Hiyokko
Date: From 8.00 a.m., Mondays – Saturdays, 3 April 2017
Station: NHK
Scriptwriter: Okada Yoshikazu (Kibougaoka no Hitobito, Kiseki no Hito, Dokonjo Gaeru)
Cast: Arimura Kasumi, Sawamura Ikki, Kimura Yoshino, Furuya Ikkou, Mineta Kazunobu, Sakuma Yui, Izumisawa Yuki, Hada Michiko, Shibata Rie, Toyama Toshiya, Matsuo Satoru, Miyamoto Nobuko, Sasaki Kuranosuke, Yatsui Ichiro, Sato Megumi, Isomura Hayato, Ryusei Ryo, Wakui Emi, Matsumoto Honoka, Fujino Ryoko, Kojima Fujiko, Yagi Yuki
Synopsis: 17-year-old Yatabe Mineko (Arimura Kasumi) grew up in a family of seven in a mountain village in northeastern Ibaraki Prefecture. Tokyo seemed like a different world even though it is in Kanto because of the poor access to transportation. Her father Minoru (Sawamura Ikki) has gone to Tokyo to work in order to earn money for her elder brother’s university tuition fees. Once Mineko graduates from high school, she wants to help out in the farm work and give her grandfather Shigeru (Furuya Ikkou) and mother Miyoko (Kimura Yoshino) an easier life. However, her life completely changes when her father does not come back for the New Year. Mineko asks her family to let her go to Tokyo to find him and promises to send money home. In the autumn of 1964, she and two childhood friends Tokiko (Sakuma Yui) and Mitsuo (Izumisawa Yuki) are hired to start working at a small factory in Tokyo’s working class neighbourhood. The wages are low and the working hours are long. After work each day, Mineko searches for her father and gets disheartened at times. Then companies go bankrupt due to the recession after the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and the factory is shut down. Mineko has nowhere to go, but thankfully gets a job helping out at the Western restaurant ‘Suzufuritei’ that her father had declared “delicious” in one of his stories about Tokyo. Everyone (Yatsui Ichiro, Sato Megumi, Isomura Hayato) at the restaurant including the female proprietress Makino Suzuko (Miyamoto Nobuko) and her son Shogo (Sasaki Kuranosuke) who is the chef, works her hard, but are soft-hearted and start to become like family. Mineko overcomes challenges and starts to lay down roots in Tokyo as she experiences many meetings and farewells amid the laughter and tears with regulars, people of the shopping street, friends and colleagues. Will she be able to find her father?
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/hiyokko
Preview: Hiyokko CM
Sayonara Enari-kun*NEW*
Date: From 12.40 a.m., Mondays, 1 May 2017
Station: TV Asahi
Scriptwriters: Kiyasu Kohei (Bokura Minna Shindeiru), Matsumoto Tetsuya (Tokyo Sentimental Series)
Genre: Love comedy
Cast: Watanabe Mayu, Enari Kazuki, Uechi Haruna, Ikeda Narushi
Synopsis: 25-year-old Kiriyama Saori (Watanabe Mayu) dreams of a pure love despite her past love experiences. She works hard at matchmaking to find her ideal partner. But amazingly, all she meets are unfaithful men, mummy’s boys and cheapskate men … … The moment they behave badly, her expression completely changes and she displays her special ability.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/sayonara–
Yasuragi no Sato
Date: From 12.30 p.m., Mondays – Fridays, 3 April 2017 (for two seasons)
Station: TV Asahi
Scriptwriter: Kuramoto Sou (Kaze no Garden, Haikei Chichiuesama, Yasahii Jikan)
Cast: Ishizaka Koji, Asaoka Ruriko, Arima Ineko, Kaga Mariko, Kusakari Tamiyo, Itsuki Midori, Nadaka Tatsuo, Tokiwa Takako, Nogiwa Yoko, Fuji Tatsuya, Fubuki Jun, Matsuoka Mayu, Mickey Curtis, Yachigusa Kaoru, Yamamoto Kei
Synopsis: Kikumura Sakae (Ishizaka Koji) visits ‘Yasuragi no Sato La Strada’, a home for the elderly. Kano Eikichi, the head of a big entertainment production group, invested his personal fortune after the group sudden broke up and created this free home which only admits people who have made contributions to movies and television in its heyday. However, Kano himself is not present. His eldest daughter, Midori (Kusakari Tamiyo), and her husband Shuhei (Nadaka Tatsuo) manage this facility. Kikumura was a scriptwriter who was very popular at a time. In fact, when he was feeling utterly exhausted from caring for his wife (Fubuki Jun), a former actress who suffers from dementia, he had received a sudden invitation from Midori. But just as he makes the decision to admit himself and his wife, his wife passes away. Deciding to live alone in the room, Kikumura sets foot in Yasuragi no Sato La Strada. He sees people from the golden age of television who have already faded from memory down there and is dumbfounded by this vision. Great former actors and actresses give him smiles. This is how Kikumura’s new life begins … …
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/yasuraginosato
Preview: Yasuragi no Sato Teaser
Kizoku Tantei
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Mondays, 17 April 2017
Station: Fuji TV
Scriptwriter: Kuroiwa Tsutomu (Boku no Yabai Tsuma, Samurai Sensei, Yokoso Wagaya e)
Original Work: Kizoku Tantei by Maya Yutaka
Genre: Investigative
Cast: Aiba Masaki, Takei Emi, Namase Katsuhisa, Igawa Haruka, Takito Kenichi, Kinami Haruka, Nakayama Miho, Nakama Yukie, Matsushige Yutaka
Synopsis: A young man (Aiba Masaki) whose age, family, education, place of residence and even real name are unknown, calls himself an “aristocrat”. He does not appear to work. He is always stylish in appearance, gentlemanly in demeanour and attends to “ladies first”. Although sleuthing is his interest, he dismisses it as a chore that should be left to his servants and delights in chatting with the women involved in cases at the crime scenes, which earns him stunned, contemptuous looks from the people around him. And so it is his loyal butler Yamamoto (Matsushige Yutaka), maid Tanaka (Nakayama Miho) and chauffeur Sato (Takito Kenichi) who carry out the investigations. Rookie investigator Kotoku Aika (Takei Emi) frequently happens to be on the same cases as the aristocratic detective. She looks up to female sleuth Kitami Kiriko (Igawa Haruka) as the mentor who inspired her to become an investigator. Although Aika is starting out in this profession, she has more pride and conviction in it than anyone else. This is why she is repulsed by the aristocratic detective’s way of doing things and keeps scrambling to crimes scenes in an attempt to solve the cases before him.
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/kizoku
Preview: Kizoku Tantei Teasers
Love or Not
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Mondays, 20 March 2017
Station: dTV and Fuji on Demand
Scriptwriters: Masumoto Takuya (Omotesando Koukou Gasshoubu!, Konkatsu Deka, Kodomo Keishi), Kishimoto Ayuka
Genre: Romance
Cast: Yamashita Kenjiro, Motokariya Yuika, Machida Keita, Asami Reina, Yagi Masayasu, Mizusawa Erena
Synopsis: Mako (Motokariya Yuika), an interior designer, has not been able to forget her first love who saved her from being bullied when she was an elementary school student, and cannot be aggressive about romance. One day, she suddenly receives an email from Kosuke (Yamashita Kenjiro) who shares the same name as her first love. The message says, “Do you remember me? It’s been a long time since we met, please contact me.” Mako is excited to be reunited with him after 22 years. However, Kosuke’s appearance is far from what she imagined. One email leads to a meeting between six men and women … …
Website: pc.video.dmkt-sp.jp/ft/s0006030
Preview: Love or Not CM
Tomodachi Game
Date: From 4 April 2017 (followed by movie)
Network: –
Scriptwriters: Nagae Jiro, Sagami Yoshitsugu
Original Work: Tomodachi Game by Yamaguchi Mikoto
Genre: Suspense
Cast: Yoshizawa Ryo, Uchida Rio, Yamamoto Yuki, Okura Shimon, Nemoto Nagi, Ueno Yuka, Amatsuki, Kubota Yuki
Synopsis: High school student Katagiri Yuichi (Yoshizawa Ryo) cares about friendship more than money because of his mother’s teachings. One day, Yuichi and his close friends (Uchida Rio, Yamamoto Yuki, Okura Shimon, Nemoto Nagi) are suddenly forced to participate in a mysterious game of wits that involves a lot of money. It is supposed to be a simple game. However, friendships are unexpectedly tested under extreme conditions which triggers paranoia. The trick to clearing the game is to trust in friends. But will Yuichi and his friends choose money over friendship?
Website: tomodachi-game.com
Preview: Tomodachi Game CM
Crisis Kouan Kidou Sousatai Tokusou-han
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 11 April 2017
Station: Fuji TV
Scriptwriter: Kaneshiro Kazuki (Border, SP Series)
Original Work: SP Keishichou Keibibu Keibuka Dai 4-gakari by Kaneshiro Kazuki
Genre: Action
Cast: Oguri Shun, Nishijima Hidetoshi, Tanaka Tetsushi, Nomaguchi Toru, Araki Yuko, Ishida Yuriko, Iida Kisuke, Mashima Hidekazu, Nagatsuka Kyozo
Synopsis: The Special Investigation Unit is a secret force of specialists in various fields. The unit is under the direct control of the head of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department’s Security Bureau. Its members include investigator Inami Akira (Oguri Shun) who sustained serious trauma in a special mission during the time he was in the Self-Defence Forces; and Tamaru Saburo (Nishijima Hidetoshi) who was ordered to transfer from the Public Security Department’s Foreign Affairs Division in the wake of some incident and was later picked out by the Special Investigation Unit. These men will find themselves confronting irregular cases that will shake up the country.
Website: www.ktv.jp/crisis
Preview: Crisis Kouan Kidou Sousatai Tokusou-han CM
Anata no Koto wa Sore Hodo
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 18 April 2017
Station: TBS
Scriptwriter: Yoshida Tomoko (Damena Watashi ni Koi Shite Kudasai, Dr DMAT, Kuro no Onna Kyoushi)
Original Work: Anata no Koto wa Sore Hodo by Ikuemi Aya
Genre: Romance
Cast: Haru, Higashide Masahiro, Naka Riisa, Suzuki Nobuyuki, Omasa Aya, Nakagawa Shoko, Kurokawa Tomoka, Narita Ishin, Yamazaki Ikusaburo, Hashimoto Jun, Aso Yumi
Synopsis: Watanabe Mitsu (Haru) is happily married to her second love, Ryota (Higashide Masahiro) who was a patient at the eye clinic where she works. He is a nice man who puts her first and even cares about her mother even though he is completely different from the popular guys she had dated in the past. He is a good catch as a husband and she could not have asked for anything more. But her first love is Arishima Koki (Suzuki Nobuyuki) from junior high school days. The one who moved out one day without telling her. After that, Mitsu had dated men who look like Arishima and even now, her eyes still follow men who resemble him. Then one day on the way back from a drinking session, Mitsu happens to meet Arishima, whom she believes to be the man of her destiny, again and they begin an affair.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/anasore
Preview: Anata no Koto wa Sore Hodo CM
Warau Manekineko
Date: From 1.28 a.m., Wednesdays, 21 March 2017 (followed by movie)
Station: TBS
Scriptwriter: Iizuka Ken (Kanagawa-ken Atsugi-shi Laundry Chigasaki, Replay & Destroy)
Original Work: Warau Manekineko by Yamamoto Yukihisa
Cast: Shimizu Fumika, Matsui Rena, Ochiai Motoki, Arai Atsushi
Synopsis: Takagi Hitomi (Shimizu Fumika) and Honda Akako (Rena Matsui) are a comedy duo known as “Akako to Hitomi”. They started performing about five years ago, but are still not very popular and have only a regular audience in the corner of a small theatre. One day, Hitomi and Akako catch a middle school student trying to steal Hitomi’s bicycle. Since then, their fate as a female comedy duo begins to change.
Website: waramane.jp
Preview: Warau Manekineko CM
Final Fantasy XIV: Hikari no Otousan
Date: From 1.28 a.m., Wednesdays, 19 April 2017
Station: TBS
Scriptwriter: Fukihara Kota
Genre: Family
Cast: Chiba Yudai, Osugi Ren, Baba Fumika, Hakamada Yoshihiko, Nanjo Yoshino, Kotobuki Minako, Yuki Aoi, Ishino Mako
Synopsis: Inaba Hirotaro (Osugi Ren), who has only been devoted to work so far, is hooked on online games now that he is over 60. His son Mitsuo (Chiba Yudai), a salaryman, is trying to reach out to his father as a game player in the same world of online games without disclosing his true identity. Despite the secrets that each of them have, father and son start to understand each other and become them closer through the online games.
Website: hikarinootosan.jp
Preview: Hikari no Otousan CM
Keishichou Sousa Ikka 9-gakari Season 12
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Wednesdays, 12 April 2017
Station: TV Asahi
Scriptwriters: Fukasawa Masaki (Onnatachi no Tokusou Saizensen, Doctor Car, Keishichou Sousa Ikka 9-gakari Series), Okazaki Yukiko (Deiri Kinshi no Onna, Keishichou Sousa Ikka 9-gakari Series), Manabe Chiaki (Saikyou no Futari, Deiri Kinshi no Onna, Sousa Chizu no Onna), Takigawa Akiyo (Keishichou Sousa Ikka 9-gakari Series), Tokunaga Tomihiko (Keiji 7-nin Series, Higanbana, Keishichou Sousa Ikka 9-gakari Series), Hasebe Bakushino (Keishichou Sousa Ikka 9-gakari Series), Hosho Kazuyuki, Iwase Akiko, Okawa Shundo (Crossroad, Hanchou Series)
Genre: Detective
Cast: Inohara Yoshihiko, Hada Michiko, Tsuda Kanji, Fukikoshi Mitsuru, Taguchi Hiromasa, Hara Sachie, Nakagoshi Noriko
Synopsis: –
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/9gakari_12
Haha ni Naru
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Wednesdays, 12 April 2017
Station: NTV
Scriptwriter: Mizuhashi Fumie (Hayako-sensei Kekkon Surutte Hontou desu ka, Sharehouse no Koibito, Tsurukame Josanin)
Genre: Family
Cast: Sawajiri Erika, Fujiki Naohito, Nakajima Yuto, Michieda Shunsuke, Takahashi Maryjun, Fujisawa Haruka, Mochizuki Ayumu, Asano Kazuyuki, Fubuki Jun, Itaya Yuka, Koike Eiko
Synopsis: Kashiwazaki Yui (Sawajiri Erika) had her 3-year-old son kidnapped from her on a usual day home from kindergarten. Her husband Yoichi (Fujiki Naohito), a university associate professor researching artificial intelligence, ended up withdrawing from the world after the incident. Nine years later, their son shows up and Yui tries to bury the void of the past nine years and be a mother to this 13-year old. Can a family that broke down once become whole again?
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/haha
Preview: Haha ni Naru CM
3-nin no Papa
Date: From 11.56 p.m., Wednesdays, 19 April 2017
Station: TBS
Scriptwriter: Koyama Shota (Career, Fukigenna Kajitsu ((2016), Ishitachi no Renai Jijou)
Genre: Family comedy
Cast: Horii Arata, Yamada Yuki, Mitsuya Ryo, Matsui Airi, Sagara Itsuki, Hamada Mari
Synopsis: When Hirabayashi Takuto (Horii Arata) comes back to the home which he shares with his two friends, Hano Kyohei (Yamada Yuki) and Okayama Hajime (Mitsuya Ryo), from high school days, he finds a baby sleeping peacefully in a room. Kyohei and Hajime soon return and are bewildered by the baby’s sudden appearance too. They look over a letter placed on the table as they struggle to grasp the situation. All the letter says is, “This child is yours”. Although the three irresponsible guys inquire into the identity of the baby’s father, each of them seems to have a clue. Time passes while they shift the blame. Then they notice that the baby has a fever. Although Takuto, Kyohei and Hajime do not know what to do, they finally seem to begin feeling a sense of responsibility for the life in front of them and make the decision to raise this baby.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/3papa_tbs
Ani ni Aisaresugite Komattemasu*NEW*
Date: From 12.59 a.m., Thursdays, 13 April 2017 (followed by movie)
Station: NTV
Scriptwriter: Matsuda Yuko (Tokyo Tarareba Musume, Kinkyori Renai, Hanasaki Mai ga Damattenai Series)
Original Work: Ani ni Aisaresugite Komattemasu by Yagami Rina
Genre: Romance
Cast: Tsuchiya Tao, Katayose Ryota, Kusakawa Takuya, Sugino Yosuke, Ono Ito, YOU, Kamio Fuju, Moritaka Ai, Kawazu Asuka, Ochi Yurano, Omiya Taro, Chiba Yudai
Synopsis: One day, Tachibana Setoka (Tsuchiya Tao), a second-year high school student, summons the courage to declare her feelings to Suzuki-kun from the kendo club. However, she is abruptly rejected. This is her 12 consecutive failure at confessing her feelings from her first love until now. The reason she has been continuously rejected has to do with her older brother Haruka (Katayose Ryota)? Then Serikawa Takane (Chiba Yudai), her first love who is the son of the director of Serikawa General Hospital; Mioka Chiaki (Kusakawa Takuya), her handsome senior who treats all girls like princesses; and Serikawa Kunimitsu (Sugino Yosuke), Takane’s younger brother who is her classmate whom she can say anything to, appear in front of her. And even Haruka who is not related by blood joins in, causing Setoka to panic at her suddenly popularity.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/anikoma-drama
Kinkyuu Torishirabeshitsu Season 2
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Thursdays, 20 April 2017
Station: TV Asahi
Scriptwriter: Inoue Yumiko (Kinkyuu Torishirabeshitsu Season 1, Pandora Series, 14-sai no Haha)
Genre: Investigative
Cast: Amami Yuki, Tanaka Tetsushi, Hayami Mokomichi, Suzuki Kosuke, Okura Koji, Denden, Osugi Ren, 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
Preview: Kinkyuu Torishirabeshitsu Season 2 CM
Related: Kinkyuu Torishirabeshitsu Season 1
Hito wa Mita Me ga 100%
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Thursdays, 13 April 2017
Station: Fuji TV
Scriptwriter: Aizawa Tomoko (Onna to Otoko no Nettai, Biblia Koshodo no Jiken Techou, Kagi no Kakatta Heya Series)
Original Work: Hito wa Mita Me ga 100% by Okubo Hiromi
Cast: Kiritani Mirei, Mizukawa Asami, Buruzon Chiemi, Narita Ryo, Machida Keita, Nakao Masaki, Adachi Rika, Okazaki Sae, Tsutsumishi Atsushi, Suzuki Kosuke, Muroi Shigeru
Synopsis: Jounouchi Jun (Kiritani Mirei) is a researcher who works at a paper manufacturer. She has been so immersed in research that she is at the bottom rung of stylishness. She lacks self-confidence, is unpopular with men and also poor at girls talk. Seeking to free herself from her current situation, Jun starts to research trendy makeup, fashion and beauty with her two colleagues Maeda Mitsuko (Mizukawa Asami) and Sato Seira (Buruzon Chiemi).
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/hitopa
Preview: Hito wa Mita Me ga 100% CM
Kono Yo ni Tayasui Shigoto wa Nai
Date: From 11.00 p.m., Thursdays, 6 April 2017
Station: NHK BS Premium
Scriptwriters: Tsuchida Hideo (Akahana no Sensei, Saito-san Series), Brazily Ann Yamada (Tokyo Sentimental Series, White Lab)
Original Work: Kono Yo ni Tayasui Shigoto wa Nai by Tsumura Kikuko
Genre: Career
Cast: Mano Erina, Tsukamoto Takashi, Asano Atsuko, Babazono Azusa, Takahashi Hitomi
Synopsis: Kasumi (Mano Erina) had been a teacher in elementary school, which was her childhood dream. But she caused herself to overwork because of her over-enthusiasm and ended up resigning without fulfilling her ambition because she was burned out. However, she meets a remarkable employee (Asano Atsuko) at a Hello Work employment support office when she starts on short-term jobs and keeps getting introduced to very queer work. Even so, she slowly begins to consider how to deal with her jobs and the meaning of work through her interactions with the people she meets at each of these workplaces.
Website: –
Koi ga Heta de mo Ikitemasu
Date: From 11.59 p.m., Thursdays, 6 April 2017
Station: NTV
Scriptwriter: Yokota Rie (Haburashi Onna Tomodachi, Hanasaki Mai ga Damattenai Series, Aru Hi Ahiru Bus)
Original Work: Koi ga Heta de mo Ikitemasu by Fujiwara Akira
Genre: Love comedy
Cast: Takanashi Rin, Tanaka Kei, Tsuchimura Kaho, Fuchikami Yasushi, Uchida Rio, Koseki Yuta, Nonami Maho, Terawaki Yasufumi
Synopsis: Chigasaki Misa (Takanashi Rin) is a career woman who works for a smartphone game start-up. She develops love games but ironically the longest she has ever been in love was just two months. Misa loves her work and wants to be the company president. The opportunity soon presents itself. However, she is deprived of her dream by Oshima Keisuke (Tanaka Kei), a professional executive who has returned from New York. He is the very man whom she happened to meet outside the office and whose advances she enjoyed. Keisuke looks like the perfect man who gets what he wants, but he has a past that he has not been able to overcome.
Website: www.ytv.co.jp/koiheta
Samurai Gourmet
Date: From 17 March 2017 (updated on Fridays)
Network: Netflix
Scriptwriter: –
Original Work: Nobushi no Gurume by Kusumi Masayuki
Genre: Food
Cast: Takenaka Naoto, Tamayama Tetsuji, Suzuki Honami
Synopsis: Kasumi Takeshi (Takenaka Naoto) has spent his entire life devoted to his job. Now a retired man, he finds himself with plenty of extra time on his hands. He never had the luxury of a beer during the day on a weekday during his 35 years as a salaryman. But in that instant Kasumi gets acquainted with the taste of that one glass and eating alone, discovering the joys of day-time drinking and the realisation that he is now free to eat and drink what he wants, when he wants. This awakens his inner persona – a wandering samurai (Tamayama Tetsuji) living life freely in Japan’s age of civil wars. Thus begins his search for blissfully delectable delights to satisfy his stomach and the samurai’s soul.
Website: www.netflix.com/jp/watch/80132738
Preview: Samurai Gourmet CM
1,000,000 yen no Onnatachi
Date: From 1.00 a.m., Fridays, 14 April 2017
Station: TV Tokyo & Netflix
Scriptwriters: Yamada Yoshitatsu (Kazoku Houtei), Murooka Yoshimitsu, Nakazono Yuya
Original Work: 1,000,000 yen no Onnatachi by Aono Shunju
Genre: Mystery
Cast: Noda Yojiro, Fukushima Rila, Matsui Rena, Wagatsuma Miwako, Takeda Rena, Araki Yuko
Synopsis: Michima Shin (Noda Yojiro) is a struggling novelist. He has been happily living under the same roof with five mysterious beauties (Fukushima Rila, Matsui Rena, Wagatsuma Miwako, Takeda Rena, Araki Yuko ) who range from their teens to 30s since six months ago. They give him a huge sum of 1 million yen a month as rent and living expenses for this rather bizarre living arrangement. There are several cohabitation rules and he is forbidden from asking them any questions. Then one day, an incident happens to Shin that causes everything to break down … …
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/100man
Tachibana Noboru Seishun Tebikae Season 2
Date: From 8.00 p.m., Fridays, 7 April 2017
Station: NHK BS Premium
Scriptwriters: Furuta Motomu (Tachibana Noboru Seishun Tebikae Season, Kamiya Genjiro Series, Kumokiri Nizaemon Season 2), Tamura Megumi (Tachibana Noboru Seishun Tebikae Season 1), Kobayashi Masahiro (Tachibana Noboru Seishun Tebikae Season 1)
Original Work: Tachibana Noboru Seishun Tebikae by Fujisawa Shuhei
Genre: Period
Cast: Mizobata Junpei, Taira Yuna, Miyazaki Yoshiko, Makita Sports, Masana Bokuzo, Watanabe Yutaro, Namioka Kazuki, Washio Machiko, Ishiguro Ken, Furuya Ikkou
Synopsis: Tachibana Noboru (Mizobata Junpei), a young prison doctor of Kodenmacho, has a strong sense of justice and exceptional jujitsu skills. He left Akita and turned to an uncle Genan (Furuya Ikkou) in order to become a full-fledged doctor. Working as a prison doctor is, in fact, stimulating for the sensitive Noboru because he can get deeply involved in all sorts of work-related incidents that occur within and beyond the prison, and also the people concerned.
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/jidaigeki/tachibana2
Related: Tachibana Noboru Seishun Tebikae Season 1
Tsuribaka Nisshi ~ Shinnyu Shain Hamasaki Densuke Season 2
Date: From 8.00 p.m., Fridays, 21 April 2017
Station: TV Tokyo
Scriptwriters: Sato Kumiko (Tsuribaka Nisshi Series, Sanbiki no Ossan Series, Kagi no Yume o Miru), Yamaoka Junpei (Zenigata Keibu Series, Gin to Kin, Kaseifu no Mitazono)
Original Work: Tsuribaka Nisshi ~ Shinnyu Shain Hamasaki Densuke by Yamasaki Juzo and Kitami Kenichi
Genre: Comedy
Cast: Hamada Gaku, Hirose Alice, Fukikoshi Mitsuru, Suruga Taro, Kitaro, Hayama Shono, Tanabe Momoko, Satoi Kenta, Nadaka Tatsuo, Ono Ryo, Ino Manabu, Atsushi, Miura Riki, Morita Kanro, Sakakibara Ikue, Ichige Yoshie, Ibu Masato, Nishida Toshiyuki, Urai Kenji, Wakabayashi Masayasu (guest star), Hamano Kenta (guest star)
Synopsis: Hamasaki Densuke (Hamada Gaku) is now in his third year at the big construction company Suzuki Construction. His enthusiasm for fishing reinforces his lovable character and he now has a bizarre mentoring relationship with his company president Suzuki Ichinosuke (Nishida Toshiyuki) whom he calls Su-san. This time, the commotion that he creates with his boss Sasaki Kazuo (Fukikoshi Mitsuru), the eternal mid-level manager, and other employees escalates, and a strong, handsome rival emerges and edges into Hama-chan’s relationship with his girlfriend Kobayashi Michiko (Hirose Alice).
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/tsuribaka
Related: Tsuribaka Nisshi ~ Shinnyu Shain Hamasaki Densuke Season 1
Bouncer
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Fridays, 14 April 2017
Station: BS Sky Perfect
Scriptwriter: Manabe Yukiko (Kinkyori Renai)
Original Work: Bouncer by Mizuta Makoto
Cast: Hirano Kinari, Yoon Hak, Murakami Jun, Daito Shunsuke, Tei Ryushin, Sano Kazuma, TAK, Komakine Ryusuke, Terawaki Yasufumi
Synopsis: Shishido Joichiro (Hirano Kinari) cannot tolerate unreasonable things and bullying. After moving from one job to another because of his tendency to lose his temper, he immediately decides to join the private security firm Tokyo Fists at the invitation of its company president Wanibuchi Tsuyoshi (Murakami Jun). The firm is made up of a group of tough bodyguards who preserve peace on the streets at night. However, Shishido has to go through training first. If he is deemed appropriate, he will then be hired as an employee. He meets the capable but very overbearing Hachino Shinya (Yoon Hak), who will be his direct superior during the training. Although Shishido feels overwhelmed by the employees who show up, he slowly starts to grow up little by little.
Website: www.bs-sptv.com/bouncer
Reverse
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Fridays, 14 April 2017
Station: TBS
Scriptwriters: Okudera Satoko (N no Tame ni, Yakou Kanransha), Shimizu Yukako (Fukigenna Kajitsu (2016), Onna was Sore o Yurusanai, Konya wa Komodo dake Daite)
Original Work: Reverse by Minato Kanae
Genre: Mystery
Cast: Fujiwara Tatsuya, Toda Erika, Tamamori Yuta, Koike Teppei, Miura Takahiro, Kadowaki Mugi, Ichihara Hayato, YOU, Shinohara Yukiko, Fujimoto Izumi, Shuri, Yamaguchi Mayu, Suzuki Jin, Furuta Yuna, Buffalo Goro A, Yamazaki Ginnojo, Shiga Kotaro, Katahira Nagisa, Murai Kunio, Takeda Tetsuya
Synopsis: Salaryman Fukase Kazuhisa (Fujiwara Tatsuya) graduated from a famous university but his life is very ordinary and unremarkable. His only hobby – if it can be called that – is drinking coffee. Coffee, in fact, leads him to Ochi Mihoko (Toda Erika), who becomes his girlfriend. Then one day, Mihoko receives a mysterious letter which consists of a single line, “Kazuhisa Fukase is a murderer.” Fukase’s instinct tells him that the time has finally come to face “that incident” 10 years ago. One winter 10 years ago, his good friend Hirosawa Yuki (Koike Teppei) died in an unfortunate accident during a snowboarding trip with his university classmates Tanihara Yasuo (Ichihara Hayato), Asami Kosuke (Tamamori Yuta), Murai Takaaki (Miura Takahiro) and Murai’s younger sister Asuka (Kadowaki Mugi). However, there is a big secret hidden in that accident. Letters are also sent to Tanihara, Tanihara and Murai who also share in this secret, and even they are hit by a series of incidents. Fukase decides to confront the truth of the past in order to protect the people dear to him.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/reverse_tbs
Preview: Reverse CM
Tsubaki Bunguten ~ Kamakura Daishoya Monogatari
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Fridays, 14 April 2017
Station: NHK
Scriptwriter: Arai Shuko (Suizokukan Girl, Higanbana, Mother Game)
Original Work: Tsubaki Bunguten by Ogawa Ito
Cast: Tabe Mikako, Takahashi Katsunori, Kamiji Yusuke, Katase Nana, Niitsu Chise, Enami Kyoko, Okuda Eiji Baisho Mitsuko
Synopsis: Hatoko (Tabe Mikako) comes back to her hometown of Kamakura after eight years. She has been forced to take over Tsubaki Stationery Shop by her late grandmother. In truth, it is a stationery shop in name only and its main business is writing beautiful characters on someone’s behalf. Furthermore, the shop is peculiar in that these letters are considered and written from scratch. As a novice ghost writer, Hatoko gradually demonstrates her talent of conveying innermost feelings that words cannot express in the best way possible. She agrees to all sorts of letter writing requests and builds rapport with the slightly eccentric people who gather at the shop. These small, happy pieces please her and leads her to take a new step in her own life.
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/drama10/tsubaki
Joshu Seven
Date: From 11.15 p.m., Fridays, 21 April 2017
Station: TV Asahi
Scriptwriter: Nishiogi Yumie (Tamiou Series, SPEC Series, Ando Lloyd)
Cast: Goriki Ayame, Yamaguchi Sayaka, Triendl Reina, Hiraiwa Kami, Hashimoto Manami, Kino Hana, Adachi Yumi, Kaji Meiko, Takashima Masanobu, Naito Risa, Kusumi Koharu, Judai Satoshi, Ohata Shieri, Ikeuchi Mansaku, Shishido Miwako, Nagano Munenori, Tamura Kentaro
Synopsis: Kamiwatari Kotone (Goriki Ayame), a Kyoto geisha of many mysteries, gets drunk one night and finds herself framed for the murder of a fellow geisha. She lands up in a women’s prison. That is where she gets bullied and even has her life targeted by female inmates including Kususe Tsukawa (Yamaguchi Sayaka), a cross-dressing political secretary who has committed crime; Ichikawa Sara (Triendl Reina), a former delinquent and single mother who murdered her abusive husband; Tsuda Sakurako (Hiraiwa Kami), a second wife who committed a series of murders for inheritance; Yajima Chizuka (Hashimoto Manami), a nurse who underwent plastic surgery from head to toe and killed patients after an affair; Hiratsuka Ume (Kino Hana), the oldest inmate in the cell who snapped under the weight of caring for and murdered her husband; and Sakamoto Natsu (Adachi Yumi), the prison’s number one informant. However, Kotone survives this through her wiles. Why was she set up?
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/joshu-7
Preview: Joshu 7 CM
Code Name Mirage
Date: From 1.23 p.m., Saturdays, 8 April 2017
Station: TV Tokyo
Scriptwriter: –
Original Work: Mirage by Hiroi Ouji
Genre: Suspense
Cast: Kiriyama Ren, Sano Hinako, Kaname Jun, Takeda Shinji, Hagiwara Masato, Ishimaru Kenjiro
Synopsis: Without an official spy organisation, Japan is seen as a hotbed for crime by foreign and domestic criminal groups. K13 is a unit established within the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department to combat this situation. The activities of K13 are known only to a few people and its members do not exist on record. Led by the top agent code named Mirage (Kiriyama Ren), K13 members target not only brutal crimes but are also given secret missions to handle crimes which cannot be solved politically and socially. Meanwhile, there are people who intend to set up a police organisation like the FBI in the US and strengthen the Japanese police by enacting a bill to expand its powers. Before long, the K13 gets embroiled too and a huge conspiracy is revealed.
Website: code-mirage.jp
Preview: Code Name Mirage CM
Kodoku no Gurume Season 6
Date: From 12.12 a.m., Saturdays, 8 April 2017
Station: TV Tokyo
Scriptwriter: –
Original Work: Kodoku no Gurume by Kusumi Masayuki
Genre: Food
Cast: Matsushige Yutaka
Synopsis: Inogashira Goro (Matsushige Yutaka), who runs an imported general merchandise business, enjoys eating on his own and would visit dining establishments when there are intervals of free time during work.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/kodokunogurume6
Mi o Tsukushi Ryouricho
Date: From 6.05 p.m., Saturdays, 13 May 2017
Station: NHK
Scriptwriter: Fujimoto Yuki (Chikaemon, Meoto Zenzai, Taira Kiyomori)
Original Work: Mi o Tsukushi Ryourichou by Takada Kaoru
Genre: Period
Cast: Kuroki Haru, Moriyama Mirai, Nagayama Kento, Yasuda Narumi, Kunihiro Tomiyuki, Yanagishita Tomo, Kohinata Fumiyo, Makita Aju, Aso Yumi, Kobayashi Masahiro, Narumi Riko, Hagiwara Masato, Yagyu Miyu, Kimura Yuichi, Murasugi Seminosuke, Maiguma Katsuya
Synopsis: In 1802, 8-year-old Mio lost her parents in a river flood in Osaka and feels all alone after she is also separated from her childhood friend Noe. She is saved by Yoshi (Yasuda Narumi), the proprietress of ‘Tenman Icchoan’, one of Osaka’s famous restaurants, whom she happened to meet. Mio begins training as a cook because of her gift for taste in a time when females were still banned from the kitchen. However, the restaurant was burnt down in a fire and she sets off for Edo with Yoshi and her husband Kahei (Kunihiro Tomiyuki). By some lucky coincidence, they are invited by Taneichi (Kohinata Fumiyo), the owner of ‘Tsurya’, to work at his soba shop. Mio (Kuroki Haru) is bewildered by the contrasting flavours between the Kansai region and Edo, and also has to deal with the obstructions of a rival shop and status difference in her love with the samurai Komatsubara (Moriyama Mirai). She overcomes these difficulties and eventually becomes a top female cook.
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/jidaigeki/miwotsukushi
4-go Keibi
Date: From 8.15 p.m., Saturdays, 8 April 2017
Station: NHK
Scriptwriter: Uda Manabu (99.9 ~ Keiji Senmon Bengoshi, Borderline, Lucky Seven)
Genre: Action
Cast: Kubota Masataka, Kitamura Kazuki, Abe Junko, Hamada Mari, Takagi Wataru, Kanbe Hiroshi, Kubota Sayu, Maro Akaji, Kimura Tae, Kataoka Tsurutaro, Mizuhashi Kenji (guest star), Ozawa Kazuhiro (guest star), Takahashi Mitsuomi (guest star), Ito Ran (guest star)
Synopsis: One day, security officer Asahina (Kubota Masataka) is appointed to Security #4. Skills are required because it is the most dangerous of security roles. Asahina used to be a police officer but retired due to a “setback” and joined the security company Guard Keepers. A middle-aged man called Ishimaru (Kitamura Kazuki) is designated his partner. Ishimaru was once a company president but became a security officer and is labelled “coward” as a result of his excessively cautious personality. Although the two of them complain about each other, their boss Ikeyama (Kataoka Tsurutaro) seems to have some agenda and does nothing but give meaningful smiles while their company president (Kimura Tae) has reservations about this pairing. Despite their conflicts, Asahina and Ishimaru have to personally protect people in all sorts situations.
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/dodra/yongou
Hokuto ~ Aru Satusjinsha no Kaishin
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Saturdays, 25 March 2017
Station: WOWOW
Scriptwriter: Takimoto Tomoyuki (Tenshi to Akuma, Watashi to iu Unmei ni Tsuite )
Original Work: Hokuto Aru Satusjinsha no Kaishin by Ishida Ira
Cast: Nakayama Yuma, Matsuo Suzuki, Murakami Jun, Nakamura Yuko, Ito Sairi, Nikaido Satoshi, Negishi Toshie, Riju Go, Yajima Kenichi, Onishi Riku, Urabe Fusako, Owada Kensuke, Yamada Anna, Fujita Yumiko, Shimada Kyusaku, Miyamoto Nobuko
Synopsis: 20-year-old Hokuto (Nakayama Yuma) is being detained as a murderer and tells his court-appointed lawyer Takai Soichi (Matsuo Suzuki) to get him the death penalty. Hokuto was actually severely abused by his parents in his childhood and starved of love. He met Kondo Ayako (Miyamoto Nobuko) who became his foster mother through child welfare services and learnt of love for the first time. Released from the darkness of his mind, he started to feel like a new person but he is made sport by bizarre fate and becomes a murderer.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/dramaw/hokuto
Boku, Unmei no Hito desu
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Saturdays, 15 April 2017
Station: NTV
Scriptwriter: Kaneko Shigeki (Sekai Ichi Muzukashii Koi, Kyou wa Kaisha Yasumimasu, Summer Nude)
Genre: Love comedy
Cast: Kamenashi Kazuya, Kimura Fumino, Yamashita Tomohisa, Nanao, Sawabe Yu, Watanabe Eriko, Sugimoto Tetta, Okura Koji, Ishino Mako, Tanabe Seiichi
Synopsis: 29-year-old Makoto (Kamenashi Kazuya) is an office employee who believes in fate. He and Haruko (Kimura Fumino) have miraculously passed each other time and time again since they were children – at the beach during their childhood, at the venue for their university entrance exam and at their first visit to a shrine in the New Year this year. However, the two of them have not matched a name to each other’s faces. At this moment, a mysterious guy (Yamashita Tomohisa) who proclaims himself “god”, suddenly appears in front of Makoto. He says Makoto and Haruko are destined to be a couple. With this encouragement, Makoto calls out to Haruko, who works next to his office, in what is almost their first meeting, “Good morning! I’m the man of your destiny.” That is how things begin from this disastrous encounter. Haruko obstinately rejects him, but he continues his attack in the belief that she is his soulmate.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/boku-unmei
Preview: Boku, Unmei no Hito desu CM
Miyazawa Kenji no Shokutaku
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Saturdays, June 2017
Station: WOWOW
Scriptwriter: Ikeda Natsuko (Suna no Tou, Algernon ni Hanabata o (2015), Alice no Toge)
Original Work: Miyazawa Kenji no Shokutaku by Uonome Santa
Genre: Biographical
Cast: Suzuki Ryohei, Ishibashi Anna
Synopsis: In 1921, a young Miyazawa Kenji (Suzuki Ryohei) stormed out of his wealthy family and ran away to Tokyo. In the eight months that he lived in Tokyo as he made a living for himself, his mind never left his beloved younger sister Toshi (Ishibashi Anna). One day at the end of summer, he gets an unexpected telegram, “Toshi is sick. Come back immediately.” Kenji returns home in great haste to find a seemingly healthy Toshi waiting for him. He had been thoroughly deceived by this scheme of his father Masajiro who was worried about him. Kenji has not been able to find something to be passionate about. But he begins to realise that his own ideal is to share happiness after he makes the croquette that he had tasted in Tokyo by hand and shared it with his family. This is communicated through his representative work. And in accordance to Toshi’s wish, he makes the decision to take a position as a teacher at the Hienu Agricultural School which has just been established.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/dramaw/kenji
Hanzai Shokogun Season 1
Date: From 11.40 p.m., Saturdays, 8 April 2017
Station: Fuji TV
Scriptwriters: Shinozaki Eriko (Rakuen, Copyface, Kami no Tsuki), Taniguchi Junichiro (Honjitsu Ohigara mo Yoko, Keiji no Manazashi)
Original Work: Shokogun Series by Nukui Tokuro
Genre: Suspense
Cast: Tamayama Tetsuji, Tanihara Shosuke, Watabe Atsuro, Komoto Masahiro, Mimura, Tsuruta Mayu, Sakurada Hiyori, Kaname Jun, Takahashi Mitsuomi, Aijima Kazuyuki, Ryu Raita
Synopsis: One year ago, a woman who was cherished by two men was murdered. Former detective Muto Takashi (Tamayama Tetsuji) is her older brother who had loved her as if he were her father after their parents died young. His good friend Kaburagi Wataru (Tanihara Shosuke) was actually her boyfriend. Because the culprit was underaged, he is rehabilitated without being punished for his crime. Despite being tormented by a desire for vengeance, Muto does not choose to take revenge on the juvenile but makes the decision to continue pursuing crime to prevent further loss of lives like his sister.
Website: tokai-tv.com/hanzaishokogun
Preview: Hanzai Shokogun Season 1 CM
Related: Hanzai Shokogun Season 2
Massage Tantei Joe
Date: From 12.12 a.m., Sundays, 8 April 2017
Station: TV Tokyo
Scriptwriters: Inoue Tete, Masaike Yosuke
Genre: Suspense comedy
Cast: Nakamaru Yuichi, Koshiba Fuka, Wada Masato, Ozawa Yukyoshi, Baisho Mitsuko, Yoza Yoshiaki, Mikawa Yugo, Yokoyama Megumi (guest star)
Synopsis: Yabukihara Joe (Nakamaru Yuichi) starts working as a masseur with the encouragement of Eko-baba (Baisho Mitsuko), the owner of a massage shop whom he happened to become acquainted with about one year ago. Recognising that he is gifted in massage, Eko-baba makes Joe go to the homes of all kinds of customers although it agonises him because he dislikes people and has anxiety around strangers. One day, the wealthy husband of Joe’s customer, is murdered and Joe finds himself suspected by police detectives (Ozawa Yukyoshi, Wada Masato). At the suggestion of fellow masseur Aguri (Koshiba Fuka), Joe uses his massage techniques and powers of observation to solve the mystery and clear his name. This becomes the turning point in his life. After that, he keeps getting involved in strange murder cases at customers’ homes and demonstrates his unexpected talent each time.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/mt_jyo
Kakuu OL Nikki
Date: From 1.55 a.m., Sundays, 16 April 2017
Station: NTV
Scriptwriter: Bakarhythm (Sumu Sumu, Sutekina Sentaxi)
Original Work: Kakuu OL Nikki by Bakarhythm
Genre: Office comedy
Cast: Bakarhythm, Kaho, Usuda Asami, Sato Ryo, Yamada Maho
Synopsis: Masuno Hidetomo (Bakarhythm) is a fictitious, ordinary office lady who worked for a bank and secretly kept a “legendary blog” online which could have fooled anyone into believing she was genuine because it knew women’s hearts too well. This is the story of the explosively funny talk ranging from complaints about bosses to beauty and romance, and the small daily incidents that occur to Masuno and four fellow office ladies Fujikawa Maki (Kaho), Komine Tomoko (Usuda Asami), Igarashi Sae (Sato Ryo) and Sakaki Noriko (Yamada Maho) whom she was good friends with.
Website: www.kaku-ol.jp
Preview: Kakuu OL Nikki CM
Chiisana Kyojin
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Sundays, 16 April 2017
Station: TBS
Scriptwriters: Ushio Kentaro (Mutsuu, Heat, Take Five), Yaitsu Hiroyuki (Suisho no Kodou, Kaseifu no Mitazono, Shitamachi Rocket (TBS))
Genre: Detective
Cast: Hasegawa Hiroki, Okada Masaki, Yoshine Kyoko, Yasuda Ken, Suruga Taro, Tezuka Toru, Kamio Yu, Ryusei Ryo, Ikeda Tetsuhiro, Kaji Masaki, Maru Itta, Natsuo, Kato Haruhiko, Sasaki Nozomi, Nagae Hidekazu, Tominaga Saori, Horio Masaaki, Yoshii Masao, Katsura Bunshi, Ichikawa Mikako, Kiba Katsumi, Shunputei Shota, Kagawa Teruyuki
Synopsis: Kosaka Shinichiro (Hasegawa Hiroki), a section chief in the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department’s First Investigative Division, is called the undisputed future chief of the division because of his capability. He has solved a third investigation task force case this year. Kosaka’s sights are set on heading the division for the sake of his father (Kiba Katsumi) who had been a perpetual detective in a police precinct, his wife Misa (Ichikawa Mikako) and himself. But one day, Kosaka makes a mistake during an interrogation and ends up getting demoted to a police precinct based on the account of his superior, Onoda Yoshinobu (Kagawa Teruyuki), the head of the First Investigative Division who has had nothing but a high regard for him all this while. At the police precinct, Kosaka finds bungling but righteous colleagues who tackle even small cases. Although he agonises about his duty as a detective and true justice, he begins to stand up to “evil”.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/chiisanakyojin_tbs
Preview: Chiisana Kyojin CM
Sakurako-san no Sokka ni wa Shitai ga Umatteiru
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Sundays, 23 April 2017
Station: Fuji TV
Scriptwriter: Yamaoka Junpei (Zenigata Keibu Series, Gin to Kin, Kaseifu no Mitazono)
Original Work: Sakurako-san no Sokka ni wa Shitai ga Umatteiru by Ota Shiori
Genre: Mystery
Cast: Mizuki Arisa, Fujigaya Taisuke, Takashima Masahiro, Shinkawa Yua, Hosoda Yoshihiko, Kondo Koen, Watanabe Kenchiki, Tanaka Sougen, Washio Machiko, Kamikawa Takaya
Synopsis: Beautiful Kujo Sakurako (Mizuki Arisa) is the daughter of a distinguished family. However, she loves bones more than her three meals a day, which is a preference that is difficult for the average person to understand. Sakurako learned forensic medicine during high school and has made osteology her profession. As one of the few osteologists in Japan, she receives requests from museums as well as research and education institutes and reconstructs animal bones in her studio every day. She encounters all sorts of dead bodies and cases with a new museum employee Tatewaki Shotaro (Fujigaya Taisuke), and focuses on the details to unravel the mysteries.
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/sakurakosan
Preview: Sakurako-san no Sokka ni wa Shitai ga Umatteiru Teaser
Hitoya no Toge
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 19 March 2017
Station: WOWOW
Scriptwriter: Suzuki Satoshi (Shi no Zouki, Tokusou, Daremo Mamottekurenai)
Original Work: Hitoya no Toge by Daimon Takeaki
Genre: Suspense
Cast: Kubota Masataka, Ozawa Yukiyoshi, Izumiya Shigeru, Ikeda Narushi, Hagiwara Masato, Nonami Maho, Komakine Yusuke, Tanaka Yoji, Arizono Yoshiki, Moro Morooka, Hotaru Yukijiro, Nakamura Ikuji
Synopsis: Takeshima Ryota (Kubota Masataka) is a new prison officer whose late father was also in the same profession. He sets foot in Kita Kanto Prison and sees corrupt prison officers quietly condone the bullying of prisoners and gamble inside. One day, Nakui Soichi (Ozawa Yukiyoshi) from the Ministry of Justice becomes the new prison chief. Meanwhile, Ryota is given a rough welcome by Kamimiya Korekiyo (Izumiya Shigeru), a prisoner with clout. A senior officer Akimura Shigeharu (Hagiwara Masato) offers Ryota advice, but Akimura’s baffling actions bewilder him. Then Nakui gives Ryota instructions in an attempt to cleanup the festering prison. On top of that, Kamimiya gets close to Ryota and hints that he knows something about his father’s death. What is the justice and truth in the prison which is a closed world that no one knows … …
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/dramaw/hitoya
Preview: Hitoya no Toge CM
PTA Grandpa
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 2 April 2017
Station: NHK BS Premium
Scriptwriters: Okazaki Satoko (Totone-chan, Detarame Hero), Kodama Norikatsu
Genre: Family
Cast: Matsudaira Ken, Adachi Yumi, Matobu Sei, Hasegawa Tomoharu, Sasaki Katsuhiko, Nakahara Takeo, Asada Miyoko
Synopsis: 65-year-old Muso Tsutomu (Matsudaira Ken) has retired from his job at a major home appliance manufacturer. He was a corporate warrior in the 43 years that he worked without caring for his family. His intention had been to take retirement leisurely at home. But reality is not so kind. He is told by his wife Sachiko (Asada Miyoko) to do something since he is free. After their divorced daughter Miyako (Matobu Sei) moves back home with her 1-year-old daughter Yurina, he becomes Yurina’s caregiver because Miyako has to work hard as the division head at a big corporation. One day, she gets drawn to be the deputy chairwoman at the first Parent Teacher Association meeting of the elementary school … …
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/pd/pta
Shachou no Fuyu
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 30 April 2017
Station: WOWOW
Scriptwriters: Tanaka Shinchi (Medial Team Lady Davinci no Shindan, Seishun Tantei Haruya, Kaiki Renai Sakusen), Miura Hayato (Umi ni Furu)
Original Work: Shachou no Fuyu by Doba Shinichi
Genre: Corporate
Cast: Mikami Hiroshi, Fukushi Seiji, Kitano Kii, Charlotte Kate Fox, Koichi Mantaro, Watanabe Ikkei, Nakamura Atsuo, Minamisawa Nao, Hara Hideko, Sasano Takashi, Tanaka Min, Kishibe Ittoku
Synopsis: Kodera Masao (Nakamura Atsuo), the president of Japan’s largest newspaper has finally reached a decision. He has assessed that the sale of his newspaper, which is a symbol of Japan, to a foreign investor is inevitable after a sharp decline in circulation and faltering advertising revenue. The buyer is Aoi Sota (Mikami Hiroshi), the president of a big US online retailer called AMC. Then Kodera suddenly passes away and Shinzato Akira (Sasano Takashi) succeeds him. Negotiations begin. However, progress is harder than expected. The demands are extreme and the newspaper is at the mercy of a seemingly tyrannical Aoi. In truth, Aoi was a former newspaper journalist and closely connected with Shinzato. What is Aoi’s true intention in acquiring the newspaper? And is this the start of the breakdown of the “established system” which supported post-war Japan’s press and was even deeply engaged in politics.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/dramaw/shacho
Hanzai Shokogun Season 2
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 11 June 2017
Station: WOWOW
Scriptwriters: Shinozaki Eriko (Rakuen, Copyface, Kami no Tsuki), Taniguchi Junichiro (Honjitsu Ohigara mo Yoko, Keiji no Manazashi)
Original Work: Shokogun Series by Nukui Tokuro
Genre: Suspense
Cast: Tamayama Tetsuji, Tanihara Shosuke, Watabe Atsuro, Komoto Masahiro, Mimura, Tsuruta Mayu, Sakurada Hiyori, Kaname Jun, Aijima Kazuyuki, Ryu Raita
Synopsis: One year ago, a woman who was cherished by two men was murdered. Former detective Muto Takashi (Tamayama Tetsuji) is her older brother who had loved her as if he were her father after their parents died young. His good friend Kaburagi Wataru (Tanihara Shosuke), a senior detective, was actually her boyfriend and she was the only one Kaburagi loved in his lonely life. Kaburagi counsels Muto and attempts to persuade him to forget the past. However, Kaburagi is the one who crosses the line and gets consumed by revenge.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/dramaw/hanzaishokogun
Related: Hanzai Shokogun Season 1
Frankenstein no Koi
Date: From 10.30 p.m., Sundays, 23 April 2017
Station: NTV
Scriptwriter: Omori Sumio (Seirei no Moribito Series, 64, Akumu-chan Series)
Genre: Romance
Cast: Ayano Go, Nikaido Fumi, Yagira Yuya, Kawaei Rina, Shinohara Atsushi, Hayama Shono, Kino Hana, Kuroda Daisuke, Morioka Ryu, Mizusawa Erena, Onishi Ayaka, Tajima Yumika, Nakamura Mukau, Nagaoka Tasuku, Arai Hirofumi, Yamauchi Takaya, Mitsuishi Ken, Emoto Akira
Synopsis: An incident 100 years ago led to a professor’s creation of a monster (Ayano Go) with a human-like form but definitely not a human-like appearance. And yet, this immortal monster has more compassion than humans. He quietly hides deep in the forest and dreams of the day he can live as a human being even though he knows this is impossible. Then something results in his encounter with a young woman Tsugaru Tsugumi (Nikaido Fumi) who does not realise his true nature, and they fall in love with each other. He starts to learn about love, friendship and the world. However, there is a secret. A monster cannot come into contact with a human being … …
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/frankenstein_koi
Preview: Frankenstein no Koi Teaser
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