Date: From 9.00 p.m., 24 February 2020
Scriptwriters: Takeuchi Kenzo, Morishita Tadashi (Iryu Sousa Seasons 4 – 5, Ishikawa Goemon, Saikyou no Futari), Moriguchi Yusuke (Lunch Gokon Tantei, Hidarikiki no Eren, Oh My Jump!)
Original Work: Chichi Yoshida Shigeru by Aso Kazuko
Cast: Shofukutei Tsurube, Ikuta Toma, Araki Yuko, Yamoto Yuma, Maeno Tomoya, Yasuda Ken, Katusji Ryo, Sasaki Kuranosuke, Matsushima Nanako, Tanaka Ken, Ogura Hisahiro, Shibuya Kento, Hashimoto Manami, Charles Glover, Jeffrey Rowe
Synopsis: In 1936, Yoshida Shigeru (Shofukutei Tsurube), Japan’s ambassador to Great Britain who was based in London, was troubled by the deteriorating situation in the Far East. At the same time, the businessman Shirasu Jiro (Ikuta Toma), who had a close friendship with Yoshida, was also sensitive to the state of world affairs. When Japan signed the Antikomintern Pact with Germany that year, Yoshida, who was opposed to this agreement, resigned as ambassador. Although he took steps to prevent a war, this was in vain. Japan launched the Pacific theatre of World War II. Yoshida prepared a report to the Emperor to try and bring about an early end to the war. However, information was leaked and he was arrested for his strong opposition to the war. After World War II ended in 1945, Japan was occupied by US-led Allied forces. With no one willing to be the Foreign Minister that would have to face GHQ, the general headquarters of the Allied occupation, Yoshida was singled out. This is how he took charge of Japan’s independence and recovery first as Foreign Minister and as Prime Minister later on. With Shirasu as his advisor, Yoshida negotiated with GHQ’s commander General Douglas MacArthur (Charles Glover). Although he was plunged in highly charged situations several times such as excessive foreign interference in Japan’s domestic affairs, he fought a long battle for the country’s independence with the help of his daughter Kazuko (Araki Yuko), Aso Takakichi (Yamoto Yuma), Ikeda Hayato (Sasaki Kuranosuke) who would later become Prime Minister, Sato Eisaku (Yasuda Ken), Tanaka Kakuei (Maeno Tomoya), Miyazawa Kiichi (Katusji Ryo), as well as the devoted support of his common-law wife Korin (Matsushima Nanako).
Official Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/yoshidashigeru
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