Asa ga Kita
Date: From 8.00 a.m., Mondays – Saturdays, 28 September 2015
Station: NHK
Scriptwriter: Omori Mika (Seijo, Tokyo Bandwagon, Last Dinner)
Original Work: Tosa Horikawa by Furukawa Chieko
Cast: Haru, Miyazaki Aoi, Tamaki Hiroshi, Terajima Shinobu, Masu Takeshi, Hayashi Yoichi, Kondo Masaomi, Fubuki Jun, Emoto Tasuku, Tatsumi Takuro, Manda Hisako, Yamauchi Takaya, Miyake Hiroki, Nono Sumika, Dean Fujioka
Synopsis: Imai Asa (Haru) was born the second daughter of a wealthy Kyoto merchant in the last years of the Tokugawa Shogunate. A tomboy with a love of sumo, she is very different from her elder sister, Hatsu (Miyazaki Aoi) who applies herself diligently to accomplishments such as the koto and needlework. Asa has been promised in marriage to Shiraoka Shinjiro (Tamaki Hiroshi), the second son of a leading Osaka moneychanger. However, when she is old enough to understand things, she vehemently protests against marriage. Asa unexpectedly finds herself attracted to her fiancee Shinjiro and becomes conscious of love. They get married. But the operations of the money exchange business have become outdated in the Meiji era and fall into dire straits. Her husband is not the type to make money and only amuses himself with artistic pursuits such as the shamisen. When the business is finally about to go under, Shinjiro brings the conversation around to coal mining which appears to be the future. These words ignite Asa’s spirit and she heads for Kyushu alone. What awaits her are male coalminers who only drink alcohol and do not work. On the other hand, Hatsu marries into the family with the most historic money exchange business in Osaka, However, they end up bankrupt. Hatsu vanishes just like she has skipped town. Asa finally finds her and offers financial assistance. However, her sister and husband (Emoto Tasuku) refuse this offer and make a fresh start on their own. Asa struggles as a business woman. It is not easy for her to be recognised in a male-dominated world and hardship continues. In the middle of this, her friendship with Godai Tomoatsu (Dean Fujioka), who is committed to Osaka’s development, deepens. She takes on the running of a bank and champions the aspirations of many people. She also cultivates the first female bank employees in Japan. Even Shinjiro, who had devoted himself to “supporting” her, is motivated to take action after watching and getting a sense of the significance of work. With the passage of time, the final task which Asa and Shinjiro take on is the establishment Japan’s first girls college in consideration of the connection between education for girls and the progress of society.
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/asagakita
Preview: Asa ga Kita CM
5-ji Kara 9-ji Made ~ Watashi ni Koi Shita Obousan
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Mondays, 12 October 2015
Station: Fuji TV
Scriptwriter: Koyama Shota (Ishitachi no Renai Jijou, Subete ga F ni Naru, Bitter Blood)
Original Work: 5-ji Kara 9-ji Made by Aihara Miki
Genre: Love comedy
Cast: Ishihara Satomi, Yamashita Tomohisa, Tanaka Kei, Furukawa Yuki, Takanashi Rin, Saeko, Yoshimoto Miyu, Nagatsuma Reo, Tsunematsu Yuri, Hayami Mokomichi, Terada Kokoro, Nakamura Anne, Toda Keiko, Ueshima Ryuhei, Onodera Takehiko, Kaga Mariko
Synopsis: Sakuraba Junko (Ishihara Satomi), an English language school teacher, has had no boyfriend even before her 29th birthday and dreams of working in New York. But one day, she encounters a handsome monk in the worst moment when she attends a funeral service at a temple. Because of numbness in her legs, she grabs the altar and ends up emptying the ash from burning incense on him while he is chanting the sutra. Although a rueful Junko thinks they will probably not meet again, she is deceived by her family and made to go for a matchmaking session. The other party is none other than that monk, Hoshikawa Takane (Yamashita Tomohisa) … …
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/5ji9ji
Preview: 5-ji Kara 9-ji Made Teaser
Underwear
Date: From 2 September 2015 (updated on Tuesdays)
Station: Netflix & Fuji TV
Scriptwriter: Adachi Naoko (She, Shitsuren Chocolatier, Rich Man, Poor Woman)
Cast: Kiritani Mirei, Sakai Wakana, Chiba Masako, Maiko, Kaito Ken, Sakurada Dori, Orii Ayumi, Ishida Nicole, Kawakita Mayuko, Tajima Reiko, Nomaguchi Toru, Nomura Hironobu, Ogura Hisahiro, Daichi Mao
Synopsis: Tokita Mayuko (Kiritani Mirei) unexpectedly finds a job with ’emotion’, an order-made luxury lingerie brand in Ginza. The company president, Nanjo Mayumi (Daichi Mao), is an icon who has led the Japanese lingerie industry since the brand was established 25 years ago and her staff (Sakai Wakana, Chiba Masako, Maiko, Kaito Ken, Sakurada Dori) work with pride. Mayuko experiences confusion in a world with a new set of values different from any she has ever known in the countryside where she comes from. But she gradually falls under the spell of her job and grows with the help of the people around her.
Website: www.netflix.com/jp
Preview: Underwear CM
Sannin Kyoudai
Date: From 12.20 a.m., Tuesdays, 13 October 2015
Station: Nagoya TV
Scriptwriter: –
Genre: Comedy
Cast: Rokkaku Seiji, Konno Hiroki, Namioka Kazuki, Suzuki Fuku, Kanbe Hiroshi, Nakamura Shizuka, Shiraishi Miho, MICRO
Synopsis: The three unpopular, poor, spineless Mano brothers (Rokkaku Seiji, Konno Hiroki, Namioka Kazuki) who also have no friends and are always hanging out together, start to run a coffee shop which was the inheritance from their father. They go around to various famous cafes in Nagoya and start to rip-off knowledge in order to make theirs well-known. Will the three who are complete novices survive in Nagoya’s unique cafe culture?
Website: www.nagoyatv.com/3ninkyodai
Minami-kun no Koibito (2015)*UPDATED*
Date: From 2.36 a.m., Tuesdays, 10 November 2015
Station: Fuji TV
Scriptwriter: Arai Yuka (Konkatsu Deka, Taikomochi no Tatsujin, Itazura Kiss 2 Series)
Original Work: Minami-kun no Koibito by Uchida Shungiku
Genre: Romance
Cast: Nakagawa Taishi, Yamamoto Maika, Akimoto Naomi, Yoshida Riko, Suzuki Mirai, Nakayama Erina, Sasaki Moe, Arimori Narimi, Ohori Koichi, Miyakawa Ichirota, Tsunogae Kazue, Shima Takeaki, Watanabe Mai, Kusano Ini, Tomioka Koichiro, Imanara Takayuki, Arai Yuka
Synopsis: Handsome, academically-gifted Minami Shunichi (Nakagawa Taishi) and Horikiri Chiyomi (Yamamoto Maika), the life of a party who loves dancing, are childhood friends who live next door and are each other’s first love. However, the disappearance of Minami-kun’s father (Miyakawa Ichirota) results in them barely speaking for several years. One day, Chiyomi quarrels with her parents (Akimoto Naomi, Ohori Koichi) about her future course, and ends up running away from home in a storm. While she takes shelter from rain, she wishes to go back to her early childhood. Then a sudden gust of wind blows and lightning strikes. Chiyomi has somehow shrunken to a height of 16 cm! The miniature Chiyomi happens to be found by Minami. Listening to her plea not to let anyone know, he brings her back to his house. This is the beginning of a curious life together and the two of them are gradually brought closer together … … Will Chiyomi be able to return to her original size?
Website: –
Designer Baby ~ Hayami Keiji, Sankyuumae no Nanjiken
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 22 September 2015
Station: NHK
Scriptwriter: Hayafune Kaeko (Biblia Koshodou no Jiken Techou, Tokyo Airport, Mirai Nikki)
Original Work: Designer Baby by Okai Takashi
Genre: Detective
Cast: Kuroki Meisa, Watabe Atsuro, Adachi Yumi, Usuda Asami, Watanabe Daichi, Hosoda Yoshihiko, Kakizawa Hayato, Fuchikami Yasushi, Ando Tamae, Yamazaki Shigenori, Tezuka Toru, Jinbo Satoshi, Ito Yuko, Saeki Arata, Ikeuchi Mansaku, Shiba Toshio, Watanabe Ikkei, Matsushita Yuki, Saito Yuki
Synopsis: One day, the newborn baby of a famous couple disappears from a hospital. First Investigative Division detective Hayami Yuri (Kuroki Meisa), who is in her eighth month of pregnancy, is suddenly summoned by Assistant Inspector Himura Kengo (Jinbo Satoshi), and ordered to observe the baby’s mother Chikamori Yuko (Adachi Yumi) as well as to conduct an undercover investigation of the maternity ward. Posing as a couple with junior detective, Dobashi Fukusuke (Watanabe Daichi), Yuri infiltrates the place and finds out a shocking truth. The enigmatic gynecologist Susami Seijiro (Watabe Atsuro) holds the key to the case.
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/drama10/baby
Kekkonshiki no Zenjitsu ni
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 13 October 2015
Station: TBS
Scriptwriters: Yamamuro Yukiko (Aru Hi, Ahiru Bus), Takahashi Maki (Alice no Toge, Ikemen desu ne, Fuyu no Sakura), Shimada Ureha (White Lab, Inpei Sousa)
Genre: Family
Cast: Karina, Harada Mieko, Suzuki Ryohei, Yamamoto Yusuke, Mano Erina, Fujita Yumiko, Hotaru Yukijiro, Yashiba Toshihiro, Nakano Yuta, Inukai Atsuhiro, Ikeda Saemi, Miho Jun, Toda Naho, Enami Kyoko, Endo Kenichi
Synopsis: 31-year-old Serizawa Hitomi (Karina) was single-handedly raised by her father, Kensuke (Endo Kenichi), who runs a sushi shop at Tsukiji. She is a project leader at a big real estate company, and engaged to marry Sonoda Yuichi (Suzuki Ryohei), a physician. With 100 days to go before her wedding, she is diagnosed with a brain tumour and learns that it could put her life in danger. Then her mother, Kanako (Harada Mieko), who left home 28 years ago, suddenly shows up. A free-spirited and unconventional woman, she bolted out of the house, and then Japan to pursue her own dreams. But she has come back upon learning of her daughter’s marriage. Hitomi naturally cannot forgive her mother while Kanako will not let her daughter die and gets actively involved in her life. This equates the start of a 100-day battle between daughter and mother.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/kekkonshiki2015
Preview: Kekkonshiki no Zenjitsu ni CM
Siren ~ Keiji x Kanojo x Kanzen Akujo
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 20 October 2015
Station: Fuji TV
Scriptwriter: Sato Shimako (Dokushin Kizoku, Unfair Series)
Original Work: Siren by Yamazaki Sayaka
Genre: Crime and love suspense
Cast: Matsuzaka Tori, Kimura Fumino, Nanao, Kitayama Hiromitsu, Takada Sho, Nishio Sora, Okazaki Sae, Kaname Jun, Yamaguchi Sayaka, Mitsuishi Ken, Osugi Ren, Funakoshi Eiichiro
Synopsis: Satomi Shinobu (Matsuzaka Tori) and Inokuma Yuki (Kimura Fumino) are members of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department’s Mobile Investigation Squad. Although the two of them are partners and rivals at work, they are actually a couple. They are keeping this under wraps because they will be immediately transferred if their relationship in the workplace is exposed. One day, Satomi and Yuki encounter an enigmatic beauty, Tachibana Kara (Nanao), at the scene of the discovery of an unnatural death, and this brings about a significant change in their destinies. Satomi starts to become curious about Kara who will always appear at the crime scenes of the subsequent wave of bizarre murders. Kara mocks the police and the two of them are gradually at the mercy of her lunacy … What is the truth of the cases and Kara’s true identity?
Website: www.ktv.jp/siren
Preview: Siren CM
Hondana Shokudo Season 2
Date: From 11.15 p.m., Tuesdays, 6 October 2015 (continues from last season)
Station: NHK BS Premium
Scriptwriters: Taguchi Yoshihiro (Shoku no Gunshi, Kodoku no Gurume Series), Kaneko Yosuke, Honda Takaaki
Genre: Food
Cast: Nakamura Aoi, Emoto Tokio, Yamashita Rio, Yui Ryoko, Makita Sports
Synopsis: The male duo Sanada Nishiki (Nakamura Aoi) and Yamada Jiro (Emoto Tokio) are behind Himekawa Rosanna, the popular girls manga writer. The two of them were cultivated by an editor (Yui Ryoko) nicknamed the “Monster” and debuted as a girls manga writer. Despite their popularity, they really want to draw gourmet manga. The bookshelves of the secret library in their home office are lined with novels, essays and manga full of delicious food. When they are under the pressure of manga series deadlines, they would routinely escape from reality and into the “2D gourmet” in the books, forget about their deadlines and end up cooking.
Website: www4.nhk.or.jp/honshoku
Preview: Hondana Shokudo Season 2 CM
Related: Hondana Shokudo Season 1
Kari Kare
Date: From 11.15 p.m., Tuesdays, 3 November 2015
Station: NHK BS Premium
Scriptwriter: Obayashi Rieko (Kuro no Onna Kyoushi, Shima Shima)
Genre: Romantic comedy
Cast: Aibu Saki, Nakagoshi Noriko, Tsukamoto Takashi, Shirasu Jin, Furuhata Seika, Kinami Haruka, Tanaka Naoki, Mashima Hidekazu, Akiyama Natsuko
Synopsis: 29-year-old Toyoshima Anne (Aibu Saki) is a young and very ambitious team leader of Horizon, the online mail order company which boasts a selection of more than 100 million merchandise. 38-year-old Harada Miki (Nakagoshi Noriko) has always been kindly supporting the sales people in an clerical role ever since she joined the company. The maverick Anne and conservative Miki are complete opposites. While they provide a service that enables any merchandise to be obtained with one click of the mouse, they cannot achieve the personal happiness that they have been taking for granted. Both of them have yet to meet the men that their hearts desire. Anne has a reason for not being able to disclose things about the boyfriend she is dating to the people around her. Miki ends up being dumped by the man she has been dating just before their 10th anniversary. Furthermore, Anne gets into unexpected trouble. She will be asked to leave the company if she does not make the new project a success within two months. Will the two of them be able to carry through the project and win true love at last?
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/pyd/karikare
Kangoku Gakuen ~ Prison School
Date: From 1.11 a.m., Wednesdays, 28 October 2015
Station: TBS
Scriptwriter: –
Original Work: Kangoku Gakuen by Hiramoto Akira
Genre: Comedy
Cast: Nakagawa Taishi, Yamazaki Hirona, Morikawa Aoi, Mamoru Asana, Emoto Tokio, Yano Masato, Garigarigarixon, Takeda Rena, Araki Yuko, Takashima Masahiro (guest star)
Synopsis: Fujino Kiyoshi (Nakagawa Taishi) is one of only five boys (Emoto Tokio, Yano Masato, Garigarigarixon) who have been admitted to Hachimitsu Academy, a former private boarding school for girls. He and the other boys are excited by the prospect of an indulgent campus life with more than 1,000 female students. But one day, they end up being imprisoned by the underground student council, which controls the school, as punishment for attempting to peep into a female bathroom. They are forced into a one-month confinement in a prison called the “discipline building”. Even so, Kiyoshi and the rest are undaunted and try to break out of this prison with all sorts of methods. However, the chairman, deputy chairman and even the secretary of the underground student council attempt to corner them into dropping out of school. Will the five boys be able to escape from prison successfully without yielding to the rule of the council?
Website: prison-school.com
Preview: Prison School CM
Aibou Season 14
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Wednesdays, 14 October 2015 (for two seasons)
Station: TV Asahi
Scriptwriter: Koshimizu Yasuhiro (Aibou Series)
Genre: Detective
Cast: Mizutani Yutaka, Sorimachi Takashi, Suzuki Anju, Kawahara Kazuhisa, Rokkaku Seiji, Yamanaka Takashi, Yamanishi Atsushi, Jinbo Satoshi, Katagiri Ryuji, Ono Ryo, Ishizaka Koji
Synopsis: Sugishita Ukyo’s (Mizutani Yutaka) partner, Kai Toru (Narimiya Hiroki), was arrested and Sugishita was put on an indefinite suspension. He takes “temporary residence in the “old” Special Missions Section which has lost its head. Kaburagi Wataru (Sorimachi Takashi) is a career bureaucrat who desires a secondment from the Ministry of Law to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department because of his interest in crime scenes.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/aibou
Preview: Aibou Season 14 CM
Gisou no Fuufu
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Wednesdays, 7 October 2015
Station: NTV
Scriptwriter: Yukawa Kazuhiko (Marumaru Tsuma, Kaseifu Mita, Joou no Kyoshitsu)
Genre: Romance
Cast: Amami Yuki, Sawamura Ikki, Uchida Yuki, Kudo Asuka, Sakai Maki, Sato Jiro, Shibamoto Yuki, Tanaka Yoji, Kimura Midoriko, Fuji Sumiko
Synopsis: 45-year-old Kamon Hiro (Amami Yuki) works as a librarian because she loves books. Although she is worshipped as the “aloof beauty” and “ideal female” for her beautiful, gentle smile and amiability, she actually dislikes people. Hiro has been hurt countless times, and Himura Choji (Sawamura Ikki), the only guy she loved wholeheartedly in university also fled in one night. She has become a person who no longer believes in love and has decided to live alone for life. But she ends up acting as a “fake married couple” with Choji whom she happens to meet again, for the sake of his mother, Kanae (Fuji Sumiko), who has been given a short time to live … …
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/fake
Preview: Gisou no Fuufu CM
Mutsu ~ Mieru Me
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Wednesdays, 7 October 2015
Station: Fuji TV
Scriptwriter: Okubo Tomomi (Kagi no Nai Yume o Miru, Good Life, Guilty)
Original Work: Mutsu by Kusakabe Yo
Genre: Medical suspense mystery
Cast: Nishijima Hidetoshi, Ito Atsushi, Ishibashi Anna, Nakamura Aoi, Hamabe Minami, Baba Toru, Hyodo Daiki, Miyamoto Maki, Tsukayama Masane, Asada Miyoko, Ito Hideaki
Synopsis: Tameyori Eisuke (Nishijima Hidetoshi) is a dedicated general practitioner who runs a clinic, which seems on the verge of collapse, in a provincial town. He seems to be a middle-aged man who will never get ahead, but in fact possesses an astonishing ability to read a person’s health and progression of illness just by looking at the person from the outside and a diagnosis of medical symptoms as a doctor. However, the death of his wife makes him feel the limitations of medical treatment and anguish. Tameyori is not only able to detect illnesses, but also criminals’ criminogenic nature, and he prevents a case before it happens. Because of that, the detective Hayase Junichiro (Ito Atsushi) becomes dependent on Tameyori. Despite his reluctance, Tameyori starts to help in solving cases because of his kind personality and inability to refuse when asked.
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/mutsu
Preview: Mutsu Teaser
Watashitachi ga Puropozu Sarenai noni wa, 101 no Riyuu ga Atte da na Season 2
Date: From 11.00 p.m., Wednesdays, 2 September 2015
Station: Lala TV
Scriptwriter: –
Original Work: Watashitachi ga Puropozu Sarenai noni wa, 101 no Riyuu ga Atte da na by Jane Su
Cast: Asami Reina, Ashina Sei, Ikeda Tetsuhiro, Usuda Asami, Kanjiya Shihori, Koike Eiko, Sakai Wakana, Sasaki Nozomi, Sato Hitomi, Shaku Yumiko, Kurokawa Tomoka, Shirota Yu, Nakamura Tomoya, Natsuna, Nanao, Watabe Gota
Synopsis: An omnibus drama which analyses and explains the 101 reasons of men who have trouble getting married or proposals while depicting the alternating joys and sorrows of these “unwed pros”.
Website: www.lala.tv/watapro2
Okashi no Ie
Date: From 11.53 p.m., Wednesdays, 21 October 2015
Station: TBS
Scriptwriters: Ishii Yuya (Bokutachi no Kazoku, Fune o Amu, End Roll ~ Densetsu no Chichi), Tomai Yuichi (Toomawari Shiyou yo to Shonen ga Itta, Bokura wa Minna Shindeiru)
Original Work: Uchi no Neko ga Uttaeraremashita?
Cast: Odagiri Joe, Ono Machiko, Katsuji Ryo, Shimada Kyusaku, Maeno Tomoya, Oyama Hasuto, Yachigusa Kaoru
Synopsis: Sakurai Taro’s (Odagiri Joe) parents died young. His grandmother, Akiko (Yachigusa Kaoru), has been making great effort to protect her struggling candy store, Sakuraya, in the old part of Tokyo, but it is not easy. Taro eats candy with regular customers such as chilhood friend Saegusa Hiroki (Katsuji Ryo) who aspires to be a scriptwriter, and talk nonsense, like in his youth. However, they realise this unfettered, comfortable existence will end some day with the passage of time. Then Taro’s ex-classmate, Kimura Reiko (Ono Machiko), comes back home with her son Haruma (Oyama Hasuto) after a divorce. He and his friends start to notice what is truly important to them as they face up to their pasts, dreams and pains.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/okashinoie2015
Preview: Okashi no Ie CM
High & Low ~ The Story of Sword
Date: From 1.29 a.m., Thursdays, 22 October 2015
Station: NTV
Scriptwriter: Team HI-AX
Genre: Action
Cast: Exile Tribe, Hayashi Kento, Yamada Yuki, Saotome Taichi, Nakamura Tatsuya, Golden Bomber, Kubota Masataka, Endo Kaname, Endo Yuya, Abe Ryohei, Nagase Tasuku, YOU, Koizumi Kyoko
Synopsis: The legend begins at a certain town, belonging to a district that used to be under the control of a legendary organisation called “Mugen”. In that legendary organisation, there were two brothers who were both brutal and unbeaten – the Amamiya brothers (TAKAHIRO, Tosaka Hiroomi). Yet somehow the Mugen was suddenly dissolved in a deadly fight. Then, five organisations appear in the area aptly dubbed SWORD, which is the acronym of the first letter of each organisation. There is a gang that goes by the name “G-SWORD”, the second generation of Sanno Shouten brawlers “Sanno Association”, the tempting white demons “White Rascals”, the dark and brutal senior high school “Onija High School”, the ghosts of the ruthless street “RUDE BOYS” (Kubota Masataka, Nagase Tasuku) and the family of the avenging destroyers “Daruma Hooligans” (Hayashi Kento, Endo Kaname, Abe Ryohei). These five organisations will put their pride on the line as they engage in a battle. However, the plot thickens with the appearance of a mysterious organisation “MIGHTY WARRIORS” (Saotome Taichi). Are they an enemy or an ally? What is about to happen in this town?
Website: high-low.jp
Preview: High & Low Teaser
Kasouken no Onna Season 15
Date: From 8.00 p.m., Thursdays, 15 October 2015 (for two seasons)
Station: TV Asahi
Scriptwriters: Todayama Masashi (Kasouken no Onna Season 12 – 14, Aibou Season 8 – 12), Sakurai Takeharu (Yamegoku, Tokyo Scarlet, Aibou Series)
Genre: Investigative
Cast: Sawaguchi Yasuko, Naito Takashi, Wakamura Mayumi, Kazama Toru, Kaneda Akio, Saito Satoru, Osada Seiya, Sakimoto Hiromi, Yamamoto Hikaru, Nishida Ken
Synopsis: Sakaki Mariko (Sawaguchi Yasuko), a member of the Kyoto Prefectural Police Crime Lab, meets her greatest enemy, Ochiai Sakiko. Nicknamed the “queen of firearms and drugs”, Sakiko is an outstanding female detective who has transferred to the Organised Crime Special Division, a department recently established by the top brass to strengthen measures against firearms and drugs.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/kasouken15
Bonkura Season 2
Date: From 8.00 p.m., Thursdays, 22 October 2015
Station: NHK
Scriptwriter: Onishi Kenichi (Keiji 110 kg Series, Iryu Sousa Series, Rinjo Series)
Original Work: Higurashi by Miyabe Miyuki
Genre: Period
Cast: Kishitani Goro, Okunuki Kaoru, Kazama Shunsuke, Konishi Manami, Shimada Kyusaku, Shiga Kotaro, Tsurumi Shingo, Osugi Ren, Matsuzaka Keiko
Synopsis: There was a series of baffling disappearances of the residents from a tenement house in Edo Fukagawa. Although the constable Izutsu Heishiro (Kishitani Goro) discovered the full details of the case, he could not handle it on his own. It went completely unsolved and disregarded. About the time that the case was also forgotten by people, Aoi, a woman who was closely connected to that case, is murdered. Furthermore, the criminal is her son, Sakichi (Kazama Shunsuke). Believing in Sakichi, Izutsu and his nephew, Yuminosuke, start to search for the real culprit in order to clear him of wrongdoing. The wealthy merchant, Minatoya Soemon (Tsurumi Shingo), is involved behind the scenes again. Will Izutsu be able to identify the criminal …?
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/jidaigeki/bonkura2
Related: Bonkura Season 1
Dokutsu Ojisan
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Thursdays, 1 October 2015
Station: NHK BS Premium
Scriptwriters: Kojima Hideki, Yoshida Teruyuki
Original Work: Dokutsu Ojisan Kouya no 43-nen
Cast: Lily Franky, Nakamura Aoi, Tomita Kaito, Inoue Jun, Kiuchi Midori, Asari Yosuke, Sakai Maki, Ono Machiko, Ono Takehiko, Namase Katsuhisa
Synopsis: Kayama Kazuma (Tomita Kaito) grew up in a poor family. He left home because he could not tolerate ill-treatment from his parents and lived hidden in a cave deep in the mountains. He became proficient at survival skills such as making bows and arrows, and catching rabbits and wild boars on his own. His beloved dog supported him through this lonely life. Several years later, a kind farming couple Sunagawa Yoshio (Inoue Jun) and Masayo (Kiuchi Midori) discover a man clad in animal fur living in a cave. He is the grown-up Kazuma (Nakamura Aoi). Kazuma starts to make contact with the world despite his confusion. After that, he encounters traders selling flowers and learns about making money by selling mountain vegetables and orchids. But he is cheated by a friend he trusts and despairs of life. Although Kazuma contemplates suicide, he makes the decision to live again. Running away from Kyushu, he (Lily Franky) learns to read and write from a homeless person and even experiences his first love after 50. But one day, Kazuma ends up getting arrested by the police for his attempt to wrench open a faulty vending machine … …
Website: www4.nhk.or.jp/P3600
Related: Dokutsu Ojisan Drama Special
Isan Souzoku
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Thursdays, 22 October 2015
Station: TV Asahi
Scriptwriter: Inoue Yumiko (Hirugao, Kinkyuu Torishirabeshitsu Series, Pandora Series)
Genre: Family
Cast: Mukai Osamu, Eikura Nana, Ito Shiro, Kishibe Ittoku, Muroi Shigeru, Suzuki Kosuke, Yo Kimiko, Itaya Yuka, Kishimoto Kayoko, Watanabe Ikkei, Horiuchi Keiko, Matobu Sei
Synopsis: Sato Ikuo (Mukai Osamu) is a houseman who works for the internal medicine department. Not wanting to burden his mother (Kishimoto Kayoko), who brought him up as a single mother, he obtained a scholarship from a nearby public university and enrolled in its medical faculty. After that, he met Kaede (Eikura Nana), the only daughter of Kawamura Kozo (Kishibe Ittoku), the president of Kawamura Memorial Hospital. They got married and he was adopted into the Kawamura family. He is completely indifferent to the many sarcastic and caustic remarks that are aimed at him by Kaede’s aunts and cousin, and lives detached from the ongoing inheritance battle. But that does not mean Ikuo is a timid man. He has no interest in the power struggle in the hospital, career progression and opening his own practice. His dream is to be involved in medical care in remote places overseas and he focuses on training as a houseman every day.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/isansouzoku
Preview: Isan Souzoku CM
Otona Joshi
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Thursdays, 15 October 2015
Station: Fuji TV
Scriptwriter: Ozaki Masaya (Chanpon Tabetaka, Black President, Shiroi Haru)
Genre: Romance
Cast: Shinohara Ryoko, Eguchi Yosuke, Kichise Michiko, Suzuki Sawa, Tanihara Shosuke, Chiba Yudai, Ikeda Narushi, Hirayama Aya, Yoshizawa Ryo, Ichikawa Miwako, Horiguchi Hikaru, Higashi Kanako, Hirano Kinari, Yabe Masaki, Uragami Seishu, Saito Takumi, Hirayama Hiroyuki
Synopsis: Nakahara Aki (Shinohara Ryoko) and her good friends Osaki Moeko (Kichise Michiko) and Sakata Midori (Suzuki Sawa) are three 40-year-old women who “bring good luck to the men they are involved with, but cannot be happy themselves”. Although they get pushed around by useless men, they sometimes hurt each other’s feelings and encourage each other as they struggle to grasp happiness to make their dreams a reality.
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/otona_joshi
Seishun Tantei Haruya
Date: From 11.59 p.m., Thursdays, 15 October 2015
Station: NTV
Scriptwriter: Tanaka Shinichi (Kaiki Renai Sakusen, GTO (remake) Series, Machi Isha Jumbo)
Original Work: End Credit ni Saitekina Natsu by Fukuda Eiichi
Genre: Mystery
Cast: Tamamori Yuta, Shinkawa Yua, Takada Sho, Yanagi Yurina, Ami 201, Ikeda Saemi, Ikura Manami, Shinokawa Momone, Ukaji Takashi, Takshima Reiko
Synopsis: The smart and brave university student Asagi Haruya (Tamamori Yuta) starts to receive detective-like work through a strange turn of events, and solves difficult cases rampant nowadays with the assistance of his schoolmate, Kubodera Kazuomi (Takada Sho).
Website: www.ytv.co.jp/haruya
Preview: Seishun Tantei Haruya CM
Fujiko
Date: From 13 November 2015 (updated on Fridays)
Station: Hulu & J:COM
Scriptwriter: Takahashi Izumi (Yume o Ataeru, Kanata no Ko, Ningen Konchuuki)
Original Work: Satsujinki Fujiko no Shoudou by Mari Yukiko
Genre: Mystery
Cast: Ono Machiko, Tanimura Mitsuki, Maruyama Tomomi, Lily Franky, Asada Miyoko, Maya Kyoko, Takahashi Tsutomu
Synopsis: Fujiko (Ono Machiko) is a rare bloodthirsty serial killer. The only survivor of a brutal murder that killed her whole family when she was 11 years old, she suffered massive trauma. Before she is aware of it, she has become a bloodthirsty killer who only pursues happiness. But her life starts to derail – “I can reset my life,” she would mutter as she kills over and over again. Why does she murder?
Website: drama-fujiko.com
Eikyuu Shushoku Shiken
Date: From 12.59 a.m., Fridays, 16 October 2015
Station: NTV
Scriptwriter: Watanabe Ryohei (Yume o Ataeru)
Genre: Love survival comedy
Cast: Kiriyama Ren, Kojima Fujiko, Babazono Azusa, Sudo Risa, Mikura Mana, Yamano Umi, Tomita Keiko, Maro Akaji
Synopsis: Morioka Kotaro (Kiriyama Ren), the son of a distinguished family, absolutely does not want to get maried. In order to convince his parents (Tomita Keiko, Maro Akaji) that he will not marry, he holds an unconventional matchmaking party with the following condition for participation: Never going to divorce; 500 million yen penalty for breach and no division of property too. Contrary to his expectations that no one would apply, four women (Kojima Fujiko, Babazono Azusa, Sudo Risa, Mikura Mana) who are prepared to get married at any price, start to compete for Kotaro at this matchmaking party … …
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/nextbreak
Kitoku Through
Date: From 12.59 a.m., Fridays, 13 November 2015
Station: NTV
Scriptwriter: Takahashi Motoko (Dakara Kouya, Tenchuu, Tsuki no Koibito)
Genre: Life
Cast: Namase Katsuhisa
Synopsis: Omori Akio (Namase Katsuhisa), a hospital director, is in a critical condition due to a sudden heart attack. Although his family and colleagues come hurrying to his hospital room, his existence is completely ignored. Various interpersonal problems break out such as the hospital director’s succession race and mistress issues. Everyone is only concerned about themselves. As he struggles with wanting to wake up but not being able to do so, he listens to the inconceivable yet true opinions of his family and subordinates and is confronted with a series of things he does not want to know. Furthermore, his own secrets are exposed. What are his thoughts as he approaches his last moments … …
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/nextbreak
Tsuri Baka Nisshi ~ Shinnyu Shain Hamasaki Densuke
Date: From 8.00 p.m., Fridays, 23 October 2015
Station: TV Tokyo
Scriptwriters: Sato Kumiko (Sanbiki no Ossan Series, Ousama no Ie), Yamaoka Junpei (Sakura, Honey Trap, GTO (remake) Series)
Original Work: Tsuri Baka Nisshi ~ Shinnyu Shain Hamasaki Densuke by Yamasaki Juzo and Kitami Kenichi
Genre: Comedy
Cast: Hamada Gaku, Hirose Alice, Fukikoshi Mitsuru, Suruga Taro, Kitaro, Hayama Shono, Tanabe Momoko, Satoi Kenta, Nadaka Tatsuo, Ono Ryo, Ino Manabu, Atsushi, Miura Riki, Morita Kanro, Sakakibara Ikue, Ichige Yoshie, Ibu Masato, Nishida Toshiyuki
Synopsis: Hamasaki Densuke (Hamada Gaku) is a newly-hired employee who has just joined the big construction company, Suzuki Construction. The construction industry is enjoying a boom as the country prepares for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Hama-chan has loved fishing since childhood. It is not that he unmotivated to work but because he tends to bring his feelings about fishing that constantly angers his boss, Sasaki Kazuo (Fukikoshi Mitsuru). He strikes up a friendship with Suzuki Ichinosuke (Nishida Toshiyuki) through fishing and does not realise that he is the president of the company he works for … …
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/tsuribaka
Preview: Tsuri Baka Nisshi ~ Shinnyu Shain Hamasaki Densuke Teaser
Kounodori
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Fridays, 16 October 2015
Station: TBS
Scriptwriter: Yamamoto Mutsumi (Yae no Sakura, Tsukahara Bokuden, Gegege no Nyoubou)
Original Work: Kounodori by Suzunoki Yu
Genre: Medical
Cast: Ayano Go, Matsuoka Mayu, Yoshida Yo, Sakaguchi Kentaro, Hirayama Yusuke, Seino Nana, Toyomoto Akinaga, Asano Kazuyuki, Ayado Chie, Eguchi Noriko, Yamaguchi Sayaka, Hoshino Gen, Omori Nao, Kaname Jun (guest star), Usuda Asami (guest star), Shimizu Fumika (guest star), Oguri Shun (guest star)
Synopsis: Kounotori Sakura’s (Ayano Go) mother died right after he was born, and he grew up in a home for infants and a childrens’ orphanage. He is a loving obstetrician who wants to congratulate all babies who are born. At the same time, going by the name of ‘Baby’, he is a gifted pianist of many mysteries who channels all his emotions to the piano and plays with passion.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/kounodori
Preview: Kounodori CM
Koi no Jika Soukaku ~ Market Value of Love
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Fridays, 23 October 2015
Station: BS Sky Perfect
Scriptwriters: Yoshitaka Yoshio (Control), Yamanaka Ryujiro
Genre: Situation comedy
Cast: Tanaka Kei, Kinami Haruka, Nakamura Shizuka, Namioka Kazuki
Synopsis: Director Yukito (Namioka Kazuki) was driven out of the house by his wife for having an affair. TV producer Ryosuke (Tanaka Kei), who loves buxom females, moves into his apartment. Noriko (Kinami Haruka) lives in the next apartment and secretly harbours feelings for Yukito while her high school junior, Airi (Nakamura Shizuka) takes an interest in talk about shares.
Website: www.bs-sptv.com/koijika
Samurai Sensei
Date: From 11.15 p.m., Fridays, 23 October 2015
Station: TV Asahi
Scriptwriter: Kuroiwa Tsutomu (Yokoso Wagaya e, Subete ga F ni Naru, Strawberry Night Series)
Original Work: Samurai Sensei by Kuroe Ssuke
Genre: Sci-fi comedy
Cast: Nishikido Ryo, Kamiki Ryunosuke, Higa Manami, Fujii Ryusei, Kuroshima Yuina, Ishida Nicole, Kajihara Zen, Morimoto Leo
Synopsis: Takechi Hanpeita (Nishikido Ryo), a samurai of Tosa domain who campaigned for the expulsion of foreigners, unwittingly travels 150 years in time from the last days of the Tokugawa shogunate to present day Japan. Becoming a teacher at a private school run by Saeki Makoto (Morimoto Leo) in a village in the remote countryside through an unexpected turn of events, he solves all kinds of problems with methods unique to a samurai. Hanpeita is reunited with his good friend Sakamoto Ryoma (Kamiki Ryunosuke), who quickly adjusted to modern times after travelling in time to the present slightly before him, and lives in Tokyo as a journalist called Narasaki.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/samuraisensei
Preview: Samurai Sensei CM
Kodoku no Gurume Season 5
Date: From 12.12 a.m., Saturdays, 3 October 2015
Station: TV Tokyo
Scriptwriter: –
Original Work: Kodoku no Gurume by Kusumi Masayuki
Cast: Matsushige Yutaka
Synopsis: Inogashira Goro (Matsushige Yutaka), who runs an imported general merchandise business, enjoys eating on his own and would visit dining establishments when there are intervals of free time during work.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/kodokunogurume5
Preview: Kodoku no Gurume Season 5 CM
Okitegami Kyoko no Biboroku
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Saturdays, 10 October 2015
Station: NTV
Scriptwriter: Nogi Akiko (Soratobu Kouhoushitsu, Omo ni Naitemasu, Lucky Seven)
Original Work: Okitegami Kyoko no Biboroku by Nishio Ishin
Genre: Mystery
Cast: Aragaki Yui, Okada Masaki, Oikawa Mitsuhiro, Arioka Daiki, Uchida Rio
Synopsis: Okitegami Kyoko (Aragaki Yui) is a beautiful investigator who has a great love for money. But she is also forgetful. She always writes the important things that she has to remember on her body with a magic pen. Because her memory will reset every day once she falls asleep, she has to solve any case within a day.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/okitegami
Preview: Okitegami Kyoko no Biboroku Teaser
Umi ni Furu
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Saturdays, 10 October 2015
Station: WOWOW
Scriptwriters: Tokunaga Yuichi (Tantei no Tantei, Keiji 110 kg Series, Umi no Ue no Shinryojo), Yamaura Masahiro (Kurofuku Monogatari, Roosevelt Game, 35-sai no Koukousei), Miura Hayato, Asano Atsuya (Kageri Yuku Natsu, Onna wa Sore o Yurusanai, Zainin no Uso)
Original Work: Umi ni Furu by Akeno Kaeruko
Genre: Marine mystery
Cast: Arimura Kasumi, Inoue Yoshio, Itaya Yuka, Tsutsui Michitaka, Takahashi Kazuya, Ishida Takuya, Mizusawa Shingo, Tokito Saburo, Nishioka Tokuma, Hiraizumi Sei, Takenaka Naoto, Harada Tomoyo, Endo Kenichi
Synopsis: Amaya Miyuki (Arimura Kasumi) becomes the first female pilot of the Shinkai 6500 in Japan. The Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) had put effort into her first submersible across the organisation. Miyuki’s father, Atsushi (Tokito Saburo), had also been active as a brilliant pilot and researcher of JAMSTEC, but died of illness without fulfilling his life ambition. Miyuki is intent on discovering herself in the deep sea that her late father had told her about when she was a child. However, at one time, she finds shocking footage from her father’s locker of the last submersible that he had allegedly piloted, and is assailed by fear.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/dramaw/umi
Preview: Umi ni Furu CM
Haretsu
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Saturdays, 10 October 2015
Station: NHK
Scriptwriter: Hamada Shuya (Iryu Season 4, Last Hope, Zettai Reido)
Original Work: Haretsu by Kusakabe Yo
Genre: Medical
Cast: Shiina Kippei, Takito Kenichi, Sakai Maki, Komoto Masahiro, Shimada Kyusaku, Satoi Kenta, Moro Morooka, Sano Shiro, Kimura Midoriko, Nakadai Tatsuya
Synopsis: Heart surgeon Kamura’s (Shiina Kippei) ambition is to earn himself a place in history by rejuvenating the aged heart. He is a hard-nosed elite whose philosophy is, “A doctor matures after killing three persons” and he will do everything he can to put research into practical use. However, this medical treatment has a side effect that even Kamura has not realised. After cardiac function dramatically recovers, the heart will rupture and result in sudden death. There is a government official who has his eyes on enabling the painless death of old people with this side effect as the ultimate solution to an ultra-ageing society. He is Sakuma (Takito Kenichi), a rare tactician called the Ministry’s Machiavelli. Sakuma cleverly gets close to Kamura and devises a scheme to take over the “dream cure”. The first participant of this medical treatment is the famous national actor Kuraki (Nakadai Tatsuya) who retired because of heart failure. Kuraki obsesses about making one more movie before he dies, and is the first to undergo the clinical trial. However, the terrifying side effect becomes apparent later. There is a secret between Kuraki, who has a time bomb in his body, and his physician Kamura … …
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/dodra/haretsu
Go-nin no Junko
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Saturdays, 21 November 2015
Station: WOWOW
Scriptwriter: Watanabe Chiho (Tatakau! Shoten Girl, Akka, Kohiya no Hitobito)
Original Work: Go-nin no Junko by Mari Yukiko
Genre: Mystery
Cast: Matsuyuki Yasuko, Mimura, Nishida Naomi, Aso Yumi, Koike Eiko
Synopsis: Satake Junko (Koike Eiko) is arrested as a suspect in a series of suspicious deaths. The murders are all over television talk shows every day. As the media coverage heats up, Tanabe Junko (Matsuyuki Yasuko), Shinoda Junko (Mimura), Fukudome Junko (Nishida Naomi) and Morikawa Junko (Aso Yumi) – women of different circumstances who have nothing to do with the cases – find themselves at the mercy of the first name they share “Junko”. Before long, they start to get embroiled in a torrent of malice.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/dramaw/junko
Teddy Go!
Date: From 11.40 p.m., Saturdays, 10 October 2015
Station: Fuji TV
Scriptwriters: Okita Haruka, Akutsu Tomoko
Original Work: Are You Teddy? by Kato Miaki
Genre: Comedy
Cast: Morikawa Aoi, Hiraoka Yuta, Matsuo Satoru, Koyanagi Yu, Rokkaku Shinji, Nagano Mei, Momoko, Minemura Rie, Aikawa Sho
Synopsis: Yamase Kazuko (Morikawa Aoi) is an emotionally battered 23-year-old casual part-time worker after losing her job and being dumped by her boyfriend. One day, she buys a knitted teddy bear that she fell in love at first sight. When she gets home, the bear suddenly starts talking. The former owner of the bear is a 5-year-old child whose parents were murdered. For some reason, the spirit of Amano Yasuo (Aikawa Sho), a middle-aged detective who was killed in the line of duty while investigating this case, is in the bear. Kazuko and Amano quarrel, but put their minds together and set out to shed light on the case that Amano was pursuing while alive.
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/teddygo
Itsuka Tiffany de Choushoku o
Date: From 1.30 a.m., Sundays, 11 October 2015
Station: NTV
Scriptwriters: Adachi Shin (Sachi to Mayu), Kobayashi Masashi (Dirty Mama)
Original Work: Itsuka Tiffany de Choshoku o by Maki Hirochi
Genre: Love and life
Cast: Triendl Reina, Tokunaga Eri, Mori Kanna, Aragi Yuko, Narita Ryo, Nakamura Yurika, Yanagi Shuntaro, Otsuka Hirota, Ishida Houshi, Iwai Kenshiro, Tsuda Kanji
Synopsis: Four working females centering around Sato Mariko (Triendl Reina), who have been friends since high school, start to seek the ideal breakfast as they relook their loves, lifestyles and own selves. They grow as they face up to their problems and begin to encounter delicious breakfasts.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/breakfast
Shitamachi Rocket (TBS)
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Sundays, 18 October 2015 (followed by movie)
Station: TBS
Scriptwriter: Yatsu Hiroyuki (Ryusei Wagon, Roosevelt Game, Hanzawa Naoki)
Original Work: Shitamachi Rocket by Ikeido Jun
Genre: Corporate
Cast: Abe Hiroshi, Tsuchiya Tao, Tatekawa Danshun, Yasuda Ken, Wada Soko, Konno Hiroki, Yamazaki Ikusaburo, Nakamoto Ken, Tanida Ayumi, Nakamura Tomoya, Abe Shinnosuke, Takeuchi Ryoma, Sano Gaku, Ato Kai, Maya Miki, Arai Hirofumi, Kinoshita Houka, Hashimoto Satoshi, Shunputei Shota, Higashikokubaru Hideo, Ikehata Shinnosuke, Megumi Toshiaki, Baisho Mitsuko, Kikkawa Koji, Imada Koji, Sugi Ryutaro
Synopsis: Tsukuda Kohei (Abe Hiroshi) was once a researcher with the Aerospace and Science Exploration Agency and now runs Tsukuda Industries, a small factory which was left by his father. Although his relationship with his daughter, Rina (Tsuchiya Tao), is somewhat strained, business at Tsukuda Industries has gradually started to improve. But Tsukuda puts too much effort into his dream of developing a rocket engine and business declines little by little. One day, a major client suddenly declares that it is dropping Tsukuda Industries. Then, Tsukuda Industries gets sued by a big rival company, Nakashima Industries, for patent infringement. Tsukuda Industries’ reputation is hurt and financing from banks is also in a desperate situation. In the midst of this, Teikoku Heavy Industries, one of Japan’s leading corporations, offers to buy a patent which Tsukuda Industries possesses for 2 billion yen, but … …
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/shitamachi_rocket
Related: Shitamachi Rocket (WOWOW)
Preview: Shitamachi Rocket (TBS) CM
Rugged
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 6 September 2015
Station: NHK BS Premium
Scriptwriter: Takahashi Yuya (Kindaichi Shonen Jikenbo N, 35-sai no Koukousei, Perfect Blue)
Genre: Corporate
Cast: Ashida Mana, Iwaki Kouchi, Ishida Ayumi, Maeda Gin, Kurosawa Toshio, Ono Takehiko, Harada Ryuji, Okamoto Kenichi, Shirahane Yuri, Hankai Kazuaki
Synopsis: Fukami Noa (Ashida Mana) is 10 years old when her father (Harada Ryuji), the third generation owner of a car repair shop, suddenly commits suicide one day. Katsuragi Ippei (Iwaki Kouchi), her father’s acquaintance who is a former detective, tells her that his death is linked to the disappearance of the factory’s corporate pensions. Kuwata Renji (Okamoto Kenichi), the company president of a management consultancy, is the mastermind. Noa hits difficult management books to build up her knowledge, and then takes the position of company president. She vows to save the factory which is on the verge of bankruptcy, and vengeance on Kuwata.
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/dsp/rugged
Preview: Rugged CM
Related: Rugged Drama Special
Shingari ~ Yamaichi Shoken Saigo no Seisen
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 20 September 2015
Station: WOWOW
Scriptwriter: Todayama Masashi (Aibou Series)
Original Work: Shingari Yamaichi Shoken Saigo no 12-nin by Kiyotake Hidetoshi
Genre: Corporate
Cast: Eguchi Yosuke, Hagiwara Masato, Hayashi Kento, Matobu Sei, Katsumura Masanobu, Sato Bsaku, Yajima Kenichi, Miura Masaki, Kirishima Reika, Itagaki Mizuki, Okochi Hiroshi, Shinagawa Toru, Tanaka Ken, Sano Shiro, Mitsuishi Ken, Hirata Mitsuru, Kishibe Ittoku
Synopsis: In November 1997, Yamaichi Securities, one of Japan’s four largest brokerages, announced that it would voluntarily close down. Even its top brass had not been apprised of an approximate 260 billion yen of debt that was off the books until just before it happened. Off-the-books debt is against the law. Yamaichi Securities was too big and without financial strength as well as bank support, the Finance Ministry deemed that it would not file for bankruptcy protection, but seek the brokerage’s “voluntary closure” instead. When and how did 260 billion yen of losses off the balance sheet come about, and how was it kept hidden? While even the board of directors were bailing out of the sunken ship, there were employees who stayed on in the company until the end and continued to seek the truth as well as pay off customers. Called “outliers” within the company, they were people from departments that were considered a burden. These people were the rearguard.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/dramaw/shingari
Godan
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 22 November 2015
Station: WOWOW
Scriptwriter: Habara Daisuke (Massan, Double Face, Beautiful Rain)
Original Work: Godan by Doba Shunichi
Genre: Suspense
Cast: Tamayama Tetsuji, Renbutsu Misako, Yanagiba Toshiro, Kobayashi Kaoru, Ozora Yuhi, Adachi Rika, Koichi Mantaro, Nakada Yoshiko, Ichige Yoshie, Izumiya Shigeru, Nakamura Atsuo
Synopsis: Makita Takahiro (Tamayama Tetsuji) works for a large pharmaceutical company’s public relations department. On his way to work one day, he sees a person commit suicide by jumping off a train station platform. Several days later, he is summoned by Deputy CEO Anjo Takao (Kobayashi Kaoru) and told that the suicide may be related to the company’s product. If merger talks with foreign investment is broken off, it will be a fatal blow to the company which is struggling with poor business performance. Then Makita learns that the autopsy report contains the drug substance in question. While the company has an obligation to report this to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Anjo’s decision is to settle with the family of victim and cover up the harmful side effects of the drug. Caught between the company and victim, Makita is in a quandary. Will he end up dirtying his own hands for the benefit of the company?
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/dramaw/godan
Angel Heart
Date: From 10.30 p.m., Sundays, 11 October 2015
Station: NTV
Scriptwriter: Takahashi Yuya (Tenshi to Akuma, 35-sai no Koukousei, Perfect Blue)
Original Work: Angel Heart by Hojo Tsukasa
Genre: Suspense
Cast: Kamikawa Takaya, Miyoshi Ayaka, Aibu Saki, Miura Shohei, Brother Tom, Takashima Reiko, Mickey Curtis, Izumi Souji, Yamadera Koichi, Komiyama Shinobu, Saito Megumi, Ryu Raita
Synopsis: Xiang Ying (Miyoshi Ayaka), a beautiful assassin who has come to Japan from Taiwan, attempts suicide one day. In this parallel universe, she undergoes a transplant engineered by her organisation and receives the heart of Makimura Kaori (Aibu Saki), the partner of ‘City Hunter’ Saeba Ryo (Kamikawa Takaya). Xiang Ying miraculously survives and becomes Ryo’s partner.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/angelheart
Preview: Angel Heart CM
All text copyright © jdramas.wordpress.com.