Winter 2020 Dramas

Zettai Reido Season 4 ~ Mizen Hanzai Sennyuu Sousa
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Mondays, 6 January – 23 March 2020
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Detective
Episodes: 11
Scriptwriter: Hamada Hideya (Voice, Zettai Reido Series, Naomi to Kanako)
Directors: Ishikawa Junichi, Shinada Shunsuke, Kimura Mahito, Kobayashi Yoshinori
Ending Theme: Mikansei by Ieiri Reo
Cast: Sawamura Ikki, Yokoyama Yu, Honda Tsubasa, Mizuno Miki, Morinaga Yuki, Takasugi Mahiro, Uesugi Shuhei, Emoto Akira, Magy, Nakabayashi Taiki (guest star), Shinohara Atsushi (guest star), Nakamura Ikuji (guest star), Okuno Eita (guest star), Kiryu Mai (guest star), Kino Hana (guest star), Ino Yukihiro (guest star), Shida Masayuki (guest star), Ito Atsushi (guest star), Adachi Rika (guest star), Miyakawa Ichirota (guest star), Sato Eriko (guest star), Hamada Manabu (guest star), Matsuo Satoru (guest star)
Synopsis: Izawa Norito (Sawamura Ikki), whose wife and daughter were ruthlessly murdered, is the leader of the Mihan team. This team analyses big data such as the personal information on Japanese citizens – email and phone records, financial institutions’ deposit and withdrawal records – and surveillance camera footage nationwide. It then investigates dangerous people identified as future criminals and sets out to prevent such grave offences, primarily murders before these happen. One day, explosives are placed in multiple places including Shibuya, Shinjuku and Kasumigaseki, triggering the highest alert level. The Prime Minister’s official residence declares a state of emergency. As the Special Assault Team and the bomb disposal unit are mobilised, Odagiri Yui (Honda Tsubasa) and Yamauchi Toru (Yokoyama Yu) from the Mihan team join the investigation. While searching for the explosives, Yui enters a room and finds Izawa standing in front of a woman who has been shot dead. He is in tears and holding a gun in his hand. Yui is so shocked that she is unable to make a sound. Did Izawa cross the line as a detective and kill the woman because of his anger at the criminal? The story rewinds to several months before the incident takes place … …
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/zettaireido
Twitter: twitter.com/zettai_0_mihan
Preview: Zettai Reido Season 4 Teaser
Related: Zettai Reido Season 3

Byouin no Naoshikata ~ Dr Arihara no Chousen
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Mondays, 20 January – 9 March 2020
Station: TV Tokyo
Genre: Medical
Episodes: 7
Scriptwriter: Yamamoto Mutsumi (Aibou Seasons 12, 14 – 17, Kounodori Season 1, Yae no Sakura)
Directors: Miyawaki Ryo, Kiyohiro Makoto
Ending Theme: Life by Kubota Toshinobu
Cast: Koizumi Kotaro, Takashima Masanobu, Konishi Manami, Inaba Yu, Owada Shinya, Isono Kiriko, Katagiri Jin, Kadono Takuzo, Mitsuishi Ken, Asada Miyoko, Nakamura Masatoshi, Ando Tamae (guest star), Fukumoto Shinichi (guest star), Matsumoto Gaku (guest star), Ichige Yoshie (guest star), Ikeda Narushi (guest star)
Synopsis: Arihara Shuhei (Koizumi Kotaro) works for a university hospital and devotes himself to research on catheter-based treatment. One day, he receives a phone call from his family’s hospital, Arihara General Hospital. Shuhei’s father Shotaro, who is the hospital director, has suffered a stroke. He hastily rushes over but Shotaro has fallen into a coma. He hears from the head nurse Hyodo Etsuko (Asada Miyoko) that the hospital is heavily in debt and Shuhei is lost for words.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/byouinnonaoshikata
Twitter: twitter.com/Biz_byouin

Yameru Toki mo, Sukoyaka Naru Toki mo
Date: From 12.59 a.m., Tuesdays, 21 January – 23 March 2020
Station: NTV
Genre: Romance
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Yameru Toki mo, Sukoyaka Naru Toki mo by Kubo Misumi
Scriptwriter: Kuwamura Sayaka (Ai Shite Tatte Himitsu wa Aru, Sukina Hito ga Iru Koto, Koinaka)
Director: Komuro Naoko
Ending Theme: memento by Kis-My-Ft2
Cast: Fujigaya Taisuke, Nao, Goseki Koichi, Kanazawa Miho, Asami Himeka, Nakai Tomomi, Toyama Toshiya, Tezuka Satomi, Hino Shohei
Synopsis: Sudo Issei (Fujigaya Taisuke) is a furniture maker. Although he works earnestly, he has not been able to produce a new piece that surpasses his teacher and has made little progress as a craftsman. One day, Sudo encounters Motohashi Sakurako (Nao) who works for an advertising firm. She is able to support herself with her job but has been less than successful in love. The two of them are drawn to each other and seem to connect. But they still keep their emotional scars secret. Sudo is unable to forget the death of a loved one. Whenever December comes around, he would lose his ability to speak for almost a week – a symptom in reaction to the memorial day. On the other hand, Sakurako has had to support her family ever since her father’s (Toyama Toshiya) company went bankrupt, and struggles to be freed from this reality quickly. She believes the present can be changed if she gets married. They do not have innocent feelings for each other. The love that they begin is for their own sakes but … …
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/tomoniikiru
Twitter: twitter.com/tomoniikiru_ntv
Preview: Yameru Toki mo, Sukoyaka Naru Toki mo CM

10 no Himitsu
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 14 January – 17 March 2020
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Suspense
Episodes: 10
Scriptwriter: Goto Noriko (Innocent Days, Uso no Sensou, Kazoku no Katachi)
Directors: Miyake Yoshishige, Horai Tadaaki, Nakanishi Masashige
Ending Theme: Monologue by Akiyama Kiiro
Cast: Mukai Osamu, Nakama Yukie, Naka Riisa, Matsumura Hokuto, Yamada Anna, Takashima Tsuyoshi, Hotta Akane, Kawamura Hana, Sano Shiro, Endo Yuya, Fujiwara Mitsuhiro, Yamano Umi, Natori Yuko, Watabe Atsuro
Synopsis: Shirakawa Keita (Mukai Osamu) is a building certification inspector who lives with his 14-year-old daughter Hitomi (Yamada Anna). After his wife Yukiko (Nakama Yukie) notified him that she was filing for divorce and walked out on them, Hitomi has been the only consideration in his life. Keita has established a relationship where he and Hitomi can talk about anything and Hitomi’s friends envy her. He is the ideal father that they want. Then one day, Keita receives a phone call. All the caller says is “I have your daughter. If you value her life, find your ex-wife.” As Keita searches for Hitomi, he not only learns about the secret behind his ex-wife’s glamorous lifestyle, he also ends up discovering that even the daughter whom he thought he knew everything about, has a secret … …
Website: www.ktv.jp/10himitsu
Twitter: twitter.com/10nohimitsu
Preview: 10 no Himitsu CM

Koi wa Tsuzuku yo Doko made mo
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 14 January – 17 March 2020
Station: TBS
Genre: Love comedy
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Koi wa Tsuzuku yo Doko made mo by Enjoji Maki
Scriptwriter: Kaneko Arisa (Tokyo Dokushin Danshi, Chugaku Seinikki, Boku no Tsuma to Kekkon Shite Kudasai)
Directors: Tanaka Kenta, Fukuda Ryosuke, Kaneko Fuminori
Ending Theme: I Love … by Official髭男dism
Cast: Kamishiraishi Mone, Sato Takeru, Maiguma Katsuya, Kousei, Watanabe Keisuke, Yoshikawa Ai, Takiuchi Kumi, Hotta Mayu, Eren, Hara Fukiko, Ando Sei, Horimoto Yukie, Mikami Ai, Karina, Hiraiwa Kami, Katase Nana, Renbutsu Misako, Yamamoto Koji, Kiyohara Sho (guest star), Moro Morooka (guest star), Murakami Hiroaki (guest star)
Synopsis: Sakura Nanase (Kamishiraishi Mone) made the acquaintance of her dream guy Dr Tendo Kairi (Sato Takeru) through a chance encounter and fell in love with him. Wanting to see him again, she studied very hard and became a nurse at long last. However, when they are reunited five years later, Nanase discovers that the very man she adores is a completely different person from what she imagined. She learns that Tendo always takes digs at people and is such an extreme sadist that he was given the nickname “Devil”. But Nanase continues to sincerely and honestly convey her feelings to him. She instantly becomes famous in the hospital for this, and her fearlessness in pressing on like a “hero” against the “devil” earns her the nickname “Yuusha-chan” from her seniors. Even though she looks completely reckless in everyone’s eyes, Nanase pours her heart into it. And her constant honesty in both work and love starts to melt Tendo’s steel heart little by little.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/koitsudu_tbs
Twitter: twitter.com/koi_tsudu
Preview: Koi wa Tsuzuku yo Doko made mo CM

Sedai Wars
Date: From 1.28 a.m., Wednesdays, 8 January – 19 February 2020
Station: TBS
Genre: Action
Episodes: 7
Scriptwriter: Yokote Michiko
Director: Sakamoto Koichi
Ending Theme: Watashi dake no Kakumei by Ninomiya Yui
Cast: Yamada Yuki, Okada Koki, Matobu Sei, Asakawa Nana, Ikeda Yuto, Yokoyama Megumi, Deai Masayuki, Okuyama Kazusa, Suzuki Masayuki, Nishioka Tokuma, Otomo Kohei
Synopsis: Set in the not too distant future in Japan at a time when various issues have exacerbated due to ill feelings between generations and tremendous dissatisfaction, the economy is depressed and society continues to breakdown. WW2, baby boomers, bubble, lost, relaxed and millennial generations. Every generation points the blame at other generations. Prime Minister Ando Naoki announces that the country will hold a decisive battle to determine the president who will run the country. Called the Sedai Wars, a battle royale with representatives from each generation will take place in a virtual reality space. Kashiwagi Satoru (Yamada Yuki) is chosen to represent his relaxed generation. The rule is simple: Whoever is the last one standing wins.
Website: www.mbs.jp/sedai-wars
Twitter: twitter.com/SEDAIWARS
Preview: Sedai Wars CM

Shinitai Yoru ni Kagitte
Date: From 1.28 a.m., Wednesdays, 26 February 2020
Station: TBS
Episodes: 6
Original Work: Shinitai Yoru ni Kagitte by Tsumekiriman
Scriptwriter: Kato Takuya (Miki Clinic de Kanpai o, Ore no Sukato Doko Itta?)
Directors: Murao Yoshiaki, Sakagami Takuya
Ending Theme: Shinitai Yoru ni Kagitte by Aina The End
Cast: Kaku Kento, Yamamoto Maika, Tozuka Junki, Imai Takafumi, Aoki Yuzu, Sakurai Kento, Tamashiro Tina, Konishi Sakurako, Nakamura Riho, Adachi Yumi, Mitsuishi Ken
Synopsis: Ono Hiroshi (Kaku Kento) is a man who was abandoned by his mother when he was a child. Through his encounters with various women, he slowly regains his smile even as he clashes with them at times and runs away at other times. His first love was a bicycle thief; the first girl he ever slept with was in a wheelchair; and the love of his life, Asuka (Yamamoto Maika), earns a living by selling her saliva to perverts.
Website: www.mbs.jp/shinitai_yoruni
Twitter: twitter.com/shinitai_yoruni
Preview: Shinitai Yoru ni Kagitte CM

Shiranakute Ii Koto
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Wednesdays, 8 January – 11 March 2020
Station: NTV
Genre: Office
Episodes: 10
Scriptwriter: Oishi Shizuka (Ie Uru Onna Series, Dairenai, Contrail)
Directors: Kariyama Shunsuke, Tsukamoto Renpei, Uchida Hidemi
Ending Theme: Shibarashiki Uso by flumpool
Cast: Yoshitaka Yuriko, Emoto Tasuku, Shigeoka Daiki, Imai Takafumi, Kobayashi Kinako, Sekimizu Nagisa, Wada Soko, Morita Kanro, Honda Chikara, Yamauchi Takaya, Akiyoshi Kumiko, Sasaki Kuranosuke, Kobayashi Kaoru
Synopsis: Makabe Kate (Yoshitaka Yuriko) is a reporter for Shukan East, a weekly magazine which carries scoops from corrupt politicians to celebrity scandals. A confident young woman with the charm and affability of her mother Anna (Akiyoshi Kumiko) who was a film critic and leading subtitler, Kate’s work life and her love life are going really well. One day, Kate’s mother suddenly passes away. Before she died, her last words were the name of Kate’s father – something she had never mentioned before. The name she said is that of a recognisable Hollywood star … … How can Kate’s father possibly be a Hollywood star!? But there is also convincing proof. When Kate closes in on the mystery of her birth and secret of her father, she has to face the fact that sometimes it is best not knowing the truth.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/shiranakuteiikoto
Twitter: twitter.com/shiranakute_ntv
Preview: Shiranakute Ii Koto CM

Followers
Date: From 27 February 2020
Network: Netflix
Episodes: 9
Scriptwriter: Ninagawa Mika (Diner, Helter Skelter, Sakuran)
Cast: Nakatani Miki, Ikeda Eliza, Natsuki Mari, Itaya Yuka, Komu Ai, Kaneko Nobuaki, Uesugi Shuhei, Nakashima Mika, Yutaro, Tadano Masanobu, Mashima Hidekazu, Kasamatsu Sho, Namioka Kazuki, Yanagi Shuntaro, Hamatsu Takayuki, Sato Ryuji, Yashiro Aki, Omori Nao, Kawatani Enon, Miyavi, Sawajiri Erika, Nakamura Shido
Synopsis: Nara Rimi (Nakatani Miki), an established and popular photographer, meets Momota Natsume (Ikeda Eliza) who has come to Tokyo with dreams of becoming an actress. Although Natsume suffers setbacks, she grows from these experiences in this story about the lifestyles of women whose lives intersect in this world dominated by social media.
Website: www.netflix.com/jp/title/80233221
Preview: Followers CM

Unmei kara Hajimaru Koi ~ You’re My Destiny
Date: From 12.00 a.m., Thursdays, 13 February 2020
Network: Fuji On Demand & Youku
Genre: Romance
Episodes: 10
Original Work: You Are My Destiny by Sanlih E-Television
Scriptwriters: Kitaki Rima, Nishioka Tony, Oka Atsushi, Imanishi Yuko (Shinmai Shimai no Futari Gohan, Izakaya Fuji)
Directors: Ninomiya Takashi, Hirabayashi Katsutoshi, Morimoto Shoichi
Ending Theme: My Love by ONE N’ ONLY
Cast: Takimoto Miori, Kizu Takumi, Tokito Yuki, Ishikawa Ren, Noro Kayo, Ando Sei, Yamagami Kenji, Takemori Sento, Nakajima Shoko, Nakabayashi Taiki, Tajima Reiko
Synopsis: Sato Aya (Takimoto Miori) is a temporary office lady who will never say bad things about other people no matter how much she is fooled. Her father passed away when she was a child and even though she dreams of being Cinderella, her reality is quite different. Post-its with miscellaneous tasks are constantly foisted on her by her colleagues and she has to work overtime every day. She is called Post-it Girl – convenient and disposable at anytime. Aya happens to meet Ichijo Kei (Kizu Takumi), the young ninth generation heir of a big company. His grandmother, who is the chairwoman of the company, is anxious for him to quickly get married and have an heir because the members of the family have had short lives. Kei intended to propose to Shiraishi Anna (Ishikawa Ren), who has returned after studying ballet in New York. But in an unexpected turn of events, fate intervenes and an incident happens between Kei and Aya … …
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/unkoi
Preview: Unmei kara Hajimaru Koi CM

Boku wa Doko kara
Date: From 12.12 a.m., Thursdays, 9 January – 18 March 2020
Station: TV Tokyo
Genre: Crime suspense
Episodes: 11
Original Work: Boku wa Doko kara by Ichikawa Masa
Scriptwriter: Takahashi Izumi (Fujiko, Yume o Ataeru, Kanata no Ko)
Directors: Taki Yusuke, Kumasaka Izuru, Ouchi Takahiro
Ending Theme: I Am by Hey! Say! JUMP
Cast: Nakajima Yuto, Mamiya Shotaro, Kamishiraishi Moka, Otoo Takuma, Takahashi Tsutomu, Wakabayashi Gou, Kasamatsu Sho, Sudo Risa, Sendo Nobuko
Synopsis: Takeuchi Kaoru (Nakajima Yuto) is a young man aspiring to be a writer. He has the special ability to copy the thoughts of other people by transcribing text. He lives with his mother (Sendo Nobuko) who suffers from dementia, while he concentrates on his manuscript. But Kaoru’s special ability is also a big obstacle which prevents him from writing his own distinctive work. He struggles with his dream and reality as he tries to take care of his mother. Then a tragedy happens when she gets into an accident. Kaoru can no longer find meaning in life, and even the cost of his mother’s hospitalisation is beyond him. Just as he sinks into despair, an ex-classmate Fujiwara Tomomi (Mamiya Shotaro) shows up. The youngest gang leader of Toguji-gumi, Tomomi offers Kaoru a handsome reward if he takes an examination for the son of some family and gets him into a top university. But Kaoru gets swept up by something unexpected right before he manages to succeed.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/bokudoko
Twitter: twitter.com/BokudokoTx
Preview: Boku wa Doko kara CM

Raise de wa Chanto Shimasu
Date: From 1.35 a.m., Thursdays, 9 January – 25 March 2020
Station: TV Tokyo & Paravi
Genre: Love comedy
Episodes: 12
Original Work: Raise de wa Chanto Shimasu by Itsuma-chan
Scriptwriters: Peyoung Maki (Koi no Tsuki, Retake), Date Sorami (Coffee & Vanilla, Goodbye)
Directors: Miki Koichiro, Yuasa Hiroaki, Peyoung Maki, Ouchi Takahiro, Matsuura Takeshi
Ending Theme: Tonight by Scandal
Cast: Uchida Rio, Ota Rina, Koseki Yuta, Goto Takenori, Tobinaga Tsubasa, Kojima Fujiko, Yutaro, Nakagawa Chika, Shiono Akihisa
Synopsis: Studio Delta is a small video production company in Tokyo which does CG for anime and games. It is rather hard work for its five employees who often have late nights. One of its employees, 27-year-old Omori Momoe (Uchida Rio), is a sex addict in intimate relationships with five male friends. She thinks of sex as a hobby that does not cost money. However, Momoe is truly in love with A-kun (Shiono Akihisa) who is her favourite. A-kun is well-educated, works for a trading company, and draws a good salary. But A-kun has a girlfriend. Although Momoe feels heartbroken and empty, she knows that her love will be unrequited and supposes she will do it right in her next life.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/raisechan
Twitter: twitter.com/tx_raisechan
Preview: Raise de wa Chanto Shimasu CM

Keiji to Kenji ~ Shokatsu to Chiken no 24-ji
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Thursdays, 16 January – 12 March 2020
Station: TV Asahi
Genre: Legal
Episodes: 9
Scriptwriter: Fukuda Yasushi (Doctors Series, Hero Series, Galileo Series)
Directors: Motohashi Keita, Oikawa Takuro
Ending Theme: Hallelujah by Miyamoto Hiroji
Cast: Kiritani Kenta, Higashide Masahiro, Higa Manami, Isomura Hayato, Imada Mio, Shibuya Kento, Okuyama Kazusa, Giiko, Yashiba Toshihiro, Sugawara Daikichi, Minemura Rie, Nishimura Motoki, Okunuki Kaoru, Yanagiba Toshiro, Kazama Morio
Synopsis: Nakaido Gota (Kiritani Kenta) is a detective with the Kanagawa Prefectural Police while Mashima Shuhei (Higashide Masahiro) is a prosecutor with the Yokohama District Prosecutors’ Office’s Minato Branch. Nakaido is the kind of guy who goes to great pains to arrest criminals and wants to be appreciated by the victims. He has little concept of compliance at a time when it is considered important. On the other hand, Mashima believes the best social justice is to prosecute criminals. Therefore, detectives who gather evidence are the “pawns” of prosecutors. Brimming with their own sense of justice, the two men tackle numerous cases. Detectives often get no justice. Despite risking their lives to arrest suspects, 70% of the cases get dropped. All prosecutors will fight for convictions because the conviction rate for criminal cases is more than 99%. Nakaido and Mashima naturally clash but begin to empathise with each other.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/keijitokenji
Twitter: twitter.com/keijitokenji
Preview: Keiji to Kenji Teaser

Alive ~ Gan Senmoni no Karute
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Thursdays, 9 January – 19 March 2020
Genre: Medical
Episodes: 11
Station: Fuji TV
Scriptwriter: Kuromitsu Yasuko (Scandal Senmon Bengoshi Queen, Keiji Yugami, Love Song)
Directors: Takano Mai, Ishii Yusuke, Mizuta Naruhide
Ending Theme: Harudonari by Suda Keina
Cast: Matsushita Nao, Kimura Yoshino, Kiyohara Sho, Okazaki Sae, Nakamura Shunsuke, Miura Shohei, Tanabe Seiichi, Fujii Takashi, Kinoshita Houka, Takahata Atsuko, Kitaoji Kinya, Terawaki Yasufumi (guest star), Fujii Takashi (guest star)
Synopsis: Onda Kokoro (Matsushita Nao) is an oncologist called Dr Onkoro for short by the people around her and teased that she was born for this path. She got married to Takumi (Nakamura Shunsuke), whom she had known since she was a student, and they had a son. Life was going smoothly for her. But three months ago, her husband fell in an accident and remained unconsciousness even though he underwent emergency surgery. Although Kokoro puts on a brave face at work, she still has not been able to accept reality. One day, she meets Kajiyama Kaoru (Kimura Yoshino), a competent gastroenterologist who has transferred to work at the hospital. Kaoru understands the need for oncology as a surgeon and gives emotional support with her sunny personality as a colleague. She becomes a dear friend whom Kokoro feels is a sudden ray of light in her personal and professional life … …
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/alive
Twitter: twitter.com/Alive_cx
Preview: Alive Teaser

Boku dake ga 17-sai no Sekai de
Date: From 11.00 p.m., Thursdays, 20 February 2020
Network: AbemaTV
Genre: Fantasy romance
Episodes: 8
Scriptwriter: Aizawa Tomoko (Trace, Hito wa Mita Me ga 100%, Biblia Koshodo no Jiken Techou)
Directors: Ogura Hisao, Kanai Hiro, Matsumoto Hana
Ending Theme: 70-oku ni Tada Hitotsu no Kiseki by ACE COLLECTION
Cast: Sano Hayato, Iitoyo Marie, Yuki Kosei, Otomo Karen, Watanabe Yutaro, Hamano Kenta, Yoshi, Hakamada Yoshihiko, Ishida Hikari
Synopsis: “If a miracle can happen, I want to meet you again. I’ll tell you my feelings this time.” Sometani Kota (Sano Hayato) and Konno Mei (Iitoyo Marie) were classmates in the second year of high school. The two of them started to notice each other and always thought they could convey their feelings but Kota suddenly left this world one day. Seven years later in 2020, Mei returns to their hometown that she had left in shock seven years ago. Knowing that the cherry blossoms would bloom in mid winter, she visits a place with cherry blossom trees which holds many memories with Kota. To her surprise, Kota who is supposed to be dead appears. He is still 17 in mind and body while she is now 24. Kota can only be here while the cherry blossom blooms. Will he be able to tell Mei his feelings with the time he has left?
Website: abema.tv
Preview: Boku dake ga 17-sai no Sekai de CM

Lunch Gokon Tantei ~ Koi to Gurume to Nazotodoki to
Date: From 11.59 p.m., Thursdays, 9 January – 12 March 2020
Station: NTV
Genre: Mystery
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Lunch Tantei Series by Mizuki Hiromi
Scriptwriter: Aso Kumiko (Gosaigyou, Yami no Bansosha Series, Double Fantasy)
Directors: Kikukawa Makoto, Asahina Yoko
Ending Theme: Renai Lunch by Tsubomi Daikakumei
Cast: Yamamoto Mizuki, Triendl Reina, Seto Toshiki, Iketani Nobue, Sakaguchi Ryotaro, Kanai Hiroto, Kimura Yuichi, Sano Kazuma (guest star), Ota Motohiro (guest star), Hakamada Yoshihiko (guest star), Ogoe Yuki (guest star), Nerio Hiroaki (guest star), Furuya Robin (guest star)
Synopsis: Amano Yuika (Yamamoto Mizuki) is rather individualistic and uncomfortable around people. She has great powers of observation and is a mystery hunter who solves all sorts of riddles. The setting where she delves into them is quite unexpectedly matchmaking sessions at lunchtime. These riddles are neither murder cases nor savage crimes, but riddles introduced by the participants at the event that Yuika somehow feels compelled to solve. Despite being socially awkward, Yuika completely changes when it comes to figuring them out and does not hesitate to bombard people with questions and prove them wrong. Her colleague Akutsu Reiko (Triendl Reina) goes with her for the matchmaking sessions and they make a contrasting pair with their different personalities and priorities.
Website: www.ytv.co.jp/lunchtantei
Twitter: twitter.com/lunch_tantei
Preview: Lunch Gokon Tantei CM

Giri / Haji
Date: From 10 January 2020
Network: Netflix Japan & BBC
Genre: Suspense
Episodes: 8
Scriptwriter: Joe Barton
Directors: Julian Farino, Ben Chessell
Cast: Hira Takehiro, Kelly Macdonald, Kubozuka Yosuke, Charlie Creed-Miles, Will Sharpe, Okuyama Aoi, Justin Long, Sophia Brown, Motoki Masahiro, Igawa Togo, Ellie James, John McCrea
Synopsis: A Japanese man is stabbed to death in a posh London apartment. Right after that, several gangsters are killed while dining at a restaurant in Tokyo. A photograph of the man who was killed in London is left behind at the scene. The detective in charge of investigating this case is Mori Kenzo (Hira Takehiro). However, one night, a gang leader called Fukuhara (Motoki Masahiro) pays Kenzo a visit at his apartment. His words “Far away someone threw a stone into a pond. The arrow has finally got this far,” raises questions. Kenzo is told that his estranged younger brother Yuto (Kubozuka Yosuke), who was supposed to have died one year ago, is the criminal in the London murder case. The dead man is the nephew of a rival gang leader and the knife used was Fukuhara’s. If he does not settle the matter by getting the missing Yuto home, a gang war will break out. Kenzo is dispatched to London by his superiors on a top-secret mission to find the missing Yuto and bring him back to Japan before the British police get to him. As Kenzo searches for Yuto, he gradually gets drawn into London’s underworld. When he finally finds him, he heatedly asks, “Do you know how many people have died? In Tokyo? In London? All because of you?!”
Website: www.netflix.com/jp/title/80190519
Preview: Giri / Haji CM

Homeroom
Date: From 12.59 a.m., Fridays, 24 January – 27 March 2020
Station: TBS
Genre: School
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Homeroom by Chiyo
Scriptwriter: Tsugita Jun (Giver, Scams, Tokyo Vampire Hotel)
Director: Kobayashi Yuki
Ending Theme: Madara by Passepied
Cast: Yamada Yuki, Akita Shiori, Tomita Miu, Yokota Mayu, Maeno Tomoya, Yamashita Rio, Ohata Shieri, Wakabayashi Takuya
Synopsis: The handsome teacher Aida Rintaro (Yamada Yuki) is in charge of Sakurai Sachiko’s (Akita Shiori) class. Sachiko has been enduring nasty pranks every day. The culprit is unknown. However, Sachiko does not suffer much because Aida always saves her. This popular teacher with a strong sense of justice is her special hero. But what she does not know is that Aida has a terrible secret. He is actually the person behind these practical jokes … …
Website: www.mbs.jp/homeroom_drama
Twitter: twitter.com/homeroom_drama
Preview: Homeroom CM

Pension Koi wa Momoiro
Date: From 1.25 a.m., Fridays, 17 January – 13 February 2020
Station: Fuji TV
Episodes: 5
Scriptwriter: Shimizu Yasuhiko
Directors: Shimizu Yasuhiko, Ouchida Ryoma
Ending Theme: Koi wa Momoiro by Hosono Haruomi
Cast: Lily Franky, Saito Takumi, Ito Sairi, Kakei Miwako, Sway, Mikura Mana, Tsubuyaki Shiro, Omizu Yosuke, Joy, Ishida Takumi, Ando Nico, Shiraishi Kazuya (guest star), Hosono Haruomi
Synopsis: Shiro (Lily Franky) is a middle-aged man who runs a rather forlorn pension called Koi wa Momoiro way out in the outskirts of Tokyo. He has a daughter Haru (Ito Sairi) who has lost the use of her legs but she does not let that stop her from working efficiently and feels annoyed with her father who makes no attempt to increase the number of new guests. One day, a young man Yoshio (Saito Takumi) with issues settles in at the pension in an unexpected turn of events.
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/pension-koihamomoiro
Twitter: twitter.com/pensionkoimomo

Byoushitsu de Nenbutsu o Tonaenaide Kudasai
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Fridays, 17 January – 20 March 2020
Station: TBS
Genre: Medical
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Byoushitsu de Nenbutsu o Tonaenaide Kudasai by Koyasu Tamayo
Scriptwriter: Yoshizawa Tomoko (Hajimete Koi o Shita Hi ni Yomu Hanashi, Kimi ga Kokoro ni Sumitsuita, Anata no Koto wa Sorehodo)
Directors: Hirano Shunichi, Okamoto Shingo, Izumi Masahide
Ending Theme: I’m Here by Miura Daichi
Cast: Ito Hideaki, Muro Tsuyoshi, Matsumoto Honoka, Katayose Ryota, Karata Erika, Tani Kyosuke, Uraji Nuno, Torobu Yuri, Yoshida Hyuga, Yokota Mayu, Tsuchimura Kaho, Yasui Junpei, Dan Jiro, Horiuchi Ken, Miyazaki Yoshiko, Yo Kimiko, Izumiya Shigeru, Hagiwara Masato, Nakatani Miki
Synopsis: Matsumoto Shouen (Ito Hideaki) entered monkhood because he could not rescue his childhood friend who was drowning right in front of him when he was a kid. Wanting to save the lives of the people important to him in their last moments, he also aspired to be a doctor. At the hospital, Matsumoto provides medical care as an emergency doctor and also chants sutra for the deceased at the morgue or provides spiritual care for terminally ill patients as a Buddhist monk. As a result, there are times when he treats patients brought into the emergency centre while he is in his robes and causes them to jump to the conclusion that they are near death. Although he is disliked not only by patients but also colleagues for chanting prayers to Buddha and preaching for everything, he is cheerful and sincere. As Matsumoto grapples with how he should save lives, attend to deaths and support the families of patients, he grows as a doctor, a monk and a person.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/nembutsu_tbs
Twitter: twitter.com/nembutsu_tbs
Preview: Byoushitsu de Nenbutsu o Tonaenaide Kudasai CM

Hamura Akira ~ Sekai de Mottomo Fuunna Tantei
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Fridays, 24 January – 6 March 2020
Station: NHK
Genre: Mystery
Episodes: 7
Original Work: Onna Tantei Hamura Akira Series by Wakatake Nanami
Scriptwriters: Kurosawa Hisako (Minshuu no Teki, Tokyo Joshi Zukan, Arechi no Koi), Kida Norio
Directors: Ohashi Mamoru, Masuda Shizuo, Nakamura Shusuke
Cast: Shishido Kavka, Mamiya Shotaro, Ikeda Narushi, Tsuda Kanji, Itabashi Shunya, Matsuo Takashi, Nakamura Yasuhi, Ohgo Suzuka, Uragami Seishu, Nakamura Baijaku, Megumi (guest star), Murakami Jun (guest star), Hasegawa Hatsunori (guest star), Matsumoro Marika (guest star), Mikura Kana (guest star), Fujii Mina (guest star), Phuongchi (guest star), Tokui Yu (guest star), Nomaguchi Toru (guest star), Takeda Rina Tanaka Yoji (guest star), Kamio Yu (guest star), Haba Yuichi (guest star), Tsutsui Mariko (guest star), Kinoshita Houka (guest star), Tanaka Shuri (guest star), Kurosaki Reina (guest star), Igashira Manami (guest star), Ikuta Tomoko (guest star), Ono Karin (guest star)
Synopsis: 34-year-old Hamura Akira (Shishido Kavka) loves mysteries. She leads a simple life. Akira has changed jobs and residences more than ten times. Now she is a part-timer at a specialist bookshop called Murder Bear Bookshop, and she is working as an investigator of Shirokuma Investigation Agency in what started as a joke with the owner. Akira gets caught in unlucky situations one way or another, and is known as the world’s most unfortunate private investigator.
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/drama/drama10/hamuraakira

Joshi Kousei no Mudazukai
Date: From 11.15 p.m., Fridays, 24 January – 6 March 2020
Station: TV Asahi
Genre: School comedy
Episodes: 7
Original Work: Joshi Kousei no Mudazukai by Bino
Scriptwriters: Tanabe Shigenori (Tokusatsu Gagaga, In Hand, Rental no Koi), Yajima Koichi (Kenkou de Bunkatekina Saitei Gendo no Seikatsu, Aino Kekkon Soudanjo), Sumita Takashi, Yamada Yuri, Ando Kei, Tamada Shinya (Joker x Face)
Directors: Yamamoto Daisuke, Higurashi Ken, Nakashima Ryo, Do Koji
Ending Theme: Starting Over by Little Glee Monster
Cast: Okada Yui, Tsunematsu Yuri, Nakamura Yurika, Fukuchi Momoko, Asakawa Nana, Hata Mei, Imoto Ayaka, Yokoyama Ryo, Naito Risa, Machida Keita, Okura Koji
Synopsis: Tanaka Nozomu (Okada Yui) is one of the students who attends Sainotama Girls High School and always hangs out with Kikuchi Akane (Tsunematsu Yuri) and Saginomiya Shiori (Nakamura Yurika). These girls have “youth” in abundance and it is their strongest weapon. But they simply fritter away their passing youth.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/jyoshimuda
Twitter: twitter.com/jyoshimuda2020

Wake Atte Kasei ni Sumimashita ~ Erabareshi 4-nin
Date: From 12.00 a.m., Saturdays, 25 January – 29 February 2020
Network: WOWOW
Genre: Comedy
Episodes: 6
Scriptwriter: Suzuki Osamu (Meishi Game, Ubai Ai Fuyu, Renai Dorama o Mouichido)
Directors: Sato Yuichi, Ueda Yasushi, Honma Toshiyuki
Cast: Takahashi Katsumi, Yashima Norito, Nakamura Toru (Ep 1), Kaname Jun (Ep 2), Hirosue Ryoko (Ep 3), Yamoto Yuma (Ep 4), Saito Takumi (Ep 5), Miura Shohei (Ep 6), Asaka Kodai, Asuka Kirara, Ikeda Tetsuhiro, Onozuka Hayato, Kasahara Hideyuki, Kato Ryo, Kote Shinya, Sakiyama Tsubasa, Shiraishi Sei, Suga Kenta, Takaoka Saki, Taketatsu Ayana, Tamashiro Tina, Tokunaga Eri, Maruyama Tomomi, Minemura Rie, Morita Kanro, Yamaguchi Sayaka
Synopsis: Scientists pin the future of humanity on first sending a select group of four to Mars in order to make the migration to the planet in 2030 a reality.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/erabareshi4nin
Twitter: twitter.com/erabareshi4nin

Kotaki Kyoudai to Shikuhakku
Date: From 12.12 a.m., Saturdays, 11 January – 27 March 2020
Station: TV Tokyo
Genre: Comedy
Episodes: 12
Scriptwriter: Nogi Akiko (Unnatural, Kemono ni Narenai Watashitachi, Juhan Shuttai)
Director: Yamashita Nobuhiro
Ending Theme: Choudo Ii Shiawase by Stardust Revue
Cast: Furutachi Kanji, Takito Kenichi, Yoshine Kyoko, Kadowaki Mugi, Kawashima Ririka, Yoshizawa Hisashi, Kishii Yukino, Nakamura Yuko, Mochizuki Ayumu, Kobayashi Kaoru, Kudo Kankuro, Ichikawa Mikako (guest star), Kishii Yukino (guest star), Mochizuki Ayumu (guest star), Higuchi Kanako (guest star), Kawashima Ririka (guest star), Kadowaki Mugi (guest star), Yoshizawa Hisashi (guest star), Kobayashi Kaoru (guest star)
Synopsis: Big brother Ichiro (Furutachi Kanji) used to be an English teacher at a cram school but is currently unemployed and living modestly. He enjoys going to the coffee shop Shabadaba. He always tries to chat up Sacchan (Yoshine Kyoko), the cute part-timer at the shop, but his attempts never go well and end up in vain. One day, Ichiro’s younger brother Jiro (Takito Kenichi) suddenly moves into his house. This is the first time in eight years that the brothers are meeting ever since Ichiro announced that he was disowning Jiro. Ichiro wonders about the sudden visit. When he learns about an accident that happen just before Jiro came, he heads to the scene in a panic and encounters the victim, who is a man called Murata (Kudo Kankuro). He is asked by Murata to go to a meeting place in his stead. The two brothers see a woman (Ichikawa Mikako) show up at the meeting place and are at a loss for words … …
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/kotaki
Twitter: twitter.com/tx_kotaki

Kokoro no Kizu o Iyasu to iu Koto
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Saturdays, 18 January – 8 February 2020
Station: NHK
Genre: Historical fiction
Episodes: 4
Scriptwriter: Kuwahara Ryoko
Directors: Adachi Mojiri, Matsuoka Kazufumi, Nakaizumi Kei
Cast: Emoto Tasuku, Ono Machiko, Hamada Gaku, Moriyama Naotaro, Cho Tamiyasu, Asaka Kodai, Kamikawa Shusaku, Hamada Mari, Hiraiwa Kami, Tanimura Mitsuki, Konno Mahiru, Shimizu Kurumi, Ishibashi Ryo, Kimura Midoriko, Kondo Masaomi
Synopsis: An Kazutaka (Emoto Tasuku) is a young, bashful psychiatrist whose jazz piano skills are as good as a pro. He also has a love for records and books. He searches for his place in the world in his youth. But when he meets the cheerful Shuko (Ono Machiko), who becomes his wife, he finally feels at peace with himself. Right after they have their first child, the Great Hanshin Earthquake strikes. Although his family is affected by the disaster, he begins to search for what he can do as a psychiatrist. As he listens to the stories of disaster victims, he realises that he can help not by treating them, but restoring their capacity to heal. Later on, he compiles his observations of the disaster-hit area as a psychiatrist into a book, and wins a prize for social sciences. He sees this as a positive sign. However, one day when he is 39, he discovers that he has cancer.
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/drama/dodra/kokoro

Karera o Mireba Wakaru Koto
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Saturdays, 11 January – 29 February 2020
Network: WOWOW
Episodes: 8
Scriptwriter: Sawaki Mahiro
Director: Fukagawa Yoshihiro
Cast: Nakayama Miho, Kimura Tae, Oshima Yuko, Takahashi Yuto, Sakuma Yui, Nanase Kou, Kasahara Hideyuki, Komakine Ryusuke, Horiuchi Keiko, Katsura, Katase Nana, Takahashi Keiko (guest star), Kataoka Tsurutaro (guest star), Kamiji Yusuke, Nagano Hiroshi, Namase Katsuhisa
Synopsis: Uchida Momoko (Nakayama Miho) lives on the top floor of an apartment building in Futako Tamagawa. She is a manga artist popular for her sensual work. She has a new husband Kaito (Namase Katsuhisa) and a son (Takahashi Yuto) who is a university student. Momoko’s friend Tomizawa Mizuki (Kimura Tae) lives in the same apartment building. She is a career woman who relieves her stress at her regular dining bar. One day, a newly married couple moves into one of the apartments. The man is Kamoi Yosuke (Nagano Hiroshi), the ex-husband that Momoko divorced 20 years ago and his new wife is Rumi (Oshima Yuko). It is rare for a former husband and wife to remarry and become neighbours. Furthermore, the arrival of this new couple brings a “secret” that Momoko and Mizuki have into the open. The relationships between these three wives and three families begin to take the shape of more than mere neighbours … …
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/dramaw/karera

Top Knife ~ Tensai Nougekai no Jouken
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Saturdays, 11 January – 14 March 2020
Station: NTV
Genre: Medical
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Top Knife by Hayashi Koji
Scriptwriter: Hayashi Koji (Headhunter, Boss Series, Iryu Team Medical Dragon Series)
Directors: Otsuka Kyoji, Sakura Noriyoshi, Shigeyama Yoshinori
Ending Theme: Stayin’ Alive by Juju
Cast: Amami Yuki, Shiina Kippei, Hirose Alice, Nagayama Kento, Furukawa Yuta, Fukushi Seiji, Morita Misato, Fujimoto Izumi, Miyamoto Mayu, Miura Tomokazu, Horiuchi Keiko (guest star), Matsumoto Wakana (guest star), Hamada Mari (guest star), Sakurada Hiyori (guest star), Kanai Yuta (guest star), Honda Hirotaro (guest star), Ayata Toshiki (guest star), Nakao Mie (guest star), Onishi Ayaka (guest star), Kakizawa Hayato (guest star), Yamamoto Hiroshi (guest star), Kasamatsu Sho (guest star), Yoshida Mikako (guest star), Hara Sachie (guest star), Kimura Ryo (guest star), Shukugawa Atom (guest star), Kaneda Akio (guest star), Hara Hideko (guest star), Fukushi Seiji (guest star), Morita Misato (guest star), Koichi Mantaro (guest star), Sakai Miki (guest star), Arimori Narimi (guest star), Suzuki Anne (guest star)
Synopsis: Miyama Yoko (Amami Yuki) leads Toto Hospital’s Neurosurgery Department which brings together surgical geniuses who are a select group among surgeons. These top doctors are constantly expected to be perfect and have to deal with the pressure that the slightest mistake could mean the difference between a patient’s life or death. A specialist in brain aneurysms, Yoko puts her patients’ lives above all else but feels guilty for abandoning her family. Her colleague Kuroiwa Kengo (Shiina Kippei), a top neurosurgeon who has saved people’s lives through his work, believes he deserves priority for everything else and hungers for love. Self-proclaimed genius Nishigori Takuma (Nagayama Kento) can handle both surgery and catheter. Although he has absolute confidence in his surgical skills, he is actually an insecure mess deep down. Then there is medical resident Kozukue Sachiko (Hirose Alice) who has been touted to as a prodigy since young and lived the life of one who would be top among the top, but is completely hopeless.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/topknife
Twitter: twitter.com/topknife_ntv
Preview: Top Knife CM

Alibi Kuzushi Uketamawarimasu
Date: From 11.15 p.m., Saturdays, 1 February – 14 March 2020
Station: TV Asahi
Genre: Mystery
Episodes: 7
Original Work: Alibi Kuzushi Uketamawarimasu by Oyama Seiichiro
Scriptwriter: Izumi Yoshihiro (Shudan Sasen!, Todome no Kiss, Aogeba Toutoshi)
Directors: Kawai Hayato, Hoshino Kazunari
Ending Theme: Tokei no Hari ~ Aishite mo Anata ga Tookunaru no by Kimura Kaera
Cast: Hamabe Minami, Yasuda Ken, Narita Ryo, Katsumura Masanobu, Emoto Tokio, Inoue Yuta, Mizoguchi Takuya, Korenaga Hitomi, Nakamaru Shinsho, Morimoto Leo, Tayama Ryosei (guest star), Maruyama Tomomi (guest star), Moriya Kanna (guest star), Hoshino Mari (guest star), Oshinari Shugo (guest star), Kanai Yuta (guest star), Hashimoto Manami (guest star), Kimura Ryo (guest star), David Ito (guest star), Itagaki Mizuki (guest star), Inoue Shota (guest star), Mamiya Shotaro (guest star), Kimura Kaera (guest star), Tokumitsu Kazuo (guest star), Nishida Naomi (guest star)
Synopsis: 20-year-old Mitani Tokino (Hamabe Minami) runs a clock shop on a street far from the city centre. Besides repairing clocks at the shop which she inherited from her late grandfather (Morimoto Leo), the inquisitive Tokino is also a well-known closet sleuth. She will chip away at watertight alibis related to clocks and time for 5,000 yen on each occasion, and get to the bottom of the truth. Saji Yoshiyuki (Yasuda Ken), a career police officer with the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, was demoted to Nano Prefectural Police Headquarters after having the tables turned on him in his attempt to expose the corruption of an opposing faction. He ends up lodging at the main house behind Tokino’s clock shop in an unexpected turn of events. After feeling terribly conflicted, the proud Saji secretly leaks investigation information and asks Tokino to undermine their alibis. Although he complains, he finds himself becoming a regular client and they partner to solve cases.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/alibi
Twitter: twitter.com/alibi_ex

Densetsu no Okaasan
Date: From 11.30 p.m., Saturdays, 1 February – 21 March 2020
Station: NHK
Genre: Fantasy
Episodes: 8
Original Work: Densetsu no Okaasan by Kanemoto
Scriptwriters: Tamada Shinya (Joker x Face, Joshi Kousei no Mudazukai), Oike Yoko
Directors: Murahashi Naoki, Tsukuda Hisanori, Futami Daisuke, Tanaka Kenji
Cast: Maeda Atsuko, Tamaoki Reo, Inowaki Kai, Daito Shunsuke, Megumi, Katayama Yuki, Maehara Mizuki, Murakami Shingo, Kobayashi Yoshihisa, Uehara Risa, Okura Koji, Daichi Mao
Synopsis: Mei (Maeda Atsuko) is the legendary wizard in the role player games Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy. She played the wizard that participated in a crusade to fight off the Demon King (Daichi Mao) who tried to take over the world, and restore world peace. Mei has her first child during the peaceful days that follow and struggles with childrearing and housework on her own. One day, she is notified that the Demon King has been resurrected. The King (Okura Koji) issues an order to subdue the Demon King. However, Mei protests that it is impossible since there is no vacancy in the nursery school for her child. Will she be able to overcome numerous obstacles and achieve world peace while she raises her child?
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/drama/yoru/densetsu
Preview: Densetsu no Okaasan CM

Papa ga Moichido Koi o Shita
Date: From 11.40 p.m., Saturdays, 1 February – 21 March 2020
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Comedy
Episodes: 8
Original Work: Papa ga Moichido Koi o Shita by Abe Jun
Scriptwriters: Tanaka Shinichi (Iyasaretai Otoko, Fuhatsudan, Shachoushitsu no Fuyu), Fukushima Saburo, Yamashita Subaru (1 Page no Koi, Cheat)
Directors: Goto Yosuke, Muguruma Shunji, Sakami Takamori
Ending Theme: Tadaima! by Shonan no Kaze
Cast: Ozawa Yukiyoshi, Tsukaji Muga, Honjo Manami, Fukumoto Riko, Tsukamoto Takashi, Maro Akaji
Synopsis: Three years ago, Yamashita Goro (Ozawa Yukiyoshi) lost his beloved wife Taeko (Honjo Manami) in a traffic accident. Grieved by her death, he resigned from his job and confined himself to his room. His daughter Tomo (Fukumoto Riko) worries about him and does her best with the housework. She believes that her cool and kind father will return some day. One day, a middle-aged man (Tsukaji Muga) shows up at their house and says that he is Taeko. Goro and Tomo stare at him in disbelief. However, Tomo’s grandfather Tarosuke (Maro Akaji) cries out that this man is Taeko and says she has come back. How has her beautiful and gentle mother been reincarnated as this man? The unbelievable miracles do not stop there!
Website: www.tokai-tv.com/io/papakoi
Twitter: twitter.com/tokaitv_dodra
Preview: Papa wa Moichido Koi o Shita CM

LINE no Kotaeawase ~ Otoko to Onna no Kanchigai
Date: From 12.58 a.m., Sundays, 2 February 2020
Station: NTV & Line
Genre: Love comedy
Episodes: 10
Original Work: LINE no Kotaeawase
Scriptwriter: Kishimoto Ayuka (Watashi no Ojisan, Kenkou de Bunkatekina Saitei Gendo no Seikatsu, Love or Not), Moral (Watashi no Ojisan)
Directors: Taki Yusuke, Kanai Junichi, Yoshida Kazuhiro, Hariu Yuji
Ending Theme: Driver by the engy
Cast: Furukawa Yuki, Onishi Ayaka, Kuroba Mario, Kakei Miwako, Wada Masato, Mashima Hidekazu, Sakai Maki
Synopsis: Yasui Tsukasa (Furukawa Yuki), the young CEO of an IT venture company, is one of seven men and women (Onishi Ayaka, Kuroba Mario, Kakei Miwako, Wada Masato, Mashima Hidekazu, Sakai Maki) who meet at a one-day cooking class at the restaurant Grand Rossa in Ebisu, Tokyo. Rumours have spread that the owner-chef Iwasa Akira (Wada Masato) of Grand Rossa can solve anything when consulted on romance. Night after night, trouble people come to this restaurant.
Website: line-no-kotae.com
Twitter: twitter.com/line_no_kotae
Preview: LINE no Kotaeawase CM

Kono Otoko wa Jinsei Saidai no Ayamachi
Date: From 2.30 a.m., Sundays, 19 January – 22 March 2020
Station: TV Asahi
Genre: Romance
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Kono Otoko wa Jinsei Saidai no Ayamachi by Kokonose Shiki
Scriptwriters: Sakunorigen, Izawa Rie (Perfect Crime)
Directors: Kikuchi Takeo, Kuwashima Kenji
Ending Theme: Stop by Kawaguchi Reiji
Cast: Hayami Mokomichi, Matsui Airi, Tanaka Michiko, Irie Jingi, Katayama Moemi, Hiraoka Yuta
Synopsis: Sato Yui (Matsui Airi), a temporary employee at Amagi Pharmaceutical, is at a bar drinking alcohol as she grieves over her pet dog that died. “Invent medicine that can bring it back to life!” she cries and blathers drunkenly. A man’s voice calls out, “The dead cannot be resurrected.” He says he will teach her which drug she can overdose on and meet her dog right away and then mercilessly continues, “Do this pointless crying at home”. Yui retaliates by hooking his leg to trip him. She says over her shoulder that she did it on purpose and leaves the place. She does not even realise that this man is Amagi Kyoichi (Hayami Mokomichi), the CEO of her company. The next day, Yui is summoned to the CEO’s office and presents herself with the expectation that she will get fired. However, Amagi kneels down and tells her, “Please make me your slave.”
Website: www.asahi.co.jp/konodan
Twitter: twitter.com/konodan6
Preview: Kono Otoko wa Jinsei Saidai no Ayamachi CM

Kirin ga Kuru
Date: From 8.00 p.m., Sundays, 19 January 2020 – 7 February 2021
Station: NHK
Genre: Period
Episodes: 44
Scriptwriters: Ikehata Shunsaku (Soroban Samurai Kaze no Ichibei, Natsume Soseki no Tsuma, Kamogawa Shokudo), Maekawa Yoichi (Last Chance, Lady Joker, Marks no Yama), Iwamoto Maya (Kamogawa Shokudo, Natsume Soseki no Tsuma), Kawamoto Mizuki
Directors: Ohara Taku, Isshiki Ryuji, Sasaki Yoshiharu, Fukagawa Takashi
Cast: Hasegawa Hiroki, Kadowaki Mugi, Okamura Takashi, Ishikawa Sayuri, Nishimura Masahiko, Kawaguchi Haruna, Takahashi Katsunori, Uesugi Shozo, Omi Toshinori, Ito Hideaki, Sometani Shota, Sakai Masaaki, Motoki Masahiro, Kimura Fumino, Minami Kaho, Murata Takehiro, Tokushige Satoshi, Kataoka Ainosuke, Dan Rei, Sasaki Kuranosuke, Takito Kenichi, Tanihara Shosuke, Mashima Hidekazu, Yoshida Kotaro, Ichikawa Ebizo (narrator), Ono Machiko, Mukai Osamu, Kazama Shunsuke, Ibuki Goro, Santamaria Yusuke, Mamiya Shotaro, Hongo Kanata, Ando Masanobu, Maya Kyoko, Bengal, Imai Tsubasa, Kaneko Nobuaki, Enoki Takaaki, Bando Tamasaburo, Jinnai Takanori, Kataoka Tsurutaro, Shunputei Koasa, Suruga Taro, Koyabu Kazutoyo, Tezuka Toru, Imoto Ayaka, Kanai Hiroto, Ichinose Hayate
Synopsis: After the Onin War, the world is plunged into chaos. Amid this situation, heroes of the warring states begin to emerge in an attempt to unify the country and rule in these turbulent times. In the mid-1540s, there is a young wandering samurai in Mino which is strategically located between the East and West. His name is Akechi Mitsuhide (Hasegawa Hiroki). At this time, there is plenty of internal strife within the Toki clan which rules Mino. Surrounded by the Oda of Owari, the Imagawa of Suruga and the Asakura of Echizen, Mino has constantly faced the risk of invasion. Mitsuhide is pulled into battle and destroys the enemy. His bravery as well as stratagem catches the attention of Saito Toshimasa, the chief retainer of the Toki clan, and he is singled out. This man who is also known as Saito Dosan (Motoki Masahiro) will go on to takeover the Toki and make Mino his own.
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/kirin
Twitter: twitter.com/konodan6
Preview: Kirin ga Kuru CM

Theseus no Fune
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Sundays, 19 January – 22 March 2020
Station: TBS
Genre: Mystery
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Theseus no Fune by Higashimoto Toshiya
Scriptwriter: Takahashi Maki (Itsuka Kono Ame ga Yamu Hi Made, Asa ga Kuru, Kekkonshiki no Zenjitsu ni)
Directors: Ishii Yasuharu, Matsuki Aya, Yamamuro Daisuke
Ending Theme: Anata Iru Koto de by Uru
Cast: Takuechi Ryoma, Eikura Nana, Ando Masanobu, Kanjiya Shihori, Ashina Sei, Ryusei Ryo, Seiya, Konno Hiroki, Banka Tenta, Shiratori Tamaki, Ueno Juri (guest star), Santamaria Yusuke, Sasano Takashi, Musaka Naomasa, Aso Yumi, Suzuki Ryohei
Synopsis: Tamura Shin (Takuechi Ryoma) is a young man who has been pursuing the mystery of the murder that his father Sano Bungo (Suzuki Ryohei), a police officer, caused and changed the fate of their family. Ever since his father’s arrest, Shin and his mother Kazuko (Eikura Nana) have been criticised by the public and had to live in hiding. One day, Shin is told by his beloved wife Yuki (Ueno Juri) to try and give his father the benefit of the doubt, and he decides to meet his father who is in prison. However, when he heads to the old crime scene, he is shrouded by a sudden mist and ends up going back in time to the past. Shin finds himself in the year 1989 – right before the murder took place. The crime scene has become a snowy village. At this village, Shin sees the warm smiling faces of his own family. If he stops his father’s case, he will not lose them. This spurs him to challenge the taboo of changing the past.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/theseusnofune
Twitter: twitter.com/theseus_tbs
Preview: Theseus no Fune CM

Toudori Nozaki Shuhei
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 19 January – 16 February 2020
Network: WOWOW
Genre: Corporate
Episodes: 5
Original Work: Kansayaku Nozaki Shuhei by Shu Ryoka
Scriptwriter: Maekawa Yoichi (Kansayaku Nozaki Shuhei, Shizumanu Taiyo, Lady Joker)
Director: Gonno Hajime
Cast: Oda Yuji, Matsushima Nanako, Kazama Shunsuke, Ozawa Yukiyoshi, Kishitani Goro, Takimoto Miori, Suruga Taro, Izumi Rika, Kobayashi Katsuya, Watanabe Shota, Miura Masaki, Koichi Mantaro, Nomaguchi Toru, Nishida Naomi, Aijima Kazuyuki, Miyakawa Ichirota, Ukaji Takashi, Furuya Ikkou
Synopsis: Three years after Ozora Bank was nationalised, there are still no signs of a turnaround. Nozaki Shuhei (Oda Yuji), who previously exposed the bank’s illegal dealings as an auditor, becomes its president in an unconventional promotion. During this time, he had been involved in many corporate restructuring efforts through the Industrial Revitalization Corporation of Japan and was appointed because of his resourcefulness. In a bid to restore the confidence and pride of the bank employees who have been demoralised by the performance-driven culture and layoffs, Nozaki sets his sights on building a bank that can contribute to society and launches reforms with managing director Tachikawa Shoko (Matsushima Nanako) and Ishihara Toshiyuki (Kazama Shunsuke) from the loan department. Then Kyogoku Haruki (Ozawa Yukiyoshi), a former elite government bureaucrat and the son of the former bank president, becomes a director. He plots with Shoko to oust Nozaki and take back the position his father had built up. Nozaki’s battle begins again … …
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/dramaw/nozaki2
Related: Kansayaku Nozaki Shuhei

Shiro demo Kuro demo Nai Sekai de Panda wa Warau
Date: From 10.30 p.m., Sundays, 12 January – 15 March 2020
Station: NTV
Episodes: 10
Scriptwriter: Sato Tomoharu (Rinshou Hanzai Gakusha Himura Hideo no Suiri Series, Black Scandal, Last Cop)
Directors: Endo Mitsutaka, Matsunaga Yoichi, Shioguchi Takeshi, Sakamoto Hidetaka
Ending Theme: bad guy by Billie Eilish
Cast: Seino Nana, Yokohama Ryusei, Kaname Jun, Shiraishi Sei, Yamazaki Shigenori, Tsubaki Oniyakko, Yoshida Mizuki, Bando Ryota, Nagayama Takashi, Mizusawa Shingo, Matsuura Yuya, Steel Teppei, Asami Koshiro, Nakata Keisuke, Inori Kirara, Masu Takeshi, Fukuda Tenkyu, Yamaguchi Sayaka, Sato Jiro
Synopsis: Miss Panda (Seino Nana) is a mysterious woman with astounding physical ability. She has a keeper (Yokohama Ryusei) who manages her. One day, Miss Panda and her keeper receive a request from Mr No Compliance (Sato Jiro) to determine whether ambiguous cases in the world are right or wrong. The pair boldly attempt to expose the hidden truth that the police and media will not touch.
Website: www.ytv.co.jp/shirokuro
Twitter: twitter.com/shirokuro_drama
Preview: Shiro demo Kuro demo Nai Sekai de Panda wa Warau CM

Sousa Kaigi wa Living de Okawari!
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 2 February – 22 March 2020
Network: NHK BS Premium
Genre: Comedy
Episodes: 8
Scriptwriters: Takei Aya (Eerie, Sousa Kaigi wa Living de!, Juken no Cinderella), Akiyama Ryuhei (Sousa Kaigi wa Living de!, Retake, Ishitachi no Renai Jijou)
Directors: Kinoshita Takao, Asahina Yoko, Ohata Shinji
Cast: Mizuki Arisa, Tanabe Seiichi, Ihara Shogo, Takahashi Hideki, Katagiri Jin, Triendl Reina, Matsushita Kohei, Endo Yuya, Yamano Umi, Horibe Keisuke, Washio Machiko, Onodera Akira, Wada Masato, Takahashi Tsutomu, Sakai Wakana
Synopsis: One and a half years after her true identity was exposed, detective Morikawa Shoko (Mizuki Arisa) from the Criminal Investigations Department’s Special Unit is promoted to be the deputy of the unit. She has to put in a considerable amount of extra hours because she is busy with her duties. Meanwhile, her husband Akira’s (Tanabe Seiichi) latest novel is awarded the grand prize for mysteries and he joins the ranks of popular writers. He has to rent a work space outside. As it becomes a challenge for them to eat dinner around the table as a family, their son Nao (Ihara Shogo) starts to act a little weirdly. How will the Morikawas overcome this new obstacle standing in their way?
Website: www4.nhk.or.jp/P6068
Related: Sousa Kaigi wa Living de!

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