunted and moved to Net Heroes. He is a workaholic who becomes oblivious of his surroundings when he gets too focused on work. The most capable guy in office, he has no lack of followers among the juniors and is also trusted by his team members.

Nakamaru Yuichi as Suwa Takumi
Higashiyama Yui’s boyfriend. He works for Basic On which is Net Heroes’ rival and the biggest company in the industry. He is a family-oriented guy and an ideal partner to Yui. He likes the outdoors. He cooks and goes on outings, cherishing private time more than work. On the other hand, he is also an excellent salesman and admired by his juniors.

Santamaria Yusuke as Fukunaga Seiji
The newly appointed manager of the Fourth Production Department. He founded a company in his 30s after working at at several companies and building his career. He had been running the small web production company as the CEO but sold it and went to work for Net Heroes. He has known Taneda Kotaro since the last job. He hired Kotaro who was a fresh graduate at the time and groomed him. Although he is easily flattered, he also has a frightening side at times.

Uchida Yuki as Shizugatake Yae
Higashiyama Yui’s senior. She trained Yui when was a new employee. A web director. She gave birth to twins and is currently on maternity leave. She loves her work and wants to quickly return to the workplace. They are good friends whose relationship goes beyond that of senior and junior. She is a good confidant and kept an agitated Yui company over drinks every night when Yui’s engagement to Taneda Kotaro was called off.

Scriptwriters
Okudera Satoko (Reverse, N no Tame ni, Yakou Kanransha)
Shimizu Yukako (Aino Kekkon Soudanjo, Reverse, Fukigenna Kajitsu (2016))

Original Work
Watashi, Teiji de Kaerimasu by Akeno Kaeruko

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