Yokoso, Wagaya e
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Mondays, 13 April 2015
Station: Fuji TV
Scriptwriter: Kuroiwa Tsutomu (Subete ga F ni Naru, Yorozu Uranaidokoro Onmyoya e Yokoso, Strawberry Night Series)
Original Work: Yokoso, Wagaya e by Ikeido Jun
Cast: Aiba Masaki, Sawajiri Erika, Arimura Kasumi, Adachi Rika, Fujii Ryusei, Tanaka Mirei, Yamaguchi Sayaka, Horiuchi Keiko, Mashima Hidekazu, Sato Jiro, Takada Junji, Takenaka Naoto, Minami Kaho, Terao Akira
Synopsis: Kurata Kenta (Aiba Masaki) lives with his parents, Taichi (Terao Akira) and Keiko (Minami Kaho), and younger sister, Nana (Arimura Kasumi), in a house in the outskirts. He is a struggling commercial artist. Because he dislikes conflict with others, he cannot assert himself and will end up conforming to the other party. Kenta takes after his father in that aspect, but he does not want to be spineless and unreliable like him. The relationship between father and son has soured. One day, Kenta shoves a female aside on the train platform and warns a man who is about to jump the queue and board the train. He is shocked by his own uncharacteristic behaviour because he is venting his anger about his job which is not working out. However, that day is the turning point. Kenta is harassed by stalking-related incidents at home. The flowers in the flower bed are entirely uprooted, the bicycle’s saddle is cut up. At the same time that this harassment begins, alleged improprieties are discovered at Taichi’s company … …
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/wagayae
Preview: Yokoso, Wagaya e Teaser
Love Riron
Date: From 11.58 p.m., Mondays, 13 April 2015
Station: TV Tokyo
Scriptwriter: –
Original Work: Love Riron by Mizuno Keiya
Genre: Romance
Cast: Ono Takuro, Kataoka Ainosuke, Seino Nana, Takeda Shinji
Synopsis: Imada Satoshi (Ono Takuro) has come to Tokyo from Ibaraki only with dreams of being popular. He falls in love at first sight with Kiritani Reiko (Seino Nana), a beautiful girl he meets at a welcome party for new students, but is hindered by frivolous guys. It comes to an end before he can do anything. Several days later, Imada starts to work at one of Tokyo’s many night clubs in an attempt to change his loser self. Even though this nocturnal underworld overwhelms him, there is something more shocking. Reiko, the girl he adores, has joined the club as a hostess. However, she scarcely notices him and behaves like he is a stranger. Imada is forlorn and thinks there is no hope. Then the mysterious club manager appears before him. This man is Mizuno Aiya (Kataoka Ainosuke), a master in love. He imparts a love theory to Imada. Reiko, who has put up emotional barriers, gradually begins to open up … …
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/official/loveriron
Tatakau! Shoten Girl
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 14 April 2015
Station: Fuji TV
Scriptwriter: Watanabe Chiho (Akka, Kohiya no Hitobito, Saki)
Original Work: Shoten Girl Series by Aono Kei
Genre: Occupational, romance
Cast: Watanabe Mayu, Inamori Izumi, Chiba Yudai, Daito Shunsuke, Suzuki Chinami, Ino Kei, Makita Sports, Kinoshita Houka, Hamada Mari, Inoue Jun, Tanabe Seiichi
Synopsis: Kitamura Aki (Watanabe Mayu) and assistant manager, Nishioka Riko (Inamori Izumi), work for Pegasus Bookshop, a bookstore of long standing. These two females have been saved by books as the rise of online bookstores make competition increasingly tougher. For the strong-willed, free spirited 23-year-old Aki, work rather than marriage is her dream, while 40-year-old Riko worked with pride in her job and belatedly realised that she has passed marriageable age. There is a generational gap between them as well as a difference in their circumstances. Aki is well-off girl who joined the company through connections. Riko has been through a lot of hard times and worked her way up. Because of their different personalities and experiences, their approaches to work and love are are not alike and they mix like oil and water.
Website: www.ktv.jp/shoten
Preview: Tatakau! Shoten Girl Teaser
Mother Game ~ Onnatachi no Kaikyuu
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 14 April 2015
Station: TBS
Scriptwriters: Arai Shuko (Dark Suit, Shima no Sensei, Seinaru Kaibutsutachi), Takeda Yuki (Last Doctor, Kakushou, Otasukeya Jinpachi)
Genre: Family
Cast: Kimura Fumino, Hasegawa Kyoko, Kanjiya Shihori, Seto Koji, Okada Yoshinori, Adachi Yumi, Kamiji Yusuke, Toyohara Kosuke, Igarashi Hinata, Yokoyama Ayumu, Goto Yuira, Watanabe Reira, Kanon, Emi Kurara, Tominaga Saori, Tanaka Naoki, Maruyama Tomomi, Muroi Shigeru, Ryu Raita, Dan Rei
Synopsis: Kanbara Kiko (Kimura Fumino) is a poor single mother whose 5-year-old son, Haruto, gets admitted to a prestigious kindergarten in an unexpected turn of events. One Haruto’s first day of school, high-end cars are backed up in front of the kindergarten’s front gate. Mothers swagger on high heels within the compound and carry luxury brand bags. Although Kiko is shocked by the reality of this kindergarten where she is out of her element, she expresses her feelings directly to the mothers who regard her as an enemy. With her vivacity and compassion, she starts to change the thinking and establish new bonds with these rigid women living in a completely different world and generation.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/mothergame
Preview: Mother Game Teaser
Bijo to Danshi
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 14 April 2015 (for two seasons)
Station: NHK
Scriptwriter: Tabuchi Kumiko (Dousousei, Go, Atsuhime)
Genre: Love comedy
Cast: Nakama Yukie, Machida Keita, Segawa Ryo, Nakahara Takeo, Tajima Reiko, Tokunaga Eri, Maekawa Yasuyuki, Azuma Mikihisa, Takahashi George, Nakayama Masei, Asano Kazuyuki, Morimoto Leo, Maya Kyoko, Kusakari Masao
Synopsis: A capable but unpopular showbiz manager, Sawatari Ichiko (Nakama Yukie), struggles to groom a younger, new male actor, Sakisaka Ryo (Machida Keita), whom she had scouted, into a star. An unmotivated Ryo slowly becomes conscious of the pleasures of acting. Bonds of camaraderie grow, and before long, love gradually blossoms between them.
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/drama10/bijo
Keishichou Sousa Ikka 9-gakari Season 10
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Wednesdays, 22 April 2015
Station: TV Asahi
Scriptwriters: Fukasawa Masaki (Nobunaga no Chef, ST, Keishichou Sousa Ikka 9-gakari Series), Okazaki Yukiko (Keishichou Sousa Ikka 9-gakari Series), Manabe Chiaki (Deiri Kinshi no Onna, Answer, Honboshi), Takigawa Akiyo (Keishichou Sousa Ikka 9-gakari Series), Tokunaga Tomihiko (Keishichou Sousa Ikka 9-gakari Series, Team ~ Keishichou Tokubetsu Hanzai Sousa Honbu)
Genre: Detective
Cast: Watase Tsunehiko, Inohara Yoshihiko, Hada Michiko, Tsuda Kanji, Fukikoshi Mitsuru, Taguchi Hiromasa, Hara Sachie, Nakagoshi Noriko, Satomi Kotaro
Synopsis: The members (Watase Tsunehiko, Inohara Yoshihiko, Taguchi Hiromasa, Tsuda Kanji, Fukikoshi Mitsuru) of the First Investigative Division’s Ninth Section each have personal problems and troubles as individuals before they are police officers. Although these overly individualistic members may even oppose each other in investigations, what unites them is their strong sense of justice. They appear uncoordinated in their actions, but each of them will channel all energies to the arrest of criminals and grapple with difficult cases.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/9gakari_10
Kokoro ga Pokitto ne
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Wednesdays, 8 April 2015
Station: Fuji TV
Scriptwriter: Okada Yoshikazu (Sayonara Watashi, Watashi to iu Unmei ni Tsuite, Saigo kara Nibanme no Koi Series)
Genre: Love comedy
Cast: Abe Sadao, Mizuhara Kiko, Fujiki Naohito, Yamaguchi Tomoko, Tokunaga Eri, Yamashita Rio, Nagase Tasuku, Ikezu Shoko, Yamanishi Atsushi
Synopsis: Suffering from mental stress because he is overworked and pressured by the people around him, Kojima Haruta (Abe Sadao) quits his company. Losing both his home and wife, Shizuka (Yamaguchi Tomoko), Kojima hits rock bottom. He is forced to live the life of a homeless man, but becomes a furniture restoration craftsman for antique furniture shop owner, Otake Shin (Fujiki Naohito), through an unexpected turn of events. Otake, on the other hand, suffers from an inability to be troubled. He encounters Hayama Miyako (Mizuhara Kiko) who has a tendency of becoming obsessed with any man she is attracted to. She develops romantic notions about Otake without knowing his true identity. However, Otake has someone special. She is Shizuka, an interior coordinator. Shizuka is Kojima’s ex-wife, but she cannot tell Otake.
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/kokopoki
Preview: Kokoro ga Pokitto ne CM
Dr Rintaro
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Wednesdays, 15 April 2015
Station: NTV
Scriptwriter: Nakazono Miho (Doctor X Series, Hatsukoi, Sengyou Shufuu Tantei)
Genre: Medical
Cast: Sakai Masato, Aoi Yu, Kichise Michiko, Uchida Yuki, Takanashi Rin, Takahashi Issei, Nakanishi Miho, Matobu Sei, Sakai Wakana, Yo Kimiko, Endo Kenichi, Nagatsuka Keishi, Matsushige Yutaka, Takahata Atsuko, Kohinata Fumiyo
Synopsis: Hino Rintaro (Sakai Masato) is a super psychiatrist who works for Keinan University Hospital. He is able to get into people’s minds and untangle severe illnesses. Because he is a genius in his treatment methods and rehabilitation techniques, even the Chief Cabinet Secretary is his regular patient. He has also authored many books and appeared on TV as a commentator. There is a waiting list of more than two months to see him. One day, Yumeno (Aoi Yu), a popular Shinbashi geisha, appears before Rintaro. A woman whom even Rintaro cannot control, she starts to derail his life … …
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/dr-rintaro
Preview: Dr Rintaro Teaser
Shoku no Gunshi
Date: From 11.30 p.m., Wednesdays, 1 April 2015
Station: Tokyo MX
Scriptwriter: –
Original Work: Shoku no Gunshi by Izumi Masayuki
Genre: Food
Cast: Tsuda Kanji, Kataoka Sosuke, Sasai Eisuke
Synopsis: Hongo Ban (Tsuda Kanji) is a middle-aged man who is very particular about delicious meals. He would follow his own “tactics” – the advice of his inner “strategist” (Sasai Eisuke) – on what to order as well as what sequence to eat. He visits all sorts of eating establishments and refines his strategy in pursuit of the perfect meal.
Website: s.mxtv.jp/gunshi
Preview: Shoku no Gunshi CM
Kabukimono Keiji
Date: From 8.00 p.m., Thursdays, 9 April 2015
Station: NHK
Scriptwriter: Komatsu Eriko (Tenchijin, Dondo Hare Series, Oishi Puropozu)
Original Work: Kabukimono Keiji by Hisaka Masashi
Genre: Period
Cast: Fuji Tatsuya, Nakamura Aoi, Nishiuchi Mariya, Kudo Asuka, Enami Kyoko, Aoyama Noriko, Dan Mitsu, Fueki Yuko, Tabata Tomoko, Maeda Beverly, Kakuda Nobuaki, Ibu Masato, Hino Shohei
Synopsis: At the time Tokugawa Ieyasu won the battle of Sekigahara, the Uesugis had their vast 1,200,000 koku holdings in Aizu drastically curtailed to 300,000 koku in Yonezawa, Dewa Province. Great numbers give up on the future and leave Yonezawa. In the midst of this, Maeda Keiji (Fuji Tatsuya) remains in this place and chooses to live with people facing difficulties. Over 60, he lives in a shabby, secluded hut and contemplates the “right time”. On the other hand, his son, Shinkuro (Nakamura Aoi), objects to Keiji being fond of drinking and absorbed in the cultural pursuits such as poetry, painting and calligraphy, and nothing like the brave general he is famed to be. However, Keiji “performs” when it comes to the crunch. Although he has considered retirement, he is willing to sacrifice himself in order to protect the Uesugis. Shinkuro is gradually fascinated by his broad-mindedness and his way of life … …
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/jidaigeki/keiji
Kyoto Ninjou Sousa File
Date: From 8.00 p.m., Thursdays, 30 April 2015
Station: TV Asahi
Scriptwriters: Yoshimoto Masahiro (Kageri Yuku Natsu, Kabuka Bouraku, Team ~ Keishichou Tokubetsu Hanzai Sousa Honbu), Li Jonhi (Mayonaka Panya-san, Nageki no Bijo, Yamikin Ushijima-kun Season 1)
Genre: Detective
Cast: Takahashi Katsunori, Matsushita Yuki, Omi Toshinori, Takabe Ai, Suzuki Takayuki, Watanabe Kunito, Ishimaru Kenjiro, Matsudaira Ken
Synopsis: The Crime Victims Support Unit exists within each prefectural police. The job of the unit is to provide all sorts of information such as the progress of an investigation or trial, give advice as well as help out in the lives of victims, who have unwittingly ended up involved in crimes, and their family members. This work is not confined to specialised knowledge-based support, but covers a wide range from being there for scarred victims, assisting in funeral services to dealing with the mass media and arranging for taxis for moves. While unit members may visit a scene with investigators, they have not been empowered with the authority to investigate so far. However, Togakure Tetsuya (Takahashi Katsunori) who was once a detective of the Kyoto Prefectural Police’s First Investigative Division, has the conviction that what victims and their family want to know the most, is the truth. He would embark on his own informal investigations as an extension of the usual assistance, with the backing of Iwase Koichiro (Matsudaira Ken), the head of the Police Affairs Department, and guides cases to swift resolution.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/ninjyo
I’m Home
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Thursdays, 16 April 2015
Station: TV Asahi
Scriptwriter: Hayashi Koji (Yoru no Sensei, Boss Series, Iryu Series)
Original Work: I’m Home by Ishizaka Kei
Genre: Family mystery
Cast: Kimura Takuya, Ueto Aya, Mizuno Miki, Tanaka Kei, Suzuki Kosuke, Yamaguchi Mayu, Arai Hirofumi, Mitsuishi Ken, Watanabe Ikkei, Oikawa Mitsuhiro, Nishida Toshiyuki
Synopsis: Ieji Hisashi (Kimura Takuya), a salaryman who works for a securities company, has a fuzzy memory of the recent five years because of an accident at his job posting. His wife of five years, Megumi (Ueto Aya) and their 4-year-old son Yoshio (Takahashi Rai) seem to wear masks. He can neither tell their facial expressions nor their emotions. He also struggles about his love for them. On the other hand, Ieji feels an attachment to his ex-wife Nozawa Kaoru (Mizuno Miki), whom he divorced five years ago, and their daughter Subaru (Yamaguchi Mayu). What sort of days did he have in those five years which are a blank to him? Ieji sets out on a journey to find his past self with a mysterious bunch of 10 keys that he has. He becomes aware that he was a cold, career-minded man before the accident, and the persona that is gradually revealed is beyond the imagination of his present kindhearted self.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/imhome
Preview: I’m Home CM
Yamegoku ~ Yakuza Yamete Itadakimasu
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Thursdays, 16 April 2015
Station: TBS
Scriptwriter: Sakurai Takeharu (Tokyo Scarlett, Take Five, Aibou Series)
Genre: Detective
Cast: Oshima Yuko, Kitamura Kazuki, Katsuji Ryo, Honda Tsubasa, Tanaka Tetsushi, Shonozaki Ken, Okada Koki, Yamaguchi Sayaka, Miyatake Mio, Matsuoka Emiko, Kamata Erena, Yamaguchi Makiya, Kim Sungrak, Sakata Tadashi, Natori Yuko (guest star), Endo Kenichi
Synopsis: Nagamitsu Bakushu (Oshima Yuko) is a mysterious police officer who mans a hotline within the Tokyo Metropolitan Police’s Organised Crime Department for breakaway yakuza members. After receiving a phone call, the detective in charge has to make contact with the yakuza, protect him, fix things up with the organised crime group which the yakuza belongs to, and finally place the yakuza in a respectable occupation. Although Bakushu ended up supporting the rehabilitation of yakuzas, she somehow treats them like enemies and gets the people around her involved … …
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/yamegoku
Preview: Yamegoku Teaser
Ishitachi no Renai Jijou
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Thursdays, 9 April 2015
Station: Fuji TV
Scriptwriters: Akiyama Ryuhei (Nagareboshi), Sakaguchi Riko (Kekkon Shinai, Watashi ga Renai Dekinai Riyuu), Koyama Shota (Subete ga F ni Naru, Bitter Blood)
Genre: Hospital romance
Cast: Saito Takumi, Ishida Yuriko, Aibu Saki, Hirayama Hiroyuki, Miyake Hiroki, Itaya Yuka, Ihara Tsuyoshi, Namase Katsuhisa
Synopsis: Morita Haruki (Saito Takumi) is a surgeon who only thinks about saving patients 24 hours a day, every day. A compassionate man with a strong sense of justice, he pushes back against the university hospital system which prioritises profit and power. However, he has forgotten how to love because he has put work before romance and his hectic job. Haruki takes a position at a university hospital out of a desire to hone his skills as a surgeon. But it is a place where all sorts of desires swirl. He meets Kondo Chizuru (Ishida Yuriko), a surgeon who is his senior, here. Chizuru has been very wrapped up in her work and is now past marriageable age. He gets attracted to her little by little.
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/ishitachi_no_renaijijou
Preview: Ishitachi no Renai Jijou CM
Renai Jidai
Date: From 11.59 p.m., Thursdays, 2 April 2015
Station: NTV
Scriptwriter: Fujii Kiyomi (Time Spiral, Take Five, Kuro no Onna Kyoushi)
Original Work: Renai Jidai by Nozawa Hisashi
Genre: Romance
Cast: Higa Manami, Mitsushima Shinnosuke, Satsukawa Aimi, Fuchikami Yasushi, Nakao Akiyoshi, Eguchi Noriko, Yokoyama Mei, Oishi Goro. Matsukawa Akari, Kashii Yu, Sato Ryuta
Synopsis: Eto Haru (Higa Manami) and Hayase Riichiro (Mitsushima Shinnosuke) met through fate and got married. They were happy, but a sad incident caused them to choose divorce after being married for a mere one year and five months. Although they have been divorced for two and a half years, Haru and Riichiro continue to have a strange relationship in which the two of them would dine together on their wedding anniversary and sing duets at karaoke. A trivial quarrel leads each of them to declare to the other, “I’ll find your marriage partner!” Haru seriously introduces a new partner to Riichiro, thinking that the person would make him happy. Riichiro does the same for Haru. Each of them moves rapidly towards remarriage while turning a blind eye to the other’s romance. However, … …
Website: www.ytv.co.jp/renaijidai
Preview: Renai Jidai CM
Sanbiki no Ossan Season 2 ~ Seigi no Mikata, Futatabi!
Date: From 7.58 p.m., Fridays, 24 April 2015
Station: TV Tokyo
Scriptwriters: Sato Kumiko (Kagi no Nai Yume o Miru, Ousama no Ie, Scrap Teacher), Shimizu Shiori
Original Work: Sanbiki no Ossan by Arikawa Hiro
Genre: Comedy
Cast: Kitaoji Kinya, Izumiya Shigeru, Shiga Kotaro, Ono Takuro, Mine Azusa, Komoto Masahiro, Nishida Naomi, Fujita Yumiko, Nakada Yoshiko
Synopsis: Kiyota Kiyokazu (Kitaoji Kinya), Tachibana Shigeo (Izumiya Shigeru) and Arimura Norio (Shiga Kotaro) are three old men who formed a neighbourhood watch group called ‘Sanbiki no Ossan’ one year ago to tackle all sorts of bad things that are rampant in the town such as fraud, molest and animal abuse. They still continue their patrols at night.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/3biki.ossan2
Related: Sanbiki no Ossan ~ Seigi no Mikata, Kenzan!
Kamiya Genjiro Torimono Hikae Season 2
Date: From 8.00 p.m., Fridays, 3 April 2015
Station: NHK BS Premium
Scriptwriter: Furuta Motomu (Kumokiri Nizaemon Season 2, Damashie Utamaro Series), Tagami Yu (Hissatsu Shigotonin Series), Watanabe Yoshinori, Hori Yoshiki (Hissatsu Shigotonin Series), Nakamura Katsuyuki, Kunuki Chisako
Original Work: Kiri no Hate ~ Kamiya Genjiro Torimono Hikae by Fujisawa Shuhei
Genre: Period
Cast: Takahashi Mitsuomi, Nakagoshi Noriko, Yamazaki Shigenori, Takahashi Kazuya, Hasegawa Tomoharu, Sato Jiro, Ono Takehiko, Kishimoto Kayoko, Nakamura Baijaku
Synopsis: Kamiya Genjiro (Takahashi Mitsuomi) is a constable who patrols the streets of Edo, but is generally acknowledged a misfit in the Kitamachi Magistrate’s Office. His superiors’ opinions fall on deaf ears and he has become intimate with the proprietress of a restaurant which he is a regular. He identifies the real criminals and solves cases with his exceptional powers of concentration and deduction, remarkable intuition and insight. Each time a complicated case occurs, his colleagues will rely on him. Strange commotions, colourful characters and evil doers would appear before Genjiro. The secrets and malevolence lurking in people’s hearts are uncovered by Genjiro and his assistant, Ginzo (Nakamura Baijaku).
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/jidaigeki/kamiya2
Related: Kamiya Genjiro Torimono Hikae Season 1
Panic In
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Fridays, 10 April 2015
Station: BS Sky Perfect
Scriptwriter: Suzuki Taichi (Tenma-san ga Yuku, Minna ESPer dayo)
Genre: Action
Cast: Makita Sports, Fujii Mina (guest star), Takeda Rina (guest star), Aizawa Rina (guest star), Kawai Aoba (guest star), Fujisawa Ema (guest star), Iriyama Noriko (guest star), Tachibana Mio (guest star), Seto Saori (guest star), Kirishima Reika (guest star), Jyonmyon Pe, Kenmochi Naoaki, Makimura Senzaburo
Synopsis: Kurumada Torao (Makita Sports) is an unappealing middle-aged bachelor. One day, he is laid off by the construction company which he has worked for 20 years. He drifts from one job to the next and ends up getting involved in extremely dangerous situations at his workplaces and while travelling to or from work. Sometimes, it is a bus hijack. At other times, it is a mysterious animal or a terrorist … … However, in spite of these emergencies, there is always an encounter with a very cute beauty waiting for him each time. Torao would fall in love at first sight with her and struggle to break the deadlock of the extreme situation, with the sole purpose of wanting to be popular with her, but … …
Website: www.bs-sptv.com/panicin
Algernon ni Hanataba o 2015
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Fridays, 10 April 2015
Station: TBS
Scriptwriter: Nojima Shinji (Oniichan Gacha, Gold, Love Shuffle)
Original Work: Algernon ni Hanataba o by Daniel Keyes
Genre: Sci-fi
Cast: Yamashita Tomohisa, Kuriyama Chiaki, Kubota Masataka, Kudo Asuka, Kikuchi Fuma, Tanimura Mitsuki, Omasa Aya, Kaai Gamon, Ishida Issei, Kusakari Tamiyo, Nakahara Takeo (guest star), Hagiwara Masato, Ishimaru Kanji
Synopsis: Shiratori Sakuto (Yamashita Tomohisa) is 28, but has the intelligence of a 6-year-old boy. He works for Dream Flower Service, a flower distribution centre which provides employment for problem youth. One day, he and a colleague, Yanagawa Ryuichi (Kubota Masataka), deliver a rose bouquet to the apartment building where Mochizuki Haruka (Kuriyama Chiaki) lives. Because Haruka does not know that the deliveryman is mentally challenged, she is shocked by his response and tries to call the police. Haruka works for a brain physiology research centre where Professor Hachisuka Daigo (Ishimaru Kanji) has been studying the improvement of mental performance. He has succeeded in lab experiments on a white mouse called Algernon. Sakuto is transformed into a genius through surgery. But Algernon’s new intelligence begins to fade, and he dies. Sakuto realises that his genius, too, is destined to leave him.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/algernon2015
Preview: Algernon ni Hanataba o 2015 CM
Tenshi to Akuma ~ Mikaiketsu Jiken Tokumei Koshouka
Date: From 11.15 p.m., Fridays, 10 April 2015
Station: TV Asahi
Scriptwriter: Takahashi Yuya (Kindaichi Shonen Jikenbo N, 35-sai no Koukousei, Perfect Blue)
Genre: Mystery, legal suspense
Cast: Goriki Ayame, Watabe Atsuro, Hasegawa Tomoharu, Naito Risa, Nakamura Shizuka, Arakawa Yoshiyoshi, Uzaki Ryudo
Synopsis: An “angelic” rookie police officer Makita Hikari (Goriki Ayame), who works for the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department’s Unsolved Cases Documentation Unit, can only believe people. Her father was a policeman and she unquestioningly took the same path as him. On the other hand, the “devilish” genius lawyer Chajima Ryunosuke (Watabe Atsuro) believes in no one. He is an enigmatic cynic and a loner. The two of them form an odd partnership to crack unsolved cases using plea bargaining with absolute secrecy, after he appears in front of her one day.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/tenshitoakuma
Preview: Tenshi to Akuma CM
Fubenna Benriya
Date: From 12.12 a.m., Saturdays, 11 April 2015
Station: TV Tokyo
Scriptwriter: Suzui Takayuki
Genre: Comedy
Cast: Okada Masaki, Suzuki Kosuke, Endo Kenichi, Moriyama Eiji, Triendl Reina, Morisaki Hiroyuki, Sakuma Mio, Tanaka Yoji, Inoue Takashi, Uchiyama Rina (guest star), Kohinata Fumiyo (guest star), Sato Megumi (guest star), Suzuki Fuku (guest star), Takei Ryosuke (guest star), Tanaka Misako (guest star), Tokito Saburo (guest star), Yanagisawa Shingo (guest star), Yamashita Rio (guest star), Morisaki Hiroyuki (guest star), Yasuda Ken (guest star), Oizumi Yo (guest star), Totsugi Shigeyuki (guest star), Oto Takuma (guest star)
Synopsis: The handymen in an obscure Hokkaido town shut out by the snow are the meddlesome owner Matsui Hideo (Suzuki Kosuke), the thrice divorced Umemoto Soichi (Endo Kenichi), and the young budding scriptwriter Takeyama Jun (Okada Masaki) who has lost his way. Takeyama had left Tokyo in disgust after an argument with the director on the set over liberties taken with a scene that he had put all his feelings into. He intended to go to Furano where a leading scriptwriter, who dropped out of a drama series midway, lives. However, the bus service has been brought to a standstill by the snowstorm. Takeyama stopped by at a pub in order to fill his stomach. He found himself caught in a great misunderstanding, got drunk and lost both his wallet and mobile phone. Now he has no choice but to stay in this town … …
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/official/benriya
Preview: Fubenna Benriya CM
DoS Deka
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Saturdays, 11 April 2015
Station: NTV
Scriptwriter:
Original Work: DoS Deka by Nanao Yoshi
Genre: Detective comedy
Cast: Tabe Mikako, Okura Tadayoshi, Yoshida Yo, Yaotome Hikaru, Nakamura Yasuhi, Katsumura Masanobu, Ishii Masanori, Mitz Mangrove, Seto Saori, Suda Yusuke, Ibu Masato, Kishimoto Kayoko
Synopsis: Kuroi Maya (Tabe Mikako) is a female detective who has no sense of loyalty to her organisation, completely ignores rules and loves to see troubled looks on people’s faces. She became a detective so that she can torment bad people all she wants. However, she has the ability to get to criminals faster than anyone else because of her keen perceptiveness. Good-natured, earnest but careless Daikanyama Shusuke (Okura Tadayoshi), is a police officer who works at a police box. At home, he is caught between his strong-minded mother and sister, and gets pushed around every day. But he makes the acquaintance of Maya at a crime scene. Shusuke is unlucky to find himself partnered with her to solve all sorts of cases together.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/doS
Preview: DoS Deka Teaser
64
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Saturdays, 18 April 2015
Station: NHK
Scriptwriter: Omori Sumio (55-sai kara no Hello Life, Akumu-chan, Tempest)
Original Work: 64 by Yokoyama Hideo
Genre: Investigative
Cast: Pierre Taki, Kimura Yoshino, Arai Hirofumi, Nagayama Kento, Yamamoto Mizuki, Hagiwara Masato, Takahashi Kazuya, Iriyama Anna, Murakami Jun, Yoshida Eisaku, Nakahara Takeo, Danta Yasunori, Shibata Kyohei
Synopsis: While the public relations office of D Prefectural Police is having a confrontation with the correspondents’ club, over the issue of the anonymity of perpetrators, it is decided that a Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department director will inspect the home of the family of the victim in “64”, an important unsolved case with its statute of limitation about to run out one week later. The kidnapping and murder of Shoko-chan which took place in just 7 days in 1989 (Showa 64) was the worst in D Prefectural Police’s history. The family of the deceased decline the director’s visit to offer condolences. A gag order is imposed on those involved in 64 such as the investigators at the time. An iron curtain between the Criminal Investigations Department and the Police Affairs Department. A mysterious memo. Then a new kidnapping that happens right before the director’s inspection, is a exact copycat of 64 … …
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/dodra/rokuyon
Yami no Bansosha
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Saturdays, 11 April 2015
Station: WOWOW
Scriptwriters: Sato Dai, Aso Kumiko (Kazoku no Urajijou, Kagi no Nai Yume o Miru, Marumo no Okite)
Original Work: Yami no Bansosha by Nagasaki Takashi
Genre: Mystery
Cast: Matsushita Nao, Furuta Arata, Tanaka Tetsushi, Kaname Jun, Fujii Mina, Nomaguchi Toru, Ikeda Tetsuhiro, Bengal, Ishimaru Kenjiro, Maya Kyoko, Morimoto Leo, Hirata Mitsuru
Synopsis: On the first death anniversary of the master of manga, Ajima Fumiya (Bengal), 50 pages of unreleased sketches are discovered. It is the drawings of Ashima, but the contents are a riddle reminiscent of a series of female disappearances 35 years ago. Ajima’s wife (Maya Kyoko) instructs the manager (Kaname Jun) of Ajima Pro to check if the sketches were really drawn by Ajima. Former police officer, Mizuno Yuki (Matsushita Nao), who is sent from an investigation firm, seeks the assistance of Daigo Shinji (Furuta Arata), a manga editor with a wealth of knowledge. Daigo starts to identify the period in which it was drawn and the artist from a variety of things such as the way of drawing the background and shadows, the pen as well as the screentone. If the artist is Ajima, does it mean he is the real criminal of the unsolved cases. If the criminal is another person, what was Ajima’s objective in drawing it? Before long, Yuki and Daigo notice a clue to the mournful but terrifying serial killer which is hidden in the manga. They put their lives on the line to solve the mystery of these cases.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/dramaw/bansosha
Yume o Ataeru
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Saturdays, 16 May 2015
Station: WOWOW
Scriptwriter: Takahashi Izumi (Onna wa Sore o Yurusanai, Kanata no Ko, Ningen Konchuuki)
Original Work: Yume o Ataeru by Wataya Risa
Cast: Komatsu Nana, Kikuchi Rinko, Ota Shingo, Nagaoka Tasuku, Kageyama Tai, Mackenyu, Hamada Tatsuomi, Tani Kanon, Tanaka Min, Kaho, Asano Kazuyuki, Odagiri Joe
Synopsis: 13 years ago, the Abe family moved to a district surrounded by nature in the outskirts. They were a family of three. A French father, Tomah (De Lencquesaing Nozomi); Japanese mother, Mikiko (Kikuchi Rinko); and their young beautiful daughter Yuko (Tani Kanon). They seemed to be the happy, perfect family. One day, Mikiko sends Yuko to an audition. This is a project to reflect her growth with the CM. Discovered by Murano, the creative director (Odagiri Joe) of the CM, Yuko enters show business. Several years later, Yuko (Komatsu Nana), who has a joined an entertainment agency, finally gets her break just as her mother always wanted. She appears on magazine front covers, dramas, variety programmes and CMs. As Yuko rapidly becomes popular, she meets Masaaki (Mackenyu), a dancer who appears to be living life of his own accord, and becomes absorbed in romance. But that is the start of a tragedy … …
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/dramaw/yume
Futagashira*NEW*
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Saturdays, 13 June 2015
Station: WOWOW
Scriptwriter: Nakashima Kazuki
Original Work: Futagashira by Ono Natsume
Genre: Period
Cast: Matsuyama Kenichi, Saotome Taichi, Narimiya Hiroki, Nanao, Taguchi Hiromasa, Ashina Sei, Murakami Jun, Yamamoto Hiroshi, Hashimoto Jun, Shinagawa Toru, Kunimura Jun
Synopsis: The open-minded Benzo (Matsuyama Kenichi) and the cool, handsome Soji (Saotome Taichi) work for a Hachioji courier that delivers mail or packages on foot. The other side to them is that they are thieves of a gang called Akame. The work of Akame is to “steal money without threats or murder”, and they have a high regard for their chief, Tatsugoro (Kunimura Jun). One day, Tatsugoro takes both of their hands. He tells them that he is entrusting the gang to them and breathes his last. But in the will, it is stated that Tatsugoro’s successor is Jinzaburo (Narimiya Hiroki), a friend whom Tatsugoro treated as a younger brother. Unhappy with this, Benzo and Soji decide to part ways with the gang and set out on a journey to accomplish “big things”.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/dramaw/futagashira
She
Date: From 11.40 p.m., Saturdays, 18 April 2015
Station: Fuji TV
Scriptwriter: Adachi Naoko (Shitsuren Chocolatier, Oh My Dad!, Rich Man, Poor Woman)
Cast: Matsuoka Mayu, Nakajo Ayami, Taketomi Seika, Morikawa Aoi, Shimizu Kurumi, Narita Ryo, Shirasu Jin
Genre: School
Synopsis: One morning, Ogiwara Azusa (Nakajo Ayami), the most beautiful girl of the school year, suddenly disappears. The cool, talented Nishizawa Ryoko (Matsuoka Mayu) who is her best friend and dreams of being a journalist attempts to get to the reason for her disappearance and the underlying truth. The lives of the four high school girls left behind – Yamamoto Saya (Taketomi Seika), the school queen who fought with Azusa for the top position; the ordinary Eto Miyuri (Shimizu Kurumi), who belongs to the badminton club with Azusa and wishes to become popular; and the plain Okumura Chisato (Morikawa Aoi), who is a long way from the school’s central figure and had never even talked to those girls – because of Azusa’s disappearance, gradually start to go wrong.
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/she
Tenno no Ryoriban
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Sundays, 26 April 2015
Station: TBS
Scriptwriter: Morishita Yoshiko (Gochisousan, Tonbi, Jin Series)
Original Work: Tenno no Ryoriban by Sugimori Hisahide
Genre: Food
Cast: Sato Takeru, Kuroki Haru, Kiritani Kenta, Emoto Tasuku, Takaoka Saki, Sato Gajiro, Ashina Sei, Morioka Ryu, Ishibashi Anna, Tsubokura Yoshiyuki, Nishizawa Jinta, Kuroda Daisuke, Onishi Takeshi, Watanabe Mamoru, Okuma Hirotaka, Kido Yuji, Suzuki Ryohei, Takeda Tetsuya, Ito Hideaki, Aso Yumi, Kato Masaya, Hino Yojin, Oshima Satoko, Miho Jun, Sugimoto Tetta, Kobayashi Kaoru
Synopsis: Akiyama Atsuzo (Sato Takeru) was a countryside youth and a hopeless son who could not keep at what he did for long. In an unexpected turn of events, a cutlet that he ate, motivates him to have the impossible dream of becoming a chef of Western cuisine. In order to achieve this dream, Akiyama goes to Tokyo to get a fresh start. He has to face numerous challenges which fuel his growth. He travels to Paris in France for training, which is rare for a Japanese in those times. Battling discrimination and prejudice, he becomes the chef of the grand Hotel Ritz, and eventually takes charge of the Emperor’s kitchen as the chief steward of the Imperial Household Department at the young age of 26. In the chaotic aftermath of World War II, he struggles to find out what he can do for his country and mounts diplomacy with food.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/tenno_no_ryoriban
Preview: Tenno no Ryoriban Teaser
Scapegoat
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 12 April 2015
Station: WOWOW
Scriptwriter: Oishi Tetsuya (Team ~ Keishichou Tokubetsu Hanzai Sousa Honbu, Iryu Sousa Series, Perfect Blue)
Original Work: Scapegoat by Koda Main
Genre: Political
Cast: Kuroki Hitomi, Ishimaru Kanji, Sasaki Nozomi, Yamaguchi Sayaka, Koichi Mantaro, Aijima Kazuyuki, Mitsuishi Ken, Jinbo Satoshi, Kobayashi Takashi, Nishioka Tokuma, Furuya Ikkou
Synopsis: Misaki Hiroko (Kuroki Hitomi), a university professor, receives a phone call out of the blue from her former boyfriend, Yagisawa Shun (Ishimaru Kanji), who is now an executive officer of a television network. Yagisawa has been asked by Yamashiro Taizo (Furuya Ikkou), the leader of Meisei Party, to introduce Hiroko. Yamashiro intends to bring Hiroko in as a civilian cabinet minister with the aim of regaining political control in the next general election. Hiroko has kept a distance from politicians because of a past feud with her father. She hesitates, not able to give Yamashiro a reply. However, several days later, an article announcing her appointment appears in the newspapers. This is Yamashiro’s strategy to draw her in. Unable to back out, Hiroko decides to enter politics with the support of her husband, Nobuaki (Kobayashi Takashi). However, right after she takes office, she is faced with an unprecedented crisis. Will she be able to survive?
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/dramaw/scapegoat
Liquid ~ Oni no Sake, Kiseki no Kura
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 12 April 2015
Station: NHK BS Premium
Scriptwriter: Minamoto Takashi (Kamisama no Boat)
Cast: Ito Hideaki, Emoto Tasuku, Komoto Masahiro, Otaka Hiro, Seki Megumi, Fukami Motoki, Sugawara Daikichi, Ikeda Narushi, Dan Jiro, Nakamura Yuko, Akiyama Natsuko, Matsubara Chieko, Ishibashi Renji, Watanabe Ikkei, Hoshi Yuriko, Tsugawa Masahiko
Synopsis: A sake brewery of long standing in Kanazawa is deep in the red. The owner’s only son Sagara Shuichi (Ito Hideaki), an elite banker, resigns from the bank because of something that came up, and decides to stake his life on making sake. Grasping at straws, he clings to the legendary master brewer, Washio Yusaku (Tsugawa Masahiko). However, Yusaku is the man feared as an ogre. Shuichi is prepared to be “eaten by the ogre”, but he is thrust into a difficult position when he sinks further into debt because of Yusaku’s pursuit of “perfect sake making”. Moreover, the brewers working for Yusaku are strangers to sake making. They are men and women who have lost their places to go for their own reasons, and have moved in with the sake brewery. One of them is Shuichi’s cousin, Naoki (Emoto Tasuku). In the middle of preparing the daiginjo sake on which the fate of the sake brewery rests, an unusual and unpredicted change takes place before Naoki’s eyes. Will the sake brewery be turned around when the drops of liquid of their quest flow?
Website: www4.nhk.or.jp/liquid
Preview: Liquid CM
Temisu no Kyuukei*NEW*
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 10 May 2015
Station: WOWOW
Scriptwriter: Hisamatsu Shinichi (64, Kazoku Houtei)
Original Work: Temisu no Kyuukei by Daimon Takeaki
Genre: Legal suspense
Cast: Naka Riisa, Sugimoto Tetta, Takaoka Sousuke, Hakamada Yoshihiko, Endo Yuya, Tonesaku Yoshihide, Otozuki Kei, Hotaru Yukijiro, Otaka Akira, Moro Morooka, Sato Jiro, Sera Masanori, Kishitani Goro
Synopsis: The father (Hotaru Yukijiro) of Hirakawa Serina (Naka Riisa), an administrative officer at the Public Prosecutor’s Office, was murdered. The person arrested is Kentaro whom her father had questioned on suspicion of car break-ins. Kentaro is convicted. Serina respects the public prosecutor, Tajima Ryoji (Kishitani Goro), who extracted a confession from Kentaro. Now that she has been working with him, she finds it rewarding. But one day, Kentaro asserts his innocence, and commits suicide in prison. Several days later, Tajima meets with Kuromiya (Sato Jiro), the lawyer who defended Kentaro in the case. Kuromiya hints at the presence of the real criminal. Kuromiya’s dead body is discovered not long after that. Surveillance cameras at the scene captured a blood-soaked Tajima. Suspicions about false charges in Serina’s father’s murder case emerges. Furthermore, Tajima whom she had trusted, is suspected to be the murderer. Serina is shocked and does not know what to believe.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/dramaw/temisu
Boku no Tsuma to Kekkon Shite Kudasai
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 10 May 2015
Station: NHK BS Premium
Scriptwriter: Okada Yoshikazu (Sayonara Watashi, Watashi to iu Unmei ni Tsuite, Saigo kara Nibanme no Koi Series)
Original Work: Boku no Tsuma to Kekkon Shite Kudasai by Higuchi Takuji
Genre: Family
Cast: Uchimura Teruyoshi, Kimura Tae, Koizumi Kotaro, Sakai Wakana, Yoshida Eisaku, Nakamura Eriko, Horiuchi Masami, Ichige Yoshie, Owada Baku, Kakei Toshio
Synopsis: 45-year-old Mimura Shuji (Uchimura Teruyoshi) is a man who loves making people laugh more than anything else. He has lived a life dedicated to directing variety programmes. Then, one day he is transferred to the sales department. At the same time, he is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and is given six months to live. Mimura wonders what he can do so that his wife, Ayako (Kimura Tae), and their son will keep on smiling. He hits upon the idea of searching for someone who can safeguard the family on his behalf. Gambling all that he has left of his life, he starts an unprecedented, bizarre search for his wife’s new marriage partner … …
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/pd/bokutsuma
Wild Heroes
Date: From 10.30 p.m., Sundays, 19 April 2015
Station: NTV
Scriptwriter: Hiruta Naomi
Genre: Action
Cast: TAKAHIRO, Aoyagi Sho, Iwata Takanori, Sato Taiki, Nogae Shuhei, Yagi Masayasu, Kuroki Keiji, Sakurada Hiyori
Synopsis: A former delinquent, Segawa Kiichi (TAKAHIRO), happens to encounter a lonely 10-year-old girl, Hikari (Sakurada Hiyori), who looks like she is going to be killed by a gangster. He saves her by reflex, but does not get an answer when he asks what is going on. Because of that, he is mysteriously attacked time and again. With his own life in sudden danger, he calls on six friends (Aoyagi Sho, Iwata Takanori, Sato Taiki, Nogae Shuhei, Yagi Masayasu, Kuroki Keiji) from his high school days as a delinquent. These enthusiastic, single-minded men band together to protect her to the end.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/wild
Preview: Wild Heroes Teaser
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