Spring 2019 Dramas

Natsuzora^*UPDATED*
Date: From 8.00 a.m., Mondays – Saturdays, 1 April 2019
Station: NHK
Scriptwriter: Omori Sumio (Frankenstein no Koi, Seirei no Moribito Series, Nezumi Edo o Hashiru Series)
Cast: Hirose Suzu, Okada Masaki, Kusakari Masao, Matsushima Nanako, Fujiki Naohito, Kiyohara Sho, Fukuchi Momoko, Kobayashi Takashi, Otoo Takuma, Yasuda Ken, Takahata Atsuko, Yamada Yuki, Yoshizawa Ryo, Totsugi Shigeyuki, Kobayashi Ayako, Sendo Nobuko, Hirao Nanaka, Tomita Miu, Inukai Atsuhiro, Emoto Tasuku, Nakahara Takeo, Kitano Kii, Yamaguchi Tomoko, Higa Manami, Kondo Yoshimasa, Lily Franky, Toda Keiko, Suzuki Anju, Mizutani Kaho, Kudo Asuka, Iura Arata, Kanjiya Shihori, Nakagawa Taishi, Sometani Shota, Watanabe Mayu, Kiyohara Kaya, Ihara Rikka, Kawashima Akira, Kote Shinya, Kinoshita Houka, Kadono Takuzo, Toda Naho, Uchimura Teruyoshi
Synopsis: 9-year-old Okuhara Natsu (Awano Sari) lost her parents (Uchimura Teruyoshi, Toda Naho) in the war and was separated from her older brother Saitaro (Watanabe Ao) and younger sister Chiharu (Tanaka Noa). In the summer of 1946, she is taken to Tokachi in Hokkaido by her adoptive father Shibata Takeo (Fujiki Naohito) who was her father’s comrade in arms. The Shibatas are dairy farmers from the Hokuriku region. As Natsu helps out with dairy farming, she regains her cheerfulness. She begins to learn about the spirit of the settlers and the importance of life from Shibata’s father-in-law Taiju (Kusakari Masao), a first-generation immigrant to Hokkaido. In elementary school, Natsu is introduced to animated films, which had become popular in America at that time, by a youth called Yamada Tenyo (Yoshizawa Ryo). She is moved by this dreamlike world. Under the influence of Tenyo who aspires to be an artist, Natsu (Hirose Suzu) hopes to get a job where she can draw. However, Shibata wants her to marry his only son Teruo (Kiyohara Sho) and take over the farm. At this point, Natsu is informed that her brother (Okada Masaki) is working in Tokyo. The day when she leaves draws near … …
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/natsuzora
Preview: Natsuzora Introduction

Takane to Hana
Date: From 18 March 2019 (updated every Monday)
Station: Fuji on Demand
Scriptwriters: Takeda Juri (Juken no Cinderella, Rikon Bengoshi), Nishikori Iyo, Yamamoto Nana
Original Work: Takane to Hana by Shiwasu Yuki
Genre: Love comedy
Cast: Takasugi Mahiro, Takeuchi Aisa, Ito Asahi, Tozuka Junki, Kirizasaki Eiji, Endo Kenshin, Nagami Rea, Miyazaki Yu, Nishihori Ryo, Nito Yuko, Deguchi Arisa, Okada Koki, Shinagawa Toru
Synopsis: 26-year-old Saibara Takane (Takasugi Mahiro), the scion of the Takaba Group, has the perfect looks and perfect career but is a snob. One day, he is introduced to Nonomura Hana (Takeuchi Aisa), an ordinary high school student 10 years his junior, at an arranged marriage meeting. Disguised as her older sister Yukari (Deguchi Arisa) who refused to meet him, Hana intends to end things amicably. However, she is so infuriated with Takane’s haughty attitude and insulting words that she shouts defiantly at him and leaves. Takane is intrigued by Hana who is unaffected by his appearance and status while Hana accepts the match to bring him to his knees. As the two of them trade barbs, and run hot and cold, glimpses of pure love can be seen.
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/takanetohana
Preview: Takane to Hana CM

Shousetsu Ou
Date: From 22 April 2019 (updated every Monday)
Station: Fuji on Demand
Scriptwriters: Koyama Shota (Zettai Reido Season 3, Inochi Urimasu, Career), Hikawa Kayo (Strawberry Night Saga, Cecile no Mokuromi, Kirawareru Yuuki)
Original Work: Shousetsu Ou by Hayami Kazumasa
Cast: Shirahama Aran, Koyanagi Yu, Sakuraba Nanami, Kajihara Zen, Nishioka Tokuma, Ono Yuriko, Morita Kanro, Rokkaku Shinji, Ikeda Ryo, Nagami Rea, Sudo Ren
Synopsis: Writer Yoshida Toyotaka (Shirahama Aran) is a one-hit wonder who once won a big award in the past but lived in obscurity after that. Feeling the limits of his talent, he is about to end his writing career when he meets Koyanagi Shuntaro (Koyanagi Yu), a third-rate editor who is actually a childhood friend that drifted apart, and Sakura Haruko (Sakuraba Nanami), a fan. Yoshida and Koyanagi try to change the publishing industry slump through the power a book.
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/shosetsuoh
Preview: Shousetsu Ou CM

Yasuragi no Toki ~ Michi
Date: From 12.30 p.m., Mondays – Fridays, 8 April 2019 (for two seasons)
Station: TV Asahi
Scriptwriter: Kuramoto Sou (Yasuragi no Sato, Kaze no Garden, Haikei Chichiue-sama)
Cast: Fubuki Jun, Seino Nana, Ishizaka Koji, Asaoka Ruriko, Kaga Mariko, Mickey Curtis, Yamamoto Kei, Kamijo Tsunehiko, Fuji Tatsuya, Nadaka Tatsuo, Kusakari Tamiyo, Itaya Yuka, Kazama Shunsuke, Hirayama Hiroyuki, Miyata Toshiya, Kishimoto Kayoko, Hashizume Isao, Yanagiba Toshiro (guest star)
Synopsis: Kikumura Sakae (Ishizaka Koji) begins writing a script based on the late “princess” Kujo Setsuko (Seino Nana/Fubuki Jun) from his recollection of a script set in a mountain village in Yamanashi Prefecture about a couple who lived through the Showa and Heisei periods, that was rejected in the past.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/yasuraginotoki

Radiation House ~ Houshasenka no Shindan Report
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Mondays, 8 April 2019
Station: Fuji TV
Scriptwriter: Okita Haruka (Good Doctor, Keiji Yugami, Sukina Hito ga Iru Koto)
Original Work: Radiation House by Yokomaku Tomohiro
Genre: Medical
Cast: Kubota Masataka, Honda Tsubasa, Hirose Alice, Suzuki Nobuyuki, Endo Kenichi, Yamaguchi Sayaka, Asano Kazuyuki, Wakui Emi, Hamano Kenta, Maruyama Tomomi, Yano Masato, Issey Ogata (guest star), Nakagoshi Noriko (guest star), Uchiyama Rina (guest star), Yamamoto Maika (guest star), Sato Megumi (guest star)
Synopsis: Igarashi Iori (Kubota Masataka) is a talented radiographer who believes the “truth” is definitely captured in CT and MRI images. He and radiologist Amakasu An (Honda Tsubasa) work at a hospital’s radiology department where they determine the causes of patients’ illnesses and injuries.
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/radiationhouse

Spiral ~ Machikoujou no Kiseki
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Mondays, 15 April 2019
Station: TV Tokyo
Scriptwriter: Habara Daisuke (Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu, Kurokawa no Techou (2017), Godan)
Original Work: Hagetaka 4.5/Spiral by Mayama Jin
Cast: Tamaki Hiroshi, Kanjiya Shihori, Tozuka Junki, Fukushi Seiji, Nonami Maho, Mizusawa Erena, Maehara Ko, Watanabe Kunito, Shima Takeaki, Toyama Toshiya, Hasegawa Jun, Takarabe Kahomi, Ono Takehiko, Hiraizumi Sei, Mashima Hidekazu, Maya Miki, Kunimura Jun
Synopsis: Shibano Takeo (Tamaki Hiroshi) is a corporate restructuring expert. He shifts from a major electronics manufacturer to a small metal moulding factory called Majitech upon the sudden death of his benefactor, the talented inventor Fujimura Tokio (Hiraizumi Sei). Majitech is on the brink of bankruptcy and he has to turn it around. Shibano battles together with the late Fujimura’s daughter Asako (Kanjiya Shihori), her younger brother Nozomu (Tozuka Junki) who feels a sense of inferiority, Fujimura’s right-hand man Okemoto (Kunimura Jun) and others to save the factory. However, a vengeful Murao Koichi (Mashima Hidekazu), who had a connection with Shibano in the past, and a foreign fund Horizon headed by CEO Naomi Tominaga (Maya Miki), attempt to take over Majitech for some purpose.
Website: www.bs-tvtokyo.co.jp/spiral

Itsuka, Nemuri ni Tsuku Hi
Date: From 12.00 a.m., Tuesdays, 12 March 2019
Station: Fuji on Demand
Scriptwriter: Motoyama Kumiko
Original Work: Itsuka, Nemuri ni Tsuku Hi by Inu Jun
Cast: Otomo Karen, Koseki Yuta, Kai Shoma, Kita Noa
Synopsis: Morino Hotaru (Otomo Karen) is a second year high school student who has had an unrequited crush on Otaka Ren (Kai Shoma) since junior high school. One day, while on a school trip with Ren and her good friend Yamamoto Shiori (Kita Noa), their bus gets into an accident. When Hotaru wakes up, she is told by Kuro (Koseki Yuta) who is dressed fully in black, “I’m your guide. Morino Hotaru, listen carefully. You are dead.” Hotaru learns that if she does not get over her attachment to three things within 49 days, she will end up becoming a ghost bound to a specific physical location. And so, Hotaru sets out to settle the three lingering regrets with the limited time she has, in the company of Kuro.
Website: fod.fujitv.co.jp/s/genre/drama/ser4g87

Atama ni Kitemo Aho to wa Tatakauna!
Date: From 12.59 a.m., Tuesdays, 23 April 2019
Station: NTV
Scriptwriter: Fukihara Kota (Yube wa Otanoshimi deshite ne, I”s, 99.9 Keiji Senmon Bengoshi Series)
Original Work: Atama ni Kitemo Aho to wa Tatakauna! by Tamura Kotaro
Genre: Semi-biographical
Cast: Chinen Yuri, Jinbo Satoshi, Wakatsuki Yumi, Hasegawa Tomoharu, Shibuya Kento, Okumura Kae, Sumida Kyoka, Aoyama Megu, Naritto, Sato Ryuta, Namase Katsuhisa
Synopsis: Tanimura Kotaro (Chinen Yuri) was granted an early entry into Cambridge University in the UK and returned to Japan after obtaining his MBA. He joined an established toy manufacturer as a new recruit. He has big ambitions but there the fools that he must deal with on the road to success – fools that rob people like him of precious time, energy and opportunities and get in his way. This passionate young man will have to use his wits and energy to deal with the fools of this world without a fight as he paves the way to his future.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/Ahodrama
Preview: Atama ni Kitemo Aho to wa Tatakauna! CM

Perfect World
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 16 April 2019
Station: Fuji TV
Scriptwriter: Nakatani Mayumi (Tonari no Kazoku wa Aoku Mieru, Jimi ni Sugoi Series, Last Cinderella)
Original Work: Perfect World by Aruga Rie
Genre: Romance
Cast: Matsuzaka Tori, Yamamoto Mizuki, Seto Koji, Nakamura Yuri, Matsumura Hokuto, Kimura Yuichi, Mizusawa Erena, Horiuchi Keiko, Toyota Maho, Aso Yumi, Matsushige Yutaka
Synopsis: Architect Ayukawa Itsuki (Matsuzaka Tori) is paralyzed from waist down. Although he was the ace of the basketball club back in high school, he injured his spinal cord in an accident while in the third year in university. After that, he decided that he would not play basketball or fall in love ever again because he is wheelchair-bound. Itsuki was Kawana Tsugumi’s (Yamamoto Mizuki) classmate and her first love. Tsugumi liked drawing and her ambition was to get into art college. But she lacked confidence and gave up on the entrance exam. Even though she got into an interior design firm, it is a clerical position. Itsuki and Tsugumi happen to meet again at a work-related drinking session. The two of them are attracted to each other. However, they face problems including disapproving parents, the appearance of a love rival and illness as they search for the meaning of happiness.
Website: www.ktv.jp/perfectworld
Preview: Perfect World Teaser

Watashi, Teiji de Kaerimasu
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 16 April 2019
Station: TBS
Scriptwriters: Okudera Satoko (Reverse, N no Tame ni, Yakou Kanransha), Shimizu Yukako (Aino Kekkon Soudanjo, Reverse, Fukigenna Kajitsu (2016))
Original Work: Watashi, Teiji de Kaerimasu by Akeno Kaeruko
Genre: Office
Cast: Yoshitaka Yuriko, Mukai Osamu, Nakamaru Yuichi, Emoto Tokio, Izumisawa Yuki, Shishido Kafka, Sakurada Dori, Eguchi Noriko, Kajihara Zen, Sakai Toshiya, Uchida Yuki, Santamaria Yusuke
Synopsis: 32-year-old Higashiyama Yui (Yoshitaka Yuriko) is a director at Net Heroes, a web production company. Her motto has been to leave work on time ever since she suffered some past trauma when she was a fresh graduate. Yui does not believe in living for work. She tries to be effective and productive while at work and cherishes her personal life, enjoying beer at her regular Chinese restaurant after she leaves office. However, when a new department manager Fukunaga Seiji (Santamaria Yusuke) comes on board, Yui’s life starts to change. She struggles between her boss and colleagues Taneda Kotaro (Mukai Osamu), her workaholic ex-fiancee; Azuma Toru (Emoto Tokio), the inefficient front-end engineer who lives in the office; Kurusu Taito (Izumisawa Yuki), the unmotivated newbie who always talks about quitting; Mitani Kanako (Shishido Kafka), a fellow web director with a perfect attendance, and Shizugatake Yae (Uchida Yuki), her mentor who has just had twins; but pulls off small miracles every day.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/watatei
Preview: Watashi, Teiji de Kaerimasu CM

Otto no Chinpo ga Hairanai
Date: From 20 March 2019
Station: FOD & Netflix Japan
Scriptwriter: Kurosawa Hisako (Minshuu no Teki, Tokyo Joshi Zukan, Arechi no Koi)
Original Work: Otto no Chinpo ga Hairanai by Godama
Cast: Nakamura Aoi, Ishibashi Natsumi, Ono Machiko, Sakai Maki, Eguchi Noriko, Hamano Kenta, Matsuo Satoru, Ochiai Motoki, Tsutsui Mariko, Harumi Shiho, Kunihiro Tomiyuki, Chiba Masako
Synopsis: Kumiko (Ishibashi Natsumi) enters university and begins dating Kenichi (Nakamura Aoi) who has moved into the same apartment. On the first night that they try to sleep together, Kenichi cannot perform at all. Even after that, the two of them are unable to make love. However, their desire to be together because they love each other is stronger and they decide to get married. Kumiko feels a strong sense of inferiority that she cannot do something normal like this while an anguished Kenichi thinks he is “defective” and cannot make her happy. The couple gradually drift apart.
Website: fod.fujitv.co.jp/s/genre/drama/ser4f47

Toritsu Mizusho! ~ Reiwa
Date: From 1.28 a.m., Wednesdays, 8 May 2019
Station: TBS
Scriptwriter: Mori Hayashi (Himo Men, Saki Series, Nou ni Sumaho ga Umerareta!)
Original Work: Toritsu Mizusho! by Murozumi Hikaru
Genre: School
Cast: Ryusei Ryo, Tsunematsu Yuri, Seto Toshiki, Kamio Fuju, Ohara Yuno, Iikubo Haruna, Ogura Yuka, Onodera Akira, Bhandari Asaya, Tomita Kentaro, Hamatsu Takayuki, Suzunosuke, Nagao Mariya, Hotta Akane, Matsui Rena, Masu Takeshi
Synopsis: It is a new era, Reiwa. A high school located in Kabukicho in Tokyo’s Shinjuku ward. Known as Toritsu Mizusho for short, it is a metropolitan school which provides education related to the night entertainment business. 23-year-old Ishiwata Naoki (Ryusei Ryo), who has been job hunting, finds employment in the night entertainment business for the title of “teacher” because of his girlfriend Haruka (Hotta Akane). After getting a job, he learns for the first time that this school specialises in the night entertainment business. It conducts four courses – cabaret, host, manager and soapgirl. Naoki feels uncomfortable after he learns the truth about the school such as “champagne calls” at morning assembly and the fierce competition at cabaret practice. He ends up being put in charge of Class 3C but quickly gets involved in unending and unexpected trouble caused by his students.
Website: www.mbs.jp/mizusho

Hakui no Senshi
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Wednesdays, 10 April 2019
Station: NTV
Scriptwriter: Umeda Mika (Seigi no Se, 37.5°C no Namida, Hanasaki Mai ga Damattenai Series)
Genre: Comedy
Cast: Nakajo Ayami, Mizukawa Asami, Kotaki Nozomu, Katase Nana, Suzuki Sarina, Komatsu Ayaka, Yamazaki Moka, Miyake Ryosuke, Yasuda Ken, Sawamura Ikki, Tomita Yasuko (guest star), Suzuki Jin (guest star), Hotta Mayu (guest star), Zaizen Naomi (guest star), Shirasu Jin (guest star), Kawashima Ririka (guest star), Kirishima Reika (guest star), Tonesaku Toshihide (guest star), Saeki Daichi (guest star), Omura Ayako (guest star), Kaneda Akio (guest star), Umezawa Masayo (guest star), Tanaka Kotaro (guest star)
Synopsis: Cheerful, unconventional Tachibana Haruka (Nakajo Ayami) used to be a delinquent but is now a rookie nurse. She is compassionate and easily moved to tears. She hates anything crooked and unreasonable. Although Haruka fulfilled her dream to become a nurse, she is constantly shocked by the gap between the world she had imagined and reality, and repeatedly makes blunders. Her supervisor is Mihara Natsumi (Mizukawa Asami), a veteran nurse who has the disposition of a caring big sister. Natsumi is trusted by their superiors, colleagues as well as patients. A hopeless romantic who wants to pampered by a man, she has been proactively hunting for a marriage partner so that she can quit being a nurse. But she has not been successful yet. As Natsumi guides Haruka, her feelings begin to change.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/hakui
Preview: Hakui no Senshi Teaser

Iyasaretai Otoko
Date: From 1.35 a.m., Thursdays, 11 April 2019
Station: TV Tokyo & Paravi
Scriptwriters: Yoshimoto Masahiro (Onna no Naka ni Iru Tanin, Kageri Yuku Natsu, Bokura Playboys Jukunen Tanteisha), Tanaka Shinichi (Sasurai Onsen, Fuhatsudan, Shitsuji Saionji no Meisuiri), Mizoi Eiichi Davis (Shogi Meshi, Hana no Zubora Meishi)
Cast: Suzuki Kosuke, Uno Misako, Takasaki Shota, Hankai Kazuaki
Synopsis: 44-year-old Akiyama Hiroshi (Suzuki Kosuke) is an ordinary salaryman who works for a small toilet manufacturer. He feels stressed daily as a middle manager, having to guide his subordinates (Uno Misako, Takasaki Shota) and clean up mess. As a way to relieve his stress, Akiyama targets the beautiful women he sees on the streets, at the convenience store and client companies, and has sexual fantasies about them. He is a pure pervert with the imagination of an average junior high school student. Akiyama often goes to a convenience store near his job. There, he meets a convenience store clerk and a married woman whom he gives the nicknames Puniko Irojiro and Mureko. His sexual fantasies now involves these women.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/iyasaretai
Preview: Iyasaretai Otoko CM

Kinkyuu Torishirabeshitsu Season 3
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Thursdays, 11 April 2019
Station: TV Asahi
Scriptwriter: Inoue Yumiko (Kinkyuu Torishirabeshitsu Series, Pandora Series, 14-sai no Haha)
Genre: Investigative
Cast: Amami Yuki, Tanaka Tetsushi, Hayami Mokomichi, Suzuki Kosuke, Okura Koji, Denden, Tsukaji Muga, Kohinata Fumiyo, Nakamura Shizuka, Ikushima Yuki, Asano Atsuko (guest star), Ichikawa Yui (guest star), Konno Mahiru (guest star), Matsui Jurina (guest star), Kakei Miwako (guest star), Imai Yuki (guest star), Matsumoto Marika (guest star), Washio Machiko (guest star), Maya Kyoko (guest star), Kokubu Sachiko (guest star), Yamazaki Shigenori (guest star), Kurashina Kana (guest star), Okubo Kayoko (guest star)
Synopsis: Makabe Yukiko (Amami Yuki) is a detective in the First Investigative Division’s Emergency Investigation Response Team. They are a team of interrogation experts that goes by the name of Kintori. Surrounded by idiosyncratic veteran interrogators (Tanaka Tetsushi, Denden, Osugi Ren, Kohinata Fumiyo), she pursues the truth hidden behind cases as she plays mind and word games with tough criminals.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/kintori
Related: Kinkyuu Torishirabeshitsu Season 2

Strawberry Night Saga
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Thursdays, 11 April 2019
Station: Fuji TV
Scriptwriters: Tokunaga Yuichi (Good Doctor, Kuragehime, Keiji Yugami), Hikawa Kayo (Cecile no Mokuromi, Kirawareru Yuuki, GTO (2014)), Seki Erika (Gosaigyou, Kekkon Aite wa Chusen de, Hello Harinezumi)
Original Work: Himekawa Reiko Series by Honda Tetsuya
Genre: Detective
Cast: Kamenashi Kazuya, Nikaido Fumi, Hayama Shono, Shishido Kai, Nakabayashi Taiki, Shigeoka Daiki, Konno Hiroki, Kikuchi Momoko (guest star), Ibu Masato, Jinbo Satoshi, Yamaguchi Makiya, Okada Koki, Eguchi Yosuke, Horii Arata (guest star), Terawaki Yasufumi (guest star), Kurosawa Asuka (guest star), Yamamoto Koji (guest star)
Synopsis: Himekawa Reiko (Nikaido Fumi) became an assistant inspector with the Tenth Homicide Section at the young age of 27 even though she was not on the career track. As the only female section chief in the First Investigative Division, she leads Team Himekawa, armed with her intuition, dramatic ideas and energy, and has solved many challenging cases. Her older subordinate Kikuta Kazuo (Kamenashi Kazuya), a sergeant, is initially skeptical of her when he is transferred to the team. However, he gradually comes to realise her competence and charm, and special feelings begin to grow. Reiko’s nemesis is Katsumata Kensaku (Eguchi Yosuke), an assistant inspector with the Fifth Homicide Section. Although he boasts an overwhelming lead in the number of arrests, his illegal investigation methods have also drawn suspicion.
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/strawberrynight
Preview: Strawberry Night Saga Teaser

Mukai no Bazuru Kazoku
Date: From 11.59 p.m., Thursdays, 4 April 2019
Station: NTV
Scriptwriter: Magy (Kanna-san!, Rinshou Hanzai Gakusha Himura Hideo no Suiri)
Genre: Comedy
Cast: Uchida Rio, Takaoka Saki, Shirasu Jin, Kinoshita Takayuki, Nachi, Ogawa Sara, Nagano Munenori, Yamanaka Takashi, Fujii Takemi, Ono Takehiko
Synopsis: Kagari Akari (Uchida Rio) is the manager of a cafe. An earnest young lady, she plays the good child who conforms to the expectations of the people around her. But on the internet, she is a completely different person and she keeps this “dark side” a secret from her family, friends and even colleagues. Then one day, Akari’s life totally changes with the sudden appearance of the perfect love and a video that can happen to anyone. She gets elevated to an influencer after the video goes viral on the internet, and upends her family’s quiet life.
Website: www.ytv.co.jp/buzz
Preview: Mukai no Bazuru Kazoku CM

Yuri da no Kan da no
Date: From 24 May 2019 (updated on Fridays)
Station: Fuji on Demand
Scriptwriter: Nojima Shinji (Kareshi o Loan de Kaimashita, Papa Katsu)
Cast: Baba Fumika, Kojima Fujiko, Zaiki Takuma, Nakao Yuka, Tomaru Sayaka, Kasahara Hideyuki, Miyamoto Maki, Ishiguro Ken
Synopsis: University student Shinohara Yuri (Baba Fumika) is troubled by a stalker and decides to move because of continuous harassment such as used tissue stuffed inside her mailbox at home. At the real estate company, Yuri is recommended a new property. She is called Yuri-chan by Ninomiya Kairi (Kojima Fujiko), the female employee who shows her around, and told that they were elementary school classmates. Yuri recalls that Kairi was a junior idol back then. The two of them hug each other and rejoice in their reunion. However, Yuri feels something more than the joy of meeting again in Kairi’s words and the length of her hug, and experiences discomfort … …
Website: –
Preview: Yuri da no Kan da no CM

Kakafukaka ~ Kojirase Otona no Sharehouse
Date: From 12.59 a.m., Fridays, 26 April 2019
Station: TBS
Scriptwriter: Aso Kumiko (Gosaigyou, Double Fantasy, Yami no Bansosha Series)
Original Work: Kakafukaka by Ishida Takumi
Genre: Romance
Cast: Morikawa Aoi, Nakao Masaki, Yuki Kousei, Nakamura Risa
Synopsis: 24-year-old Terada Aki (Morikawa Aoi) failed in her job hunt and is going through an existential crisis when she happens to meet her ex-boyfriend, Hongyo Tomoya (Nakao Masaki) who was the first guy she slept with, at a sharehouse. They unexpectedly begin sharing a bed together.
Website: www.mbs.jp/kakafukaka

Shitsuji Saionji no Meisuiri Season 2
Date: From 8.00 p.m., Fridays, 19 April 2019
Station: TV Tokyo
Scriptwriters: Fujii Kiyomi (Keiji Yugami, Utsubokazura no Yume, Renai Jidai), Oishi Tetsuya (Kirawareru Yuuki, Shitsuji Saionji no Meisuiri Season 1, Scapegoat), Mira Shunsuke, Manabe Chiaki (Shitsuji Saionji no Meisuiri Season 1, Tokusou 9, Saikyou no Futari), Sakamaki Koji (Akuryo Byoto, Hontou ni Atta Kowai Hanashi Series 2015 – 2018)
Genre: Mystery
Cast: Kamikawa Takaya, Yoshiyuki Kazuko, Mizuki Arisa, Sato Jiro, Asari Yosuke, Morinaga Yuki, Satomi Kotaro, Furuya Ikkou, Hirayama Yusuke, Sakurano Ayane, Iketani Nobue, Asano Yuko (guest star), Princess Tenno (guest star)
Synopsis: Saionji Hajime (Kamikawa Takaya) serves the wealthy Ijuuin family. He graduated at the top of the London school for butlers. As the perfect butler, housekeeping skills and management of the mansion go without saying. He mastered martial arts and also has knowledge of all sorts of genres including science and history. Saionji has established a firm relationship of trust with Yuriko (Yoshiyuki Kazuko), the widow of the head (Satomi Kotaro) of the Ijuuin family. He abides by the wishes of the inquisitive Yuriko and independently investigate difficult case. 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

Daifugou Doushin
Date: From 8.00 p.m., Fridays, 10 May 2019
Station: NHK BS Premium
Scriptwriters: Komatsu Eriko (Nukemairu, Itsumade mo Shiroi Hane, Hanamoyu), Ito Yasuro
Original Work: Daifugou Doushin by Ban Daisuke
Genre: Period
Cast: Nakamura Hayato, Shinkawa Yua, Ikeuchi Hiroyuki, Ishii Masanori, Ishiguro Hideo, Ozawa Hitoshi, Murata Takehiro, Yanagishita Tomo, Watanabe Ikkei, Inamori Izumi, Ryu Raita
Synopsis: Unokichi (Nakamura Hayato), the grandchild of Edo’s wealthiest merchant Mikuniya Tokuemon (Ryu Raita), becomes a constable in an unexpected turn of events. His immense wealth and detached manner amazes his colleagues. However, Unokichi does not care at all. He is hopeless with the sword, cannot run and is afraid of the dark. Although he is totally unsuitable for the job, he keeps causing misunderstandings with the people around him as he solves many cases that occur in Edo with their help.
Website: www4.nhk.or.jp/P5543

Mushikago no Jomae
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Fridays, 22 March 2019
Network: WOWOW
Scriptwriters: Shimizu Masashi (Otoko Meshi), Kodera Kazuhisa (Shinjuku Seven)
Original Work: Mushikago no Jomae by Narita Ryogo
Genre: Action suspense
Cast: Suzuki Hiroki, Kiyohara Sho, Uno Shohei, Kuroda Daisuke, Ikeda Akana, Hagiwara Minori, Sadamoto Fuma, Matsumoto Ukyo, Suzuki Shinsuke, Yamanaka Takashi, Murakami Wataru, Izawa Yuki, Akazawa Tomoru, Niina Motohiro, Chiba Masako, Tanigawa Shoichiro, Kobayashi Ryuju
Synopsis: A religious cult called Mushikago no Niwa that secretly developed hidden human potential existed in the past. However, one such person, whose potential was unleashed, rose in rebellion. After the cult was destroyed, the members dispersed and only the rumour of a vast fortune on the cult’s grounds is whispered in the underworld. Nanami (Kiyohara Sho) is a go-between and trades information with people of the underworld. One day, he meets Kagoroku (Suzuki Hiroki) who happens to be there when he is in a tough spot in a secret deal. The two of them eventually team up to solve all sorts of issues. They get involved in a fight between the former Mushikago no Niwa members that went through human experiments and the people of the underworld over the mystery of the cult’s assets.
Website: www.mushikago-pj.net

In Hand
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Fridays, 12 April 2019
Station: TBS
Scriptwriter: Yoshida Yasuhiro (Cold Case Series, Kounodori Season 2, Plage)
Original Work: In Hand by Akato Ao
Genre: Science mystery
Cast: Yamashita Tomohisa, Hamada Gaku, Nanao, Fujimori Shingo, Takahashi Haori, Sakai Takahiro, Taguchi Tomorow, Matsuo Takashi, Mitsuishi Ken, Kazama Morio (guest star), Aijima Kazuyuki (guest star), Masana Bokuzo (guest star), Mizuki Arisa (guest star), Matsumoto Wakana (guest star), Yoshikawa Ai (guest star), Kizu Takumi (guest star), Yamanaka Takashi (guest star), Tokito Saburo (guest star), Kiyohara Sho (guest star), Nukumizu Yoichi (guest star), Ishii Masanori (guest star), Okayama Hajime (guest star)
Synopsis: Himokura Tetsu (Yamashita Tomohisa) is a scientist who specialises in the study of parasites. He loathes people and is very sadistic. Tetsu bought a huge botanical garden in Hakone which he converted into his home and lab. He holes up in the conservatory where he researches his favourite parasites. His right arm is fitted with a black robotic hand. However, it is not known how this artificial hand came about. Tetsu is an eccentric genius who solves a series of difficult cases with astounding scientific methods.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/inhand
Preview: In Hand CM

Mistresses ~ Onnatachi no Himitsu
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Fridays, 19 April 2019
Station: NHK
Scriptwriters: Yoshida Noriko (Kataomoi, Chuushingura no Koi, Henshin), Yokota Rie (Daisy Luck, Koi ga Heta demo Ikitemasu, Hairbrush Onna Tomodachi)
Original Work: Mistresses by BBC
Cast: Hasegawa Kyoko, Hyunri, Omasa Aya, Shinoda Mariko, Sugino Yosuke, Hosoda Yoshihiko, Mori Yusaku, Koshino Ena, Kanie Ippei, Kakei Miwako, Hotaru Yukijiro, Koyanagi Yukimi, Hashimoto Satoshi, Sato Ryuta, Yamadera Koichi, Yoshizawa Hisashi, Komoto Masahiro, Aso Yumi, Mizuno Miki
Synopsis: Four women who became close friends through a chance encounter have frequent gatherings where they drink, converse and vent their frustrations. However, they actually have serious issues which they cannot tell others. Shibasaki Kaori (Hasegawa Kyoko) is a doctor who feels burdened by the suicide of her lover Kido Koichiro (Hashimoto Satoshi). Although his son Takashi (Sugino Yosuke) suspects her involvement in his death, they are drawn to each other. Noguchi Tomomi’s (Mizuno Miki) husband went missing overseas and she recently received an insurance payout after he was deemed to be dead. She meets a new man who makes her feel excited about romance for the first time in a long while. Harada Saeko (Hyunri) discovers that her husband who wants children, is sterile. As they grow apart, she ends up having a one night stand. Mizushima Juri (Omasa Aya) has had a string of lovers. But when she meets a lesbian who is about to get married, she finds herself attracted to her and experiences true love for the first time in her life. Will the four women find their happy ever afters?
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/drama/drama10/mistress
Preview: Mistresses CM

Kaseifu no Mitazono Season 3
Date: From 11.15 p.m., Fridays, 19 April 2019
Station: TV Asahi
Scriptwriter: Yatsu Hiroyuki (Rikuou, Kaseifu no Mitazono Series, Chiisana Kyojin)
Genre: Home
Cast: Matsuoka Masahiro, Ino Kei, Kawaei Rina, Hirata Atsuko, Yo Kimiko, Owada Shinya (guest star), Ota Rina (guest star), Aoyama Noriko (guest star), Kiriyama Ren (guest star), Mizushima Marina (guest star), Chibana Kurara (guest star), Kosakai Kazuki (guest star), Tonesaku Toshihide (guest star), Yamazaki Hajime (guest star), Nakajima Hiroko (guest star), Adachi Yumi (guest star), Hasegawa Tomoharu (guest star), Kobayashi Takashi (guest star), Fuse Eri (guest star)
Synopsis: Mitazono Kaoru (Matsuoka Masahiro) is a superb housekeeper who belongs to Musubi Housekeeping Agency. Although he is a male in an industry dominated by females, he handles housework such as cleaning, laundry, cooking and babysitting perfectly. However, it is not just the dirt in the house that Mitazono cleans. He learns the family secrets and exposes the family for who they really are. Then he gives the last push that breaks up relationships. However, this becomes the catalyst for the family to start again and solve the problems they have. This time Mitazaono is in the service of a family that drills for oil in Arabia. He is summoned back to Japan by Musubi Yoriko (Yo Kimiko) and is tasked with teaching her nephew Murata Hikaru (Ino Kei) to stand on his own two feet. And so Mitazono takes Hikaru and the young housekeeper Onda Moe (Kawaei Rina) and act as a trio.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/mitazono
Related: Kaseifu no Mitazono Season 1

Tokyo 23-ku Onna
Date: From 12.00 a.m., Saturdays, 13 April 2019
Station: WOWOW
Scriptwriter: Nagae Toshikazu
Original Work: Tokyo 23-ku Onna by Nagae Toshikazu
Genre: Horror mystery
Cast: Kurashina Kana, Tsukifune Sarara, Sakata Masanobu, Sano Shiro, Adachi Yumi, Kamimura Ami, Kuno Makiko, Hasegawa Tomoharu, Suzuki Sawa, Sakuraba Nanami, Fujiwara Kisetsu, Kohinata Fumiyo, Dan Mitsu, Onishi Shima, Takenaka Naoto, Nakayama Miho, Mafia Kajita, Asakawa Yu, Ogi Shigemitsu, Shimazaki Haruka, Shirasu Jin, Yamasaki Mami, Fujiki Yuki, Okayama Amane
Synopsis: Freelance writer Harada Ririko (Shimazaki Haruka) and former lecturer on folklore Shimano Hitoshi (Okayama Amane) go around to Tokyo’s hidden spots with horror stories. They encounter many apparitions in places that everyone knows about in the 23 wards. There is the office lady (Kurashina Kana) who wanders the subterranean drains of Shibuya ward in search of her missing mother. The mistress (Adachi Yumi) who hides a dead body in Koto ward’s Yume no Shima. The riddle of the Ikebukuro woman and romance in old age. The secret of the female CEO (Dan Mitsu) who encounters an apparition in a late night taxi plying Minato ward. The doctor’s wife (Nakayama Miho) whose fate is at the mercy of Itabashi ward’s tree which is supposed to severe ties between man and woman. The mystery of a woman and the Suzugamori execution grounds related to crime scenes in Shinagawa ward.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/tokyo23ku

Kinou Nani Tabeta?
Date: From 1.12 a.m., Saturdays, 5 April 2019
Station: TV Tokyo
Scriptwriter: Adachi Naoko (Toumeina Yurikago, Daibinbo, Shitsuren Chocolatier)
Original Work: Kinou Nani Tabeta? by Yoshinaga Fumi
Genre: Food
Cast: Nishijima Hidetoshi, Uchino Seiyo, Makita Sports, Isomura Hayato, Yashiba Toshihiro, Tanaka Misako, Marin, Chan Kawai, Takaizumi Atusko, Nakamura Yurika, Yamamoto Koji, Tayama Ryosei, Sato Hitomi (guest star), Megumi (guest star),
Synopsis: Kakei Shiro (Nishijima Hidetoshi) is a lawyer who works at a small law firm. He is a good cook and a meticulous and thrifty person who keeps the monthly food budget to 25,000 yen. Shiro’s daily routine is to leave work on time and head to a discount supermarket nearby. His partner Yabuki Kenji (Uchino Seiyo) is the affable hairdresser. The two of them share a two-bedroom apartment and the finer points of two men living together comes up at the dining table every day.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/kinounanitabeta

Digital Tattoo
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Saturdays, 18 May 2019
Station: NHK
Scriptwriter: Asano Taeko (Tasogare Ryuuseigun, Gomen Aishiteru, Hapimari ~ Happy Marriage!?)
Genre: Suspense
Cast: Takahashi Katsumi, Seto Koji, Karata Erika, Ibu Masato, Takezai Terunosuke, Asaka Mayumi, Iida Kisuke, Yashima Norito, Konno Hiroki, Ike Nwala, Kubota Sayu, Arai Atsushi, Kondo Koen, Nakamura Yasuhi, Nakagoshi Noriko, Tokunaga Eri, Yada Akiko
Synopsis: Iwai Kentaro (Takahashi Katsumi) was a prosecutor with the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office’s Special Investigation Department. A graft case that he pursued ended with the suicide of a politician’s secretary (Takezai Terunosuke). He quit in despair and became a lawyer. One day, a young man called Taiga (Seto Koji) visits Iwai. He is a popular YouTuber who makes tens of millions annually. However, he says one of his videos stirred up a storm online and he was shoved by someone on a train platform. Iwai is asked to identify the person who warned of killing Taiga. When Iwai begins investigating, he discovers that Taiga is the son of that politician (Ibu Masato) he pursued as the mastermind in the graft case. He has misgivings about Taiga’s story and intentions. But first this analogue man must start grappling with the internet … …
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/drama/dodra/tatoo
Preview: Digital Tattoo CM

Dying Eye
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Saturdays, 16 March 2019
Station: WOWOW
Scriptwriter: Yoshida Noriko (Kataomoi, Chushingura no Koi, Manmakoto)
Original Work: Dying Eye by Higashino Keigo
Genre: Suspense
Cast: Miura Haruma, Takahashi Maryjun, Matsumoto Marika, Kakizawa Hayato, Onozuka Hayato, Fuchikami Yasushi, Kimura Yuichi, Horiuchi Keiko, Namase Katsuhisa
Synopsis: One night, Amemura Shinsuke (Miura Haruma), a bartender at a Nishi Azabu bar in Tokyo, is attacked by a male stranger and loses a part of his memories. However, he soon learns that he caused the death of a woman called Kishinaka Minae (Takahashi Maryjun) in a traffic accident one and a half years ago. And the man who came to attack him and later committed suicide, was her husband Reiji (Kakizawa Hayato). For some reason, Shinsuke is frequently advised by the people around him that it is better not to recall bad things. He begins to have misgivings about the truth of the accident. Then when Shinsuke returns to the bar on one rainy night, Ruriko (Takahashi Maryjun), a woman in mourning clothes and of unworldly beauty, shows up all of a sudden. From the time of her appearance, Shinsuke descends into a world of madness and anguish. Does she truly exist or is she a figment of imagination conjured by a guilty conscience?
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/dramaw/dyingeye
Preview: Dying Eye CM

Ore no Sukato, Doko Itta?
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Saturdays, 20 April 2019
Station: NTV
Scriptwriters: Sakurai Tomonari (Zombie ga Kita kara Jinsei Mitsumenaoshita Ken), Kato Takuya (Miki Clinic de Kanpai o)
Genre: School
Cast: Furuta Arata, Matsushita Nao, Nagase Ren, Michieda Shunsuke, Nagao Kento, Arakawa Yoshiyoshi, Okura Koji, Takahashi Hikaru, Jiro, Kiriyama Ren, Onishi Ayaka, Koichi Mantaro, Kataoka Yuki, Ito Asahi, Tanokura Yuta, Nakagawa Daisuke
Synopsis: 52-year-old Harada Nobuo (Furuta Arata) is a gay, cross-dressing Japanese language teacher who has joined a private high school that touts diversity. The wacky and extraordinary Harada is unbeatable in the face of authority and sets the hearts of students (Nagase Ren, Michieda Shunsuke, Nagao Kento, Takahashi Hikaru) free.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/oresuka
Preview: Ore no Sukato, Doko Itta? CM

Tokyo Dokushin Danshi
Date: From 11.15 p.m., Saturdays, 13 April 2019
Station: TV Asahi
Scriptwriter: Kaneko Arisa (Chugaku Seinikki, Final Cut, Watashi Kekkon Dekinai Janakuta Shinain desu)
Genre: Love comedy
Cast: Takahashi Issei, Takito Kenichi, Naka Riisa, Takahashi Maryjun, Sakurai Yuki, Saotome Taichi, Nishina Ai, Naito Risa, Miyamoto Mayu, Nozoe Seiji, Ono Takehiko, Saito Takumi
Synopsis: Ishibashi Taro (Takahashi Issei) works for a major bank. He is an organisation man with a fine sense of balance. However, his analytical skills and observant eye gets in the way of romance. Miyoshi Reiya (Saito Takumi) heads a dental clinic. He is a divorced man who was “released” after a two-year”sentence”. Iwakura Kazuhiko (Takito Kenichi), the ultimate bachelor, is like an older brother to Ishibashi and Miyoshi. He is a lawyer with his own practice. These three men with better than average looks and qualities, are not bothered about marriage. They hang out with like-minded buddies and enjoy single life. One day, Ishibashi happens to meet Takeshima Mai, an ex-girlfriend who broke up with him three years ago. He begins to feel quiet regret for the “marriage” he had once dreamt of. Although Miyoshi is happily divorced, he faces a serious problem about his own identity and feels anxious while Iwakura finds himself at a critical juncture when his father falls ill in his hometown and he starts to reconsider love and marriage.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/tokyo-dokushin-danshi

Fujoshi Ukkari Gay ni Kokuru
Date: From 11.30 p.m., Saturdays, 20 April 2019
Station: NHK
Scriptwriter: Miura Naoyuki (Koekoi)
Original Work: Kanojo ga Sukina Mono wa Homo de Atte Boku de wa Nai by Asahara Naoto
Cast: Kaneko Daichi, Fujino Ryoko, Ogoe Yuki, Ando Tamae, Tanihara Shosuke
Synopsis: Jun (Kaneko Daichi), an 18-year-old high school student, has been hiding the fact that he is gay. One day, Jun comes across his classmate Miura-san (Fujino Ryoko) just as she is buying a comic on love between gays in a bookstore. He tells her this is fantasy and that gays in reality are filthy. She vehemently objects that he is being disrespectful to gays. Jun has also been hiding his sexual orientation from his mother Yoko (Ando Tamae). He is interested in Miura-san and accompanies her to an event for the fan magazine that she loves. Miura-san is drawn to Jun who has been sincere to her. The two of them quickly get close. One day, Miura-san finally confesses her feelings for Jun on a date set up by childhood friend Ryohei (Ogoe Yuki). The two of them start dating and get to the point where they are about to have sex but the situation becomes strained because of something unexpected and they head to a hot spring. However, Jun unexpectedly runs into his gay partner Makoto-san (Tanihara Shosuke) at the hot spring … …
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/drama/yoru/fujoshi
Preview: Fujoshi Ukkari Gay ni Kokuru CM

Mirror Twins Season 1
Date: From 11.40 p.m., Saturdays, 6 April 2019 (followed by Season 2 in June on WOWOW)
Networks: Fuji TV & WOWOW
Scriptwriter: Takahashi Yuya (Hi no Ko, Angel Heart, Tenshi to Akuma)
Genre: Suspense
Cast: Fujigaya Taisuke, Kurashina Kana, Takeda Rina, Watanabe Dai, Nukumizu Yoichi, Murakami Tomoko, Sakurai Atsuko, Nakamura Kumi, Satoi Kenta, Takahashi Katsunori, Ishiguro Ken
Synopsis: Katsuragi Keigo (Fujigaya Taisuke) is detective with the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department’s First Investigative Division. The only evidence discovered at the scene of a case that he is investigating, is DNA that is exactly the same as his and he finds himself under pursuit. He wonders if the criminal is his older twin brother Yugo (Fujigaya Taisuke) who was abducted and went missing as a child. Despite having the same genes, their lives have turned out like two sides of a mirror. That is why deep in their hearts, each twin thinks that he is different from the other. Which one is truly evil and which one is righteous?!
Website: mirror-twins.com
Preview: Mirror Twins CM

Kamen Dosokai
Date: From 11.40 p.m., Saturdays, 1 June 2019
Station: Fuji TV
Scriptwriter: Yamaoka Junpei (Perfect Crime, Daisy Luck, Seigi no Se)
Original Work: Kamen Dosokai by Shizukui Shusuke
Genre: Crime suspense
Cast: Mizobata Junpei, Takimoto Miori, Sano Gaku, Kimura Ryo, Hirose Tomoki, Hinagata Akiko, Nagai Masaru, Watanabe Hiroyuki
Synopsis: Shintani Yosuke (Mizobata Junpei) is a salesman for housing equipment. After graduating from high school, he left his hometown. There are two reasons for this. He wanted to leave behind memories of his older brother who died in an accident 18 years old and of an abominable teacher who cast a shadow over his life in his youth. However, due to a personnel transfer, Yosuke returns to the very hometown he had fled as if he were running away from his past several months earlier. He happens to meet Takenaka Misato (Takimoto Miori), an ex-classmate whom he admired, again and is invited to a high school reunion. He reluctantly attends the event and has a lively conversation with childhood friends Minagawa Kiichi (Sano Gaku), Omi Kazuyasu (Kimura Ryo) and Kataoka Yamato (Hirose Tomoki). The four of them relive their younger days and plan to get their revenge on their former disciplinary teacher Kashimura Sadashige (Watanabe Hiroyuki) who controlled students with brute force. They kidnap and punish Kashimura, and then disperse. They intended it as a prank. But the next day, that teacher is found death at some other place. Did one of the four of them return to the crime scene and kill him? Everyone denies this but they are filled with doubts and fears. This case will cause their beliefs to crumble.
Website: tokai-tv.com/kamendosokai
Preview: Kamen Dosokai Teaser

Shudan Sasen!
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Sundays, 21 April 2019
Station: TBS
Scriptwriter: Izumi Yoshihiro (Todome no Kiss, Aogeba Toutoshi, Death Note)
Original Work: Shudan Sasen! & Shinsouban Ginkou Shitenchou by Ebato Tetsuo
Genre: Corporate
Cast: Fukuyama Masaharu, Kagawa Teruyuki, Kamiki Ryunosuke, Nakamura Anne, Inowaki Kai, Takahashi Kazuya, Sakoda Takaya, Masuda Shuichiro, Taniguchi Shota, Hashimoto Mami, Ichimura Masachika, Kote Shinya, Akahori Masaaki, Papaiya Suzuki, Sakou Yoshi, Hashizume Jun, Tsukayama Masane, Yagi Akiko, Nishida Naomi, Omi Toshinori, Mikami Hiroshi, Bengal (guest star), Umezawa Masayo (guest star), Hirayama Hiroyuki (guest star), Nakamura Shizuka (guest star), Lilico (guest star)
Synopsis: Banker Kataoka Hiroshi (Fukuyama Masaharu) is promoted to branch manager before his 50th birthday. However, his joy is doused once he learns that he is taking up a post at the bank’s Kamata branch which is slated to wind up business. He is told that he does not need to put in hard work since the closure of the branch has been decided, and he is promised preferential treatment by senior management. When the branch is closed without a hitch, he will return to headquarters. Kataoka is uncomfortable with being told not to work hard for the first time in his life. However, he cannot bring himself to say the same to the unsuspecting employees at the branch. He is conflicted about his position and as he sees their efforts, he begins to wonder whether he should leave things as they are.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/shudan-sasen
Preview: Shudan Sasen! CM

Saka no Tochuu no Ie
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Saturdays, 27 April 2019
Network: WOWOW
Scriptwriter: Shinozaki Eriko (Hanzai Shokogun Series, Rakuen, Copyface)
Original Work: Saka no Tochuu no Ie by Kakuta Mitsuyo
Genre: Suspense
Cast: Shibasaki Kou, Tanabe Seiichi, Ito Ayumi, Mashima Hidekazu, Sakurai Yuki, Matsuzawa Takumi, Matsumoto Emika, Nishida Naomi, Baisho Mitsuko, Takahata Atsuko, Sato Megumi, Takizawa Saori, Riju Go, Sakai Miki, Mitsuishi Ken, Fubuki Jun, Mizuno Miki
Synopsis: Yamazaki Risako (Shibasaki Kou) lives with her husband Yoichiro (Tanabe Seiichi) and 3-year-old daughter Fumika (Matsumoto Emika). One day, she receives a notification from the court that she has been selected as an alternate member of the jury for a shocking criminal case. The defendant in the case is Ando Mizuho (Mizuno Miki), a full-time housewife who is the same age as Risako. She is on trial for causing the death of her 8-month-old daughter by dropping her into the bathtub. As a mother herself, Risako feels repulsed that Mizuho killed her own child. However, after the trial opens, Mizuho’s circumstances remind Risako of her own past and she soon becomes confused with the chaotic feelings that have lain dormant in her.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/dramaw/sakaie
Preview: Saka no Tochuu no Ie CM

Wagaya no Himitsu
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 3 March 2019
Station: NHK BS Premium
Scriptwriters: Watanabe Chiho (Holiday Love, Beppin-san, 5-nin no Junko), Arai Shuko (Pretty ga Oosugiru, Tsubaki Bunguten, Higanbana)
Original Work: Wagaya no Himitsu by Okuda Hideo
Cast: Sato Hitomi, Tanaka Naoki, Yashima Norito, Nagai Masaru, Kishitani Goro
Synopsis: An omnibus drama about four wives (Sato Hitomi), one addicted to internet auctions, the others anxious about their husbands who (Yashima Norito, Nagai Masaru, Kishitani Goro) keep changing occupations and starting businesses.
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/pd/himitsu
Related: Wagaya no Mondai

Zekkyou
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 24 March 2019
Network: WOWOW
Scriptwriter: Ikeda Natsuko (Shin Hannin, Miyazawa Kenji no Shokutaku, Algernon ni Hanabata o (2015))
Original Work: Zekkyou by Hamanaka Aki
Genre: Suspense
Cast: Ono Machiko, Yasuda Ken, Konishi Manami, Katagiri Jin, Maekawa Yasuyuki, Koyanagi Yu, Kaku Tomohiro, Hamatsu Takayuki, Okunuki Kaoru, Sakai Wakana, Kaname Jun, Aso Yumi
Synopsis: Suzuki Yoko (Ono Machiko) is an ordinary woman who grew up in a typical family. She was not loved by her mother who doted on her talented younger brother, and she concealed that loneliness as she worked as an office lady. However, Yoko’s life took a turn for the worse after her father disappeared one day. She was forsaken by society and turned to killing people for insurance money in order to survive.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/dramaw/zekkyo

Dai Zenryoku Shissou
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 7 April 2017
Station: NHK BS Premium
Scriptwriters: Shimada Ureha (Zenryoku Shissou, Koekoi, Sumika Sumire)
Cast: Harada Taizo, Ogawa Tamaki, Yuki Mio, Asano Atsuko, Yamada Yuki, Tezuka Toru, Ishimaru Kenjiro
Synopsis: Seven years after his disappearance, Isoyama Takeshi (Harada Taizo), who returned home, runs a bakery with his wife Seiko (Ogawa Tamaki) and daughter Nanami (Yuki Mio), but it has been in the red. The only happy news is that Nanami is engaged to Shirokane Masaya (Yamada Yuki), the son of the family that runs a long-established trading company. However, Masaya’s father (Ishimaru Kenjiro) shows contempt for the poor Isoyama and wants to break off the engagement. One day, Isoyama happens to meet an old friend Kurebayashi (Osumi Kenya) again. He is asked by Kurebayashi, who seems to be in poor health to deliver something to someone and spends a night in his car. The next morning, Isoyama encounters Meguro Yuki (Yokomizo Naho) who says she wants to escape from her father’s abuse. In order to save her, he pretends that they are father and daughter and flee from Tokyo … …
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/pd/daizen
Related: Zenryoku Shissou

Oshii Keiji
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 5 May 2019
Station: NHK BS Premium
Scriptwriter: Uda Manabu (Tantei ga Hayasugiru, 4-go Keibi, 99% Keiji Senmon Bengoshi Series)
Original Work: Oshii Keiji by Fujisaki Sho
Genre: Comedy mystery
Cast: Kazama Shunsuke, Inukai Atsuhiro, Ishikawa Ren, Tsurumi Shingo, Sano Shiro
Synopsis: Oshii Takashi (Kazama Shunsuke), the legendary detective with a 100% arrest rate, is transferred to scandal-hit Udobashi Police Precinct. Although he finds evidence through his exceptional powers of deduction and brilliantly corners criminals, the tables are always turned at the very end. He always falls a step short of clues which get snatched by colleagues. The way he is called by the people around him sounds like “disappointing detective”. How will Oshii be able to solve cases?
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/drama/pd/oshii

Akuto ~ Kagaisha Tsuiseki Chousa
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 12 May 2019
Network: WOWOW
Scriptwriter: Suzuki Kenichi (Bye Bye Blackbird, Medamayaki no Kimi Itsu Tsubusu?, Akuto Byouto)
Original Work: Akuto by Yakumaru Gaku
Genre: Mystery
Cast: Higashide Masahiro, Matsushige Yutaka, Shinkawa Yua, Aoyagi Sho, Renbutsu Misako, Yamaguchi Sayaka, Kanichiro, Shinohara Yukiko, Nakajima Ayumu, Watanabe Ikkei, Miura Masaki, Yamanaka Takashi, Namioka Kazuki, Emoto Tokio, Itaya Yuka, Masuoka Toru
Synopsis: Saiki Shuichi (Higashide Masahiro) is a former detective who now works for an investigation agency. His older sister Yukari was murdered in his childhood and he lives with the desire for revenge. One day, a couple (Watanabe Ikkei) asks him to track Sakagami Yoichi (Aoyagi Sho), the man who killed their son and has reintegrated with society after leaving a juvenile correctional institution. Saiki finds out that Sakagami has turned to crime and is involved in remittance fraud. With the help of a hostess called Haruka (Shinkawa Yua), Saiki gets to the villainous trio who drove his sister to her death years ago. What final action will the vengeful Saiki take?
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/dramaw/akutou

Nodoka no Niwa
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 2 June 2019
Station: NHK BS Premium
Scriptwriters: Arai Shuko (Pretty ga Oosugiru, Tsubaki Bunguten, Mother Game), Obayashi Rieko (Inochi Urimasu, Karikare, Kuro no Onna Kyoushi)
Original Work: Nodoka no Niwa by Akiyama Kaori
Genre: Romance
Cast: Hashimoto Ai, Kudo Asuka, Nakamura Yurika, Nishida Naomi, Hiraizumi Sei, Saito Yuki, Tanaka Min
Synopsis: Asahina Motoko (Hashimoto Ai) is a 23-year-old graduate student who is learning German literature. Because she always attends school dressed entirely in black, she is called “Schwarz”, which means black in German, by her classmates Tanaka Ren (Kudo Asuka) and Tomioka Juri (Nakamura Yurika). One day, Motoko falls in love with a professor called Sakaki Ikuo (Tanaka Min) who is 41 years her senior.
Website: www4.nhk.or.jp/P5850

Anata no Ban desu
Date: From 10.30 p.m., Sundays, 14 April 2019 (for two seasons)
Station: NTV
Scriptwriter: Fukuhara Mitsunori (Gokudo Meshi, Makanai-sou Series, Shikaku Tantei Higurashi Tabito Series)
Genre: Mystery
Cast: Harada Tomoyo, Tanaka Kei, Nishino Nanase, Asaka Kodai, Nao, Yamada Maho, Mikura Kana, Otomo Karen, Kanazawa Miho, Tsubokura Yoshiyuki, Nakao Masaki, Koike Ryosuke, Isaka Ikumi, Araki Towa, Hakamada Yoshihiko, Katagiri Jin, Matobu Sei, Wada Soko, Nomaguchi Toru, Hayashi Yasufumi, Kataoka Reiko, Minagawa Sarutoki, Tokui Yu, Tanaka Yoji, Nagano Satomi, Sakata Masanobu, Okata Hisako, Minemura Rie, Takenaka Naoto, Ando Masanobu, Kimura Tae, Namase Katsuhisa
Synopsis: A newlywed couple move into an apartment near the Sumida River in Tokyo. Tezuka Nana (Harada Tomoyo) is a designer of sportswear. She was pursued by sports gym trainer Shota (Tanaka Kei) whom she met through work and they got married despite their 15-year age gap. What they share in common is a love of mysteries. Seeing the close families and couples, they imagine a bright and happy future for themselves. However, the fates of the Tezukas are rocked by a residents meeting that Nana attends. The residents of the apartment building start dying around them. Those with motives to kill have alibis and the murderers cannot be arrested in any of the cases. The riddle lies in a game that the residents are playing among themselves. 13 of them have written down the people they want to kill for offending them and started this murder game where these slips of paper are randomly drawn. At first, it was something that none of them took seriously. Then the people whose names were written started getting killed one after another and another threatening note is delivered with the warning, “You are next”. There is no turning back even if they have regrets.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/anaban

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