Spring 2018 Dramas

Hanbun, Aoi
Date: From 8.00 a.m., Monday – Fridays, 2 April 2018
Station: NHK
Scriptwriter: Kitagawa Eriko (Unmei ni Nita Koi, Sunao ni Narenakute, Orange Days)
Cast: Nagano Mei, Sato Takeru, Matsuyuki Yasuko, Takito Kenichi, Harada Tomoyo, Tanihara Shosuke, Kamimura Kaisei, Yamoto Yuma, Nao, Yo Kimiko, Fubuki Jun, Nakamura Masatoshi, Rokkaku Seiji, Hirooka Yuriko, Yamoto Yuma, Takagi Wataru, Iketani Nobue, Toyokawa Etsushi, Igawa Haruka, Seino Nana, Shison Jun, Nakamura Tomoya, Furuhata Seika, Mamiya Shotaro, Shimada Kyusaku, Saito Takumi, Kimura Midoriko, Aso Yumi, Sudo Risa
Synopsis: In 1971, the year after the Osaka Exposition, a girl called Nireno Suzume was born to the owners of a small eatery in a town in Gifu Prefecture’s Tono region. She was a healthy child who ran around the hills and fields every day. But when Suzume was an elementary school student, she ended up losing her hearing in one ear because of an illness. Her loving parents Utaro (Takito Kenichi) and Haru (Matsuyuki Yasuko) and childhood friend Hagio Ritsu (Sato Takeru) born on the same day at the same hospital were the ones who give her encouragement. After graduating from high school, Suzume (Nagano Mei) sets her sights on writing manga for girls with her unique creative powers and leaves for Tokyo which is in the middle of the bubble economy. Put through training by her teacher Akikaze Haori (Toyokawa Etsushi), she tries hard to improve herself by learning from fellow assistants and devoting herself to studying but soon faces setbacks. Suzume gets married and has a daughter but the family finances are dire. She ends up divorcing her husband who is a dreamer. The bubble economy bursts before she realises it and enters a period of low growth. After repeated failure, Suzume returns to her hometown as a single mother. What awaits her will become an unexpected turning point in her life … …
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/hanbunaoi

The Confidence Man JP
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Mondays, 9 April 2018
Station: Fuji TV
Scriptwriter: Kosawa Ryota (Date Series, Legal High Series, Suzuki Sensei Series)
Genre: Comedy
Cast: Nagasawa Masami, Higashide Masahiro, Kohinata Fumiyo, Eguchi Yosuke (guest star), Uchimura Teruyoshi (guest star), Kichise Michiko (guest star), Ishiguro Ken (guest star), Sano Shiro (guest star), Katase Rino (guest star), Uchimura Teruyoshi (guest star), Ryu Raita (guest star), Nakao Akiyoshi (guest star), Maeda Atsuko (guest star), Ryou (guest star), Koike Teppei (guest star)
Synopsis: Dako (Nagasawa Masami) is a confidence trickster who has a weakness for money, fashion and delicious food. With her intelligence and extraordinary powers of concentration, she can master even profound specialised knowledge in a short time and become a “professional”. Together with the timid Boku-chan (Higashide Masahiro) and seasoned veteran Richard (Kohinata Fumiyo), she works as a team to extort money from the money-mad including CEOs of unscrupulous companies and mafia bosses by using whatever means possible. Once they set their sights on someone, the target never gets away. At times, they even trick their allies with excellent teamwork and crazy tactics.
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/confidenceman_jp
Preview: The Confidence Man JP CM

Headhunter
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Mondays, 16 April 2018
Station: TV Tokyo
Scriptwriter: Hayashi Koji (Cold Case, Boss Series, Iryu Series)
Genre: Corporate
Cast: Eguchi Yosuke, Koike Eiko, Sugimoto Tetta, Hirayama Hiroyuki, Tokunaga Eri, Yamaha Kotoko, Takei Kyohei, Kitamura Yukiya (guest star), Takahashi Katsumi (guest star), Uchida Kyoko (guest star), Hasegawa Hatsunori (guest star), Takashima Masanobu (guest star), Masana Bokuzo (guest star), Wakamura Mayumi (guest star), Nahana (guest star), Suguro Sayaka (guest star), Ibu Masato (guest star), Kanai Yuta (guest star), Hamada Manabu (guest star), Itao Itsuji (guest star), Dan Jiro (guest star), Takuma Takayuki (guest star), Nomaguchi Toru (guest star), Harumi Shiho (guest star), Hirata Mitsuru (guest star), Maruyama Tomomi (guest star), Yamamoto Koji (guest star), Horibe Keisuke (guest star)
Synopsis: Japan’s labour environment is about to transform dramatically with the changing times. In the past, lifetime employment had been taken for granted. Now, the resistance to changing occupations has diminished and the scale of this market keeps growing as companies compete to survive. Kurosawa Kazuki (Eguchi Yosuke) is the CEO of the recruitment agency SAGASU and a maverick headhunter. He goes deep into the minds of potential candidates and corporate clients to achieve ideal matches with techniques that can be called aggressive. At times, he is a saviour, at other times a devil. Kurosawa is supported by his employees Haitani Tetsuya (Sugimoto Tetta), who is in charge of general affairs and accounting; Miyu, a researcher who is highly skilled with computers; and Sanagi, a former business newspaper journalist. Meanwhile, Akagi Kyoko (Koike Eiko), who is in the top management of the industry’s largest outplacement company Bridge, hates Kurosawa’s work and burns with a sense of rivalry. Kurosawa’s background is a mystery. Even his associate of 30 years Haitani does not know the details and they share a complicated relationship.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/head_hunter
Preview: Headhunter CM

Kunoichi Ninpocho Hotarubi
Date: From 8.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 3 April 2018
Station: BS Japan
Scriptwriter: Dobashi Akihiro
Original Work: Ninpocho Soutou no Washi by Yamada Futaro
Genre: Period
Cast: Becky, Kurokawa Mei, Hinoi Asuka, Takahashi Mitsuomi, Kinoshita Houka, Kinoshita Ayumi, Mine Rantaro, Matsuda Satoshi, Inoue Chal, Iba Takeshi, Taniguchi Takashi, Shibata Yoshiyuki, Morino Tadanobu
Synopsis: During the reign of the fifth shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, the Negoro-gumi, a group of three beautiful female ninjas took action against the various domains which threatened the Shogunate. They are Okei (Becky), who looks like an ordinary girl in town at first glance, and fellow ninjas Omiyo (Kurokawa Mei) and Otama (Hinoi Asuka).
Website: www.bs-j.co.jp/hotarubi
Preview: Kunoichi Ninpocho Hotarubi CM

Signal ~ Chouki Mikaiketsu Jiken Sousahan
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 10 April 2018
Station: Fuji TV
Scriptwriter: Ozaki Masaya (Chinmoku Houtei, Chanpon Tabetaka, Black President)
Original Work: Signal by Kim Eun-hee
Genre: Suspense
Cast: Sakaguchi Kentaro, Kitamura Kazuki, Kichise Michiko, Kimura Yuichi, Ikeda Tetsuhiro, Aono Kaede, Kamio Fuju, Komoto Masahiro, Watabe Atsuro, Hasegawa Kyoko (guest star), Sakuma Yui (guest star), Moro Morooka (guest star), Manase Juri (guest star), Hirata Mitsuru (guest star), Kosuda Yasuto (guest star), Shiraishi Shunya (guest star), Nozaki Moeka (guest star), Yoshikawa Ai (guest star)
Synopsis: When police officer Saegusa Kento (Sakaguchi Kentaro) was a child, a girl who was his friend was kidnapped and murdered. He witnessed a mysterious woman take her away. Although he told the police what he saw, he was ignored by everyone. The case has remained unsolved for 15 years and the statue of limitation is approaching. One day, Kento hears a voice from a walkie-talkie which was supposed to have been disposed. The speaker Oyama Takeshi (Kitamura Kazuki) says he is a detective pursuing the same case as Kento and he has a lead related to it. At first, Kento finds it hard to believe. But when he heads to the location that the detective told him about, he discovers a skeleton down there. After that, he continues to communicate with that detective. He learns that the man is someone living in the past. The two of them begin to work together to crack unsolved cases through the mysterious walkie-talkie.
Website: www.ktv.jp/signal
Preview: Signal CM

Hana Nochi Hare ~ Hanadan Next Season
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 17 April 2018
Station: TBS
Scriptwriter: Yoshida Erika (Dansui!)
Original Work: Hana Nochi Hare by Kamio Yoko
Genre: School romance
Cast: Sugisaki Hana, Hirano Sho, Nakagawa Taishi, Hamada Tatsuomi, Iitoyo Marie, Imada Mio, Suzuki Jin, Nakata Keisuke, Kinami Haruka, Horiuchi Keiko, Tet Wada, Shiga Kotaro, Takaoka Saki, Takito Kenichi, Kikuchi Momoko, Sorimachi Takashi
Synopsis: Edogawa Oto (Sugisaki Hana) is a student at Eitoku Senior High School. She was the daughter of the company president of Edo Quality, a large cosmetics manufacturer, but her life completely changed after it went bankrupt. Her father (Sorimachi Takashi) now works away from home and she lives with her mother Yukie (Kikuchi Momoko). Oto works part-time at a convenience store to support the family and is in charge of all the housework. She is supposed to marry her childhood friend Hase Tenma (Nakagawa Taishi), who is the popular student council president of the rival Momonozono Academy, when she turns 18. But the condition is that she has to attend Eitoku Senior High School until then.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/hana_hare
Preview: Hana Nochi Hare CM

Watashi ni XX Shinasai / Anitomo
Date: From 1.28 a.m., Wednesdays, 28 March 2018 (followed by movie)
Station: TBS

Watashi ni XX Shinasai
Scriptwriter: Kitagawa Ayako (Hokusai to Meshi Areba, Onna Kudoki Meshi Series, Ofukou-san)
Original Work: Watashi ni XX Shinasai by Toyama Ema
Genre: Romance
Cast: Tamashiro Tina, Koseki Yuta, Sato Kanta, Yamada Anna, Kaneko Daichi
Synopsis: One day, Himuro Yukina (Tamashiro Tina) comes into possession of the secret of the school’s most popular guy, Kitami Shigure (Koseki Yuta). She makes him do romantic “missions” with her as material for her romance novel and those “missions” thrust at him gradually escalate. At some point, Yukina’s romantic “missions” turns into real love … …

Anitomo
Scriptwriter: Nakagawa Chieko (Hotel Concierge)
Original Work: Anitomo by Akagawara Modomu
Genre: Romance
Cast: Matsukaze Risaki, Yokohama Ryusei, Furukawa Tsuyoshi, Matsuoka Kodai, Ono Karin
Synopsis: High school student Nanase Mai (Matsukaze Risaki) is good at housework and even teased for being like a housewife. She cannot understand modern romance and has not dreamed of love. One day, her older brother Yukihiro (Furukawa Tsuyoshi) brings his handsome friend Nishino Sota (Yokohama Ryusei) home. Mai gradually becomes aware that Sota likes her. Then she ends up overhearing Sota tell her brother, “Your younger sister is cute …” through the thin wall between their rooms. 　
Website: www.mbs.jp/batsushina_anitomo

Yareta Kamo Iinkai
Date: From 1.28 a.m., Wednesdays, 25 April 2018
Station: TBS
Scriptwriters: Yamazaki Junya (Sailor Fuku to Uchuujin, Perfect Blue, Koukousei Restaurant), Hashiguchi Toshiki
Original Work: Yareta Kamo Iinkai by Yoshida Takashi
Cast: Sato Jiro, Shiraishi Mai, Yamada Takayuki, Mamiya Shotaro (guest star), Kanshuji Tamotsu (guest star), Ogura Yuka (guest star), Hamano Kenta (guest star), Kuramochi Yuka (guest star), Hannya (guest star), Takeda Rena (guest star), Morinaga Yuki (guest star), Nagano Munenori (guest star), Enatsu Shiori (guest star), Tezuka Toru (guest star), Sugino Yosuke (guest star), Yamamoto Maika (guest star), Nakao Akiyoshi (guest star), Morikawa Aoi (guest star), Yano Masato (guest star), Yamachi Mari (guest star), Megumi (guest star), Fukuda Mayuko (guest star), Koseki Yuta (guest star)
Synopsis: Nojima Yuzuru (Sato Jiro), Tsuki Ayako (Shiraishi Mai) and Oashisu (Yamada Takayuki) are the three members of the elusive Yareta Kamo Committee, otherwise known as the “Could Have Done It Committee”. People who wonder if they would be different now if they had acted differently in the past, come to the committee for advice. The three-member committee listens to their stories and judge whether the person could have done it or not.
Website: yaretakamoiinkai.com
Preview: Yareta Kamo Iinkai CM

Tokusou 9
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Wednesdays, 11 April 2018
Network: TV Asahi
Scriptwriter: –
Genre: Detective
Cast: Inohara Yoshihiko, Hada Michiko, Tsuda Kanji, Fukikoshi Mitsuru, Taguchi Hiromasa, Hara Sachie, Nakagoshi Noriko, Terao Akira
Synopsis: The Ninth Unit of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department’s First Investigative Division led by Kano Rintaro solved difficult cases through teamwork. But the members were disbanded and went their separate ways after Rintaro was deployed to the Cabinet’s Counter-Terrorism Office. However, after one year, the police commissioner (Satomi Kotaro) orders the formation of an independent investigation team to swiftly crack cases from the initial investigation to turning over suspects to the public prosecutor’s office. And so, Asawa Naoki (Inohara Yoshihiko), Komiyama Shiho (Hada Michiko), Murase Kengo (Tsuda Kanji) and other former members of the Ninth Unit get back together. The new leader of this investigation unit is Munakata Sakutaro (Terao Akira), a man of many mysteries, who worked in the personnel division but retired several years ago due to some incident. He has returned to the police force after persuasion from the police commissioner. Even his reinstatement has been kept under wraps for some reason.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/tokusou9

Kioku
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Wednesdays, 21 March 2018
Network: Fuji Next & J:COM
Scriptwriter: Kanbayashi Marie (Love Song)
Original Work: Memory by Kim Ji-Woo
Genre: Family
Cast: Nakai Kiichi, Yuka, Izumisawa Yuki, Imada Mio, Moro Morooka, Kawano Naoki, Kizuki Hajime, Miyazawa Shu, Ochii Miyuko, Maruyama Tomomi, Miura Takahiro, Otaka Akira, Aijima Kazuyuki, Yamanaka Takashi, Onishi Takeshi, Mizuhashi Kenji, Kubo Akira, Kusamura Reiko, Ishimaru Kenjiro, Matsushita Yuki, Lee Sung-min (guest star), Junho (guest star)
Synopsis: Honjo Hidehisa (Nakai Kiichi), a successful lawyer in his 50s, is found to have an early onset of Alzheimer’s. He forgets memories which he ought to remember and constantly recalls those that he wants to forget. One incident he wishes to forget is the death of his son in a car accident 15 years ago. The culprit still has not been caught. Honjo has not faced up to the past until now. He has only thought of work and neglected his new family (Yuka, Miyazawa Shu, Ochii Miyuko). But as he gradually begins to lose his memories, he devotes his remaining life to exposing his past and taking on his final case.
Website: www.kioku-drama.jp
Preview: Kioku CM

Seigi no Se
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Wednesdays, 11 April 2018
Station: NTV
Scriptwriter: Matsuda Yuko (Tokyo Tarareba Musume, Hanasaki Mai ga Damattenai Series, Hotel Concierge)
Original Work: Seigi no Se Series by Agawa Sawako
Cast: Yoshitaka Yuriko, Yasuda Ken, Miura Shohei, Hirose Alice, Tsukaji Muga, Hirano Kinari, Miyazaki Yoshiko, Terawaki Yasufumi, Namase Katsuhisa, Ohno Takuro, Shukugawa Atom, Ishiguro Ken (guest star), Asari Yosuke (guest star), Moriya Kanna (guest star), Rokkaku Shinji (guest star), Zaizen Naomi (guest star), Miura Takahiro (guest star)
Synopsis: 29-year-old Takemura Ririko (Yoshitaka Yuriko) is the eldest daughter of Takemura Koichi (Namase Katsuhisa), a tofu shop owner in Tokyo’s traditional working class neighbourhood and a junior prosecutor who is in her second year at the Yokohama District Public Prosecutor’s Office. While Ririko is swamped with work, she is pressed by her boyfriend Nakamuta Yuki (Ohno Takuro) to choose between marriage and work, discovers her father’s alleged affair, and the possibility that a suspect whom she indicted is innocent … …
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/seigi-no-se
Preview: Seigi no Se Teaser

Keishichou Sousa Ichi Kachou Season 3
Date: From 8.00 p.m., Thursdays, 12 April 2018
Station: TV Asahi
Scriptwriters: Yasui Kuniho (Keishichou Sousa Ichi Kachou Season 2, Saikyou no Futari, Hanchou Seasons 2 – 6), Tanabe Mitsuru (Akagi Series, Kakkou no Tamago wa Dare no Mono, Henshin), Taniguchi Junichiro (Shiro to Kiiro, Universal Koukokusha, Hanzai Shokogun Series)
Genre: Detective
Cast: Naito Takeshi, Adachi Yumi, Honda Hirotaro, Yano Koji, Suzuki Yuki, Hanawa Nobuyuki, Tokoshima Yoshiko, Kaneda Akio, Takashima Reiko (guest star), Tanaka Minako (guest star), Aijima Kazuyuki (guest star), Nakajima Baijaku (guest star), Kurokawa Tomoka (guest star), Yanagi Yurina (guest star), Aoyama Noriko (guest star), Muroi Shigeru (guest star)
Synopsis: The First Investigative Division is the star unit of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. Oiwa Junichi (Naito Takashi), the head of the division, leads around 400 elite detectives. He has an extremely heavy responsibility – attends initial investigations at the scenes of all brutal crimes that occur within the metropolis, decides on the course of action of the investigations at the same time as he directs many investigation task forces and get into investigations himself at the critical phase. However, Oiwa is no superman. Amid his suffering, Oiwa overcomes this grave responsibility and is quite simply a “life-size hero” and “ideal boss” to his subordinates.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/ichikacho3

Mikaiketsu no Onna ~ Keishichou Bunsho Sousakan
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Thursdays, 19 April 2018
Station: TV Asahi
Scriptwriter: Omori Mika (Kono Koe o Kimi ni, Asa ga Kita, Seijo)
Original Work: Keishichou Bunsho Sousakan by Asami Kazushi
Genre: Detective
Cast: Suzuki Kyoka, Haru, Sawamura Ikki, Kudo Asuka, Takada Junji, Mitsuishi Ken, Endo Kenichi, Nakayama Miho (guest star), Kazama Shunsuke (guest star), Watanabe Ikkei (guest star), Takaoka Saki (guest star), Totsugi Shigeyuki (guest star), Yoshida Eisaku (guest star), Fukuhara Haruka (guest star), Fukami Motoki (guest star), Matobu Sei (guest star), Horibe Keisuke (guest star), Miyasako Hiroyuki (guest star), Yanagishita Tomo (guest star), Itano Tomomi (guest star), Kiriyama Ren (guest star), Sakakibara Tetsuji (guest star), Iriyama Noriko (guest star), Ishiguro Ken (guest star), Iwaki Koichi (guest star)
Synopsis: After waking up from a month-long coma due to injuries sustained in a reckless, heated investigation, detective Yashiro Tomo (Haru) quickly returns to work at the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. She is ordered to transfer from the First Investigative Division’s Violent Crimes Unit to the Sixth Special Investigations Unit. Located in the basement, it is in charge of deciphering documents of unsolved cases. Despite Tomo’s bewilderment, she begins work in her new post along with a brusque senior detective Narumi Risa (Suzuki Kyoka) who is called the expert of document deciphering for her unusual ability to predict the personality and thoughts of a writer from writings. However, the reality is that this kind of work is nothing more than that of a “storekeeper” of investigation materials … …
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/mikaiketsu

Monte Cristo Haku ~ Kareinaru Fukushuu
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Thursdays, 19 April 2018
Station: Fuji TV
Scriptwriter: Kuroiwa Tsutomu (Juuyou Sankonin Tantei, Kizoku Tantei, Boku no Yabai Tsuma)
Original Work: The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
Genre: Revenge
Cast: Dean Fujioka, Okura Tadayoshi, Yamamoto Mizuki, Arai Hirofumi, Takasugi Mahiro, Hayama Shono, Kishii Yukino, Sakurai Yuki, Miura Masaki, Shibukawa Kiyohiko, Arai Hirofumi, Tanaka Min, Fubuki Jun, Kinoshita Houka, Yamaguchi Sayaka, Ibu Masato, Inamori Izumi, Takahashi Katsunori
Synopsis: In a small fishing town, Saimon Dan (Dean Fujioka) is to marry Meguro Sumire (Yamamoto Mizuki) whom he loves and is overjoyed. Meanwhile, Dan gets sent to jail in a foreign land to save the necks of Nanjo Yukio (Okura Tadayoshi), his love rival who tries to steal his fiancee; Kagura Kiyoshi (Arai Hirofumi), his colleague who is jealous of his career progression; and Iruma Kohei (Takahashi Katsunori), a police officer with some situation. Locked away for a crime he did not commit for 15 years, Dan is robbed of a future with Sumire. He escapes prison life through unexpected luck. Then he amasses immense wealth and makes a comeback as a different person. With his intellect and great fortune, Dan takes bold, elaborate revenge against the three men who set him up and ruined his life.
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/MONTE-CRISTO

Love Rerun
Date: From 11.59 p.m., Thursdays, 5 April 2018
Station: NTV
Scriptwriters: Nagata Yuko (Fukuyado Honpo, Garasu no Ashi, Resident), Obayashi Rieko (Inochi Urimasu, Good Morning Call Series, Koekoi)
Original Work: Love Rerun by Amasawa Aki
Genre: Love comedy
Cast: Nakamura Anne, Furukawa Yuki, Satsukawa Aimi, Komatsu Toshimasa, Ichikawa Tomohiro, Watanabe Shu, Katase Nana (guest star), Murasugi Seminosuke, Kita Yoko, Fuse Eri, Omasa Aya, Otani Ryohei
Synopsis: Minami Sayaka (Nakamura Anne) is 30 and has no experience with men as a result of her one-sided love for childhood friend Sagisawa Ryosuke (Otani Ryohei) for 15 years. Even so she continues to refuse getting into a romance. Then one day, when Sayaka wakes up, she sees a male stranger in front of her. She instantly panics but the man who introduces himself as Machida Shohei (Furukawa Yuki). He says they are dating and live together. It appears that Sayaka has somehow lost her memories of the last three months. Furthermore, she has already slept with Machida and lost her virginity in this time. What happened in those three months? As Sayaka regains her lost memories, she begins to waver between Sagisawa and Machida.
Website: www.ytv.co.jp/lovererun
Preview: Love Rerun CM

Smoking
Date: From 1.00 a.m., Fridays, 20 April 2018
Station: TV Tokyo
Scriptwriters: Nemoto Nonji (Oh My Jump!, Izakaya Fuji, Kin to Gin), Awashima Zuimaro (Oh My Jump!, Izakaya Fuji), Moriguchi Yusuke (Oh My Jump!, Daishou, Keishichou Sousa Ichi Kachou)
Original Work: Smoking by Iwaki Hiroshi
Cast: Ishibashi Ryo, Kaneko Nobuaki, Maruyama Tomomi, Yoshimura Kaito
Synopsis: Sanabe Juuzo (Ishibashi Ryo) is a hitman who skillfully strips the tattoos of the people he has assassinated, preserves these in formalin and delivers them to his clients. Goro (Maruyama Tomomi) is a former underground fighter who has the brute strength to crush opponents in an instant. Hacchou (Kaneko Nobuaki) procures all sorts of things from heavy firearms to discarded boxed meals. Hifumin (Yoshimura Kaito) is an expert in formulating drugs. The four men make up the assassination squad “Smoking”. They disguise as homeless men in a park as they mercilessly kill off fiends and brutes who cannot be tried by the law or the power of the state.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/smoking
Preview: Smoking Teaser

Shitsuji Saionji no Meisuiri Season 1
Date: From 8.00 p.m., Fridays, 13 April 2018
Station: TV Tokyo
Scriptwriter: Tanaka Shinichi (Keishichou Ikimono-gakari, Shachoushitsu no Fuyu, Kaiki Renai Sakusen)
Genre: Mystery
Cast: Kamikawa Takaya, Yachigusa Kaoru, Sato Jiro, Okamoto Rei, Iketani Nobue, Hirayama Yusuke, Satomi Kotaro (guest star), Asari Yosuke, Furuya Ikkou, Hira Takehiro (guest star), Okada Yoshinori (guest star)
Synopsis: Saionji Hajime (Kamikawa Takaya) is the perfect butler. He is exceedingly capable, perfectly attentive and absolutely loyal. He even complies with all the wishes of Yuriko (Yachigusa Kaoru), the elegant, refined widow of the Ijuuin family. Saionji had served her before the master of the family passed away and established a deep trust with her. He will literally go through fire and water and put everything on the line for her. One day, the two of them come across a murder. Reading her suspicions about the case, Saionji begins his own investigation. No matter how capable he is as a butler, he should be an amateur at investigating cases. However, nothing is impossible for Saionji who brilliantly figures out the mystery with his knowledge and skills.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/shitsuji
Preview: Shitsuji Saionji no Meisuiri CM

Naruto Hichou
Date: From 8.00 p.m., Fridays, 20 April 2018
Station: NHK BS Premium
Scriptwriter: Onishi Kenichi (Bonkura Series, Tenshi no Knife, Iryu Sousa Seasons 1 – 2)
Original Work: Naruto Hichou by Yoshikawa Eiji
Genre: Period
Cast: Yamamoto Koji, Nono Sumika, Hayami Akari, Hakamada Yoshihiko, Watanabe Dai, Takeda Shinji, Sasai Eisuke, Tamura Ryo, Manda Hisako, Nakamura Katsuo
Synopsis: Norizuki Gennojo (Yamamoto Koji), a commander of the Shogunate’s troops, sets out on a journey to train in swordplay. In that time, Koka Yoami (Nakamura Katsuo), the father of his betrothed Chie (Hayami Akari), receives a special mission and goes to Awa Tokushima to search for the secret records of Naruto in which a pledge to overthrow the shogunate is sealed with blood. He is never heard of again. 10 years later, Gennojo returns to Edo as a wandering monk and in despair about his swordsmanship. He is slashed by Sekiya Magobei (Hakamada Yoshihiko) but survives because of the quick wits of a female pickpocket Mikaeri Otsuna (Nono Sumika). Gennojo gets entangled in conflict surrounding the secret records of Naruto. He and Otsuna try to infiltrate Awa Tokushima in order to obtain the secret records and face continuous attacks by assassins on the way there.
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/jidaigeki/naruto

Anata ni wa Kaeru Ie ga Aru
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Fridays, 13 April 2018
Station: TBS
Scriptwriter: Oshima Satomi (Machi Koba no Onna, Hanamoyu, Taiyo no Wana)
Original Work: Anata ni wa Kaeru Ie ga Aru by Yamamoto Fumio
Genre: Family
Cast: Nakatani Miki, Tamaki Hiroshi, Santamaria Yusuke, Kimura Tae, Suruga Taro, Fueki Yuko, Takahashi Maryjun, Fujimoto Toshifumi, Triendl Reina
Synopsis: Sato Mayumi (Nakatani Miki) has been married to Hideaki (Tamaki Hiroshi) for 13 years. The couple have a daughter Rena who has entered a private junior high school. Her school fees and miscellaneous expenses have squeezed the household budget. In order to maintain their lifestyle, Mayumi decides to go out and work for the first time since their marriage. However, Hideaki does not feel a sense of crisis and is also not supportive of her work or cooperate with household chores. This makes Mayumi unhappy with him. Meanwhile, Nasuda Taro (Santamaria Yusuke) and his wife Ayako (Kimura Tae) visit a show house of the property company which Hideaki works for. Hideaki is carried away by his attraction to Ayako who is the complete opposite of Mayumi. Ayako herself feels that meeting Hideaki is destiny. At home, the void between Mayumi and Hideaki deepens. He feels increasingly uncomfortable, the more she tries to work hard on her own for the sake of the family and ends up retreating into a forbidden romance with Ayako.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/anaie
Preview: Anata ni wa Kaeru Ie ga Aru CM

Daisy Luck
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Fridays, 20 April 2018
Station: NHK
Scriptwriter: Yokota Rie (Koi ga Heta demo Ikitemasu, Haburashi Onna Tomodachi, Hanasaki Mai ga Damattenai Series)
Original Work: Daisy Luck by Umino Tsunami
Cast: Sasaki Nozomi, Natsuna, Nakagawa Shoko, Tokunaga Eri, Suzuki Nobuyuki, Kiriyama Ren, Isomura Hayato, Hasegawa Tomoharu, Yano Masato, Inoue Sonoko, Asaka Kodai, Yanagi Shuntaro, Megumi, Ashina Sei, Toyota Maho, Kobayashi Takashi, Katahira Nagisa
Synopsis: When they were kids, childhood friends Kaede (Sasaki Nozomi), Kaoru (Natsuna), Michiru (Nakagawa Shoko) and Emi (Tokunaga Eri) named themselves the Hinagiku-kai. The four of them are reunited on the day of Emi’s wedding ceremony. However, on that day, the company that Kaede works at goes bankrupt all of a sudden. She is also dumped by her boyfriend (Asaka Kodai) and finds herself without a job and love as the age of 30 looms. Kaede makes the decision to become a baker which was her childhood dream. Although she gets a job at a bread shop, the breadmaking profession is hard and the senior baker Aki Kaito (Suzuki Nobuyuki) is also a tough instructor. As a new chapter in Kaede’s life begins, there are unexpected developments for Kaoru who works at a high-end beauty salon, poor bag designer Michiru and newly-married Emi.
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/drama10/daisyluck

Kaseifu no Mitazono Season 2
Date: From 11.15 p.m., Fridays, 20 April 2018
Station: TV Asahi
Scriptwriter: Yatsu Hiroyuki (Rikuou, Chiisana Kyojin, Kaseifu no Mitazono Season 1)
Genre: Home
Cast: Matsuoka Masahiro, Goriki Ayame, Tsubaki Oniyakko, Naito Risa, Yo Kimiko, Yada Akiko (guest star), Masu Takeshi (guest star), Fujii Mina (guest star), Tozuka Junki (guest star), Sato Hitomi (guest star)
Synopsis: Mitazono Kaoru (Matsuoka Masahiro) is a superb housekeeper who handles housework such as cleaning, laundry, cooking and babysitting perfectly even though he is a male in an industry dominated by females. He is inscrutable and scary because of his expressionless cross-dressing However, it is not just the dirt in the house that Mitazono cleans. It is his hobby to peep at what is going on in a family he has been sent to and cause the family to break up by making use of the secrets that he obtained. He is capable and yet an extreme nuisance. Mitazono learns the hidden secrets of a family each time and slowly lays traps to expose these secrets and reveal the family for who they really are. Then he gives the last push that breaks up relationships. As a result, this becomes the catalyst for the family to start again and solve the problems they have. One day, Mitazono suddenly comes back after being out of touch. What happened to him during this period is gradually revealed.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/mitazono
Preview: Kaseifu no Mitazono Season 2 Teaser
Related: Kaseifu no Mitazono Season 1

Haishin Boy ~ Boku ga YouTuber ni Natta Riyuu
Date: From 24 – 30 March 2018
Station: dTV
Scriptwriter: Fukigami Yosuke
Cast: Yoshimura Kaito, Kojima Fujiko, Wada Hayate, Takada Riho, Maruyama Tomomi, Shirakawa Kazuko, Hakamada Yoshihiko
Synopsis: Riku (Yoshimura Kaito) is an ordinary junior high school student. Drawn to a video on a explosive experiment created by a YouTuber, he tries to make copy the video with his friend Sogo. Their experiment to wind rubber band around a watermelon and make it explode is a spectacular success. His heart is then stolen by his classmate Haru who watches this video with a genuine smile. Wanting to see Haru’s smile, Riku decides to start making entertaining videos. He sets up Sushiramen (Riku) channel on YouTube with Sogo but … …
Website: pc.video.dmkt-sp.jp/ft/s0007007

Kodoku no Gurume Season 7
Date: From 12.12 a.m., Saturdays, 7 April 2018
Station: TV Tokyo
Scriptwriter: –
Original Work: Kodoku no Gurume by Kusumi Masayuki
Genre: Food
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. This time he encounters wonderful food in a town that is not widely known.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/kodokunogurume7
Preview: Kodoku no Gurume Season 7 CM

Miyamoto kara Kimi e
Date: From 12.52 a.m., Saturdays, 7 April 2018
Station: TV Tokyo
Scriptwriter: Mariko Tetsuya (Dias Police, Nocon Kid)
Original Work: Miyamoto kara Kimi e by Arai Hideki
Cast: Ikematsu Sosuke, Emoto Tokio, Hoshide Hidetoshi, Hanamura Asuka, Niina Motohiro, Furutachi Kanji, Matsuyama Kenichi, Aoi Yu, Asaka Kodai, Takahashi Kazuya, Sakai Toshiya
Synopsis: Miyamoto Hiroshi (Ikematsu Sosuke) has become a salesman for Marukita, a stationery manufacturer in Tokyo, after graduating from university. He is inexperienced, has not mastered the sales smile and worries about the significance of his life in society. While at the platform of Yoyogi station on his way to work one day, Miyamoto gets a chance to talk to Koda Misako (Hanamura Asuka), a receptionist for Toyosan Motors, whom he had fallen in love with at first sight. Despite the numerous chances he has, he has difficulty calling out to her. Pestered by his colleague Tajima Kaoru (Emoto Tokio), Miyamoto summons his courage, but … …
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/miyamoto_kimi
Preview: Miyamoto kara Kimi e Teaser

Soroban Samurai Kaze no Ichibei
Date: From 6.05 p.m., Saturdays, 19 May 2018
Station: NHK
Scriptwriters: Ikehata Shunsaku (Natsume Soseki no Tsuma, Kamogawa Shokudo, Sake no Ue no Kumo Series), Komatsu Yoshiko (Zenryoku Rikon Soudan), Morioka Toshiyuki
Original Work: Kaze no Ichibei by Tsujido Kai
Genre: Period
Cast: Mukai Osamu, Harada Taizo, Kaji Masaki, Yamamoto Chihiro, Hashimoto Manami, Watanabe Ikkei, Tsutsui Michitaka, Murakawa Eri (guest star), Suzuki Fuku (guest star), Denden (guest star), Tsurumi Shingo (guest star), Takahashi Katsumi (guest star), Koshiba Fuuka (guest star), Yamanaka Takashi (guest star), Sakata Masanobu (guest star), Maeda Aki (guest star), Kawaguchi Satoru (guest star), Watanabe Toru (guest star), Kinoshita Houka (guest star)
Synopsis: It is the Bunsei era (1818 – 1830). While the finances of samurai families were tight, people would entrust their household budget on a half-yearly basis to a roving steward who is the modern day accountant and management consultant. Karaki Ichibei (Mukai Osamu) takes care of the household budgets of families in desperate financial situations. He is not only adept at the abacus but also the sword. The selfless Ichibei goes over to all sorts of residences with his favourite abacus and helps people tormented by evil with a sword supple like the wind.
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/jidaigeki/soroban

Yake ni Ben no Tatsu Bengoshi ga Gakkou de Hoeru
Date: From 8.15 p.m., Saturdays, 21 April 2018
Station: NHK
Scriptwriter: Hamada Hideya (Chef ~ Mitsuboshi no Kyushoku, Naomi to Kanako, Haretsu)
Genre: School
Cast: Kamiki Ryunosuke, Tanabe Seiichi, Kishii Yukino, Hamada Mari, Sugawara Daikichi, Kosakai Kazuki, Minami Kaho
Synopsis: Rookie lawyer Taguchi Shotaro (Kamiki Ryunosuke) is in the principal’s office of Aoba Daichi Junior High School. Sent by the boss (Minami Kaho) of the law firm Takashiro for the School Lawyer system which is being introduced this spring, he meets a parent who has come in protest against the school for the corporal punishment her daughter received. She insists on suing the school. In response, Taguchi states that her action constitutes forcible obstruction of business and smoothly turns her away. The principal Kuramori Kenzo (Kosakai Kazuki) is pleased that a situation was averted. But the curriculum coordinator Miura Yuji (Tanabe Seiichi) opposes Taguchi’s method. Several days later, the punishment issue takes an unexpected turn. Angered by Taguchi’s attitude, the parent sends a document containing form teacher Mochizuki Shiori’s (Kishii Yukino) admission that she had used physical punishment … and her signature of all things. How will Taguchi solve this problem? This is the beginning of days wrestling with school problems with no answers.
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/dodra/yakeben

Uwasa no Onna
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Saturdays, 14 April 2018
Station: BS Japan
Scriptwriter: Fukuda Takuro (Bokura Playboys Jukunen Tanteisha, Tokubo, Keibuho Yabe Kenzo Series)
Original Work: Uwasa no Onna by Okuda Hideo
Cast: Adachi Rika, Nakamura Shunsuke, Ishinaru Kenjiro, Tayama Ryosei, Matsushita Kohei (guest star), Ochiai Motoki (guest star), Yuge Tomohisa (guest star), Rokkaku Seiji (guest star), David Ito (guest star), Yamada Meikyo (guest star)
Synopsis: During high school days, Itoi Miyuki (Adachi Rika) was plain and inconspicuous. However, at some point, she dramatically changed into an alluring woman. It gradually becomes clear that the men around Miyuki have been dying one after the other. All of them were drunk and drowned in the bath. Hearing the rumours, Kajima Naoyuki (Nakamura Shunsuke), a detective from a police precinct, sets out to make private inquiries into this but does not have contact with her in town despite a number of near misses. This is Kajima’s first big case in the five years since he was assigned to the Criminal Affairs Division and he is very psyched up. Will Miyuki be caught by him? Or will she be able to give him the slip?
Website: www.bs-j.co.jp/uwasa
Preview: Uwasa no Onna CM

Kaisha wa Gakkou jane-n da yo
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Saturdays, 21 April 2018
Network: Abema TV
Scriptwriter: Suzuki Osamu (Meishi Game, Nou ni Sumaho ga Umerareta!, Ubai Ai Fuyu)
Original Work: Shibuya de wa Hataraku Shachou no Kokuhaku by Fujita Susumu
Genre: Corporate
Cast: Miura Shohei, Saotome Taiichi, Uno Misako, Matsuoka Kodai, Matsuoka Mitsuru, Emoto Tokio, Shimazaki Haruka, Asaka Kodai, Toyohara Kosuke, Ikeda Tetsuhiro, Moriya Kanna, Shinohara Atsushi, Itohara Minami, Higa Rino
Synopsis: Fujimura Teppei (Miura Shohei), who was one of the “Shibuya Gyaruo” during his school days, is impressed by the words written in a book by the CEO (Toyohara Kosuke) of a start-up which he happened to pick up. He decides to join this company. Although he enters the start-up with great ambitions, the life he imagined is not easily attainable. Furthermore, he is even betrayed by the CEO whom he admired so much. After that, Fujimura decides to start a business with his friends. He is faced with one obstacle after another, looked down upon by others, betrayed by the people he trusts. Despite these setbacks, he keeps on moving forward while saying, “A company isn’t a school” … …
Website: drama-gakkoujyanee.abema.tv
Preview: Kaisha wa Gakkou jane-n da yo CM

Itsumade mo Shiroi Hane
Date: From 11.40 p.m., Saturdays, 7 April 2018
Station: Fuji TV
Scriptwriter: Komatsu Eriko (Hanamoyu, Tenchijin, Oishi Propose)
Original Work: Itsumade mo Shiroi Hane by Fujioka Yoko
Cast: Shinkawa Yua, Ito Sairi, Sakai Miki, Sato Honami, Seto Toshiki, Kiyohara Sho, Yanagisawa Shingo, Sakakibara Ikue, Kato Masaya
Synopsis: Kizaki Rumi (Shinkawa Yua) failed the university entrance exam and ends up attending a nursing school which was her backup in case she failed to get into university. It does not mean that she wants to be a nurse. There is no way she can become one since she is unsociable. Rumi goes through training each day, unable to make up her mind whether to quit and sit for the university exam one more time. However, as she meets colleagues of different generations and faces first love and dying patients, she becomes aware of a new self and eventually aspires to be a nurse. Rumi constantly speaks up about what she thinks is right. At times, this creates a gulf between the people around her. However, she grows bit by bit as she sincerely engages her colleagues with courage and conviction. Will the day come when she can spread her wings?
Website: tokai-tv.com/shiroihane
Preview: Itsumademo Shiroi Hane CM

Yami no Bansosha Season 2 ~ Henshuuchou no Jouken
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Saturdays, 31 March 2018
Station: WOWOW
Scriptwriter: Aso Kumiko (Cain & Abel, Zannenna Otto, Yami no Bansosha Season 1)
Original Work: Henshuuchou no Jouken by Nagasaki Takashi
Genre: Mystery
Cast: Furuta Arata, Matsushita Nao, Tsuda Kanji, Shiraishi Shunya, Konno Hiroki, Komiya Hironobu, Yagi Akiko, Nukumizu Yoichi, Nomaguchi Toru, Maeno Tomoya, Mano Kyoko, Morimoto Reo, Tanaka Min, Hiraizumi Sei, Iwamatsu Ryo
Synopsis: A legendary manga editor who once took the world by storm plunges to death from a building rooftop. The police quickly classify it as an accident because there is no suicide note or reason to suspect foul play. However, there are many riddles surrounding his death. His editorial staff and the people around him say he deserved to be killed. Was his death a murder or a suicide? Investigator Mizuno Yuki (Matsushita Nao) teams up with Daigo Shinji (Furuta Arata), who happened to take over as the manga editor, to solve his death. Their clue is an old manga manuscript by an anonymous author which the late manga editor left behind. The two of them pursue the investigation and eventually get to the unsolved Shimoyama case which was the biggest post-war mystery.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/dramaw/bansosha2
Related: Yami no Bansosha Season 1

Miss Devil ~ Jinji no Akuma
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Saturdays, 14 April 2018
Station: NTV
Scriptwriter: Yamaura Masahiro (Zenigata Keibu Series, Umi ni Furu, Roosevelt Game)
Cast: Nanao, Sato Shori, Kimura Yoshino, Funakoshi Eiichiro, Nishida Toshiyuki, Wada Masato, Shiraishi Sei, Tsurumi Shingo, Jinbo Satoshi (guest star), Nakagoshi Noriko (guest star)
Synopsis: Tsubaki Mako (Nanao) is a coldhearted, merciless human resource consultant who is called the devil. She solves problems which can occur in a company such as sexual harassment, power harassment, factional fighting and monster employees with bold methods and a signature phrase “You have the right to quit this company”.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/missdevil
Preview: Miss Devil CM

Ossan’s Love
Date: From 11.15 p.m., Saturdays, 21 April 2018
Station: TV Asahi
Scriptwriter: Tokuo Koji (Kimi ga Kokoro ni Sumitsuita, Aino Kekkon Soudanjo, Thrill)
Genre: Love comedy
Cast: Tanaka Kei, Yoshida Kotaro, Hayashi Kento, Uchida Rio, Kaneko Daichi, Ito Shuko, Mashima Hidekazu, Otsuka Nene
Synopsis: 33-year-old Haruta Soichi (Tanaka Kei) is a bachelor who works for the sales office of a real estate company. He wants to get married, but he isn’t popular with women. Haruta has a comfortable life living with his parents. But his mother kicks him out of the house all of a sudden in the hope that he will become independent. Haruta is at his wits end. He does not know how to cook or do laundry much less how to pay the utilities bill. At this moment, Maki Ryota (Hayashi Kento), a handsome junior, transfers from the head office. Maki is courteous, works hard and is even good at housework. Haruta proposes to live with Maki and feels relieved to have settled his housework issue. However, Haruta’s boss Kurosawa Musashi (Yoshida Kotaro) brings a bouquet of roses and confesses his feelings for him … …
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/ossanslove
Related: Ossan’s Love Drama Special

SPEC ~ SICK’S Jonosho ~ Naikaku Johou Chousashitsu Tokumu Jikou Senjuu-gakari Jikenbo
Date: From 1 – 31 April 2018 (daily)
Station: Paravi
Scriptwriter: Nishiogi Yumie (Joshu 7, Kaseifu no Mitazono, Tamiou)
Genre: Suspense
Cast: Kimura Fumino, Matsuda Shota, Kuroshima Yuina, Shinkawa Yua, Kobayashi Mariko, Namioka Kazuki, Yano Koji, Takasugi Ko, Wakamura Mayumi, Okada Yoshinori, Ikeda Dai, Matsumoto Honoka, Ugaki Misato, Mashima Hidekazu, Sano Shiro, Aikawa Sho, Takuma Shin (guest star), Ryu Raita
Synopsis: Mikuriya Suzuru (Kimura Fumino) is a genius with an IQ of 230 and a graduate from Harvard University. However, she has been hospitalised for the habit of harming herself because she is mentally unstable. She wears an eye patch on her right eye and has been warned by the doctor not to take it off. Takakura Hiroyo (Matsuda Shota) was a detective of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police’s Public Security Department. But he was forced to leave the department after a case involving a SPEC holder. He is honest to a fault due to his strong sense of justice, and there are also times when he cannot fit in with the people around him and with the organisation. Mikuriya and Takakura belong to the Tokumu, a unit in the Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office which is headed by Nonomura Kojiro (Ryu Raita) and deals with SPEC holders. A fight over SPEC holders develops into conflict between countries including Japan and a power struggle which embroils religious organisations and even the Self-Defence Forces. Sandwiched by their purpose of trying to gain control of the SPEC holders, Mikuriya and Takakura put up a fight together with Nonomura. This is where a mysterious presence in a black sailor suit, Ninomae Ito (Kuroshima Yuina), appears … …
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/sicks_specsaga
Preview: SPEC ~ SICK’S Jonosho CM

Koe Girl!
Date: From 2.30 a.m., Sundays, 8 April 2018
Station: TV Asahi
Scriptwriters: Fukuhara Kota (Yowamushi Pedal Series, Kaiju Club, Final Fantasy XIV: Hikari no Otousan), Hokimoto Shinya
Cast: Fukuhara Haruka, Nakamura Yurika, Nagao Maria, Amaki Jun, Yoshikura Aoi, Tomatsu Haruka, Nakao Masaki, Hidaka Noriko, Tsurumi Shingo
Synopsis: The only daughter of a grocer Kikuchi Makoto (Fukuhara Haruka), has no experience or knowledge of voice acting. One day, she is suddenly scouted by Oshima Yuichiro (Tsurumi Shingo), the manager of a talent agency called Ihara Office, and plunges into the world of voice acting without really thinking about it. The first post-recording that Makoto gets into without any warning, is for the anime series HappinessCharge Precure! and she records her lines but … … She sets her sights on becoming a professional voice actor as she lives with four other aspiring voice actresses Kuriyama Asami (Nakamura Yurika), Inaba Ren (Nagao Maria), Morimoto Konatsu (Amaki Jun) and Ochiai Ryoko (Yoshikura Aoi).
Website: www.asahi.co.jp/koegirl
Preview: Koe Girl! CM

Black Pean
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Sundays, 22 April 2018
Station: TBS
Scriptwriter: Ushio Kentaro (Chiisana Kyojin, Mutsuu, Heat)
Original Work: Black Pean by Kaido Takeru
Genre: Medical
Cast: Ninomiya Kazunari, Takeuchi Ryoma, Aoi Wakana, Hashimoto Satoshi, Kanno Misuzu, Shuri, Uchimura Haruka, Konno Hiroki, Okada Koki, Morita Kanro, Yamada Yusuke, Okazaki Sae, Matsukawa Naruki, Mizutani Kaho, Hara Anna, Maru Itta, Shibue Joji, Shigaki Taro, Tsuji Kazunaga, Baisho Mitsuko, Kato Ayako, Kato Koji, Ichikawa Ennosuke, Koizumi Kotaro, Uchino Masaaki
Synopsis: Tokai Seishiro (Ninomiya Kazunari), a surgeon who is a genius in suturing techniques, is a loner with no interest in career advancement and an eternal rank-and-file medical staff at Tojo University Medical Hospital. He is called the devil of the operating theatre by colleagues. While he prides himself for his 100% success rate, his arrogance constantly causes friction with the people around him. Takashina Gonta (Koizumi Kotaro), a newly appointed lecturer from a well-known university, brings in the latest surgical equipment called Snipe in an attempt to introduce new forms of surgery. His boast that surgeons’ skills are completely unnecessary, sparks an outcry in the hospital and medical field. Questioning whether there is an ulterior motive, Tokai opposes it. Meanwhile, jousting for the truth hidden in a black haemostatic forceps called the “black pean” and Tokai’s own connection are both revealed.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/blackpean_tbs
Preview: Black Pean CM

Innocent Days
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 18 March 2018
Station: WOWOW
Scriptwriter: Goto Noriko (Uso no Sensou, Kazoku no Katachi, Toshi Densetsu no Onna Series)
Original Work: Innocent Days by Hayami Kazumasa
Genre: Suspense
Cast: Tsumabuki Satoshi, Takeuchi Yuko, Arai Hirofumi, Yoshine Kyoko, Tomosaka Rie, Hasegawa Kyoko, Ikeuchi Hiroyuki, Yamanaka Takashi, Ashina Sei, Satsukawa Aimi, Kiyohara Kaya, Taguchi Hiromasa, Hara Hideko, Ishibashi Renji, Yo Kimiko
Synopsis: Sasaki Shinichi (Tsumabuki Satoshi) watches his childhood friend Tanaka Yukino (Takeuchi Yuko) receive the death sentence in court. She had set the apartment of Inoue Keisuke (Ikeuchi Hiroyuki) whom she had dated on fire, and caused his wife and child to be burned to death. Shinichi’s intuition tells him that Yukino is not the real criminal. Wanting to save Yukino, he goes to meet the different people who know her, but hears about her bitter past wherever he goes. Meanwhile, Yukino waits dispassionately for the time of her death sentence which is drawing near. Prison guard Sadoyama Hitomi (Yoshine Kyoko) begins to be drawn to her for some reason … …
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/dramaw/innocentdays
Preview: Innocent Days CM

PTA Grandpa Season 2
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 8 April 2018
Station: NHK BS Premium
Scriptwriter: Okazaki Satoko (Totone-chan, Detarame Hero)
Original Work: PTA Grandpa by Nakazawa Hinako
Genre: Family
Cast: Matsudaira Ken, Adachi Yumi, Matobu Sei, Mashima Hidekazu, Yuki Jutta, Nakahara Takeo, Asada Miyoko
Synopsis: Muso Tsutomu (Matsudaira Ken) is running for the position of vice chairman of the parent-teacher association for next year. Uchida Junko (Adachi Yumi) has been nominated the chairman and the members are not very different from the last academic year, but with the addition of new faces Seko (Mashima Hidekazu), a single father who also ran for vice chairman and Dojima (Yuki Jutta), the new teacher in charge of the parent-teacher association, Aoba Elementary School’s new parent-teacher association gets started. Tsutomu learns about the existence of a “old men’s association” in other schools and plans to set one up in the school too together with the parent-teacher association’s former chairman Oribe (Tozuka Junki). However, things do not look good.
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/pd/pta2
Related: PTA Grandpa Season 1

60 Gohan Taisakushitsu
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 6 May 2018
Station: WOWOW
Scriptwriter: Takada Ryo (Gugu datte Neko de Aru Series)
Original Work: 60 Gohan Taisakushitsu by Ishikawa Tomotake
Genre: Legal suspense
Cast: Tachi Hiroshi, Furukawa Yuki, Hoshino Mari, Murakami Jun, Akahori Masaaki, Hamakawa Fumie, Sakai Wakana, Takehara Pistol, Kan Suon
Synopsis: Veteran detective Arima Eiji (Tachi Hiroshi), who is on the verge of retirement, young lawyer Sera Shoichi (Furukawa Yuki) and public prosecutor Haruna Misuzu (Hoshino Mari) belong to a unit which re-investigates death-row inmates and probes the possibility of wrong convictions. Arima once wrongly charged an innocent person in a case which he was responsible for. However, he begins to investigate one of the unit’s cases with feelings of atonement for that past case and suspicions of possible false charges, he arrives at a death-row inmate. Despite running into numerous riddles, the hidden truth gradually begins to emerge one after another. As the execution of this inmate approaches, the various battles of Arima, Sera, Misuzu become one and the story hurtles to a climax.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/dramaw/60
Preview: 60 Gohan Taisakushitsu CM

Gakeppuchi Hotel!
Date: From 10.30 p.m., Sundays, 15 April 2018
Station: NTV
Scriptwriter: Tsuchida Hideo (Kono Yo ni Tayasui Shigoto wa Nai, Saito-san Series)
Genre: Comedy
Cast: Iwata Takanori, Toda Erika, Hamabe Minami, Nakamura Tomoya, Miyagawa Daisuke, Saeki Daichi, Nishio Mari, Kukki, Chad Mullane, Suzuki Kosuke, Watanabe Ikkei, Ryou, Kawaei Rina, Suzuki Rio (guest star), Haba Yuichi (guest star), Shibukawa Kiyohiko (guest star), Sato Ryuta (guest star)
Synopsis: A once exclusive hotel in the outskirts well-known to only people in the know, is now on the brink of bankruptcy with a debt of 300 million yen, under the management of incapable and unmotivated staff. The diligent, rookie general manager Sakurai Sana (Toda Erika) is too young, the new patissier Hourai Haru (Hamabe Minami) cannot read situations, the executive chef Eguchi Ryuji (Nakamura Tomoya) is obsessed with boat racing, the cleaner Yoshimura Naomi (Nishio Mari) is an amenities thief, the bartender Edakawa Kozue (Ryou) is always drunk and the assistant general manager Tokisada Masao (Watanabe Ikkei) is suspected of embezzlement. Then an unlikely young man Ukai Naoya (Iwata Takanori) shows up as a mysterious guest, and the staff who only have an abundance of pride, regard him disagreeably. No one knows just yet that his arrival will overturn everything about this hotel … …
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/gakehote
Teaser: Gakeppuchi Hotel! CM

Miss Sherlock
Date: From 27 April 2018
Network: Hulu & HBO Asia
Scriptwriters: Marumo Akane (White Lab, Fukuie Keibuho no Aisatsu, Honboshi), Kotani Nobuaki, Masaike Yosuke (Massage Tantei Joe), Oikawa Mami (ST Aka to Shiro no Sousa File, Maruho no Onna, Summer Rescue), Mori Junichi (Hamon (Yakubyougami Series))
Genre: Investigative
Cast: Takeuchi Yuko, Kanjiya Shihori, Takito Kenichi, Nakamura Tomoya, Otani Ryohei, Ozawa Yukiyoshi, Saito Yuki, Ito Ran, Kojima Kazuya (guest star), Konno Mahiru (guest star), Kinami Haruka (guest star), Tanaka Kei (guest star), Adachi Yumi (guest star), Takahashi Tsutomu (guest star), Izumi Rika (guest star), Fuchikami Yasushi (guest star), Kikuchi Rinko (guest star)
Synopsis: What if Sherlock Holmes and Dr John Watson were in present day Japan? And what if they were both Japanese women – Sara Shelly Futaba (Takeuchi Yuko), an investigation consultant to the police department who solves bizarre and difficult cases, and Dr Wato Tachibana (Kanjiya Shihori), a surgeon recently returned from a volunteer doctors’ mission in Syria.
Website: www.happyon.jp/miss-sherlock
Preview: Miss Sherlock Introduction

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