Imawa no Kuni no Alice Season 2
Date: From 22 December 2022
Network: Netflix Japan
Genre: Suspense
Original Work: Imawa no Kuni no Alice by Aso Haro
Scriptwriters: Watabe Yoshiki, Kuramitsu Yasuko (Scandal Senmon Bengoshi Queen, Tourist, Keiji Yugami), Sato Shinsuke
Cast: Yamazaki Kento, Tsuchiya Tao, Murakami Nijiro, Miyoshi Ayaka, Sakurada Dori, Asahina Aya, Tsunematsu Yuri, Morinaga Yuki, Machida Keita, Isomura Hayato, Inowaki Kai, Maiguma Katsuya, Sato Honami, Kaneko Nobuaki, Abe Tsuyoshi, Aoyagi Sho, Naka Riisa, Yamashita Tomohisa
Synopsis: Arisu Ryohei (Yamazaki Kento) and Usagi Yuzuha (Tsuchiya Tao) have been pursuing the mystery of “borderland”, risking their lives in games in order to survive and return to their world. The two of them encounter friends, foes and the mastermind who controls the game at a location believed to be the key to unravelling the mystery. They have collected the numbered cards each time they won a game. All that remains are the jack, queen and king cards. The games they face this round will be of greater difficulty than the ones that came before … …
Website: www.netflix.com/jp/title/80200575
Preview: Imawa no Kuni no Alice Season 2 CM
Related: Imawa no Kuni no Alice Season 1
Megami no Kyoushitsu ~ Legal no Seishun Hakusho
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Mondays, 9 January 2023
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Legal suspense
Scriptwriters: Okita Haruka (Unicorn ni Notte, Night Doctor, Radiation House Series), Kanda Yu (Kyoso no Bannin, Itoshii Uso Yasashii Yami, Radiation House Series)
Directors: Sawada Kensaku, Tanimura Masaki
Cast: Kitagawa Keiko, Yamada Yuki, Minami Sara, Takahashi Fumiya, Maeda Oshiro, Maeda Kentaro, Kawamura Hana, Sato Hitomi, Miyano Mamoru, Kosakai Kazuki, Onoe Matsuya
Synopsis: Hiiragi Shizuku (Kitagawa Keiko), a judge, is sent to Seinan University’s law faculty as a temporary instructor. This is where she meets the teacher Aoi Jin and five law school students and she sees them aiming only for the short term – the bar exam. The teachers are interested in nothing else but teaching students about the bar exam while the students just want to prepare for the exam while taking courses where they can get academic credits easily. As a judge, Shizuku devotes time to each case, carrying out her duties with the conviction that a person cannot be a good lawyer without understanding people. To train the students who will be responsible for the administration of justice so that they will become fine young talent, she places emphasis in looking out for the reasons behind people’s actions during her lessons. When students enter the legal profession and handle actual cases, they will face the law and people. That is why Shizuku wants to inculcate the importance of understanding and trying to get to know people. She gives Aoi and the students, who have precisely the opposite values, an awareness that is not found in law textbooks.
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/themis
Twitter: twitter.com/themis_fujitv
Chouningen Yousai Hiroshi Senki*NEW*
Date: From 10.45 p.m., Mondays – Thursdays, 13 February 2023
Station: NHK
Genre: Romantic comedy
Episodes: 20
Original Work: Chouningen Yousai Hiroshi Senki by Oma Kuro
Scriptwriter: Kumamoto Hiromu
Directors: Tanaka Yoji, Doi Shohei, Sato Rei
Cast: Takayama Kazumi, Mamehara Issei, Yamanouchi Suzu, Daito Shunsuke, First Summer Uika, Saito Takumi, Fukikoshi Mitsuru
Synopsis: Tanaka Hiroshi (Mamehara Issei) seems to be an ordinary young man who makes a living through his part-time job at a gyoza shop. But he is actually a human fortress battleship for 60 million Scaverians who lost their planet and came to earth. Each of his movements are produced by the Scaverians inside who steer him. His goal is to spend his time on earth peacefully. In order to do that, he works at a fixed place, does not waste money needlessly, maintains a distance in his relationships with people, and simply gets back home safely. However, those days do not last forever. One day, Hiroshi goes to the library to look for books. This is where he happens to meet a university student Miyabi Shizuka (Yamanouchi Suzu). As a result, Scaveria faces its greatest crisis – love. The new ship captain Akemi (Takayama Kazumi), who was hurriedly appointed after the captain lost his job, has to overcome this difficult situation and friction with the president (Fukikoshi Mitsuru), ministers and people while she looks for a new future.
Website: www.nhk.jp/p/ts/12MNX7Q756
Twitter: twitter.com/nhk_dramas
Wana no Sensou
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Mondays, 16 January 2023
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Revenge
Scriptwriter: Goto Noriko (Uso no Sensou, Kazoku no Katachi, Toshi Densetsu no Onna Series)
Director: Horai Tadaaki
Cast: Kusanagi Tsuyoshi, Igawa Haruka, Sugino Yosuke, Ono Karin, Sakaguchi Ryotaro, Shiratori Hayato, Ozawa Yukiyoshi, Miyazawa Ema, Iida Kisuke, Honda Hirotaro, Taguchi Hiromasa, Tamaki Yuki, Takahashi Katsunori, Katahira Nagisa, Kishibe Ittoku
Synopsis: Washizu Toru (Kusanagi Tsuyoshi), the secretary of lawmaker Inukai Kosuke (Honda Hirotaro), has been busy handling the petitions of his supporters and crushing potential scandals. He always keeps his cool, never shows his emotions and bows to anyone if the need arises. One day, Toru’s son sustains serious injuries and is on the verge of death. However, he is instructed by this lawmaker, whom he has devotedly served for a long time, to cover up the incident. Something significant changes within Toru after all these years of suppressing himself and putting up with whatever comes his way. Using his resourcefulness, personal connections and information that he acquired during his long career as a secretary, he pursues the truth about someone who critically injured his son as he plots revenge against Inukai for trying to cover up the incident by wielding his power.
Website: www.ktv.jp/wana
Twitter: twitter.com/wananosensou
Related: Uso no Sensou
Hoshi Furu Yoru ni
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 17 January 2023
Station: TV Asahi
Genre: Romance
Scriptwriter: Oishi Shizuka (Shiranakute Ii Koto, Ie Uru Onna Series, Dairenai)
Directors: Fukagawa Yoshihiro, Yamamoto Daisuke
Cast: Yoshitaka Yuriko, Kitamura Takumi, Chiba Yudai, Nekoze Tsubaki, Nagai Mijika, Nakamura Riho, Kiryu Sakura, Komagine Kiita, Wakabayashi Takuya, Miyazawa Miho, Doronz Ishimoto, Terasawa Hideya, Mitsuishi Ken, Mizuno Miki, Dean Fujioka
Synopsis: 35-year-old gynaecologist Yukimiya Suzu (Yoshitaka Yuriko) works at a hospital in a peaceful seaside town. While she helps to bring new life into the world, she is emotionally worn out in this constrictive and suffocating society, and cannot be vulnerable to anyone. Suzu studied hard to become a doctor and as a result of working for money and status, she not only lost the friends who fought with her, but also the enthusiasm and dreams she once had. She learned that society is not always on the side of those who are right and she will only get fatigued if she fights. Suzu decides to go camping alone to take a breather. As she drinks alcohol and looks up at the starry sky, Hiiragi Issei (Kitamura Takumi) wordlessly moves towards her and takes a series of photos with his camera. Then he kisses her without warning. The next morning, when Suzu wakes up, the young man conveys something to her with hand gestures and leaves. This episode would become a irreplaceable fated encounter for each of them. Issei lives in a world with no sound. He has many interests, friends all over the world and follows his heart’s desires. Although Issei is 10 years her junior, and strangely overbearing and immature at times, he has a glow that cannot be missed. As Suzu interacts with him, her heart is gradually set free.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/hoshifuru_yoruni
Twitter: twitter.com/Hoshifuru_ex
Yugure ni, Te o Tsunagu*UPDATED*
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 17 January 2023
Station: TBS
Scriptwriter: Kitagawa Eriko (Uchi no Musume wa Kareshi ga Dekinai!, Hanbun Aoi, Unmei ni Nita Koi)
Directors: Kanai Hiro, Yamauchi Daisuke, Fuchigami Masato
Theme Song: Algernon by Yorushika
Cast: Hirose Suzu, Nagase Ren, Tanabe Momoko, Kuroba Mario, Ihara Rikka, Kawakami Yohei, Uchida Rio, Sakurai Kaito, Masuda Takahisa, Matsumoto Wakana, Kayashima Narumi, Sakou Yoshi, Matsuyuki Yasuko (guest star), Endo Kenichi, Natsuki Mari
Synopsis: 23-year-old Asagi Soramame (Hirose Suzu) grew up freely in the remote countryside in Kyushu. She goes to Tokyo in pursuit of a childhood friend and fiancé but has a startling encounter with Umino Oto (Nagase Ren) instead. Oto grew up in the metropolis and is an aspiring composer who creates and releases music on his computer. The two of them thought they would never see each other again, but end up living under the same roof in some corner of Tokyo. Influenced by Oto, the spontaneous and charming Soramame awakens to the world of fashion while Soramame inspires Oto to once again face the dream he was about to give up. As they chase their own dreams, they encourage and support each other despite their anxieties and occasional fights. Although they fall in love, their romance is quite slow to take off … …
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/yugure_tbs
Twitter: twitter.com/yugure_tbs
Ooku (2023)
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 10 January 2023
Station: NHK
Genre: Period
Original Work: Ooku by Yoshinaga Fumi
Scriptwriter: Morishita Yoshiko (Tengoku to Jigoku, Dakara Watashi wa Oshimashita, Gibou to Musume no Blues Series)
Directors: Ohara Taku, Tajima Akihiro, Kawano Hideaki
Cast: Fukushi Sota, Hotta Mayu, Saito Yuki, Naka Riisa, Yamamoto Koji, Ryu Raita, Nakajima Yuto, Tominaga Ai, Kazama Shunsuke, Kanjiya Shihori, Kataoka Ainosuke
Synopsis: During the reign of the third shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu, a strange disease called “red-faced smallpox” spreads throughout Japan. It is a terrifying illness that only infects young men and leads to death in a few days. Without a method to manage and cure smallpox, the male population drops sharply to a quarter of the female population. As a result, the country’s social structure is dramatically changed. Males are raised as rare stallions while females replace the males as the labour force. Various family businesses are now handed down from female to female. Even at Edo Castle, the role of the shogun is passed on to a female (Hotta Mayu) after Tokugawa Iemitsu’s death. As a symbol of the shogun’s power, the inner palace founded by his wet nurse Kasuga no Tsubone (Saito Yuki) keeps these rare males, creating a world with 3,000 handsome men.
Website: www.nhk.jp/p/ts/PKYJ66Q8JP
Twitter: twitter.com/nhk_dramas
Reversal Orchestra
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Wednesdays, 11 January 2023
Station: NTV
Genre: Music
Scriptwriter: Shimizu Yukako (Saiai, Watashi Teiji de Kaerimasu, Poison Daughter Holy Mother)
Directors: Inomata Ryuichi, Komuro Naoko, Suzuki Yuma
Cast: Kadowaki Mugi, Tanaka Kei, Nagayama Kento, Takiuchi Kumi, Bando Ryota, Tsunematsu Yuri, Maeno Tomoya, Yukihira Aika, Loic Garnier, Hamada Mari, Okabe Takashi, Tsuda Kenjiro, Hirata Mitsuru, Hara Hideko, Namase Katsuhisa
Synopsis: 28-year-old Tanioka Hatsune (Kadowaki Mugi) is a very ordinary public relations employee at Nishi Saitama’s municipal office. In fact, she was a violin prodigy who won numerous music competitions from an early age and performed with famous orchestras. But for some reason, Hatsune decided to leave the stage 10 years ago. She loves music and simply wishes to continue playing her beloved violin in private. However, her identity gets outed to Tokiwa Asahi (Tanaka Kei), an up-and-coming conductor whose love for music is so unusually strong that he mercilessly points out musicians’ faults. Tokiwa had been based in Germany until he was compelled by his father Shusuke (Namase Katsuhisa), the mayor of Nishi Saitama, to return to Japan all of a sudden. Ordered to turnaround the lousy local Kodama Symphony Orchestra, Tokiwa tries to recruit Hatsune to be the orchestra’s concert master. The two of them will have to deal with several obstacles and formidable enemies.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/reveorche
Twitter: twitter.com/reveorche_ntv
Stand Up Start
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Wednesdays, 18 January 2023
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Corporate
Original Work: Stand Up Start by Fukuda Shu
Scriptwriters: Moral (Unlucky Girl, Kekkon Dekinai ni wa Wake ga Aru, Goku Shufudo), Date-san (Unlucky Girl, Oshi no Oujisama, Ojisama to Neko)
Directors: Ruto Toichiro, Kuma Shinji, Matoba Masayuki, Matsushita Toshiya
Cast: Ryusei Ryo, Koizumi Kotaro, Yoshino Hokuto, Kote Shinya, Yamashita Mizuki, Mizusawa Rintaro, Amamiya Sora, Tsukaji Muga, Adachi Yumi, Totsugi Shigeyuki, Suzuki Kosuke, Takahashi Katsumi, Sorimachi Takashi
Synopsis: Mihoshi Taiyo (Ryusei Ryo) is the CEO of the investment company Sunshine Fund. Professing to be an investor in people, his philosophy is that “People are assets. No investor will let go of their assets.” Mihoshi approaches people who have messed up or faced setbacks at work as well as those who have given up on their dreams. He proposes to create a start-up together, helping each of them to realise their own potential and restore their desire to live again.
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/stand_up_start
Twitter: twitter.com/stand_up_start
Keishichou Outsider
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Thursdays, 5 January 2023
Station: TV Asahi
Genre: Detective
Original Work: Keishichou Outsider Series by Kato Miaki
Scriptwriter: Takahashi Izumi (Fujiko, Yume o Ataeru, Kanata no Ko)
Director: Kimura Hisashi
Cast: Nishijima Hidetoshi, Hamada Gaku, Kamishiraishi Moka, Yuka, Nonami Maho, Nagahama Neru, Yanagiba Toshiro, Ishida Hikari, Kataoka Ainosuke, Saito Takumi
Synopsis: Kagawa Eiji (Nishijima Hidetoshi), a detective with the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department’s Organised Crime Department, is relegated to Sakuramachi Chuo Police Precinct’s Criminal Affairs Division after getting embroiled in some trouble. He partners Hasumi Kosuke (Hamada Gaku), the ace of division, for a murder investigation but as it progresses he starts to feel something is not right with the perfect Kosuke. Wanting to return to the Organised Crime Department so that he can find out the truth behind the matter and show off his skills to the top brass, Eiji makes a secret pact with Kosuke. Eiji had picked up on Kosuke’s big secret that cannot be disclosed. The two men have to look after a rookie detective Mizuki Nao (Kamishiraishi Moka) but she turns out to be the deputy police commissioner’s daughter?
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/outsider
Twitter: twitter.com/outsider_ex2023
Ninja ni Kekkon wa Muzukashii
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Thursdays, 5 January 2023
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Love comedy
Original Work: Ninja ni Kekkon wa Muzukashii by Yokozeki Dai
Scriptwriter: Matsuda Yuko (Koi desu! Yankee-kun to Hakujo Garu, Hamasaki Mai ga Damattenai Series, Tokyo Tarareba Musume)
Director: Hijikata Masato
Cast: Nanao, Suzuki Nobuyuki, Katsuji Ryo, Yamamoto Maika, Yoshitani Ayako, Fujiwara Taiyu, Kakei Miwako, Tomosaka Rie, Furuta Arata, Ichimura Masachika
Synopsis: Kusakari Hotaru (Nanao) is a pharmacist. Contrary to her appearance, she is actually a descendent of the Koga ninja. Despite her pride in the Koga clan, Hotaru could not hold back her secret longing for an ordinary home when she met Goro (Suzuki Nobuyuki). Goro is a postman, but has a secret of his own. He is a descendent of the Iga ninja. However, he wanted to be an ordinary person and have an ordinary marriage. Hotaru and Goro whose clans have been adversaries for generations got married without knowing each other’s identities. While they were madly in love at first, their relationship has deteriorated to the extent that they are on the verge of divorce. An assassination then takes place. Will Hotaru and Goro choose to have their own family or stick with family tradition? The ultimate choice will eventually develop into an incident that shakes up the country.
Website: www..fujitv.co.jp/ninja
Twitter: twitter.com/ninja_fujitv
Shoumonai Bokura no Renairon*UPDATED*
Date: From 11.59 p.m., Thursdays, 19 January 2023
Station: NTV
Genre: Romance
Scriptwriters: Ito Nanoha (Uketsuke no Jo, Youtuber ni Musume wa Yaran!, Gohoubi Gohan), Imanishi Yuko (Sabishii Oka de Kari o Suru, Hoshi kara Kita Anata, Unmei kara Hajimaru Koi)
Directors: Kondo Keisuke, Matsumoto Hana, Honda Ryuichi
Theme Song: We Good by JO1
Cast: Mashima Hidekazu, Yada Akiko, Nakata Seina, Kimata Shoya, Hashimoto Jun, Shimada Kyusaku, Sugimoto Tetta, Tezuka Satomi
Synopsis: Tsutsumi Takuro (Mashima Hidekazu) is a book designer in his 40s whose life has stagnated. One day, he receives a request from to be friends on social media. The sender is Tanimura Anna who was the person he loved 20 years ago. Despite his confusion, Takuro is beside himself with anticipation for their reunion. However, the person he meets is not Anna but her 17-year-old daughter Kurumi (Nakata Seina). This encounter with Kurumi reminds him of an unfulfilled promise and he wonders if he made the right choice at that time. Touched by Kurumi’s pure feelings, Takuro starts to live again. Kurumi’s appearance also triggers changes in Morita Eri (Yada Akiko), Takuro’s high school classmate. Although she has had feelings for him for more than 20 years, she does not want to destroy the relationship they have now. However, she is shaken by his meeting with Kurumi and starts to change her mind. On the other hand, Kurumi is a high school student and has never given serious thought to her future, but she also gets affected after meeting Takuro and his friends.
Website: www.ytv.co.jp/renairon
Twitter: twitter.com/renairon_ytv
Informer*UPDATED*
Date: From 12.25 a.m., Fridays, 20 January 2023
Station: Kansai TV, Netflix
Genre: Crime suspense
Original Work: Informer by Okita Garyo
Scriptwriters: Sakai Masaaki (Kei x Yaku, Red Eyes, Yakubyougami Series), Sawaguchi Akihiro
Directors: Fujii Michihito, Osaka Gen, Sone Hayato, Hayashida Hirokawa
Cast: Kiritani Kenta, Sano Reo, Kita Kana, Fuchikami Yasushi, Hamatsu Takayuki, Hannya, Ninomiya Ryutaro, Fujii Akito, Nishimura Motoki, Tajima Ryo, Ichinose Wataru, Megumi, Yamanaka Takashi, Takahashi Kazuya, Miyakawa Ichirota, Chiba Tetsuya, Ishibashi Renji, Morita Go
Synopsis: Mishima Kanji (Sano Reo) is a reporter at Shukan Times, a weekly publication which mainly covers gossip news. He feels a sense of emptiness and discomfort from pursuing the scandals of famous people every day. Seeing an opportunity for Mishima to fulfil a past wish to “see a world that he wouldn’t be able to see in ordinary life”, his editor-in-chief Nagasawa Asuka (Megumi) sends him off to Amagasaki one day to pick someone up. But Kihara Kenjiro (Kiritani Kenta), the man waiting for Mishima, is in no way a respectable one. A former gang member who has thorough knowledge of the underworld, politics and the entertainment industry, he is now a legendary informer among informants. Mishima’s encounter with Kihara, who manipulates society behind the scenes, opens the doors to hell.
Website: www.ktv.jp/informa
Twitter: twitter.com/informa_ktv
Hyakumankai Ieba Yokatta
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Fridays, 13 January 2023
Station: TBS
Genre: Fantasy romance
Scriptwriter: Adachi Naoko (Okaeri Mone, Kinou Nani Tabeta?, Sagi Deka)
Directors: Kaneko Fuminori, Yamamuro Daisuke, Furubayashi Juntaro
Cast: Inoue Mao, Sato Takeru, Shim Eun Kyung, Itakura Toshiyuki, Shoji Yusuke, Hoshi Moeka, Kondo Chihiro, Sakura Ichika, Hiraiwa Kami, Shunputei Shota, Arakawa Yoshiyoshi, Matsuyama Kenichi
Synopsis: Soma Yui (Inoue Mao) and Torino Naoki (Sato Takeru) were friends in junior high school but lost touch. They reunited as adults and affirm their feelings for each other. However, in a cruel twist of fate, just as Naoki makes the decision to propose to Yui, he gets entangled in a sudden, mysterious incident and dies. Meanwhile, a bereft Yui is unaware of what happened to Naoki and desperately searches for him. Naoki ends up becoming a wandering spirit. Not realising he is dead, he feels disturbed that Yui cannot hear him. The only person who is aware of Naoki’s presence is Uozumi Yuzuru (Matsuyama Kenichi), a detective pursuing the truth behind his death. Regretting that he left this world without saying “Thank you. Goodbye. I love you,” to the person he loves the most, Naoki wants Yuzuru to convey his words to Yui. Unable to hide his bewilderment, Yuzuru tries to get in touch with Yui to communicate Naoki’s feelings but … …
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/100ie_tbs
Twitter: twitter.com/hyakumankai_tbs
Isekai Izakaya Nobu Season 3 ~ Koutei to Oiria no Oujo-hen
Date: From 11.00 p.m., Fridays, 13 January 2023
Network: WOWOW
Genre: Food fantasy
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Isekai Izakaya Nobu by Semikawa Natsuya
Scriptwriter: Shinagawa Hiroshi (Isekai Izakaya Nobu Seasons 1 and 2)
Director: Shinagawa Hiroshi
Cast: Otani Ryohei, Takeda Rena, Asaka Kodai, Taira Yuna, Nakamura Riho, Saikawa Koji, Owada Shinya
Synopsis: Located in a deserted alley in Kyoto, Izakaya Nobu’s 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. Nobu initially had hardly any customers until its cold beer called Toriaezu Nama became very popular and its cuisine gained gradual acceptance. The former emperor (Owada Shinya), who is a customer of Izakaya Nobu, pushes for an arranged marriage between his grandson Konrad and Celestine (Taira Yuna), the princess regent of the enemy country Oiria. Celestine comes to Aiteria after accepting the political marriage for the sake of her motherland. But a spy reports that she actually has her eye on eating deep-fried food skewers at Izakaya Nobu.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/original/nobu3
Twitter: twitter.com/drama_wowow
Related: Isekai Izakaya Nobu Season 2 ~ Majo to Daishikyo-hen
Liaison ~ Kodomo no Kokoro Shinryojo
Date: From 11.15 p.m., Fridays, 20 January 2023
Station: TV Asahi
Original Work: Liaison by Yonchan, Takemura Yusaku
Scriptwriter: Yoshida Noriko (Mistresses, Dying Eye, Dr Koto Shiryojo Series)
Directors: Saito Yuki, Komatsu Takashi, Takezoni Hajime
Cast: Yamazaki Ikusaburo, Matsumoto Honoka, Kuriyama Chiaki
Synopsis: Doctor Sayama Taku (Yamazaki Ikusaburo) runs Sayama Kodomo Clinic, which specialises in child psychiatry. His family owns a general hospital but he chose to take over his aunt’s small clinic in the outskirts. As a result, Taku is treated as an oddball by the family. However, he has a certain conviction. As someone who has been living with autism spectrum disorder, he understands the struggles more than anyone and values the time he has with child patients and their families. Toono Shiho (Matsumoto Honoka), a medical intern at Taku’s clinic, loves children. When she was interning at a university hospital’s pediatrics department, she kept making mistakes until she ended up committing a blunder that could have led to a grave accident. Her professor told her to give up on becoming a doctor. Around the same time, she learned that she has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Shiho was at the point of letting go of her dream to be a doctor. But an encounter with Taku gave her the encouragement that she needed to carry on.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/liaison
Twitter: twitter.com/liaison_ex
Sugisaki Hana no Satsukyuu
Date: From 11.30 p.m., Fridays, 10 February 2023
Station: WOWOW
Episodes: 6
Scriptwriters: Matsui Daigo (Byplayers Season 1), Moegara, Imaizumi Rikiya (Tokyo Sentimental), Mukai Kosuke (Tokyo Ai da no Koi da no, Yuganda Hamon, Shinya Shokudo Series), Wada Kiyoto (Uzukawa Mura Jiken, Shinjuku Seven, Shinya Shokudo Season 1), Miyake Sho
Directors: Matsui Daigo, Imaizumi Rikiya, Miyake Sho
Cast: Sugisaki Hana, Kamishiraishi Moka, Matsuura Yuya, Okata Hisako, Sascha, Wakaba Ryuya, Serizawa Tateto, Nakata Seina, Okabe Takashi, Nakano Misaki, Tsukamoto Shinya, Izumisawsa Yuki, Kikuchi Akiko, Ron Monroe, Motoori Saikyo Satoshi, Morita Kokoro, Uechi Haruna, Mitsuishi Ken, Bando Ryota, Imo Haruka, Adachi Tomomitsu, Yamano Umi, Shukugawa Atom, Hashimoto Ai, Matsuo Satoru
Synopsis: On the morning of her break from filming, Sugisaki Hana (Sugisaki Hana) listens to the horoscope on the radio. “If you are a Libra, tidy up all your clutter today. Your lucky item is a round object!” Hearing this, she tries to clear her laundry but the washing machine just won’t work. Sugisaki has no choice but to go to the laundromat which she is unfamiliar with, and does not know how to pay the 300 yen charge. What she brought with her is a credit card and a 1,000 yen note. Sugisaki follows another laundromat user’s suggestion to get small change from the vending machine outside. However, she ends up getting entranced by the voice of a street musician that she happened to hear and buys a CD with that 1,000 yen … …
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/original/satsukyu4
Twitter: twitter.com/drama_wowow
Related: Kamiki Ryunosuke no Satsukyuu
Konya Sukiyaki da yo*UPDATED*
Date: From 12.12 a.m., Saturdays, 7 January 2023
Station: TV Tokyo
Original Work: Konya Sukiyaki da yo by Takiguchi Natsuko
Scriptwriter: Yamanishi Tatsuya
Directors: Ota Ryo, Yamanaka Yoko
Cast: Renbutsu Misako, Triendl Reina, Suzuki Jin, Mikawa Yugo, Konno Buruma, Kawai Aoba, Miyazaki Yoshiko
Synopsis: Ota Aiko (Renbutsu Misako) is an interior designer but not very good at housework in general despite her competence in her job. While she has a strong desire to get married and is currently engaged, she and her fiance’s views on marriage are incompatible. In the midst of this, Aiko is reunited with a former classmate Asano Tomoko (Triendl Reina) at an old high school friend’s wedding. Tomoko has no romantic feelings for other people and is good at household chores, especially cooking. However, she is currently in a slump as a picture book writer. The atmosphere between the two women is awkward since they had not been particularly close during their school days. But something results in them hitting it off. Aiko and Tomoko start living together after Aiko offers to provide a place to stay, in exchange for delicious meals from Tomoko.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/konyasukiyakidayo
Twitter: twitter.com/txkonyasukiyaki
Zenryoku de, Aishite Ii kana?*NEW*
Date: From 12.52 a.m., Saturdays, 4 February 2023
Station: TV Tokyo
Genre: Romance
Original Work: Zenryoku de, Aishite Ii kana? by Sanzuisyaku
Scriptwriter: Kawasaki Izumi (Saihate kara Toho 5-hun, Hankei 5 metres, Nibun no Ichi Fuufu)
Directors: Kanai Junichi, Honma Toshiyuki, Asahina Yoko
Theme Song: Wolf Vibes by I Don’t Like Mondays
Cast: Sakuraba Nanami, Takezai Terunosuke, Odai Ryohei, Fujimori Shingo, Iwaoka Toru, Watanabe Risa, Machida Yu, Momotsuki Nashiko, Hara Hideko
Synopsis: 30-year-old Takamura Chiyo (Sakuraba Nanami) is an employee at a major construction company’s civil engineering department. Despite her dissatisfaction with her job and mixed feelings about how different her reality is to the future she had dreamed of, Chiyo works hard. She craves for love but is a coward and feels at ease on her own. Then one day, she gets a sudden love confession from Seo Ichika (Takezai Terunosuke), a handsome 45-year-old man whom she started lunching with through an unexpected turn of events. The deputy CEO of a foreign food chain, Ichika has fallen in love with Chiyo and asks if she will let him love her with all his heart. Although Chiyo always thought of Seo as a lunch buddy, she eventually agrees to go out with him and the two start a trial romance that seems like their first love.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/zenryokuai
Twitter: twitter.com/tx_Zenryokuai
Daibyouin Senkyo*UPDATED*
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Saturdays, 14 January 2023
Station: NTV
Genre: Suspense
Scriptwriter: Fukuda Teppei (Red Eyes, Pandora no Kajitsu)
Director: Otani Taro
Theme Song: W by Snow Man
Cast: Sakurai Sho, Higa Manami, Shirasu Jin, Matobu Sei, Oshinari Shugo, Becky, Kashiwabara Shuji, Mizuhashi Kenji, Asakawa Rina, Morita Kanro, Watabe Atsuro
Synopsis: An armed group wearing demon masks suddenly seizes a major general hospital in Kanagawa Prefecture that is renowned in the country, taking Doctors and other hospital staff hostage. Amid this extremely tense situation, detective Musashi Saburo (Sakurai Sho), who is currently suspended due to an incident that happened one year ago, pits himself against them to free the hostages including his wife who is also one of those held captive. As a detective, Musashi has great powers of deduction and will take action to get to the truth even if it means breaking the rules sometimes. He also has a strong sense of justice and if he believes something is wrong, he would even go after his superiors. As physical and intellectual battles unfold, the reason for the siege gradually comes to light.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/dbs
Twitter: twitter.com/dbs_ntv
Tantei Romance
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Saturdays, 21 January – 11 February 2023
Station: NHK
Episodes: 4
Scriptwriter: Tsubota Fumi (Kingyozuma, Colourful Love, Motokare Mania)
Directors: Adachi Mojiri, Oshima Keisuke
Cast: Hamada Gaku, Ishibashi Shizuka, Izumisawa Yuki, Morimoto Shintaro, Honjo Manami, Sekoguchi Ryo, Asaka Kodai, Matsumoto Wakana, Kondo Yoshimasa, Otomo Kohei, Kishibe Ittoku, Onoe Kikunosuke, Kusakari Masao
Synopsis: The streets of Tokyo in the early 20th century are full of slums. The good times ended after the world war broke out and Japan has become a very stratified society. With, the Spanish flu spreading as well as rampant poverty and crime, the people anxiously await the birth of a hero. Hirai Taro (Hamada Gaku) who would later become the famous writer Edogawa Rampo admires the authors of mystery novels Arthur Conan Doyle, Maurice Leblanc and Edgar Allan Poe. But he is still a nobody, moving from one low paying job to another. He and his friend Hatsunosuke (Izumisawa Yuki) live in poverty and barely get enough food for the day. Even though Taro brings his manuscripts to the newspapers and publishers, none of them show interest in his stories. The letters from Murayama Ryuko (Ishibashi Shizuka), who corresponds with him and always sends her thoughts on the novels, is his only comfort. Meanwhile, Taro meets Shirai Saburo (Kusakari Masao), an elderly detective. He is charmed by Saburo’s humour and pathos while Saburo enjoys Taro’s leaps of imagination and overflowing passion. The two decide to team up and go into the private investigation business together.
Website: www.nhk.jp/p/ts/MZJR2NR6JM
Twitter: twitter.com/nhk_dramas
Hamaru Otoko ni Keritai Onna*UPDATED*
Date: From 11.00 p.m., Saturdays, 14 January 2023
Station: TV Asahi
Genre: Romantic comedy
Original Work: Hamaru Otoko ni Keritai Onna by Amasawa Aki
Scriptwriter: Seki Erika (Teppachi, Gossip, Gosaigyou)
Directors: Katayama Osamu, Nakamae Yuji, Sakami Akimori
Theme Song: Lemon Pie by Kis-My-Ft2
Cast: Fujigaya Taisuke, Sekimizu Nagisa, Kyomoto Taiga, Kubota Sayu, Nishigaki Sho, Saya, Tabuchi Akihiro, Kaneko Shunya, Nishida Naomi, Daichi Mao
Synopsis: 31-year-old Shitara Koichi (Fujigaya Taisuke) went from elite employee at a large beverage manufacturer to the manager of a retro lodging house in an unexpected events. An ace in product planning, he lived with his beautiful wife who was also a good cook in a high rise apartment and seemed set for career success after winning the CEO’s award thrice. However, he offended his boss which resulted in a demotion. In addition, his wife vanished after leaving behind the divorce papers. Deciding that he would rather resign from the company if he were going to be “laid off”, Koichi struggles to find another job but quickly loses confidence. His childhood friend Sakuma Nao (Nishida Naomi) introduces him to a job that offers perks such as housing, meals and flexible working hours. It turns out to be the lodging house Ginseiso where Nao, Nishijima Itsuka (Sekimizu Nagisa) and Masuda Suzu (Kubota Sayu) live. Koichi has the worst sort of encounter with the sloppy Itsuka who adopts a standoffish attitude with him and keeps twisting him around. But one night, she suddenly pushes and holds him down … …
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/hamaruotoko
Twitter: twitter.com/oshidoraEX
6-byoukan no Kiseki ~ Hanabishi Mochizuki Seitaro no Yuutsu*UPDATED*
Date: From 11.30 p.m., Saturdays, 14 January 2023
Station: TV Asahi
Genre: Fantasy comedy
Scriptwriter: Hashibe Atsuko (Mokomi, Shitteru Wife, Bokura wa Kiseki de Dekiteiru)
Directors: Fujita Meiji, Takezono Hajime, Matsuo Takashi
Theme Song: Yozora o Kakeru by Ketsumeishi
Cast: Takahashi Issei, Hashizume Isao, Honda Tsubasa, Kokubo Toshihito
Synopsis: With no end in sight to the COVID-19 outbreak, the upcoming fireworks festival in summer has been cancelled. Mochizuki Seitaro (Takahashi Issei) and his father Ko (Hashizume Isao), who is the fourth generation owner of a hard-hit fireworks business in a local town, look like they will be free again this year. If there cannot be large-scale fireworks, Ko suggests to Seitaro many times that they start making fireworks for individual customers. But Seitaro is reluctant to do so because a number of things have to be done and he would have to communicate with customers on the minute details ahead of time. On one seemingly typical morning, Ko collapses at the workshop. He manages to say sorry to Seitaro before drawing his last breathy. Left alone, Seitaro is at a loss. That winter, Mizumori Hikari (Honda Tsubasa) visits the workshop with a handwritten flyer that says “Set off your own customised fireworks!” in her hand. She tells Seitaro that she would like her own fireworks show but when he asks what kind of fireworks she would like, her order is “fireworks that are beautiful to you”. That is when Ko who should have been dead appears without warning in front of Seitaro … …!?
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/6byoukannokiseki
Twitter: twitter.com/6secEx
3,000 yen no Tsukaikata*UPDATED*
Date: From 11.40 p.m., Saturdays, 7 January 2023
Station: Fuji TV
Original Work: 3,000 yen no Tsukaikata by Harada Hika
Scriptwriters: Shimada Ureha (Mai Agare!, Yell, Sumika Sumire), Suzuki Yuna (Douse Mou Nigerarenai, Rabu Kome no Okite, Haru to Ao no Obentobako), Aoki Erika (Janus no Kagami)
Directors: Murakami Makito, Muroi Takehito, Kakihara Toshiyuki, Shimomukai Eiki
Theme Song: Choices by Le Sserafim
Cast: Aoi Wakana, Yamazaki Hirona, Hashimoto Atsushi, Horii Arata, Ahn Mika, Hayama Shono, Riju Go, Morio Yumi, Nakao Mie, Sakai Wakana
Synopsis: When Mikuriya Miho (Aoi Wakana) was in junior high school, her grandmother Kotoko (Nakao Mie) told her “A person’s life is determined by how they spend their 3,000 yen.” Miho should have taken the words of her grandmother, who is exact in everything she does, to heart. Now a 24-year-old young woman, Miho has been employed for a year at an IT company and started living on her own in a fashionable area in Tokyo of her dreams. The rental is 98,000 yen. She and her boyfriend, whom she has been dating since school days, are lovey dovey. Even though her job only involves miscellaneous tasks, she is doing well. Miho does not bother to save for the future. However, the dark clouds roll in at some point, causing Miho to reevaluate her life. Meanwhile, Miho’s grandmother has succeeded in her goal of steadily increasing the inheritance from her husband but ends up losing her purpose in life. Things are not any better for her mother Tomoko (Morio Yumi). The idea of divorcing her uncommunicative husband Kazuhiko (Riju Go), who is on the verge of retirement, crosses her mind but there is more in store for her when she is suddenly diagnosed with illness. What will the women of the Mikuriya family do to overcome their troubles?
Website: www.tokai-tv.com/3000yennotsukaikata
Twitter: twitter.com/tokaitv_dodra
Dousuru Ieyasu
Date: From 8.00 p.m., Sundays, 8 January – December 2023
Station: NHK
Genre: Period
Scriptwriter: Kosawa Ryota (Confidence Man JP, Date, Legal High)
Directors: Murahashi Naoki, Kawakami Takeshi, Ono Michi
Cast: Matsumoto Jun, Okada Junichi, Arimura Kasumi, Muro Tsuyoshi, Nomura Mansai, Abe Hiroshi, Omori Nao, Yamada Yuki, Sugino Yosuke, Itagaki Rihito, Otoo Takuma, Hirose Alice, Yamada Takayuki, Matsushige Yutaka, Kote Shinya, Okabe Dai, Issey Ogata, Matsuyama Kenichi, Komoto Masahiro, Namioka Kazuki, Kimura Subaru, Nekoze Tsubaki, Chiba Tetsuya, Matsumoto Marika, Hosoda Kanata, Kitagawa Keiko, Fujioka Hiroshi, Yoshihara Mitsuo, Hashimoto Satoshi, Terajima Susumu, Lily Franky, Kakuta Akihiro, Mizobata Junpei, Shida Mirai, Watabe Atsuro, Maya Miki, Toyoshima Hana, Sekimizu Nagisa, Nomaguchi Toru,
Synopsis: Takechiyo, later Ieyasu (Matsumoto Jun), was born to Matsudaira Hirotada, the lord of Okazaki Castle in poor and small Mikawa Province. He lost his father in the chaos of the war, and was also separated from his mother. At one time while Takechiyo was being sent as a hostage to the Imagawas, he was seized and abducted by the Odas. As a youth who did not even know what the next day would hold for him, he had a dramatic encounter with Oda Nobunaga (Okada Junichi) and was taught that he could change the world with his own might. He was also reunited with old retainers that served his father and learned of their lingering desire to restore the Matsudaira clan (later Tokugawa clan). The Battle of Okehazama threw the Imagawas into tumult when their leader Yoshimoto (Nomura Mansai) was killed in battle, and he succeeded in taking back his castle in Mikawa Province. However, this would also be the start of hardships and crises. Ieyasu was troubled by the Jodo Shinshu Buddhist uprising and threatened by the strongest warlord Takeda Shingen (Abe Hiroshi) who drove the Tokugawa army to the brink of a crushing defeat at the Battle of Mikatagahara. Takeda kept attacking and tried to undermine the relationship between the vassals and family. Despite feeling vexed about his weaknesses, Ieyasu turned this loss to his advantage. He deepened ties with his vassals and created a sense of unity. However, Nobunaga’s death in the Honnoji Incident drove Ieyasu into a corner. Will the wars come to an end and is there a future for this country?
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/ieyasu
Twitter: twitter.com/nhk_dramas
Get Ready!
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Sundays, 8 January 2023
Station: TBS
Genre: Medical
Scriptwriters: Iino Yoko (Wagaya no Mondai, Kyuumei Byoto 24-hr Seasons 1, 2 & 5), Yamada Yoshitatsu (Hiyama Kentaro no Ninshin, Zenra Kantoku, 1,000,000 yen no Onnatachi), Kawabe Yuko (Kindaichi Shonen no Jikenbo 2022, Zero Series)
Directors: Tsutsumi Yukihiko, Muto Jun
Cast: Tsumabuki Satoshi, Matsushita Nao, Hyuga Wataru, Ichinose Hayate, Mitsuishi Kotono, Hashimoto Manami, Toma Ami, Yuki Moe, Nakayama Masei, Tanokura Yuta, Nagami Rea, Yajima Kenichi, Katayama Yuki, Sugawara Takuma, Yoshida Ryoya, Kawamoto Koki, Ibu Masato, Kaga Takeshi, Fujiwara Tatsuya
Synopsis: Hazama Eisuke (Tsumabuki Satoshi) is a talented, solitary surgeon. By day, he is a patissier at his own patisserie, Casa Blanche, making and selling cakes created in the same way he approaches surgeries – dexterity and bold ideas. But this is just a facade. He leads a unidentified medical team which takes on any kind of surgery and uses any means to save a patient in exchange for exorbitant fees. Hazama has just one rule for selecting a patient: is it a life worth prolonging? There is an operating room fitted with the latest equipment in the basement of the patisserie and the team operates on patients who have been rejected elsewhere. Hazama’s partner is Shimoyamada Joe (Fujiwara Tatsuya). On the surface, he is an outstanding international lawyer. After an encounter with Hazama, Shimoyamada becomes the person who negotiates with the patients that Hazama will operate on. The identities of the team of doctors is not known to the world. They hide their faces with masks in front of their patients even as they make medical care that is impossible in the current medical community possible.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/getready_tbs
Twitter: twitter.com/getready_tbs
Warera ga Paradise
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 8 January 2023
Station: NHK BS Premium
Original Work: Warera ga Paradise by Hayashi Mariko
Scriptwriter: Ozaki Masaya (Kekkon Dekinai Otoko Series, Chinmoku Houtei, Otona Joshi)
Director: Hirayama Hideyuki
Cast: Kimura Yoshino, Takaoka Saki, Horiuchi Keiko, Hashimoto Jun, Watanabe Masayuki, Yui Masayuki, Kino Hana, Kondo Koen, Toyama Toshiya, Okamoto Nobuto, Oka Mayumi, Ito Yozaburo, Sakakibara Rumi, Yamada Meikyo, Sakigake Santaro, Shirakawa Kazuko, Hara Sachie, Takaizumi Atsuko, Fuse Eri, Yamamoto Hiroshi, Kobayashi Kinako, Matsukaze Risaki, Otani Rinka
Synopsis: Asako (Kimura Yoshino) is the head nurse at Seven Star Town, a facility where wealthy elderly people spend the final chapter of their lives gracefully. For Asako who lives frugally while taking care of her mother, this is a world far beyond her. Her two colleagues face difficulties of their own. Satsuki (Takaoka Saki) looks after her parents whom she lives with, and Kuniko (Horiuchi Keiko) has problems in the family regarding her father’s care. Then Asako’s younger brother Shinichi (Kondo Koen) comes to squat at her place, and the issue of finding a facility for their mother weighs on Asako. At work, their boss Fukusa (Hashimoto Jun) gives them trouble. Asako, Satsuki and Kuniko decide to set a daring plan into motion to break the status quo.
Website: www.nhk.jp/p/ts/8P92NK74R5
Twitter: twitter.com/nhk_dramas
Giver Taker
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 22 January – 19 February 2023
Network: WOWOW
Genre: Crime suspense
Episodes: 5
Original Work: Life 2 by Suenobu Keiko
Scriptwriter: Komine Hiroyuki (Kokucho no Mizuumi, Anonymous, Suits)
Director: Suzuki Kosuke
Cast: Nakatani Miki, Kikuchi Fuma, Ikeuchi Hiroyuki, Saito Yuki, Fukagawa Mai, Baba Fumika, Yoshizawa Hisashi, Toyama Toshiya, Hirayama Yusuke, Hakamada Yoshihiko, Sakurada Hiyori, Yoshida Ulongta, Ikeda Tetsuhiro
Synopsis: Detective Kurasawa Itsuki (Nakatani Miki) is a former elementary school teacher whose daughter was killed by Itsuki’s student Kishi Ruoto who was 12 at the time. Ruoto’s youth along with the bizarre nature of the crime sent shock waves throughout the country. Wanting to spare people from experiencing similar anguish and despair as a bereaved family member, Istuki became a detective. Right before her daughter’s death anniversary 12 years later, Itsuki learns that Ruoto (Kikuchi Fuma) has been discharged from the juvenile medical reformatory. Even when she hears that he has been completely reformed, she cannot help feeling skeptical. Then she receives a message promising to take something precious from her again. This is the beginning of a new case that will rattle the country yet once more … …
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/original/givertaker
Twitter: twitter.com/drama_wowow
Brush Up Life
Date: From 10.30 p.m., Sundays, 8 January 2023
Station: NTV
Genre: Time travel comedy
Scriptwriter: Bakarhythm (Sumu Sumu Series, Satsui no Michinori, Sutekina Sentaxi)
Directors: Mizuno Itaru, Kariyama Shunsuke
Cast: Ando Sakura, Kaho, Kinami Haruka, Matsuzaka Tori, Sometani Shota, Kuroki Haru, Mizukawa Asami, Usuda Asami, Suzuki Kosuke, Nomaguchi Toru, Ichikawa Yui, Noro Kayo, Tanaka Naoki, Tsukaji Muga, Nakajima Hiroko, Nakamura Toru, Shida Mirai, Bakarhythm
Synopsis: 33-year-old ordinary Kondo Asami (Ando Sakura) works at the local city hall. She is single and lives with her parents (Tanaka Naoki, Nakajima Hiroko) and younger sister (Shida Mirai). One day, Asami suddenly has to start her life all over again. She finds herself lying on a bed in the gynaecology department with a younger version of her parents right in front of her. This is the beginning of her second go at life.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/brushup-life
Twitter:twitter.com/brushuplife_ntv
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