28 July: Most spring dramas are out of the block, save for a few TV Tokyo ones, and should wrap by September.
8 June: A few spring dramas will resume broadcast this week. The others that haven’t started airing are expected to gradually come on towards late June.
31 May: TV Asahi and NTV will resume filming in June. As a result, dramas slated for summer will likely be affected.
4 May: Japan’s extension of the state of emergency to 31 May is casting doubts on filming and whether many of the spring dramas will even be aired.
20 April: The majority of the dramas lined up for spring have been hit by broadcast/filming delays due to Covid-19.
Yell*UPDATED*
Date: From 8.00 a.m., Mondays – Saturdays, 30 March – 28 November 2020
Station: NHK
Episodes: 120
Scriptwriters: Shimizu Yukako (Watashi Teiji de Kaerimasu, Poison Daughter Holy Mother, Reverse), Shimada Ureha (Zenryoku Shissou Series, Babysitter Gin!, Sumika Sumire), Yoshida Teruyuki
Directors: Yoshida Teruyuki, Matsuzono Takehiro
Theme Song: Hoshikage no Yell by GReeeeN
Cast: Kubota Masataka, Nikaido Fumi, Karasawa Toshiaki, Kikuchi Momoko, Sakumoto Takara, Kazama Morio, Yamazaki Ikusaburo, Nakamura Aoi, Moriyama Naotaro, Matsui Rena, Mori Nana, Shibasaki Kou, Hirata Mitsuru, Sugawara Daikichi, Yoshihara Mitsuo, Aijima Kazuyuki, Matsuo Satoru, Horiuchi Keiko, Mochizuki Ayumu, Hotta Mayu, Tanaka Taketo, Mitsuishi Ken, Yakushimaru Hiroko, Furuta Arata, Noda Yojiro, Kayano, Nomaguchi Toru, Naka Riisa, Miura Takahiro
Synopsis: In 1909, a long-awaited baby boy was born to a family (Karasawa Toshiaki, Kikuchi Momoko) which has run a kimono shop for generations in Fukushima Prefecture. He would later become the talented composer Koyama Yuichi (Kubota Masataka) who wrote many famous songs. Although Yuichi was brought up as the heir of the business, he was rather dreamy and considered a child with no redeeming traits by the people around him. However, when he encountered music, it sparked joy and unleashed his gift in composing music through self-study. As a youth, Yuichi secretly put his name down for an overseas songwriting competition. This would change his destiny. He won runner-up for the song he entered for the competition. As a result, he got to know Sekiuchi Oto (Nikaido Fumi), a female student who wanted to be a singer. Despite the long distance between them – Fukushima and Toyohashi – they tied the knot. When Yuichi and Oto came to Tokyo, they met all sorts of people and weathered a dark period to produce a number of hit songs. However, war broke out and Yuichi had to compose wartime songs at the army’s request. It pained him that young men died in battle after singing the songs he had written. After the war, the country began to recover amid the chaos. The couple made a new era of music in an attempt to encourage the wounded through the power of music.
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/yell
Twitter: twitter.com/asadora_nhk
Suits Season 2*UPDATED*
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Mondays, 13 April 2020
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Legal
Original Work: Suits by NBC Universal
Scriptwriter: Komine Hiroyuki (Jikou Keisatsu Hajimemashite, Himo Men, Kaseifu no Mitazono Series)
Directors: Hirano Shin, Moriwaki Tomonobu, Hoshino Kazunari
Cast: Oda Yuji, Nakajima Yuto, Araki Yuko, Nakamura Anne, Kote Shinya, Yoshida Kotaro, Suzuki Honami, Sorimachi Takashi (guest star), Kato Miriya (guest star), Tamashiro Tina (guest star), Tomochika (guest star), Nomaguchi Toru (guest star), Mori Nana (guest star), Kuroki Hitomi (guest star), Satoi Kenta (guest star), Sasano Takashi (guest star), Ishimaru Kanji (guest star), Megumi (guest star), Takashima Masahiro (guest star), Tanaka Yoji (guest star), Hakata Hanamaru (guest star), Kuroba Mario (guest star), Imada Mio (guest star), Isomura Hayato (guest star), Tajima Reiko (guest star), Yoshitani Ayako (guest star), Ito Kentaro (guest star)
Synopsis: Kai Shogo (Oda Yuji), one of the partners of the law firm Yukimura Uesugi, suddenly recalls the associate Suzuki Daiki (Nakajima Yuto) from Boston without consulting anyone. He puts Daiki in charge of a case where a large publisher is being sued by a former contract employee for plagiarising her ideas for a novel. On that same day, Kai is summoned by one of his clients Mitsuya Satoshi. Mitsuya is the CEO of FutureSky which develops technology for rockets and aircraft. Meanwhile, the unexpected happens. Uesugi Hitoshi (Yoshida Kotaro), whom Kai and Yukimura Chika (Suzuki Honami) had some dirt on and booted out of the law firm, makes his desire to return to Yukimura Uesugi known. This rocks the law firm and sets the stage for a new battle.
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/SUITS2
Twitter: twitter.com/drama_suits
Related: Suits Season 1
Gyouretsu no Megami ~ Ramen Saiyuki
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Mondays, 20 April – 8 June 2020
Station: TV Tokyo
Genre: Food
Episodes: 8
Original Work: Ramen Saiyuki by Kyube Rokuro
Scriptwriter: Furuya Kazunao (Innocence, Hagetaka (2018), Ashita no Yakusoku)
Directors: Hoshi Mamoru, Ikezawa Tatsuya
Theme Song: Wabisabi no Uta by The Inazuma Sentai
Cast: Suzuki Kyoka, Kuroshima Yuina, Takahashi Maryjun, Koseki Yuta, Maeno Tomoya, Riju Go, Ishizuka Hidehiko, Takahata Atsuko, Sugimoto Tetta, Izumiya Shigeru (guest star), Asari Yosuke (guest star), Matsui Rena (guest star), Shukugawa Atom (guest star), Otoo Takuma (guest star), Torii Miyuki (guest star), Tokuda Koji Susuki Miyuki (guest star), Tosa Yuki (guest star), Takeuchi Kazuki (guest star), Kaku Sou (guest star), Kanai Yuta (guest star), Magy (guest star), Ishiguro Ken (guest star), Okamoto Kenichi (guest star), Fukuda Yuta (guest star)
Synopsis: Serizawa Tatsumi (Suzuki Kyoka), the charismatic owner of a popular ramen chain which gets long queues day after day, plays a leading role in the world of ramen. She is also a food consultant who saves ramen shops facing difficulties. One day, her subordinate Natsukawa Aya (Takahashi Maryjun) discovers a female customer (Kuroshima Yuina) who has not touched a new ramen dish. The young woman criticises the flavour of the ramen that Tatsumi created, calling it lacking. Aya is furious. But this customer has come for an interview with the company, and declares to Tatsumi that she can enhance the ramen dish even though she is an amateur when it comes to ramen which she ate for the first time half a year ago.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/gyouretu
Twitter: twitter.com/Biz_txdorama
Preview: Gyouretsu no Megami CM
Piple ~ AI to Kekkon Seikatsu Hajimemashita
Date: From 12.00 a.m., Tuesdays, 19 May – 30 June 2020
Network: WOWOW
Genre: Sci-fi comedy
Episodes: 8
Original Work: Piple by Harada Mariru
Scriptwriter: Kodera Kazuhisa (Mushikago no Jomae, Shinjuku Seven)
Directors: Sakai Mai, Taki Yusuke
Cast: Kaji Yuki, Ayaka Wilson, Ohara Sakurako, Oshinari Shugo, Yamada Yusuke, Kamio Yu, Kaji Masaki, Shimizu Hazuki, Tomita Tomu, Usuda Asami, Hamada Mari
Synopsis: It is 2030, a time when marrying AI is possible. Salaryman Tsumiki Kenichi’s (Kaji Yuki) date with a senior from his company whom he has had a long-time crush on is a failure. Reeling from shock, he impulsively purchases a beautiful AI android (Ayaka Wilson) with a built-in sexual intercourse function. He names this android Piple and takes it as his wife. However, for some reason, she refuses night activity on their “wedding night”. Tsumiki visits Piple’s developer and meets Fukayama Kaede (Ohara Sakurako), a mysterious female AI researcher who has no ability to empathise with people. He learns that there is a problem with Piple’s initial setup but unfortunately, the setting cannot be changed. Instead, Kaede makes a surprising suggestion to him … …
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/original/piple
Twitter: twitter.com/piple_drama
Ryu no Michi ~ Futatsu Kao no Fukushuusha
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 28 July – 15 September 2020 (Original date: 14 April)
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Suspense
Episodes: 8
Original Work: Ryu no Michi by Shirakawa Toru
Scriptwriter: Shinozaki Eriko (Saka no Tochuu no Ie, The Good Wife, Hanzai Shokogun Series)
Directors: Joho Hidenori, Iwata Kazuyuki, Kamiya Kaede, Yoshida Tsukanori
Theme Song: umbrella by Sekai no Owari
Cast: Tamaki Hiroshi, Takahashi Issei, Matsumoto Honoka, Hosoda Yoshihiko, Nao, Konno Hiroki, Watanabe Kunito, Saigo Teruhiko (guest star), Matsumoto Marika, Saito Yuki, Endo Kenichi
Synopsis: Shortly after twin brothers, Ryuichi (Tamaki Hiroshi) and Ryuji (Takahashi Issei), were abandoned at birth by their biological parents, they were adopted by the Yoshies, a couple who ran a small transportation company. After that, their adoptive parents had a daughter Misa (Matsumoto Honoka) and the family of five got along well. However, when the two brothers turned 15, their parents were subjected to hostilities by a transportation company led by Kirishima Genpei (Endo Kenichi) who had been expanding his business nationwide. They were saddled with debt and ended up taking their own lives. Seeing the despicable and ruthless way in which Kirishima drove their parents into a corner, Ryuichi and Ryuji vowed revenge on this man. Seven years later, Ryuichi fakes his own death. Then he takes someone else’s identity, becomes a different person after plastic surgery, and starts to get involved in the underworld. Meanwhile, Ryuji goes back to using his surname at birth and joins the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism which oversees transportation companies. The fact that Ryuichi is alive is a secret between the two brothers and they begin their revenge.
Website: www.ktv.jp/ryu-no-michi
Twitter: twitter.com/ryunomichi_ktv
Watashi no Kaseifu Nagisa-san
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 7 July – 1 September 2020 (Original date: 14 April)
Station: TBS
Genre: Love comedy
Episodes: 9
Original Work: Kaseifu no Nagisa-san by Yotsuhara Furiko
Scriptwriter: Tokuo Koji (Ossan’s Love Series, Kimi ga Kokoro ni Sumitsuita, Thrill Series)
Directors: Tsuboi Toshio, Yamamoto Takeyoshi
Theme Song: Hadaka no Kokoro by Aimyon
Cast: Tabe Mikako, Seto Koji, Maeda Gordon, Takahashi Maryjun, Miyao Shuntaro, Hirayama Yusuke, Mizusawa Shingo, Okabe Dai, Wakatsuki Yumi, Iio Kazuki, Natsuko, Tomita Yasuko, Kusakari Tamiyo, Shuri, Omori Nao
Synopsis: Aihara Mei (Tabe Mikako), a young career woman who works as a medical representative for a pharmaceutical company, is more competent than anyone at work but has no energy for dreaded household chores. On the night of her 28th birthday, an unfamiliar middle-aged man called Shigino Nagisa (Omori Nao) wearing an apron shows up all of a sudden when she comes back home. He turns out to be a super housekeeper who perfectly handles all housework such as cooking, cleaning and washing. Although Mei hates the idea of having a male stranger in her house, she begins to find comfort and warmth in his presence. Meanwhile, she faces a strong rival Tadokoro Yuta (Seto Koji) at work. This is quite a predicament for Mei who is a high achiever and has never lost before. Despite her wariness, Tadokoro quickly gets close to her and she finds herself swayed both in work and romance because of him.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/WATANAGI_tbs
Twitter: twitter.com/watanagi_tbs
Preview: Watashi no Kaseifu Nagisa-san CM
Tokyo Love Story (2020)
Date: From 12.00 a.m., Wednesdays, 29 April – 3 June 2020
Network: Fuji on Demand & Amazon Prime
Genre: Romance
Episodes: 11
Original Work: Tokyo Love Story by Saimon Fumi
Scriptwriter: Kitagawa Ayako (Watashi ni XX Shinasai, Onna Kudoki Meshi Series, Ofukou-san)
Theme Song: Touka by Vaundy
Cast: Ito Kentaro, Ishibashi Shizuka, Kiyohara Sho, Ishii Anna, Takada Riho, Teshima Miyu, Iida Takahiro, Matsuo Eitaro, Giko, Nagaoka Takuya, Figaro Tseng, Tsutsui Mariko, Mashima Hidekazu
Synopsis: Nagao Kanji (Ito Kentaro) works for an advertising agency in his hometown of Ehime Prefecture. He is assigned to the Tokyo sales department where his colleague Akana Rika (Ishibashi Shizuka) is put in charge of looking out for him. One day, Kanji is invited to drinks by Mikami Kenichi (Kiyohara Sho), a former classmate from his hometown who is now in Tokyo, and he is also reunited with Sekiguchi Satomi (Ishii Anna) whom he has feelings for. However, Rika ends up joining them when she delivers Kanji’s wallet which he had left in office. On the way back, Rika tells him, “Kanji, shall we kiss?” and he is rattled. There have been rumours in office that Rika is in a relationship with their boss Waga Natsuki (Mashima Hidekazu) … …
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/tokyolovestory
Twitter: twitter.com/tokyols_fod
Preview: Tokyo Love Story CM
Tokusou 9 Season 3
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Wednesdays, 8 April – 22 July 2020
Station: TV Asahi
Genre: Detective
Episodes: 10
Scriptwriters: Tokunaga Tomihiko (Tokusou 9 Series, Keiji 7-nin Series, dele), Inaba Kazuhiro (Tokusou 9 Season 2,
Shitamachi Rocket (TBS)), Takigawa Akiyo (Tokusou 9 Series, Kasouken no Onna Season 15 – 19, Keishichou Sousa Ikka 9-gakari Season 8 – 12), Okazaki Yukiko (Tokusou 9 Series, Deiri Kinshi no Onna, Keishichou Sousa Ikka 9-gakari Season 8 – 12)
Directors: Tamura Naoki, Kanesaki Ryosuke, Kamihoriuchi Kazuya, Suzuki Kosuke
Theme Song: It’s my life by V6
Cast: Inohara Yoshihiko, Hada Michiko, Tsuda Kanji, Fukikoshi Mitsuru, Taguchi Hiromasa, Yamada Yuki, Miyachika Kaito, Nakagoshi Noriko, Hara Sachie, Nakamura Baijaku, Iida Kisuke (guest star), Moro Morooka (guest star), Tokuyama Hidenori (guest star), Kanai Yuta (guest star), Yajima Kenichi (guest star), Matsuda Kenji (guest star), Hinagata Akiko (guest star), Matobu Sei (guest star), Hida Yasuhito (guest star), Yamaguchi Kaori (guest star), Ikeuchi Mansaku (guest star), Mizuhashi Kenji (guest star), Ito Shiro (guest star), Chiba Masako (guest star), Kobayashi Ryoko (guest star)
Synopsis: It has been nine months since the previous head of the Special Investigations Unit left. Asawa Naoki (Inohara Yoshihiko) and the members of the unit no longer get requests for back up from the First Investigation Division, but keep getting pulled into work such as providing security. The influence of Mihara Tatsuro (Iida Kisuke), the former head of the criminal investigations who held a grudge against the Special Investigations Unit and was ousted from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, still remains in the organisation … …
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/tokusou9_03
Haken no Hinkaku (2020)
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Wednesdays, 17 June – 5 August 2020 (Original date: 15 April)
Station: NTV
Genre: Office
Episodes: 8
Scriptwriter: Nakazono Miho (Doctor X Series, Sego-don, Dr Rintaro)
Directors: Sato Touya, Maruya Shunpei
Theme Song: Motivation by Suzuki Masayuki
Cast: Shinohara Ryoko, Koizumi Kotaro, Katsuji Ryo, Sugino Yosuke, Yoshitani Ayako, Yamamoto Maika, Nakamura Kaito, Kamiji Yusuke, Tsukaji Muga, Oizumi Yo, Ito Shiro, Rokkaku Seiji (guest star), Kimura Midoriko (guest star), Ichimura Masachika (guest star)
Synopsis: Omae Haruko (Shinohara Ryoko) is an A-rank super temporary worker who possesses many skills and qualifications. She will only do the scope stipulated in her contract and never works overtime or on her days off. Although she baffles her colleagues, they gradually come to accept her. The hiring system in Japan where new graduates were set for life if they got into a company and became full-time employees ended in the Heisei era. It is an illusion now and the Japanese people have also shown big changes in their attitudes towards work. With work reforms, ageing, gigs, outsourcing, AI, death from overworking, what will Haruko’s style be in the Reiwa era?
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/haken2020
Twitter: twitter.com/haken_ntv
Preview: Haken no Hinkaku (2020) Teaser
Rental Nanmo Shinai Hito
Date: From 12.12 a.m., Thursdays, 9 April 2020
Station: TV Tokyo
Original Work: Rental Nanmo Shinai Hito no Nanmo Shinakatta Hanashi
Scriptwriters: Masaike Yosuke (Miki Clinic de Kanpai o, Million Joe, Shiyakusho), Honda Takaaki (Watashi Danna o Share Shiteta, Silent Voice, Daishou)
Directors: Kusano Shogo, Tanada Yuki, Tanazawa Takayoshi
Theme Song: Beautiful by NEWS
Cast: Masuda Takahisa, Higa Manami, Hayama Shono, Furutachi Kanji, Shida Mirai (guest star), Okayama Amane (guest star), Onojima Toru (guest star), Takeuchi Manabu (guest star), Fukuhara Haruka (guest star), Yamaguchi Sayaka (guest star), Kasahara Hideyuki (guest star), Fujii Naoki (guest star), Tokunaga Eri (guest star), Kyan Yutaka (guest star), Hyadain (guest star), Isomura Hayato (guest star), Matsumoto Wakana (guest star)
Synopsis: Moriyama Shota (Masuda Takahisa) starts a service offering himself for rent, “Anything you might need a single person for, though I can only give very basic answers.” He gets flooded with requests. “Wait for me at the finishing line for the marathon”, “Go with me to submit the divorce papers”, “Accompany me because I’m afraid to go to work” – requests simply seeking his presence and his company. One day, Moriyama receives a request from Omiya Aki (Shida Mirai) who wants him to keep her company on her last day in Tokyo. Aki was an editorial staff at a publishing company but her contract was terminated and she has to go back to her hometown of Tochigi. She cries that she has not been able to leave any mark in Tokyo, and Moriyama … …
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/rentalsan
Twitter: twitter.com/tx_rentalsan
Preview: Rental Nanmo Shinai Hito CM
Keishichou Sousa Ichi Kachou 2020
Date: From 8.00 p.m., Thursdays, 9 April – 3 September 2020 (for two seasons)
Station: TV Asahi
Genre: Detective
Episodes: 16
Scriptwriters: Fukusawa Masaki (Tokusou 9 Season 1, Face, Doctor Car), Tanabe Mitsuru (Keishichou Sousa Ichikachou Season 2 – 3, Akagi Series, Henshin)
Directors: Ikezawa Tatsuya, Kikawa Manabu, Hama Tatsuya
Theme Song: Singin’ Now by GLIM SPANKY
Cast: Naito Takeshi, Miyoshi Ayaka, Honda Hirotaro, Yano Koji, Suzuki Hiroki, Hanawa Nobuyuki, Tokoshima Yoshiko, Kaneda Akio, Saito Yuki, Honda Hirotaro, Matsushita Yuki (guest star), Kubozuka Shunsuke (guest star), Takeda Rena (guest star), Mikura Kana (guest star), Sakai Wakana (guest star), Shaku Yumiko (guest star), Oshinari Shugo (guest star), Kikawada Masaya (guest star), Nakajima Arisa (guest star), Maeno Tomoya (guest star), Katagiri Jin (guest star), Minamisawa Nao (guest star)
Synopsis: The First Investigative Division is the star unit of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. Oiwa Junichi (Naito Takashi), the head of the division, leads around 400 elite detectives. He has an extremely heavy responsibility – attends initial investigations at the scenes of all brutal crimes that occur within the metropolis, decides on the course of action of the investigations at the same time as he directs many investigation task forces and get into investigations himself at the critical phase. However, Oiwa is no superman. Amid his suffering, Oiwa overcomes this grave responsibility and is quite simply a “life-size hero” and “ideal boss” to his subordinates.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/ichikacho2020
Twitter: twitter.com/sosaichikacho
BG ~ Shinpen Keigonin Season 2
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Thursdays, 18 June – 30 July 2020 (Original date: 16 April)
Station: TV Asahi
Genre: Action
Episodes: 7
Scriptwriter: Inoue Yumiko (BG Season 1, Kinkyuu Torishirabeshitsu Series, Pandora Series)
Directors: Tsunehiro Jota, Shichitaka Go
Cast: Kimura Takuya, Saito Takumi, Nanao, Mamiya Shotaro, Michieda Shunsuke, Ichikawa Mikako, Katsumura Masanobu, Nakamura Toru, Aoki Munetaka (guest star), Jinbo Satoshi (guest star), Kawaei Rena (guest star), Tanimura Mitsuki (guest star), Toyohara Kosuke (guest star), Okada Yoshinori (guest star), Maruyama Tomomi (guest star), Hiraizumi Sei (guest star), Narumi Riko (guest star), Miyake Hiroki (guest star), Natori Yuko (guest star), Ogi Shigemitsu (guest star), Ichikawa Ebizo (guest star)
Synopsis: Shimazaki Akira (Kimura Takuya) is a bodyguard with private security firm Hinode Security Services’ Personal Protection Division, and gives his all to fulfil his duties. However, Hinode Security Services is acquired by a large IT-related company and he questions the company’s focus on profits and business policy of restricting clients to VIPs from political and business circles. Shimazaki is committed to protecting the vulnerable and leaves the company to become a private bodyguard. Meanwhile, his former colleague Takanashi Masaya (Saito Takumi) joins him. On the other hand, Suganuma Mayu (Nanao) and Sawaguchi Seitaro (Mamiya Shotaro) have chosen to remain with the company which now regards Shimazaki and Takanashi with hostility.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/bg2
Twitter: twitter.com/bg_tvasahi
Preview: BG ~ Shinpen Keigonin Season 2 CM
Related: BG ~ Shinpen Keigonin Season 1
2020-nen Gogatsu no Koi
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Thursdays, 28 – 31 May 2020
Network: WOWOW
Genre: Romance
Episodes: 4
Scriptwriter: Okada Yoshikazu (Soshite Ikiru, Hiyokko, Saigo kara Nibanme no Koi Series)
Director: Matsunaga Daishi
Cast: Yoshida Yo, Oizumi Yo
Synopsis: Yukiko (Yoshida Yo) is a divorcee who works for a big supermarket and has been put in charge of a Tokyo outlet. Motoo (Oizumi Yo) is also a divorcee. A salesman who works for a mid-sized design firm, he has been struggling with remote working because he is not accustomed to telecommuting. In fact, the two of them were married to each other and got divorced about four years ago. Even though Motoo and Yukiko have not kept in touch since then, he mistakenly calls her one day. Yukiko reluctantly answers this rare phone call from her ex-husband … …
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/original/gogatsunokoi
Unsung Cinderella ~ Byouin Yakuzaishi no Shohousen*UPDATED*
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Thursdays, 16 July 2020 (Original date: 9 April)
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Medical
Original Work: Unsung Cinderella Byouin Yakuzaishi Aoi Midori by Arai Mamare
Scriptwriter: Kuroiwa Tsutomu (Kingdom, Banjo no Himawari, Grand Maison Tokyo)
Directors: Tanaka Ryo, Aizawa Hideyuki
Theme Song: Yes And No by Dreams Come True
Cast: Ishihara Satomi, Nishino Nanase, Narita Ryo, Sakurai Yuki, Inowaki Kai, Kanazawa Miho, Maya Miki, Sakoda Takaya, Ikeda Tetsuhiro, Denden, Tanaka Kei, Usuda Asami, Rokkaku Shinji, Hoshi Moeka, Ando Miu (guest star), Nagase Riko (guest star), Iida Kisuke (guest star), Nishihara Aki (guest star), Ibu Masato (guest star), Sugawara Daikichi (guest star), Kubota Sayu (guest star), Watanabe Makiko (guest star), Moro Morooka (guest star), Tonesaku Toshihide (guest star), Tokunaga Eri (guest star), Takahashi Mitsuomi (guest star), Hasegawa Tomoharu (guest star), Kondo Koen (guest star)
Synopsis: Aoi Midori (Ishihara Satomi) has been a pharmacist for eight years. She believes it is essential for a pharmacist to know a patient because medication will affect a patient’s life. Although she wants to save as many patients as possible, she ends up getting too involved and spending time on them. She is reprimanded by other pharmacists to be more effective at work. However, Midori sincerely engages with each patient in the hope of helping them regain the everyday life that they had taken for granted.
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/unsung
Twitter: twitter.com/unsung2020
Preview: Unsung Cinderella CM
Guilty ~ Kono Ai Tsumi desu ka?
Date: From 11.59 p.m., Thursdays, 2 April – 6 August 2020
Station: NTV
Genre: Love suspense
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Guilty ~ Nakanu Hotaru ga Mi o Kogasu by Okaue Ai
Scriptwriters: Izumisawa Yoko (W Kenkei no Higeki, Itsumademo Shiroi Hane, Dairenai), Obayashi Rieko (Koekoi, Nodoka no Niwa, Inochi Urimasu), Miura Kisa (Ghost Town, Watashi Danna o Share Shiteta, Shiyakusho)
Directors: Kawahara Yo, Hayashi Masaki, Noda Kenta
Theme Song: Be All Right by Toshl
Cast: Shinkawa Yua, Machida Keita, Koike Teppei, Nakamura Yurika, Kamio Fuju, Toda Naho, Tokunaga Eri, Kakei Miwako, Onishi Ayaka, Abe Ryohei, Nagai Mijika, Yuki Moe, Sakurada Dori
Synopsis: Ogino Sayaka (Shinkawa Yua) has a rewarding job as the editor of a female fashion magazine and is married to a kind husband Kazuma (Koike Teppei) whom she met through work. They have the ideal married life that is the envy of everyone. However, Kazuma wants them to continue to be like lovers and does not wish to have children. Sayaka is slightly unhappy about this but cannot bring herself to mention it. Her seemingly perfect life is shattered one day by Kazuma’s betrayal. The person who gives her emotional support is Akiyama Keiichi (Machida Keita), her ex-boyfriend from high school days whom she happened to meet again. Even though she knows that she cannot like Keiichi, her heart tingles with the feelings that she has kept deep inside. As Sayaka wavers between her love for her husband and her first love, a shocking unbelievable truth is revealed.
Website: www.ytv.co.jp/guilty
Twitter: twitter.com/guilty_drama
Preview: Guilty Teaser
Tokyo Danshi Zukan
Date: From 12.25 a.m., Fridays, 1 May – 2 July 2020
Network: Kansai TV
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Tokyo Calendar (Tokyo Danshi Zukan)
Scriptwriter: Akiyama Ryuhei (Sousa Kaigi wa Living de Series, Ishitachi no Renai Jijou, Nagareboshi)
Director: Matsumoto Kana
Cast: Takezai Terunosuke, Ichikawa Yui, Ochiai Motoki, Mizuma Ron, Makita Tetsuya, Hanakage Kanon, Manaka Ayu, Kamataki Eri, Saori, Tanaka Shen, Takigawa Eiji, Morioka Ryu, Yamanaka Takashi
Synopsis: This is the story of the life of a Tokyo guy over 20 years. Sato Shota (Takezai Terunosuke) has been attending a prestigious private university in Tokyo from his parents’ place in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture. When he finds out that his girlfriend is toying with a rich older man, he decides that women are only after money and vows that he will succeed in Tokyo. Shota joins a top trading company and achieves the life he wanted. Although he has no lack of money and women, his concept of values starts to change little by little through his competition with Kojima (Ochiai Motoki), a colleague who joined the company at the same time and works without womanizing, and his romance with Minami (Tanaka Shen) who wishes to marry a man with an annual salary of over 10 million yen. Shota’s reunion with an ex-classmate Kazuma (Morioka Ryu) greatly changes his life. He also meets Ruriko (Ichikawa Yui), his subordinate, and begins to reexamine the meaning of living in Tokyo as they date.
Website: www.ktv.jp/danshi-zukan
Twitter: twitter.com/Tokyoboy_2020
Preview: Tokyo Danshi Zukan CM
Peanut Butter Sandwich
Date: From 12.59 a.m., Fridays, 3 April – 22 May 2020
Station: TBS
Genre: Love comedy
Episodes: 8
Original Work: Peanut Butter Sandwich by Mitsuko
Scriptwriters: Date-san, Shimoda Yuko (Coffee & Vanilla, Bungaku Shojo)
Directors: Tsubakimoto Keijiro, Yamagishi Ikkou
Cast: Yahagi Honoka, Ito Kentaro, Ito Shuko, Hotta Akane, Takimoto Miori, Kakei Miwako, Niki, Okuno So, Sato Ryuji, Yoshida Jinto, Hama Shogo, Hamao Noritaka, Ichinose Ryuya, Oshinari Shugo
Synopsis: Katagiri Sayo (Hotta Akane) is an office lady at a large IT company who believes she can get everything if she works hard for it. Morimoto Miharu (Takimoto Miori) is a nurse whose hopes of getting married to her long-time boyfriend Ryota (Sato Ryuji) are fading. Yamashita Miwa (Kakei Miwako) is an office lady at a bank with such low self-worth that she immediately gives her body if asked while Matsuoka Akane (Niki) is a confident and proud company secretary with some past although she is so stunningly beautiful that people would turn around. These four women begin searching for their marriage partners in a bid to secure their own happiness. The government’s secret organisation Peanut Butter Sandwiches (Yahagi Honoka, Ito Kentaro, Ito Shuko), which supports matchmaking, starts to take action. Are these four women with different views of marriage waiting for encounters that will change their lives, or … …?
Website: www.mbs.jp/pbs_drama
Twitter: twitter.com/pbs_drama
Preview: Peanut Butter Sandwich CM
Anata Hannin Ja Arimasen*POSTPONED*
Date: From 1.00 a.m., Fridays, 25 April 2020
Station: TV Tokyo
Genre: Mystery
Scriptwriters: Tsuchiya Ryoichi (Keshite Mane Shinaide Kudasai, Sennyuu Sousa Idol), Saijo Mitsutoshi (Omoshiro Nankyoku Ryorinin, Oh My Jump!), Nemoto Shuko, Tomisaka Yu, Fukuda Takuya
Directors: Kitabata Ryuichi, Monma Naoto
Cast: Hibino Meina, Yamazaki Shigenori, Kitano Kii
Synopsis: One day, a teacher by the name of Izumi (Kitano Kii) is found stabbed to death in her wedding dress in the pool on the rooftop of Seishun High School. A classmate confesses to being her killer to Class 3C’s president Hibino Meina (Hibino Meina) and Goshima (Yamazaki Shigenori), the detective in charge of the case. However, Meina detects inconsistencies in the incomprehensible method and motive for murder and has to refute the person, only for another classmate to step forward to confess. Why would her classmates claim to be the criminal?
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/hanninjya_arimasen
Twitter: twitter.com/3c_tx
Rasen no Meikyuu ~ DNA Kagaku Sousa*POSTPONED*
Date: From 8.00 p.m., Fridays, 24 April 2020
Station: TV Tokyo
Genre: Mystery
Original Work: Rasen no Meikyuu ~ Idenshi Sousa by Natsu Midori
Scriptwriters: Kuroiwa Tsutomu (Banjo no Himawari, Grand Maison Tokyo, Kizoku Tantei), Sakai Masaaki (Cold Case Season 2, Yakubyougami Series, Aogeba Toutoshi), Fukuda Teppei (In Hand)
Director: Iwamoto Hitoshi
Theme Song: Stay Gold by BTS
Cast: Tanaka Kei, Yasuda Ken, Kurashina Kana, Nakata Keisuke, Watanabe Ikkei, Matsuzaka Keiko
Synopsis: Jinbo Jin (Tanaka Kei) is a DNA expert who is an associate professor of a genome analysis lab at a university’s faculty of medicine. His interest lies in creating a personal DNA database. One day, a murder takes place in Tokyo and an ‘X’ mark is found on the dead body. Detective Ando Genji (Yasuda Ken) who was supposed to be in charge of the case, is dropped due to the high probability that the criminal is the same serial murderer whom his own wife fell victim to. And so Ando secretly asks Jinbo for help. However, Jinbo has completely no interest in solving the case. Ando finds himself confounded by Jinbo’s totally unexpected words and behaviour. But the two of them gradually learn to get along and their DNA investigation discovers a “signature” that was not even picked up by the investigation headquarters. Meanwhile, serial killer X commits yet another murder … …
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/rasen
Twitter: twitter.com/tx_kin8
Meiji Kaika: Shinjuro Tanteichou*POSTPONED*
Date: From 8.00 p.m., Fridays, 15 May 2020
Station: NHK BS Premium
Genre: Period suspense
Episodes: 8
Original Work: Meiji Kaika Ango Torimonochou by Sakaguchi Ango
Scriptwriters: Komatsu Eriko (Daifugou Doushin, Itsumade mo Shiroi Hane, Hanamoyu), Ito Yasuro (Daifugou Doushin)
Directors: Kasaura Tomochika, Motoki Kazuhiro, Okano Hironobu
Cast: Fukushi Sota, Uchida Rio, Yamoto Yuma, Nakamura Yasuhi, Katsumura Masanobu, Tsurumi Shingo, Inamori Izumi, Takahashi Katsunori
Synopsis: The early days of the Meiji era was a period of massive change, and there were a high incidence of bizarre cases. The special investigator Yuki Shinjuro (Fukushi Sota), who has a good standing with the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, returns to Japan after his travels abroad and is outspoken about the truth of these cases. Izumiyama Toranosuke, a former fencing student of Katsu Kaishu, loves making deductions about difficult cases. He is always treated disparagingly and cries to have the brains and eyes of Kaishu whom he admires. Shinjuro, Toranosuke and Kaishu draw all sorts of people to them including Kaishu’s gutsy wife Tami who was formerly a geisha; Rie (Uchida Rio), an influential merchant’s daughter who is in love with Shinjuro; Hananoya Inga, a writer of fiction of a style combining a facetious tone with elaborate structure; and the great police superintendent Hayami Seigen who considers Shinjuro a nuisance. As their case-solving progresses, the anxiety as well as love and hate that people have towards the new Meiji era manifests itself. Shinjuro, Rie and Toranosuke tangle with many important people of the period such as Saigo Takamori and Okubo Toshimichi through these cases, and grow up.
Website: –
MIU404
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Fridays, 26 June – 4 September 2020 (Original date: 10 April)
Station: TBS
Genre: Investigative
Episodes: 11
Scriptwriter: Nogi Akiko (Kotaki Kyoudai to Shikuhakku, Unnatural, Juhan Shuttai)
Directors: Tsukahara Ayuko, Takemura Kentaro, Kato Naoki
Theme Song: Kanden by Yonezu Kenshi
Cast: Ayano Go, Hoshino Gen, Okada Kenshi, Hashimoto Jun, Watanabe Keisuke, Suda Masaki, Kurokawa Tomoka, Kanai Yuta, Namase Katsuhisa, Aso Kumiko, Hirano Fumi (guest star), Matsushita Kohei (guest star), Okura Koji (guest star), Yoshida Oolongta (guest star), Mimura Rie (guest star), Murakami Nijiro (guest star)
Synopsis: As part of workplace reforms at the Tokyo Metropolitan Police, the three mobile investigative units under the Criminal Investigations Department are expanded to four. Detective Shima Kazumi (Hoshino Gen) is called in to be a member of the newly established Mobile Investigative Unit 4 which is meant to help various divisions such as the First Investigative Division. However, no partner has been found due to a personnel issue. There is no choice but to summon Ibuki Ai (Ayano Go), a police officer at the Okutama police box who was initially eliminated as a candidate, and the two of them are ordered by the head of Mobile Investigative Unit 4 to team up. Shima is the type who trusts no one and grows uneasy about Ibuki. He gathers information about him but the more he checks up, the more perturbed he gets. The first day of duty for Mobile Investigative Unit 4 finally arrives. Shima forms a good impression of Ibuki who is surprisingly courteous when they meet for first time, but … …
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/MIU404_TBS
Twitter: twitter.com/miu404_tbs
Preview: MIU404 CM
Dear Patient ~ Kizuna no Karute
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Fridays, 17 July – 18 September 2020 (Original date: 17 April)
Station: NHK
Genre: Medical suspense
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Dear Patient by Minami Kyoko
Scriptwriter: Arai Shuko (Nodoka no Niwa, Wagaya no Himitsu, Pretty ga Oosugiru)
Directors: Nishitani Shinichi, Fukui Mitsuhiro, Takeda Yusuke
Theme Song: PS I Love You by Miyamoto Hiroji
Cast: Kanjiya Shihori, Uchida Yuki, Tanaka Tetsushi, Asaka Kodai, Takanashi Rin, Hamano Kenta, Nagai Masaru, Washio Machiko, Masu Takeshi, Ryu Raita, Ishiguro Ken, Asaka Mayumi, Hirata Mitsuru, Ibu Masato
Synopsis: At Sasai Memorial Hospital, where a hospital is seen as the hospitality industry and patients are priority, its doctors are plagued with all sorts of problems. Mano Chiaki (Kanjiya Shihori), a young doctor, is stalked by a monster patient (Tanaka Tetsushi) who persistently harasses her. Her trusted senior, Hamaguchi Yoko (Uchida Yuki), has a cheerful personality and is liked by patients but worries about a huge medical lawsuit. Another fellow doctor (Asaka Kodai) keeps a certain distance from patients but still gets embroiled in a dispute. Will these doctors be able to find hope?
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/drama/drama10/dearpatient
Preview: Dear Patient CM
Kaseifu no Mitazono Season 4
Date: From 11.15 p.m., Fridays, 24 April – 24 July 2020
Station: TV Asahi
Genre: Home
Episodes: 8
Scriptwriter: Komine Hiroyuki (Jikou Keisatsu Hajimemashite, Kaseifu no Mitazono Series, Himo Men)
Directors: Katayama Osamu, Komatsu Takashi
Cast: Matsuoka Masahiro, Inoo Kei, Itoyo Marie, Shuhama Harumi, Hirata Atsuko, Yo Kimiko, Watanabe Makiko (guest star), Nishioka Tokuma (guest star), Ozawa Maju (guest star), Kino Hana (guest star), Hakamada Yoshihiko (guest star), Hoshino Mari (guest star)
Synopsis: Mitazono Kaoru (Matsuoka Masahiro) is a superb housekeeper who belongs to a 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 completely cleans off “deep-rooted dirt” in the households that he is assigned to each time. A new housekeeper Kirishima Mai (Itoyo Marie) joins the housekeeping agency. She enjoys people watching and sees straight through the nature of her clients. However, she is bad at reading people’s feelings and lying and says whatever she wants which gets her into inconceivable trouble. Mai takes an interest in Mitazono who is a type that she has never encountered before and tries to get to his secret.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/mitazono
Related: Kaseifu no Mitazono Season 1
Arimura Kasumi no Satsukyu
Date: From 12.00 a.m., Saturdays, 21 March – 9 May 2020
Network: WOWOW
Episodes: 8
Scriptwriters: Imaizumi Rikiya (Tokyo Sentimental), Sunada Mami (Junichi), Shinohara Makoto, Peyoung Maki (Raise de wa Chanto Shimasu, Koi no Tsuki, Retake), Fujiki Mitsuhiko (Designer Shibui Naoto no Kyuujitsu, Byplayers Series, Asunaro San San Nana Byoushi), Miura Naoyuki (Fujoshi Ukkari Gay ni Kokuru, Koekoi), Tsuno Megumi, Higa Sakura
Directors: Koreeda Hirokazu, Imaizumi Rikiya, Yamagishi Santa, Yokohama Satoko, Tsuno Megumi
Cast: Arimura Kasumi, Mitsushima Shinnosuke, Fubuki Jun, Kaneda Akio (guest star), Ito Sairi (guest star), Wakaba Ryuya (guest star), Kasamatsu Sho (guest star), Lily Franky (guest star), Yagira Yuya (guest star), Aoi Shun (guest star), Mizuno Satoshi (guest star), Watanabe Daichi (guest star), Tokunaga Eri (guest star), Fukushima Seiran (guest star), Maeno Kenta (guest star), Tamura Kentaro (guest star), Nomaguchi Toru, Kuroda Daisuke
Synopsis: Arimura Kasumi (Arimura Kasumi) suddenly gets a break from filming and returns to her hometown for the first time in a long while. Her mother Yumiko (Fubuki Jun) comes to the train station to pick her up and they head for the family home. She is idly chatting with her mother at home when a male stranger comes to visit. His name is Ueshima Makoto (Mitsushima Shinnosuke). He puts his hands together in front of Kasumi’s father’s tablet. Then her mother asks him to repair a bicycle. At Yumiko’s invitation, the three of them have dinner together.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/satsukyu
Preview: Arimura Kasumi no Satsukyu CM
Sumu Sumu (2020)
Date: From 12.00 a.m., Saturdays, 18 April – 23 May 2020
Network: Hulu & NTV
Genre: Comedy
Episodes: 6
Scriptwriters: Bakarhythm (Kakuu OL Nikki Series, Sumu Sumu 2017, Sutekina Sentaxi), Okura (Sumu Sumu 2017, Hello Harinezumi, Sutekina Sentaxi), Abe Hiroyuki (Sumu Sumu 2017)
Director: Sumida Takashi
Cast: Mizukawa Asami, Bakarhythm, Wakabayashi Masayasu, Bananaman Himura
Synopsis: An apartment in a building in Tokyo serves as the workplace for Bakarhythm (Bakarhythm) to write scripts and other material. As he sits alone at his desk to write, Bananaman Himura (Bananaman Himura) and Wakabayashi Masayasu (Wakabayashi Masayasu) visit and interrupt his work. To make matters worse, actress Mizukawa Asami (Mizukawa Asami), whose house is in the neighbourhood, also comes to hang out. This gathering of close showbiz friends where nothing particularly happens begins.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/sumusumu2
Preview: Sumu Sumu (2020) Teaser
Isekai Izakaya Nobu
Date: From 12.00 a.m., Saturdays, 16 May – 18 July 2020
Network: WOWOW
Genre: Food fantasy
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Isekai Izakaya Nobu by Semikawa Natsuya
Scriptwriter: Shinagawa Hiroshi
Director: Shinagawa Hiroshi
Cast: Otani Ryohei, Takeda Rena, Shirasu Jin, Kobayashi Yutaka, Hotta Akane, Shintani Yuzumi, Abe Shinnosuke, Yagi Arisa, Shoji Tomoharu, Ogoe Yuki, Miyake Katsuyuki, Watabe Ryuhei, Sagiri Seina, Kimura Yuichi, Kosugi Ryuichi, Akiyama Ryuji, Oshinari Shugo, Shinada Makoto, Kinoshita Houka, Namioka Kazuki, Kajihara Zen, Tayama Ryosei, Sasai Eisuke
Synopsis: Izakaya Nobu is located in a deserted alley in Kyoto. Despite its humble appearance, its front entrance is mysteriously connected to Aiteria, a parallel universe that looks like medieval Europe. The master Yazawa Nobuyuki (Otani Ryohei) and cheerful waitress Senke Shinobu (Takeda Rena) originally started the joint in Aiteria. A cold beer called Toriaezu Nama became popular and Nobu gradually began to do brisk business. Patrons from all walks of life including soldiers, craftsmen, merchants and nobles come for a casual drink. They are greeted with delicious food and alcohol the likes of which they have never seen and they start to relax as they have a good time.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/original/nobu
Urayasu Tekkin Kazoku
Date: From 12.12 a.m., Saturdays, 11 April 2020
Station: TV Tokyo
Genre: Comedy
Original Work: Urayasu Tekkin Kazoku by Hamaoka Kenji
Scriptwriters: Ueda Makoto (Streetwise in Wonderland Series, Nocon Kid), Suwa Masashi, Sakai Yoshifumi (Afro Tanaka, Sabori Man Kantaro)
Director: Ruto Toichiro
Ending Theme: Buchinuke by BiSH
Cast: Sato Jiro, Mizuno Miki, Kishii Yukino, Honda Chikara, Saito Taiyo, Kinosuke, Sakata Toshio, Sometani Shota, Daito Shunsuke, Matsui Rena, Shishido Miwako, Takito Kenichi, Hirose Alice, Megumi, Buffalo Goro A, Pekopa Shupei
Synopsis: The Osawagi family lives in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture which is very near Tokyo. The man of the house, Daitetsu (Sato Jiro), lives with his wife Junko (Mizuno Miki), four children (Kishii Yukino, Honda Chikara, Saito Taiyo, Kinosuke) and father Kintetsu (Sakata Toshio). They are preposterous and extreme bunch where any trivial matter such as eating out or a child developing a fever can become a riot beyond imagination once they get involved.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/urayasu
Twitter: twitter.com/tx_urayasu
Sutete yo, Adachi-san
Date: From 12.52 a.m., Saturdays, 18 April – 5 July 2020
Station: TV Tokyo
Episodes: 12
Scriptwriters: Shimoda Yuko (Nee Sensei Shiranai no? Coffee & Vanilla, Bungaku Shojo), Oku Akiko (Jikou Keisatsu Hajimemashite)
Directors: Oku Akiko, Naruse Tomokazu, Hayashi Masaki
Ending Theme: Ashita mo Asatte mo by SpecialThanks
Cast: Adachi Yumi, Kawakami Rinko, Nishimura Shinya, Usuda Asami, Kajiwara Hikari, Katagiri Hairi, Kato Ryo, Kanjiya Shihori, Kitamura Takumi, Saori, Jiro, Tokunaga Eri, Tozuka Junki, Mashimoto Marika, YOU, Watanabe Daichi
Synopsis: One day, Adachi-san (Adachi Yumi) is approached by the editor-in-chief of a female magazine with a proposal to run a series about throwing away a personal belonging in each issue, based on the theme of parting with possessions and living more comfortably. That night, Adachi-san falls asleep like always. But a mysterious girl and the personification of the items that she has held onto appear one after another in her dream, asking to be thrown away.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/suteteyo_adachisan
Twitter: twitter.com/suteteyo_adachisan
Silent Voice Season 2
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Saturdays, 11 April – 30 May 2020
Station: BS TV Tokyo
Genre: Mystery
Episodes: 8
Original Work: Silent Voice by Sato Seinan
Scriptwriters: Brazily Anne Yamada (Silent Voice Season 1, Kono Yo ni wa Tayasui Shigoto wa Nai, Tokyo Sentimental Series), Oura Kota (Silent Voice Season 1, Final Life, Plage), Honda Takaaki (Silent Voice Season, Daishou, Retake)
Directors: Yamauchi Daisuke, Nemoto Kazumasa
Theme Song: Dakiyose Takamaru Kimi no Taion to Tomoni by WANDS
Cast: Kuriyama Chiaki, Baba Toru, Nomura Shuichi, Shiina Kanae, Ukaji Takashi, Kakei Toshio (guest star), Kabira Jay (guest star), Sugita Kaoru (guest star), Ogawa Sara (guest star), Watabe Gota (guest star), Yokota Eiji (guest star), Kyo Nobuo (guest star), Ishida Houshi (guest star)
Synopsis: Tateoka Ema (Kuriyama Chiaki) is an interrogation specialist who uses behavioural psychology to make suspects confess and boasts a 100% success rate. She can see through the lies of suspects in a split second by reading their “micro-gestures”. Any suspect whom she targets will eventually be forced to make a confession.
Website: www.bs-tvtokyo.co.jp/silentvoice2
Twitter: twitter.com/BS7_silentvoice
Related: Silent Voice Season 1
Lu ~ Taiwan Express
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Saturdays, 16 – 30 May 2020
Station: NHK
Episodes: 3
Original Work: Lu by Yoshida Shuichi
Scriptwriter: Tabuchi Kumiko (Teinen Joshi, Bijo to Danshi, Dousousei)
Director: Matsuura Zennosuke
Theme Song: Tsunagaru Kokoru by Chendy
Cast: Haru, Iura Arata, Terawaki Yasufumi, Takahashi Choei, Daito Shunsuke, Kusakari Mayu, Aaron Yan, Shao Yu-wei, Yang Lie, Lin Mei-hsiu, Greg Han, Anna Lee, Gary Edward Gitchel, Liang Zheng Qun, Lee Zi Cheng, Wu Dai-Yun
Synopsis: On the last work day of 1999, excited cheers erupt in Oi & Co, a Tokyo trading company. Japan’s bullet train has secured preferential negotiating rights for Taiwan’s high speed rail rolling stock system in a major reversal. It is decided that Tada Haruka (Haru), an employee who has been with the company for four years, will be seconded to Taiwan. Haruka has painful memories of her first visit to Taiwan one summer during her university days. She happened to make the acquaintance of a Taiwanese teenager called Eric (Aaron Yan) and he gave her a tour of Taipei just for a day but could not be contacted after that. Haruka intended to find him but it was impossible and she suppressed her feelings for him. It has been six years since that day and she made herself a promise never to go to Taiwan again. However, she has to set foot in that country once again as a member of the Taiwanese bullet train construction team this time.
Official Website: www.nhk.or.jp/drama/dodra/ruu
Preview: Ru ~ Taiwan Express CM
Pareto no Gosan ~ Caseworker Satsujin Jiken
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Saturdays, 7 March – 4 April 2020
Network: WOWOW
Genre: Mystery
Episodes: 5
Original Work: Pareto no Gosan by Yuzuki Yuko
Scriptwriters: Takei Aya (Eerie Mienai Kao, Sousa Kaigi wa Living de!, Juken to Cinderella), Komatsuya Takara
Director: Kobayashi Shotaro
Cast: Hashimoto Ai, Masuda Takahisa, Kitamura Yukiya, Matsumoto Marika, Wada Masato, Tomite Ami, Nasu Yuto, Koichi Mantaro, Nishida Naomi, Omi Toshinori
Synopsis: Makino Satomi (Hashimoto Ai) has been reluctantly working for the welfare division at a municipal office. One day, she is ordered to be a caseworker all of a sudden and this makes her feel uneasy. A veteran caseworker named Yamakawa Toru (Wada Masato) encouragingly tells Satomi that it is a rewarding job. Together with a colleague called Onodera Junichi (Masuda Takahisa), Satomi starts engaging with people despite her doubts. However, a few days later, Yamakawa’s murdered body is later found after an apartment fire. Why would this happen to someone so adored by the people he has helped? As suspicions of Yamakawa’s possible involvement in something illegal grow, Satomi and Onodera begin to get entangled in the lives of various people over life insurance and the shadow of impropriety hanging over the town.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/dramaw/pareto
Miman Keisatsu ~ Midnight Runner
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Saturdays, 27 June – 5 September 2020 (Original date: 11 April)
Station: NTV
Genre: Crime suspense
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Midnight Runners by Kim Joo-Hwan
Scriptwriter: Watanabe Yusuke (dele, Rental Kyuuseishu, ST Aka to Shiro no Sousa File)
Directors: Nagumo Seiichi, Naganuma Makoto, Otani Taro
Theme Songs: Run by Sexy Zone & Mazy Night by King & Prince
Cast: Nakajima Kento, Hirano Sho, Kichise Michiko, Nakamura Yuri, Harada Taizo, Iseya Yusuke, Ohata Shieri, Hayama Shono, Takeuchi Aisa, Denya Erika, Akino Masakazu, Kodaira Daichi, Maki Yoko (guest star), Kamishiraishi Mone (guest star), Kato Masaya (guest star), Renbutsu Misako (guest star), Takahashi Tsutomu (guest star), Sakurada Dori (guest star), Hasegawa Kyoko (guest star), Kinoshita Houka (guest star), Kakizawa Hayato (guest star)
Synopsis: Honma Kai (Nakajima Kento) and Ichinose Jiro (Hirano Sho) are cadets at the police academy. Honma is the intellectual type who places emphasis on theory. A serious A-student born with excellent memory, he developed analytical skills at the academy and his skills at profiling began to blossom. He might seem like he does not care but he will not give up on people in need. On the other hand, Ichinose is the emotional and physical type. He is a fearless fighter whom even people with martial arts experience will dodge because of his boundless physical strength. Although his somewhat goofy way of speaking and thinking confuses the people around him, he is an honest, kind-hearted guy who will be the first to help when anyone who is in trouble. What the two of them lack practical experience, they make up with the knowledge obtained through lessons at the academy as well as their youth and enthusiasm. They become the best buddies who make up for each other’s deficiencies.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/mimankeisatsu
Twitter: twitter.com/kentosho2020
Preview: Miman Keisatsu Introduction
Tetsu no Hone (2020)
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Saturdays, 18 April – 16 May 2020
Network: WOWOW
Genre: Corporate
Episodes: 5
Original Work: Tetsu no Hone by Ikeido Jun
Scriptwriter: Maekawa Yoichi (Akira to Akira, Shizumanu Taiyo, Lady Joker)
Directors: Suzuki Kosuke, Kitano Takashi
Cast: Kamiki Ryunosuke, Nakamura Shido, Tsuchiya Tao, Koyuki, Shibata Kyohei, Mukai Osamu, Ishimaru Kanji, Uchino Masaaki, Minagawa Sarutoki, Miyakawa Ichirota, Kinoshita Houka, Hasegawa Tomoharu, Hashimoto Ryosuke, Kote Shinya, Riju Go, Rokkaku Seiji, Miyazaki Yoshiko, Nishioka Tokuma
Synopsis: Tomishima Heita (Kamiki Ryunosuke) is a young employee who has been with a mid-sized construction company for four years, and loves construction site. One day, Heita is ordered to transfer to the General Affairs Department which is a different line of work. It is a unit in charge of winning large public works contracts and mocked as the Bid-Rigging Department. Together with a weary-looking department manager, senior colleagues and a shrewd but inscrutable managing director, Heita aims to secure a public works contract worth 200 million yen. As his interactions with a fixer deepens, he sees desire and obligatory ties with his own eyes. Even though Heita struggles between his ideals and reality, he finds his work rewarding. Meanwhile, their company is in the lead with a bold technical innovation in its bid. However, the management of a rival company stands in their way. To make matters worse, the Special Investigation Department of the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office starts to look into collusive bidding involving influential politicians and the investigation even extends to Heita. What will happen to him and the company?
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/dramaw/tetsunohone
M Ai Subeki Hito ga Ite
Date: From 11.15 p.m., Saturdays, 18 April – 4 July 2020
Station: TV Asahi
Episodes: 7
Original Work: M Ai Subeki Hito ga Ite by Komatsu Narumi
Scriptwriter: Suzuki Osamu (Ubai Ai Fuyu, Meishi Game, Renai Drama o Mouichido)
Theme Song: M by Hamasaki Ayumi
Cast: Anzai Karen, Miura Shohei, Shirahama Aran, Tanaka Minami, Takashima Masanobu, Takahashi Katsunori, Mizuno Miki (guest star), Niiro Shinya, Tanaka Michiko, Kubota Sayu, Mizue Kenta, Kawakita Mayuko, Ueno Natsuhi, Ichige Yoshie, Wada Hayate, Hina, lol, Yup’in
Synopsis: Ayu (Anzai Karen) is a high school student who has lived with her mother and grandmother ever since her father disappeared when she was a child. She did modelling in Fukuoka. But went up to Tokyo with her grandmother with the firm resolution to become an actress. She attends high school while working as an extra. But her encounter with Masa (Miura Shohei), the executive director of record company A Victory, sets her destiny in motion. At his behest, she goes to New York to take lessons in preparation for her debut as a singer. After she returns to Japan, she is subject to vicious harassment by rivals at the record label. Even so, she believes in Masa’s words. Her trust in him somehow changes to romantic feelings while she works hard on her lessons.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/m-ayumasa
Twitter: twitter.com/m_ayumasa
Ii ne! Hikaru Genji-kun
Date: From 11.30 p.m., Saturdays, 4 April – 23 May 2020
Station: NHK
Genre: Comedy
Episodes: 8
Original Work: Ii ne! Hikaru Genji-kun by Estem
Scriptwriter: Abe Mika
Directors: Konaka Kazuya, Tanaka Satoshi
Cast: Chiba Yudai, Ito Sairi, Kiriyama Ren, Iriyama Anna, Kamio Fuju, Kote Shinya
Synopsis: Fujiwara Saori (Ito Sairi) comes home from office one weekend, and is dozing off after lighting some incense set that she bought in Bali to relax when a man (Chiba Yudai) wearing an ancient outfit appears all of a sudden. Saori thinks he is a suspicious person and even gets the police to come. However, during questioning, she recalls “Genji” and suddenly blurts this name out because the man is handsome and dressed in a costume from the Heian Period. The man embraces her as if to say he is Genji and the police leave under the impression that this is a lovers’ quarrel. Saori believes he is a cosplayer but hears that he has reasons for having no place to return to. She decides to help by putting him up for the time being. However, her younger sister Shiori (Iriyama Anna) finds out that they are living together. Before long, Hikaru’s rival in Murasaki Shikibu’s The Tale of Genji, Tou no Chujou (Kiriyama Ren), also shows up … …
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/drama/yoru/hikarugenji
Twitter: twitter.com/nhk_purpleamore
Inseki Kazoku
Date: From 11.40 p.m., Saturdays, 11 April – 30 May 2020
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Family
Episodes: 8
Scriptwriter: Komatsu Eriko (Itsumade mo Shiroi Hane, Nukemairu, Hanamoyu)
Theme Song: Starry Sky by PassCode
Cast: Hada Michiko, Izumi Rika, Kita Kana, Nakao Masaki, Brother Tom, Tane Rakuko, Tsukumo Hajime, Manase Juri, Kageyama Toru, Imaeda
Sakura, Nakamura Shunsuke, Matsubara Chieko, Amano Hiroyuki
Synopsis: Housewife Kadokura Kumiko (Hada Michiko) lives in a residential neighbourhood in Setagaya with her husband Kazuhiko (Amano Hiroyuki), their two daughters Misaki (Izumi Rika) and Yuzuki (Kita Kana), and her mother-in-law Masako (Matsubara Chieko). They seem to be an ordinary, happy family. But when the sudden news breaks that all life on earth will be wiped out by an approaching meteorite in six months time, Kumiko decides that she cannot confidently say she will be happy together with her family in her last moments. Because there is a man that she likes and she wants to be with him. The family is shocked. But she shakes them off and rushes out of the house when they try to hold her back. But it does not end there. Kumiko’s actions trigger a storm, unleashing the secret desires that her two daughters, husband and also mother-in-law had never even confided to the family all this while.
Website: www.tokai-tv.com/io/insekikazoku
Preview: Inseki Kazoku CM
Onna Tomodachi
Date: From 12.00 a.m., Sundays, 12 April – 26 July 2020
Station: BS TV Tokyo
Genre: Romance
Episodes: 12
Original Work: Onna Tomodachi by Saimon Fumi
Scriptwriters: Kikkawa Nami (Poison Daughter Holy Mother), Inukai Kyoko (Osaka Kanjosen Series, Watashitachi ga Puropozu Sarenai no ni wa 101 no Riyuu ga Atte da na Series)
Directors: Kuma Shinji, Ouchi Takahiro, Yoshikawa Ayuta
Theme Song: Tokyo Muri Shinjuu by Drama Store
Cast: Hara Sachie, Isoyama Sayaka, Hakamada Yoshihiko, Takezai Terunosuke, Suga Kenta, Yasoda Yuichi, Katayama Moemi, Rimi, Torigoe Soma, Watanabe Makiko, Ono Nonoka, Uechi Haruna, Morita Suzuka
Synopsis: Setsu (Hara Sachie) and Chisato (Isoyama Sayaka) have been good friends since high school. On this day, Setsu comes to the dining bar where Chisato works. Setsu is a shoe designer and bothered about an offer for a temporary posting that she got from an Italian workshop. The wife of Setsu’s lover Hirai Tamotsu (Hakamada Yoshihiko) has found out about Setsu’s relationship with him. Even so, Hirai says they will stay together. Setsu’s first marriage failed because of her perfection and she seems to have found comfort in her relationship with the devil-may-care Hirai. Although Chisato listens sympathetically to Setsu’s story, she is troubled by her own husband’s infidelity. Chisato’s husband Mitsuru (Takezai Terunosuke) is a popular photographer. He has always had the habit of having affairs. But her intuition gives her the hunch that his affair might be a serious one this time. She is tormented by hallucinations that the family will be hijacked in her absence. Meanwhile, Setsu is hit with an unexpected incident … …
Website: www.bs-tvtokyo.co.jp/onnatomodachi
Twitter: twitter.com/BS7ch_onnatomo
Hanzawa Naoki Season 2*STARTS ON 19 JUL**UPDATED*
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Sundays, 19 April 2020
Network: TBS
Genre: Corporate
Original Works: Lost Generation no Gyakushuu and Ginyoku no Icarus by Ikeido Jun
Scriptwriter: Ushio Kentaro (Shitamachi Rocket Season 2, Black Pean, Chiisana Kyojin)
Directors: Fukuzawa Katsuo, Tanaka Kenta, Matsuki Aya
Cast: Sakai Masato, Ueto Aya, Oikawa Mitsuhiro, Kataoka Ainosuke, Kaku Kento, Imada Mio, Ikeda Narushi, Yamazaki Ginnojo, Kakuta Akihiro, Imai Tomohiko, Awashima Zuimaro, Tsuchida Hideo, Kokubo Toshihito, Kato Kei, Maru Itta, Mochida Shoji, Totsugi Shigeyuki, Masuoka Toru, Inoue Yoshio, Minamino Yoko, Yamane Motoyo, Tsutsui Michitaka, Eguchi Noriko, Emoto Akira, Furuta Arata, Igawa Haruka, Onoe Matsuya, Ichikawa Ennosuke, Kitaoji Kinya (guest star), Kagawa Teruyuki, Yoshizawa Ryo
Synopsis: Hanzawa Naoki (Sakai Masato), the unconventional banker, is ordered on a secondment from Tokyo Chuo Banking Corporation to Tokyo Central Securities even though he exposed numerous irregularities at the bank. He becomes the head of the business development department. One day, Tokyo Central Securities gets a big deal involving the hostile acquisition by a large IT company. With the share purchase expected to amount to over 150 billion yen, it is a deal on an unprecedented scale for Tokyo Central Securities. What Hanzawa has yet to realise is that this will trigger a new battle with the bank. Will he be able to overcome the problems that keep happening at Tokyo Central Securities and inflict twice the pain on the people who make unreasonable demands?
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/hanzawa_naoki
Twitter: twitter.com/Hanzawa_Naoki
Preview: Hanzawa Naoki Season 2 CM
Related: Hanzawa Naoki Season 1
Operation Z ~ Nippon Hametsu, Mattanashi
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 15 March – 19 April 2020
Network: WOWOW
Genre: Political
Episodes: 6
Original Work: Operation Z by Mayama Jin
Scriptwriter: Sakurai Takeharu (Kioku Sousa, Kami no Shita o Motsu Otoko, Ataru)
Directors: Murakami Masanori, Tsuzuki Junichi
Cast: Kusakari Masao, Mizobata Junpei, Takahashi Maryjun, Takuma Takayuki, Kobayashi Takashi, Horibe Keisuke, Maruyama Tomomi, Hasegawa Tomoharu, Toyama Toshiya, Tezuka Toru, Natori Yuko (guest star), Horiuchi Masami, Iwamatsu Ryo, Kitaro
Synopsis: Japan is facing a serious crisis. This is not about its ageing population and environmental problems but money – something that has been heard of but does not draw much attention. The country’s debt exceeds 1 quadrillion yen and it is still piling up. Prime Minister Ejima Takamori (Kusakari Masao) gathers four of the best finance officials including Suo Atsushi (Mizobata Junpei), Nakakoji Rumi (Takahashi Maryjun) and Negoro Isao (Horibe Keisuke). He announces that annual government expenditure will be halved for the sake of the country’s future and a project named Operation Z is formed. The largest expenditure is social security-related expenditure followed by tax money allocated to local governments. It will be impossible to reduce the general account expenditure by half without keeping these two items close to zero. Will the Operation Z members’ intentions get through to the people?
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/original/oz
Preview: Operation Z Teaser
70-sai, Hajimete Umimasu 70 Uizan
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 5 April – 24 May 2020
Station: NHK BS Premium
Genre: Family
Episodes: 8
Original Work: 70 Uizan & 70-sai no Uizan by Time Ryosuke
Scriptwriter: Honcho Yuka
Directors: Watanabe Kazutaka, Watanabe Akihiro
Cast: Kohinata Fumiyo, Takeshita Keiko, Ito Ayumi, Yamoto Yuma, Usuda Asami, Kurashita Honami, Tanaka Mio, Shofukutei Tsuruko, Yamamoto Keisuke, Ryu Raita, Fuse Eri, Maeda Aki, Yoshizawa Ken, Negishi Toshie, Uzaki Ryudo, Nakamura Baijaku
Synopsis: A 65-year-old salaryman Etsuki Tomokazu (Kohinata Fumiyo) who is approaching retirement, comes home one day to hear a shocking declaration from his wife Yuko (Takeshita Keiko) who is near 70, “I’m pregnant!” The couple struggle with whether to have the child given the physical risk of having a baby at such a late stage in life. As first-time parents, they fail and go back and forth for everything in an antenatal class with young couples.
Website: www.nhk.jp/p/seventy-uizan
Taiyo wa Ugokanai ~ The Eclipse
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 24 May – 28 June 2020 (preceded by movie)
Network: WOWOW
Genre: Suspense
Episodes: 6
Original Work: Taiyo wa Ugokanai by Yoshida Shuichi
Scriptwriter: Hayashi Tamio (Yokokuhan Series)
Director: Hasumi Eiichiro
Cast: Fujiwara Tatsuya, Takeuchi Ryoma, Ando Masanobu, Tabe Mikako, Ichihara Hayato, Kakizawa Hayato, Kanai Yuta, Hyuga Wataru, Sako Yoshi, Ukaji Takashi, Shirahane Yuri, Matsumoto Minoru, Koichi Mantaro, Ishibashi Renji, Yoshida Kotaro, Sato Koichi
Synopsis: Takano Kazuhiko (Fujiwara Tatsuya), an agent for a secret organisation, has a small bomb embedded in his heart and is pushed to breaking point. His partner is Taoka Ryoichi (Takeuchi Ryoma). They begin a dangerous game of wits with agents from other countries over top-secret information about next-generation energy while facing the risk of death round the clock. Amid an extreme situation where they do not know who are their allies and foes, the bombs in their hearts approach the limit.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/dramaw/taiyodrama
Twitter: twitter.com/taiyowaugokanai
Preview: Taiyo wa Ugokanai ~ The Eclipse CM
Bishoku Tantei Akechi Goro
Date: From 10.30 p.m., Sundays, 12 April – 28 June 2020
Station: NTV
Genre: Suspense
Episodes: 9
Original Work: Bishoku Tantei by Higashimura Akiko
Scriptwriter: Tanabe Shigenori (Tokusatsu Gagaga, In Hand, Rental no Koi)
Directors: Sugawara Shintaro, Mizuno Itaru
Theme Song: Time by Utada Hikaru
Cast: Nakamura Tomoya, Koshiba Fuka, Sato Kanta, Tomita Miu, Koike Eiko, Kitamura Yukiya, Shida Mirai, Takeda Rena, Takeda Shinji, Naka Riisa, Zaizen Naomi, Moro Morooka
Synopsis: Akechi Goro (Nakamura Tomoya) is a handsome but very eccentric sleuth of good food. He uses his exceptional knowledge of food to solve food-related murders and treats Kobayashi Ichigo (Koshiba Fuka), the owner of his favourite food truck Ichigo Deli, as an assistant, getting her involved in various cases even though she has only just made his acquaintance. Akechi encounters the beautiful Maria (Koike Eiko). The self-professed Mary Magdalene transforms into a serial killer after meeting him and they find themselves drawn to each other despite their adversarial relationship as sleuth and murderer.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/bishoku
Twitter: twitter.com/bishoku_ntv
Preview: Bishoku Tantei CM
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