Summer 2020 Dramas

Some summer dramas are being pushed back due to the delayed broadcast of the spring dramas. With the COVID-19 situation lingering on, filming for dramas involving large casts like Dragon Zakura (2020) and Nigatsu no Shousha have been postponed indefinitely.

Himawari ~ Miyazaki Legend
Date: From 6.45 p.m., Mondays – Fridays, 1 – 12 June 2020
Network: TV Miyazaki
Genre: Comedy
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Himawari ~ Kenichi Legend by Higashimura Akiko
Scriptwriter: Ikeda Tetsuhiro
Director: Ishii Soichi
Theme Song: Soleil by Miyuna
Cast: Taira Yuna, Takahashi Katsunori, Inoue Yuki, Oshima Mai, Sato Mayumi, Nukumizu Yoichi, Ebihara Yuri, Nagano, Kiita, Inagaki Kurumi, Gogun Toma, Asaka Yui, Ishii Masanori
Synopsis: Hayashi Akiko (Taira Yuna) is an office lady living in Miyazaki Prefecture and dreams of being a manga artist. She works for Minami Kyushu Telephone, the same company where her father Kenichi (Takahashi Katsunori) is employed. There are two Kenichis in her life. The first Kenichi is her father who is far too laid back and causes confusion with his outrageous behaviour while the second Kenichi (Inoue Yuki), a Nangoku Green Service employee with excessive knowledge about plants, is someone she regards as potential boyfriend material.
Website: www.umk.co.jp/50th/himawari
Preview: Himawari Teaser

Korekkiri Summer
Date: From 8.42 p.m., 17 – 21 August 2020
Station: NHK
Episodes: 5
Scriptwriter: Kizara Izumi (Yuube no Curry Ashita no Pan, Q10, Nobuta o Produce)
Director: Izunami Takamasa
Cast: Okada Kenshi, Minami Sara, Ichiki Mikiko, Murakami Shoji
Synopsis: The National High School Baseball Championship for the summer has been called off and Fujii Kaoru (Okada Kenshi), a high school baseball player, is pitied by everyone. He is feeling bored to death when his classmate Mizumori Kaoru (Minami Sara) who loves rock music shows up. She is disappointed that she cannot attend the summer music festivals which also have been cancelled. The two of them begin to converse little by little although hampered by their masks and constantly keep their distance. They get closer and eventually realise each other’s true feelings … …
Website: –

Kansatsui Asagao Season 2^*POSTPONED*
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Mondays, July 2020 (for two seasons)
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Family
Original Work: Kansatsui Asagao by Kagawa Masahito
Scriptwriter: Nemoto Nonji (Kansatsui Asagao Season 1, Fruits Takuhaibin, Izakaya Fuji)
Cast: Ueno Juri, Tokito Saburo, Kazama Shunsuke, Kato Yuzuna
Synopsis: Forensic pathologist Maki Asagao (Ueno Juri) still works at Kouun University’s Department of Forensic Medicine. She lost her mother Satoko (Ishida Hikari) in the Great East Japan Earthquake 10 years ago and continues to feel raw grief that the body has not even been found. Asagao and her father Taira (Tokito Saburo), a detective at Nogeyama Police Precinct, have leaned on each other as if to fill the void in their hearts just a little. Whenever Taira has time, he heads to the Tohoku region to search for his wife’s body. Asagao has started to overcome her grief little by little through her marriage to her boyfriend Kuwahara Shinya (Kazama Shunsuke) and the birth of their daughter Tsugumi (Kato Yuzuna). No one would have expected that amid the household routine, some incident would prompt Asagao to travel to the Tohoku region alone on behalf of her father to search of her mother’s dead body and the traces of her … …
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/asagao2
Twitter: twitter.com/asagao2_2020
Related: Kansatsui Asagao Season 1

30 Kin ~ Sore wa 30-sai Miman Okotowari no Koi
Date: From 12.00 a.m., Tuesdays, 15 September – 3 November 2020
Network: Fuji On Demand
Genre: Romance
Episodes: 8
Original Work: 30 Kin Sore wa 30-sai Miman Okotowari no Koi by Hata Akimi
Scriptwriter: Seki Hisayo
Directors: Miyawaki Ryo, Asami Masafumi
Theme Song: Omajinai by Honoka Lynn
Cast: Matsui Rena, Suzuki Jin, Moriya Kanna, Deguchi Natsuki, Enjoji Aya, Ota Rina, Okayama Hajime, Endo Fumiya, Fujiwara Mayuko, Ishihara Kentaro, Okawa Mika, Fukushi Seiji
Synopsis: 30-year-old Mariyama Shino (Matsui Rena) heads the PR department of a home builder. She is experienced both professionally and romantically. While work is fulfilling, Shino does not have a boyfriend. She intends to find someone of a similar age to settle down with in her 30s. One day, she is suddenly asked by Sato Mayuki (Suzuki Jin), a guy nine years her junior whom she does not even know, to date him. Shino is taken aback rather than surprised. Moved by Mayuki’s honesty and fervour, she starts going out with him until she is able to find a marriage partner. However … …
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/30kin

Tantei Yuri Rintaro
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 16 June – 14 July 2020
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Horror mystery
Episodes: 5
Original Work: Yuri Rintaro Series by Yokomizo Seishi
Scriptwriter: Kobayashi Hirotoshi (Sute Neko ni Hirowareta Otoko)
Director: Kimura Yasuhiko
Theme Song: Brave Arrow by Kikkawa Koji
Cast: Kikkawa Koji, Shison Jun, Tanabe Seiichi, Kimoto Takehiro, Donguri, Shinkawa Yua (guest star), Minakami Kyoka (guest star), Murakawa Eri (guest star), Asari Yosuke (guest star), Takaoka Saki (guest star), Otsuru Gitan (guest star), Suzuki Kazuma (guest star), Yoshitani Ayako (guest star), Sano Gaku (guest star), Itao Itsuji (guest star), Akaso Eiji (guest star), Mizusawa Rintaro (guest star), Osada Seiya (guest star)
Synopsis: Yuri Rintaro (Kikkawa Koji) was the well-known chief of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department’s First Investigative Division. However, some case triggered his resignation. After that, he moved to Kyoto where he had spent his student days. He is now active as a criminal psychologist. He helps out in investigations at the request of the police. Yuri’s partner is a young man named Mitsugi Shunsuke (Shison Jun) who aspires to be a mystery writer. Shunsuke worships him and runs a website called Yuri Rintaro’s Case Files that records his activities.
Website: www.ktv.jp/yuri
Twitter: twitter.com/ktvyuri8
Preview: Tantei Yuri Rintaro CM

Diver ~ Tokushuu Sennyuu-han
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 22 September – 20 October 2020
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Action suspense
Episodes: 5
Original Work: Diver Tokushuu Sennyuu-han by Osawa Shintaro
Scriptwriter: Uda Manabu (Oshii Keiji, Tantei ga Hayasugiru, 99% Keiji Senmon Bengoshi Series)
Directors: Horai Tadaaki, Kimura Yasuhiko, Nishikata Yuki
Theme Song: Tomoru Inori by Kobukuro
Cast: Fukushi Sota, Nomura Shuhei, Ando Masanobu, Ryou, Katase Nana, Hamano Kenta, Masakado Yoshinori, Nakayama Yoshihiro, Masana Bokuzo, Nakayama Yoshihiro, Sugimoto Tetta (guest star)
Synopsis: 28-year-old Kurosawa Hyogo (Fukushi Sota) is an investigator who belongs to the Hyogo Prefectural Police’s undercover team which was formed under a cloak of secrecy to combat the sharp increase in criminal organisations. Known as the D Team, it is led by Date Naoya (Ando Masanobu). The team members are “divers” sent on dangerous missions to infiltrate nefarious organisations. Kurosawa is called the best in the team. A ruthless guy who is willing to deceive other members and make sacrifices in order to arrest criminals. There are times when he is kinder than everyone else and also times when he looks more pathetic. However, these are all lies. Even though he gets tainted by evil the closer he gets to it, he drives out evil with his own brand of justice.
Website: www.ktv.jp/diver
Twitter: twitter.com/diver_ktv
Preview: Diver CM

Okane no Kireme ga Koi no Hajimari
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 15 September – 6 October 2020
Station: TBS
Genre: Love comedy
Episodes: 4
Scriptwriter: Oshima Satomi (Nagi no Oitoma, Boukyaku no Sachiko Series, Machi Koba no Onna)
Directors: Hirano Shunichi, Kimura Hisashi, Doi Nobuhiro
Theme Song: turn over? by Mr Children
Cast: Matsuoka Mayu, Miura Haruma, Miura Shohei, Kitamura Takumi, Seira Hitomi, Otomo Karen, Inada Naoki, Nakamura Riho, Yagi Yuki, Kawai Yuzuru, Kimura Midoriko, First Summer Uika, Ikeda Narushi, Minami Kaho, Kusakari Masao, Kaji Yuki (guest star)
Synopsis: Kuki Reiko (Matsuoka Mayu) works for the accounting department of a mid-sized toy manufacturer and has a unique concept of money due to an incident in the past. She is particular about putting money to the right use and values the essence of the things that she loves rather than their monetary value. Saruwatari Keita (Miura Haruma), who is the son of this toy manufacturer’s CEO, finds himself transferred from the sales department to the accounting department after angering his father for being exceedingly spendthrift. Despite Reiko’s reluctance, she is assigned to be Keita’s instructor and he begins training under her.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/KANEKOI_tbs
Twitter: twitter.com/kanekoi_tbs
Preview: Okane no Kireme ga Koi no Hajimari CM

Toki o Kakeru Band
Date: From 12.00 p.m., Wednesdays, 19 August – 21 October 2020
Network: Fuji on Demand & Youku
Genre: Love comedy
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Toki o Kakeru Band by Lee Soo Ah
Scriptwriters: Tamada Shinya (Densetsu no Okaasan, 40-man km Kanata no Koi, Joker x Face), Miura Naoyuki (Fujoshi Ukkari Gay ni Kokuru, Koekoi), Shimoda Yuko (Peanut Butter Sandwich, Sutete yo Adachi-san, Coffee & Vanilla), Date-san (40-man km Kanata no Koi, Love Distance, Peanut Butter Sandwich)
Directors: Smith, Tsubakimoto Keijiro, Totsuka Hiroto
Cast: Miura Shohei, Shiraishi Sei, Nagai Mijika, Ohara Yuno, Itagaki Mizuki, Bando Ryota, Watanabe Hiroyuki
Synopsis: A mysterious man (Miura Shohei) claiming to be a music producer shows up in front of a girl band after the three members Yuki (Shiraishi Sei), Shiori (Nagai Mijika) and Toko (Ohara Yuno) are told by their record label that they have been fired. He speaks of watching the band’s performance and declares them 120% unsaleable. “If you want to be popular, let me be your producer.” They challenge his assumption that they will be unsuccessful and he unexpectedly tells them that he comes from the future. Will this mysterious, unconventional producer be able to help the band make their major debut? Yuki, Shiori and Toko band closer together as they endure his tests and struggle against hardship.
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/tokikake
Twitter: twitter.com/tokikake_band
Preview: Toki o Kakeru Band CM

Keiji 7-nin Season 6
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Wednesdays, 5 August – 30 September 2020
Station: TV Asahi
Genre: Detective
Episodes: 9
Scriptwriter: Yoshimoto Masahiro (Keiji 7-nin Seasons 3 – 5, Onna no Naka ni Iru Tanin, Kageri Yuku Natsu)
Director: Kanesaki Ryosuke
Cast: Higashiyama Noriyuki, Tanabe Seiichi, Kurashina Kana, Shirasu Jin, Tsukamoto Takashi, Yoshida Kotaro, Kitaoji Kinya, Kasahara Hideyuki (guest star), Kaneko Noboru (guest star), Fuwa Mansaku (guest star), Masu Takeshi (guest star), Anan Kenji (guest star), Masana Bokuzo (guest star), Sasai Eisuke (guest star), Nonami Maho (guest star), Rokkaku Shinji (guest star), Owada Baku (guest star), Watanabe Dai (guest star), Sano Gaku (guest star), Kimura Ryo (guest star), Tanaka Tetsushi (guest star)
Synopsis: Amagi Yu (Higashiyama Noriyuki) and Nonomura Takumi (Shirasu Jin) belong to the Criminal Information Unit which stores and manages investigation documents. In other words, it is a huge data bank within the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. Their original duties are to loan investigation documents requested by detectives and organise these materials. Besides that, Amagi reads up the tremendous volume of information and has become the human equivalent of “criminal big data”. When cases happen, he works with detectives Ebisawa Yoshiki (Tanabe Seiichi), Mizuta Tamaki (Kurashina Kana) and Aoyama Shin (Tsukamoto Takashi) as well as Professor Domoto Shuntaro (Kitaoji Kinya) to carry out their own investigations as the Full-time Investigation Unit. As the investigation documents are digitalised, the old ones are transferred to a warehouse. But while this is taking place one day, someone attacks and one cardboard box of investigation documents is stolen. It contains nothing but information on solved cases and cases that are not criminal in nature which do not need to be converted to digital. What is the criminal’s objective?
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/keiji7_06
Twitter: twitter.com/keiji_7nin
Related: Keiji 7-nin Season 2

Watashitachi wa Douka Shiteiru
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Wednesdays, 12 August – 30 September 2020 (Original date: July)
Station: NTV
Genre: Love mystery
Episodes: 8
Original Work: Watashitachi wa Douka Shiteiru by Ando Natsumi
Scriptwriter: Eto Rin (Gisou Furin, Nodame Cantabile Series, Slow Dance)
Directors: Komura Naoko, Inomata Ryuichi
Theme Song: Aka no Doumei by Tokyo Jihen
Cast: Hamabe Minami, Yokohama Ryusei, Takasugi Mahiro, Kishii Yukino, Wada Soko, Okabe Takashi, Maehara Ko, Kusano Taisei, Yamazaki Ikusaburo, Sudo Risa, Nakamura Yuri, Suzuki Nobuyuki, Sano Shiro, Mizuki Arisa, Kojima Fujiko (guest star), Maruyama Tomomi (guest star), Minemura Rie (guest star), Yoshizawa Hisashi (guest star)
Synopsis: Hanaoka Nao’s mother Yuriko (Nakamura Yuri) is a single parent and a live-in confectioner at Kogetsuan, a traditional Japanese sweets shop of long standing. That is how Nao meets Takatsuki Tsubaki, the 6-year-old son of the owner of Kogetsuan, and they become each other’s first loves. However, Tsubaki’s father (Suzuki Nobuyuki) is stabbed to death by someone. Nao’s mother is arrested as the suspect based on Tsubaki’s statement. Nao is kicked out while her mother passes away while under interrogation. Now daughter of a murder suspect and son of the victim, Nao and Tsubaki separate with ill feelings for each other. More than 15 years later, Nao (Hamabe Minami) and Tsubaki (Yokohama Ryusei) are reunited at a contest on Japanese sweets. Tsubaki takes an interest in Nao’s creations and asks her to marry him at their first meeting without realising that she is his childhood friend. Nao hides her true identity and decides to get into Kogetsuan through her marriage to Tsubaki in order to prove her mother’s innocence. Little does she know that all sorts of adverse circumstances lie in wait. Despite being made sport of by cruel fate, Nao and Tsubaki are drawn to each other. What is the truth of the case 15 years ago?
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/watadou
Twitter: twitter.com/watadou_ntv
Preview: Watashitachi wa Douka Shiteiru CM

Furo Girl
Date: From 12.58 a.m., Thursdays, 16 July – 19 August 2020
Station: TV Tokyo
Genre: Comedy
Episodes: 6
Original Work: Furo Girl by Katayama Yukio
Scriptwriters: Masaike Yosuke (Rental Nanmo Shinai Hito, Shiyakusho, Miss Sherlock), Nakamura Yukari (Utsubokazura no Yume, Keiji 110 kg Series)
Director: Ishikawa Junichi
Theme Song: Mujuryoku Hikoushi by Inoue Sayaka
Cast: Sakurai Hinako, Konishi Sakurako
Synopsis: Oyumino Sayoko (Sakurai Hinako) is an office lady who loves taking a bath at home to get rid of the day’s fatigue. She tries all sorts of ways of having one such as homemade bath bombs, ingenious and unexpected bathing methods, recipes for snacks just after a bath as well as bathroom cleaning techniques in her quest to take the best bath.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/furogirl
Twitter: twitter.com/tx_furogirl
Preview: Furo Girl Teaser

Hatarakazaru Monotachi
Date: From 12.58 a.m., Thursdays, 27 August – 30 September 2020
Station: TV Tokyo
Genre: Work comedy
Episodes: 6
Original Work: Hatarakazaru Monotachi by Surrender Hashimoto
Scriptwriters: Udo Yoshifumi (Omoshiro Nankyoku Ryorinin), Nishioka Toneil (Unmei kara Hajimaru Koi)
Director: Udo Yoshifumi
Theme Song: Home by M!LK
Cast: Hamada Gaku, Furukawa Yuki, Ikeda Eliza, Omizu Yosuke, Tsuda Kanji, Kajihara Zen, Yashiba Toshihiro, Komoto Masahiro, Hamano Kenta, Masu Takeshi, Yanagisawa Shingo, Hayashi Yasufumi
Synopsis: Hashida Hajime (Hamada Gaku) has been an employee at a newspaper’s IT systems department for seven years. He is middling in his full-time job but works diligently on his side job of writing manga. However, while being made sport of by his colleagues in the company who have given up on career advancement and have low morale, Hashida wonders if he should go on like this. He starts to examine how he works and lives, and catches glimpses of their pasts and their woes. What is the significance of work and what makes a happy life?
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/hatarakazaru
Twitter: twitter.com/Hatarakazaru_tx
Preview: Hatarakazaru Monotachi CM

Oshaie Sommelier Oshako!
Date: From 1.28 a.m., Thursdays, 16 July – 2 September 2020
Station: TV Tokyo
Episodes: 8
Original Work: Oshaie Sommelier Oshako! by Kappy
Scriptwriters: Gajin Shota, Iwasaki Udai, Ito Masahiro, Tsuji Kenichi, Hatanaka Miyuki, Ota Yu
Directors: Ota Yu, Yamaguchi Yuya, Kobayashi Sora, Hatanaka Miyuki
Theme Song: My Room My Life (feat. RAM RIDER) by U Yuma
Cast: Yahagi Honoka, Tomita Miu, Megumi, Ichihara Hayato, Kaneko Daichi (guest star), Hakamada Yoshihiko (guest star), Ichikawa Tomohiro (guest star), Okayama Amane (guest star), Saeki Daichi (guest star), Sano Gaku (guest star), Fujita Rei (guest star), Iwai Kenshiro (guest star), Oyaizu Rintaro (guest star), Nadal (guest star), Bando Takumi (guest star)
Synopsis: Jaeger Oshako (Yahagi Honoka), the daughter of the fashionable Jaeger family, received special education in style. She is a “sommelier” of stylish homes and for some reasons she must find the ideal guy who lives in a house that she regards as stylish before her 25th birthday. However, Oshako has lofty ideals. When she is brought to a guy’s home, she keeps pointing out faults with her sharp tongue.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/oshako
Twitter: twitter.com/tx_oshako

Mikaiketsu no Onna Season 2 ~ Keishichou Bunsho Sousakan
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Thursdays, 6 August – 17 September 2020
Station: TV Asahi
Genre: Detective
Episodes: 7
Original Work: Keishichou Bunsho Sousakan by Asami Kazushi
Scriptwriter: Omori Mika (Mikaiketsu no Onna Season 1, Kono Koe o Kimi ni, Asa ga Kita)
Directors: Tamura Naoki, Kinoshita Naomi
Theme Song: Kirakira ni Hikaru by Ikimonogakari
Cast: Haru, Sawamura Ikki, Kudo Asuka, Yamauchi Takaya, Minagawa Sarutoki, Tanihara Shosuke, Takada Junji, Endo Kenichi, Suzuki Kyoka, Ishimaru Kanji (guest star), Miyakawa Ichirota (guest star), Kurokawa Tomoka (guest star), Ichihara Hayato (guest star), Ito Kentaro (guest star), Ono Takehiko (guest star), Kitano Kii (guest star), Sakuma Yui (guest star), Takanashi Rin (guest star), Nagai Masaru (guest star), Nomaguchi Toru (guest star), Matsushita Yuki (guest star), Ryu Raita (guest star), Kakei Toshio (guest star)
Synopsis: The passionate Yashiro Tomo (Haru), who is a judo expert, and the intellectual Narumi Risa (Suzuki Kyoka), who has the unusual ability to predict the personality and thoughts of a writer from writings, are partners in the Sixth Special Investigations Unit of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department’s First Investigative Division. They investigate unsolved cases using Japanese characters.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/mikaiketsu02
Twitter: twitter.com/mikaiketsu2018
Related: Mikaiketsu no Onna Season 1

Ojisan wa Kawaiimono ga Osuki
Date: From 11.59 p.m., Thursdays, 13 August – 10 September 2020
Station: NTV
Genre: Comedy
Episodes: 5
Original Work: Ojisan wa Kawaiimono ga Osuki by Tsutomu
Scriptwriter: Tsubota Fumi (Motokare Mania, Kounodori Series, Heat)
Director: Kumasaka Izuru
Theme Song: Rakuyo by Cider Girl
Cast: Mashima Hidekazu, Imai Tsubasa, Kiriyama Ren, Fujiwara Taiyu, Tomita Miu, Manaka Ayu, Mizuma Ron, Sato Masakazu
Synopsis: 43-year-old Oji Mitsutaka (Mashima Hidekazu), a handsome and gentlemanly division manager, is trusted by both his superiors and subordinates. He struggles with a grave secret which is at odds with his appearance – his great love for cute things. He works hard and finds comfort in the dog plush toy called Pug Taro which he is a fan of. A divorcee who lives alone, Mitsutaka’s happiest moments are being buried in Pug Taro-related goods at home. When he was a kid, his older sister gave him a soft toy which he came to love. Checking out new merchandise information feeds his obsession and makes him happy. Although Mitsutaka has kept this secret under wraps, deep down in his heart he dreams of sharing it with someone. There are several potential candidates including Kawai Kenta (Imai Tsubasa), the first person who shares the same interest; Naruto Wataru (Kiriyama Ren), Mitsutaka’s rival in the next division; and Nii Masumi (Fujiwara Taiyu), his nephew who stays at his place.
Website: www.ytv.co.jp/ojikawa
Twitter: twitter.com/ojikawa_drama
Preview: Ojisan wa Kawaiimono ga Osuki CM

Juon: Noroi no Ie
Date: From 3 July 2020
Network: Netflix
Genre: Horror
Episodes: 6
Scriptwriters: Takahashi Hiroshi (Yochou Sanpo Suru Shinryakusha), Ichise Takashige (Juon: The Final)
Director: Miyake Sho
Cast: Arakawa Yoshiyoshi, Kuroshima Yuina, Ririka, Osamura Koki, Iwaido Seiko, Inowaki Kai, Tei Ryushin, Matsuura Yuya, Tsuchimura Kaho, Emoto Tokio, Sendo Nobuko, Kurashina Kana
Synopsis: In 1988, Odajima Yasuo (Arakawa Yoshiyoshi), a researcher of spirits and ghosts, is intrigued by the strange phenomenon that TV personality Honjo Haruka (Kuroshima Yuina) experienced. He met Haruka through a television variety show on the occult and she had consulted him about the sound of footsteps in her house in the middle of the night. At the same time, a high school student Kiyomi (Ririka) who was forced to transfer schools due to some trouble, is asked by her new classmates to go to a vacant house called the cat compound. She visits the place treating it as a test of her courage.
Website: www.netflix.com/jp/title/81059942
Preview: Juon: Noroi no Ie CM

Dareka ga Miteiru
Date: From 18 September 2020
Network: Amazon Prime
Genre: Comedy
Episodes: 8
Scriptwriter: Mitani Koki (Sanada-maru, Orient Kyuukou Satsujin Jiken, Sutekina Kakushidori)
Director: Mitani Koki
Cast: Katori Shingo, Inagaki Goro, Sato Jiro, Yamamoto Chihiro, Nagano Satomi, Miyazawa Emma, Yashima Norito, Natsuki Mari, Nishida Toshiyuki, Koike Eiko, Shinkawa Yua, Matsuoka Mayu, Takashima Masahiro, Hashimoto Manami, Sato Honami, Terajima Susumu, Kohinata Fumiyo, Otake Shinobu
Synopsis: Toneri Shinichi (Katori Shingo) lives in an apartment in Saitama Prefecture. He always fails when it is least expected no matter what he does. Each time he finds a new job, he immediately ends up getting fired. Kasuya Jiro (Sato Jiro), his neighbour who lives next door, cannot help feeling curious about Shinichi. He discovers a “hole in the wall” by chance and gets a kick out of spying on Shinichi. One day, Jiro’s daughter Akane (Yamamoto Chihiro) notices the hole in the wall and hits on an idea that spreads Jiro’s secret pleasure to people around the world … …
Website: www.amazon.co.jp
Preview: Dareka ga Miteiru CM

Ginza Kuroneko Monogatari
Date: From 12.40 a.m., Fridays, 17 July – 17 September 2020
Station: Kansai TV & Sony Pictures
Episodes: 10
Scriptwriters: Honda Ryuichi, Izawa Rie (Kono Otoko wa Jinsei Saidai no Ayamachi desu, Perfect Game), Somei Tamehito
Directors: Honda Ryuichi, Matoba Masayuki, Ninomiya Kohei
Cast: Yoshizawa Hisashi, Ko Yuko, Tokita Aotaro, Kawaguchi Waku, Masuda Shuichiro, Hasegawa Hatsunori, Okamoto Natsumi, Mizuishi Atomu, Yoshida Oolongta, Kanno Hisao, Makita Tetsuya, Akiyama Yuzuki, Daito Shunsuke, Yoshitani Ayako, Hosoi Manabu, Matsuura Sachiko, Konishi Sakurako, Shibata Akiyoshi, Okayama Hajime, Nagao Mariya, Noda Mio, Seto Saori, Yamato Kota, Naggy, Yamagiwa Erena, Miyazaki Tomu, Sano Gaku, Takemori Sento, Ito Yui, Irie Takashi, Muramatsu Toshifumi, Akimoto Sayaka, Yuki Kousei, Uchikura Kenji, Watanabe Mai, Ikushima Yuki, Nendo Daisuke, Morita Tetsuya, Higashi Bukuro, Sato Takashi, Ijima Ku, Yoshimura Takuya, Shinohara Yushin, Umegaki Yoshiaki, Yano Koji, Yamamoto Hiroshi, Yoshioka Mutsuo, Masayuki , Sakuragi Kenichi, Yahagi Honoka, Daichi, Mizukoshi Ayumi, Matsuzawa Takumi, Serizawa Tateto, Takezai Terunosuke, Kita Noa, Tanaka Mirei, Kurihara Kodai, Negishi Toshi
Synopsis: A black cat that lives in Ginza, Tokyo appears in front of people who are troubled or in a bind. Beckoning with a meow, it leads the person to a well-known Ginza store that suits him or her, brightening up the person’s life a little in the process. Through this black cat, shops and people get connected.
Website: www.ktv.jp/ginza-kuroneko
Preview: Ginza Kuroneko Monogatari CM

Oretachi wa Abunakunai ~ Cool ni Saboru Keijitachi
Date: From 12.59 a.m., Fridays, 17 September – 6 November 2020
Station: TBS
Genre: Police comedy
Scriptwriters: Fujiki Mitsuhiko (Designer Shibui Naoto no Kyuujitsu, Byplayers Series), Miyamoto Takeshi (Byplayers Series, Prison Hotel), Ishigami Kanako, Watanabe Tetsu
Directors: Yokobori Mitsunori, Asano Atsuya, Asari Hiroshi, Shimazaki Kentaro
Ending Theme: Grand Chariot by Hilcrhyme
Cast: Suzuki Nobuyuki, Sano Hayato, Yano Masato, Ino Hiroki, Inoue Hajime, Omiya Taro, Miyoshi Ayaka
Synopsis: There are two young detectives Takano Shin (Suzuki Nobuyuki) and Yonaka Wataru (Sano Hayato) at Azabu Chuo Police Precinct who have a promising future. Takano constantly considers “cost performance” and is busy with the promotion exam and internal politics while Yonaka uses his lovable character and devotes himself to looking for a new job. Although they are put on the gruelling frontline where they have to face the multitude of crime rampant in Tokyo, they will not work beyond regular hours, push themselves too hard or even investigate. Their minds are always on “high cost performance” and their goal is to loaf on the job. These detectives represent young people’s attitudes toward work nowadays.
Website: www.mbs.jp/oreabu
Twitter: twitter.com/oreabu_drama
Preview: Oretachi wa Abunakunai CM

Oedo Mono no Ke Monogatari
Date: From 8.00 p.m., Fridays, 17 July – 14 August 2020
Station: NHK BS Premium
Genre: Period fantasy
Episodes: 5
Scriptwriter: Kawasaki Izumi (Nezumi Edo o Hashiru Series, Do-S Deka, Jimi ni Sugoi! Kouetsu Girl Kouno Etsuko)
Director: Kawamura Taisuke
Cast: Okada Kenshi, Hongo Kanata, Yamada Anna, Morikawa Aoi, Hirao Nanaka, Aoyama Misato, Issey Ogata
Synopsis: Shinkai Kazuma (Okada Kenshi) teaches at a temple school and his class is perpetually in shambles. He is saved by the plucky Ohina who would loudly rebuke “Everyone, listen to what teacher says!” Although Kazuma is not good with the sword and has no redeeming points, he has been devoted to researching monsters in secret. At a time when he was a very young child and confined in a storehouse, a strange-looking monster lurking in the darkness saved him and he came to believe in their existence. Kazuma notices Ohina behaving strangely on one occasion, and stumbles upon her speaking to a mysterious piece of earthenware inside an abandoned building. When Kazuma touches the item shaped like a comma, it transforms and a monster called Ten no Jaki suddenly appears. Although Kazuma’s blood runs cold, Ohina abruptly discloses her wish to see her late mother and offer words of apology. Kazuma takes action with Ten no Jaki and other monsters so as to fulfil Ohina’s wish. However … …
Website: www.nhk.jp/p/ts/Q7X4WX9912
Preview: Oedo Mono no Ke Monogatari Teaser

The Head
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Fridays, 12 June – 17 July 2020
Network: Hulu Japan & HBO Asia
Genre: Survival mystery
Episodes: 6
Scriptwriters: Alex Pastor, David Pastor
Director: Jorge Dorado
Cast: John Lynch, Alexandre Willaume, Katharine O’Donnelly, Laura Bach, Yamashita Tomohisa, Richard Sammel, Álvaro Morte, Sandra Andreis, Amelia Hoy, Tom Lawrence, Chris Riley
Synopsis: Researchers leave behind a 10-member wintering team (John Lynch, Katharine O’Donnelly, Laura Bach, Yamashita Tomohisa, Richard Sammel, Sandra Andreis, Amelia Hoy, Tom Lawrence, Chris Riley) at a scientific research base in Antarctica as the continent heads into a long winter covered in glaciers and darkness. However, in the middle of the six-month winter, communication between the base and the outside world is disrupted. When the researchers return to the base several weeks later, they are greeted by a terrible scene that is too horrible to look at. Almost all the researchers are dead. It is established that one is missing and two have survived. What happened at the isolated base in those six months?
Website: www.hulu.jp/thehead
Twitter: twitter.com/THEHEAD_2020
Preview: The Head CM

Kiwadoi Futari ~ K2 Ikebukurosho Keijika Kanzaki . Kuroki
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Fridays, 11 September – 16 October 2020
Station: TBS
Genre: Detective
Episodes: 6
Original Work: K2 Ikebukurosho Keijika Kanzaki . Kuroki by Yokozeki Dai
Scriptwriters: Yoshida Yasuhiro (Cold Case Series, Poison Daughter Holy Mother, In Hand), Satsuki Aya (Douki no Sakura)
Directors: Yamamuro Daisuke, Murao Yoshiaki
Theme Song: Your Song by Hey! Say! JUMP
Cast: Tanaka Kei, Yamada Ryosuke, Sekimizu Nagisa, Jesse, Okuyama Kazusa, Eguchi Noriko, Yashima Norito, Shiina Kippei, Kamio Fuju (guest star), Nakata Keisuke (guest star), Endo Yuya (guest star), Rokkaku Seiji (guest star), Nakabayashi Taiki (guest star)
Synopsis: Kanzaki Ryuichi (Yamada Ryosuke) is a compassionate and earnest detective on the career track who believes that the right path is the path of justice. He became a detective because he looked up to his father Kenzo (Shiina Kippei) who was a police officer and inherited his strong sense of justice. However, he gets too meddlesome sometimes. His strong belief that people have more good qualities than bad ones becomes an advantage in overcoming difficulties. Kuroki Kenji (Tanaka Kei) is a detective with the best arrest rate because he has the best instincts and perceptiveness. His suspicion of people is his weapon in deciphering cases. There are times when he takes an unprecedented approach in the investigation that breaks the rules, and also gets Kanzaki involved in dangerous investigations. Kanzaki and Kuroki tackle the brutal crimes that occur in the streets of Ikebukuro together. But they have completely opposite personalities, values and investigation methods which leads to conflict each time there is an investigation. However, they have a secret. They are step brothers who have different mothers.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/kiwadoifutari_TBS
Twitter: twitter.com/kiwadoik2_tbs
Preview: Kiwadoi Futari CM

My Love, My Baker
Date: From 11.00 p.m., Fridays, 10 July – 25 September 2020
Network: dTV & Hikari TV
Genre: Romance
Episodes: 12
Original Work: My Bakery by Rakuda
Scriptwriters: Aso Kumiko (Lunch no Gokon Tantei, Gosaigyo, Yami no Bansosha Series), Hatano Miyako (Sousa Chizu no Onna, Kaito Royale), Yoshida Oolongta
Directors: Furumaya Tomoyuki, Ninomiya Takashi
Theme Song: Otomegokoro by Ozaki Yuka
Cast: Motokariya Yuika, Iijima Hiroki, Takezai Terunosuke, Komiya Arisa, Nobukawa Seijun, Narumi Yui
Synopsis: Koiwa Mimiko (Motokariya Yuika) is the cheerful, hardworking manager of Bakery Mimiy which she inherited from her parents. Although the bakery is short-handed, she overcomes the situation with innate strength. One day, Kita Kaoru (Iijima Hiroki), a taciturn young man six years her junior, joins the bakery as a new part-timer. He is put in charge of the finishing touches and becomes valuable support to Mimiko and indispensable to the bakery. However, Kita, who is the former chef of a Michelin three star French restaurant, appears to have some secret … …
Website: www.hikaritv.net/sp/mylove-mybaker
Twitter: twitter.com/mylovemybaker
Preview: My Love, My Baker CM

Manatsu no Shonen ~ 19452020
Date: From 11.15 p.m., Fridays, 31 July – 18 September 2020
Station: TV Asahi
Genre: School comedy
Episodes: 8
Scriptwriter: Higuchi Takuji (Boku no Tsuma to Kekkon Shite Kudasai)
Directors: Oikawa Takuro, Takezono Hajime, Ono Koji
Theme Song: Endless Summer by Kis-My-Ft2
Cast: Iwasaki Taisho, Sato Ryuga, Nasu Yuto, Ukisho Hidaka, Fujii Naoki, Kanasashi Issei, Mizuno Miki, Hasegawa Kyoko, Hakata Hanamaru
Synopsis: High school students Kazama Ryuji (Iwasaki Taisho), Sena Satoru (Sato Ryuga) and Kasuga Atsushi (Ukisho Hidaka) are classmates and live in the suburbs of the Kanto region. While they are gathered at their hideout one day, they suddenly feel a big tremor and hear the loud clap of thunder as they are thrown against the wall. In the next moment, they see a man wearing a dirty military uniform and holding a bayonet. The three of them try to flee but are captured by him. They learn that he is Mihira Sanpei (Hakata Hanamaru), a soldier who travelled in time from the battle of Guam. Ryuji, Satoru and Atsushi set out to show him the streetscape of the Reiwa era. Thinking that their lives might change if they are together with Sanpei, they ask him to spend the summer with them. Their classmates, the twin brothers Yamada Akihiko (Fujii Naoki) and Kazuhiko (Kanasashi Issei), join the group. As they hang about with Sanpei who came from a difficult period, they begin to question what is true happiness and freedom.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/manatsunoshonen
Twitter: twitter.com/manatsu19452020

Ano Ko ga Umareru
Date: From 12.00 a.m., Saturdays, 18 July – 19 September 2020
Network: Fuji on Demand
Genre: Horror suspense
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Ano Ko ga Umareru by Suzuki Koji
Scriptwriters: Kubo Sachiko, Inoue Sakurako, Tanii Mika, Suzuki Koji
Directors: Yamanouchi Daisuke, Onodera Akihiro, Yamaguchi Makoto
Theme Song: Night D by eill
Cast: Morita Misato, Ogura Yuka, Matsumoto Taishi, Tezuka Mai, Yasuda Seia, Izumi Haru, Ozone Seiko, Akaza Miyoko, Ichikawa Kudanji, Yamashita Yorie, Ashina Sei, Haba Yuichi
Synopsis: Imaizumi Nao (Morita Misato) is a nurse at Shinsei Hospital in the outskirts. While she is on duty one day, a pregnant woman Eiko (Ogura Yuka) is rushed to the hospital. This woman has not only cut her own wrists, her identity is also unknown as she has no personal belongings. The doctor Komoto Hideaki (Ichikawa Kudanji), who is the son-in-law of hospital director Komoto Junichiro (Haba Yuichi), enters the emergency room but the moment he sees Eiko’s face, his expression hardens. Eiko has to be hospitalised until her condition stabilises but she does not say a word and merely gives a chilling smile. Junichiro’s daughter Mie (Ashina Sei), who is also Hideaki’s wife, is a nurse at the hospital and currently pregnant. She is offended by Eiko’s mocking attitude and relentlessly tries to get her out. The true nature of the people surrounding Nao gradually become apparent.
Website: fod.fujitv.co.jp/s/genre/drama/ser4p48

40-man km Kanata no Koi
Date: From 12.12 a.m., Saturdays, 25 July – 14 August 2020
Station: TV Tokyo
Genre: Romance
Episodes: 4
Scriptwriter: Tamada Shinya (Densetsu no Okaasan, Joker x Face), Date-san (Love Distance, Peanut Butter Sandwich)
Director: Tsubakimoto Keijiro
Ending Theme: Tragicomedy by SHE’S
Cast: Chiba Yudai, Kadowaki Mugi, Yamoto Yuma, Yamada Maho, Komatsu Toshimasa, Yoshioka Riho
Synopsis: Astronaut Takamura Soichi (Chiba Yudai) is spending a year in space in order to collect data samples that will enable the human race to live comfortably in space. As someone who loathes people and avoids troublesome human relationships, he is happy living alone with the AI Yuri (Yoshioka Riho) some 400,000 km from earth. Then one day, Soichi has an interview with his ex-girlfriend Ayuhara Sakiko (Kadowaki Mugi) through satellite connection. Their reunion on a computer screen eventually turns into quarrel but it makes him rediscover his feelings. Then Yuri realises that her feelings for Soichi are close to the human love and begins to question the meaning of her own existence. An unexpected love triangle develops between the astronaut, his ex-girlfriend on earth and the AI! In addition, all sorts of problems happen in outer space … …
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/40mankiro
Twitter: twitter.com/tx_40mankiro
Preview: 40-man km Kanata no Koi CM

Tenshi ni Request o ~ Jinsei Saigo no Onegai
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Saturdays, 19 September – 17 October 2020
Station: NHK
Episodes: 5
Scriptwriter: Omori Sumio (Natsuzora, Seirei no Moribito Series, 64)
Director: Kataoka Hiroshi
Cast: Eguchi Yosuke, Kamishiraishi Moka, Shison Jun, Itaya Yuka, Shiomi Sansei, Kaji Meiko, Yamamoto Gaku, Saigo Teruhiko, Baisho Mitsuko
Synopsis: Former detective Shimada Shugo (Eguchi Yosuke) has an investigation agency and an assistant Kojima Akari (Kamishiraishi Moka) but he has no motivation to work. Then one day, he gets an unusual request from an old woman Sato Kazuko (Baisho Mitsuko) who looks wealthy. She met Omatsu Mikie (Kaji Meiko) while hospitalised. As Mikie does not have that much time left, Kazuko wants to bring her to some place so that she can fulfil her last wish. Kazuko states that she will spare no expense. She even sends a resourceful male nurse Teramoto Haruki (Shison Jun) as an attendant and talks about wanting to continue with this activity. Shimada lost his son who got entangled in his work, split up with his wife Tokie (Itaya Yuka) and quit the police force. Despite Shimada’s suspicions about the reason why he was chosen, he accepts the request and starts to come in contact with patients’ lives. This also becomes a journey to reexamine his own past. However, Kazuko’s own last wish is hidden beneath … …
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/drama/dodra/tenshi

Oedo Great Journey ~ The Oisemairi
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Saturdays, 6 June – 11 July 2020
Network: WOWOW
Genre: Period
Episodes: 6
Original Work: Daken Douchuu Okage Mairi by Dobashi Akihiro
Scriptwriter: Dobashi Akihiro
Directors: Motoki Katsuhide, Inoue Masanori
Cast: Maruyama Ryuhei, Yoshine Kyoko, Saito Taiyo, Ibu Masato, Kato Ryo, Yamamoto Koji, Nishimura Masahiko, Fukumoto Riko, Sumi Shintaro, Yamanaka Itsuki, Kanayama Kazuhiko, Muro Ryota (guest star), Kataoka Ainosuke (guest star), Musaka Naomasa (guest star), Muroi Shigeru (guest star), Nakamura Shizuka (guest star), Aoki Sayaka (guest star), Daichi Mao (guest star), Tanokura Yuta (guest star)
Synopsis: It is the year 1830 when the Ise Grand Shrine’s principal Buddhist statue is put on public view once every 20 years. One day, Tatsugoro (Maruyama Ryuhei), who was once called a legendary gambler, ends up massively in debt at a gambling den in Fukagawa. He has always been alone in this world and relied on his own ability and luck. However, he has had none of it lately. On this day, Tatsugoro draws a winning number for the worshippers and sets off on a pilgrimage to Ise Grand Shrine as a tenement house representative. On the way, he meets the dog Okinamaru which is visiting the shrine on behalf of its master, a young boy Miyoshi (Saito Taiyo) who has sneaked out from his place of apprenticeship, and the beautiful but flawed Saya (Yoshine Kyoko). They end up behaving like a family in an unexpected turn of events. Meanwhile, the killer and debt collector Kikusuke (Yamamoto Koji), who is said to be unknown in the Edo underworld, pursues Tatsugoro.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/dramaw/oedo
Twitter: twitter.com/drama_wowow

Nigatsu no Shousha ~ Zettai Goukaku no Kyoushitsu^*POSTPONED*
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Saturdays, July 2020
Station: NTV
Scriptwriter: Naruse Katsuo (Chiisana Kyojin, Kiraware Matsuko no Isshou)
Original Work: Nigatsu no Shousha ~ Zettai Goukaku no Kyoushitsu
Genre: School
Cast: Yagira Yuya, Inoue Mao, Kato Shigeaki
Synopsis: Kuroki Kurodo (Yagira Yuya), an outstanding cram school teacher from the largest cram school for middle school entrance exams in the industry, is welcomed as the headmaster of a mid-size cram school which has been performing poorly. Kuroki causes a stir with extreme words and conduct, constantly overwhelming the people around him. “Middle school exams are paid games”, “Parents are the sponsors” “A father’s financial resources and mother’s lunacy are what makes a child pass the exams”. He is an ultra realist and speaks his mind. However, he quickly declares to all the new sixth grade students that he will make them get into their school of first choice. While Kuroki labels a cram school as a place which sells children’s future, he is able to understand the true nature of each student and also ease parental anxieties.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/2gatsu
Twitter: twitter.com/2gatsu_ntv

Yokai Sharehouse
Date: From 11.15 p.m., Saturdays, 1 August – 19 September 2020
Station: TV Asahi
Genre: Horror comedy
Episodes: 8
Scriptwriters: Nishiogi Yumie (Legal Heart, Joshu Seven, Tamiou), Brazily Anne Yamada (Silent Voice Series)
Directors: Toyoshima Keisuke, Yamamoto Daisuke
Theme Song: Daitan! by miwa
Cast: Koshiba Fuka, Matsumoto Marika, Maiguma Katsuya, Iketani Nobue, Naito Risa, Miyamoto Mayu, Mikata Ryosuke, Daito Shunsuke, Okura Koji, Katagiri Jin (guest star), Nagai Mijika (guest star), Minemura Rie (guest star), Fujii Mina (guest star), Fukuda Tenkyu (guest star)
Synopsis: Meguro Mio (Koshiba Fuka) fears getting on the wrong side of people. As a result, she avoids saying what she wants and merely lives by reading situations. There is nothing in particular that Mio wants to do with her life. She gets a job and eventually dates a male colleague. Although she has thought about marriage and childbirth, her boyfriend is a downright useless guy. Mio becomes penniless, homeless and jobless because of him, and her life hits rock bottom. She happens to arrive at a shared house where ghosts live. The extremely nosey ghosts butt in and do away with the problems and troublesome people that Mio faces in excessively radical ways.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/youkai
Twitter: twitter.com/youkaihouse5

Kanojo ga Joubutsu Dekinai Riyuu
Date: From 11.30 p.m., Saturdays, 12 September – 17 October 2020
Station: NHK
Genre: Love comedy
Episodes: 6
Scriptwriter: Kuwahara Ryoko (Kokoro no Kizu o Iyasu to iu Koto)
Directors: Horiuchi Yusuke, Nitta Shinzo
Cast: Morisaki Win, Takagi Reni, Wada Masato, Murakami Honoka, Nakajima Hiroki, Shiratori Tamaki, Takahashi Tsutomu, Brother Tom, Furutachi Kanji
Synopsis: A young man (Morisaki Win) from Myanmar loves reading Japanese manga and achieves his long-sought dream of studying manga in Japan to become a manga artist. He starts looking for an apartment based on his limited budget. But he is stunned by the inconceivably high rent. He manages to find accommodation at a bargain and makes a snap decision. However, the building is 40 years old and the residents living around his apartment have their peculiarities. On top of that, there is a black-haired female ghost (Takagi Reni) in his apartment?!
Website: www.nhk.jp/p/kanobutsu
Preview: Kanojo ga Joubutsu Dekinai Riyuu CM

13
Date: From 11.40 p.m., Saturdays, 1 August – 22 August 2020 (Original date: 6 June)
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Crime suspense
Episodes: 4
Original Work: Thirteen by Marnie Dickens
Scriptwriter: Asano Taeko (Gomen Aishiteru, Dakara Kouya, Utsukushiki Wana)
Director: Mizuta Naruhide
Theme Song: Aijou by LiSA
Cast: Sakuraba Nanami, Aoyagi Sho, Itaya Yuka, Yui Ryoko, Ishikawa Ruka, Inoue Yuki, Jinbo Satoshi, Fujimori Shingo
Synopsis: Aikawa Yuria (Sakuraba Nanami) disappeared at the age of 13. 13 years later, she suddenly comes back home. However, much has changed in the intervening years. Her family has broken up. Yuria’s return from the dead changes everyone’s lives. She may look 26, but emotionally she is still a 13-year-old. Yuria’s mother Asami (Itaya Yuka) has been crushed between regret over the loss of her daughter and her belief that Yuria will return alive. Beneath her happiness over Yuria’s return, she is compelled to come to terms with the past that she has hidden. As her husband Soichi (Jinbo Satoshi) and younger daughter Chiho (Ishikawa Ruka) also play the role of a close family to help Yuria recover emotionally, they start to question each other’s steps in these 13 years. Yuria tells the police that she was kidnapped. However, the detectives (Aoyagi Sho, Yui Ryoko) in charge of the case doubt her statement because she contradicts herself and changes her story several times. In the midst of this, a second case happens. Then the truth that Yuria has been hiding comes to light.
Website: www.tokai-tv.com/io/13
Preview: 13 CM

Kyoufu Shimbun
Date: From 11.40 p.m., Saturdays, 29 August – 10 October 2020
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Horror
Episodes: 7
Original Work: Kyoufu Shimbun by Tsunoda Jiro
Scriptwriter: Takayama Naoya (Two Weeks, Saigo no Restaurant, Shi no Zouki)
Directors: Nakata Hideo, Hattori Daiji, Inoue Masanori
Theme Song: Fears by THE RAMPAGE from EXILE TRIBE
Cast: Shiraishi Sei, Suruga Taro, Yokota Eiji, Katayama Yuki, Sato Taiki, Sakaguchi Ryotaro, Ino Manabu, Kuroki Hitomi
Synopsis: Onoda Shizuru (Shiraishi Sei) is a second year university student in Kyoto. She used to commute from home to the university but when she turned 20, she gets her wish to live in a one-room apartment. The moment she starts living alone, a copy of Kyoufu Shimbun, otherwise known as Horror News, arrives. At first, Shizuru thinks this is a prank but when successive incidents occur as written in the newspaper, she begins to believe in it. This newspaper is believed to shorten a person’s life span by a 100 days each day it is read. Shizuru’s promising university life drastically turns into a deadly nightmare. As illogical horror happens to her one after another, she has to face up to her own insecurities.
Website: www.tokai-tv.com/io/kyoufushinbun
Preview: Kyoufu Shimbun CM

Love Distance
Date: From 28 June – 6 July 2020
Network: Paravi
Episodes: 10
Scriptwriters: Date-san (Peanut Butter Sandwich), Tsubakimoto Keijiro
Director: Smith
Ending Theme: Natsu no Maboroshi Omoinotake
Cast: Mizukawa Asami, Kiyohara Sho, Watanabe Keisuke, Baba Fumika, Itagaki Mizuki, Nakao Masaki
Synopsis: It is early summer in 2020 at a time when social interaction is restricted and many people are spending time at home. Six people living in an apartment building meet and find themselves relating to each other. Two of them are a couple who have been married for three years – Takiguchi Miwa (Mizukawa Asami), a magazine editor who works from home, and her husband Akira (Kiyohara Sho), a video producer. They look forward to each day despite the changes in their lives. Akira’s daily routine is to watch the videos of a popular trio on NewTube. The three members actually live on the same floor of the apartment building. Asano Chiaki (Watanabe Keisuke), a young photographer who lives next door, lost his job due to the coronavirus. He has been spending his days taking photos from the rooftop or verandah, capturing beauty amid the mundane daily life. One day, when he steps out onto the verandah, he sees Miwa watering her flowers on the verandah next door and is attracted to her … …
Website: www.paravi.jp/static/lovedistance
Preview: Love Distance CM

Meikenchiku de Chuushoku o
Date: From 12.00 a.m., Sundays, 16 August – 17 October 2020
Station: BS TV Tokyo
Genre: Architecture, Food
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Aruite, Taberu Tokyo no Oishii Meikenchiku Sanpo by Kai Minori
Scriptwriter: Yokomaku Tomohiro (Radiation House, Oh My Jump!, Otoko no Misao)
Director: Yoshimi Takuma
Ending Theme: Mijukuna Yasou by Urakami Souki
Cast: Ikeda Eliza, Taguchi Tomorow, Ogawa Sara, Mikami Kan
Synopsis: 55-year-old Uekusa Chiaki (Taguchi Tomorow) creates architectural models. He has gained a following on social media for his interest in visiting nostalgic and cute architecture. 26-year-old Haruno Fuji (Ikeda Eliza) works for an advertising agency and dreams of opening her own cafe with her friend Ayako. She has been following Uekusa’s account for ideas. They get acquainted through social media and gradually connect with each other as they tour architectural masterpieces. Fuji has a lot to worry about in work and in love. But she is moved and emboldened by Uekusa’s offhand comments coming from his peculiar set of values and unique perspective, to move forward.
Website: www.bs-tvtokyo.co.jp/meikenchiku
Twitter: twitter.com/meikenchiku
Preview: Meikenchiku de Chuushoku o CM

Dragon Zakura 2^*POSTPONED*
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Sundays, July 2020
Station: TBS
Genre: School
Scriptwriter: –
Original work: Dragon Zakura 2 by Mita Norifusa
Cast: Abe Hiroshi
Synopsis: After lawyer and former motorcycle gang member Sakuragi Kenji (Abe Hiroshi), left Ryuzan High School, he moved from place to place to offer management advice to private universities based on his achievements. 10 years later, Ryuzan High School which used to produce students who qualified for Tokyo University, has been on the decline since Sakuragi’s departure. He receives an offer from the school again to save it from its predicament. Sakuragi does not mince his words or hesitate to refute an argument no matter who the other party is, and gave many young people courage. But what kind of changes can he bring about with his eloquence in the present day? With the transition from the Heisei to Reiwa era, there will also be a change in the university entrance exam to the new common test for university admissions which places more emphasis on students’ ability to think, make judgements, and express themselves rather than their knowledge.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/dragonzakura
Twitter: twitter.com/dragonzakuraTBS

Sugu Shinun Dakara
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 23 August – 20 September 2020
Station: NHK BS Premium
Genre: Family
Episodes: 5
Original Work: Sugu Shinun Dakara by Uchidate Makiko
Scriptwriter: Osada Ikue (Retake)
Director: Matsuoka Joji
Cast: Mita Yoshiko, Ono Takehiko, Mizobata Junpei, Matsushita Yuki, Murasugi Seminosuke, Ando Tamae, Tanaka Tetsushi, Komatsu Masao, Yo Kimiko
Synopsis: Elderly people frequently like to say “I’m going to die soon anyway”, as if there would be nothing to say in response to that. But 78-year-old Oshi Hana (Mita Yoshiko) resists this seemingly immediate retort when her guard is down. She is a woman who is particular about her appearance. 10 years ago, she was told by a boutique staff that she only looked a little like 70. That was when she realised that she would have to step up efforts to look younger than her age. While she is having a reasonably happy old age surrounded by her kind husband (Ono Takehiko), children and grandchildren, an unexpected twist awaits her. How will she come to terms with the situation and what would she choose?
Website: www.nhk.jp/p/ts/MKQG8VMRZ3

Oya Baka Seishun Hakusho
Date: From 10.30 p.m., Sundays, 2 August – 13 September 2020
Network: NTV
Genre: Comedy
Episodes: 7
Scriptwriters: Fukuda Yuichi (Kyou kara Ore wa!!, Super Salaryman Saenai-shi, Yuusha Yoshihiko Series), Anabuki Ichiro (Chou no Rikigaku, Dr DMAT)
Director: Fukuda Yuichi
Theme Song: Koushi Kondo by Yuzu
Cast: Muro Tsuyoshi, Nagano Mei, Nakagawa Taishi, Imada Mio, Tozuka Junki, Ono Karin, Taniguchi Shota, Nomaguchi Toru, Hamada Megumi, Aragaki Yui, Kaku Kento (guest star), Ito Kentaro (guest star), Seino Nana (guest star), Sato Jiro (guest star), Nakano Taiga (guest star), Yamoto Yuma (guest star), Suzuki Nobuyuki (guest star), Isomura Hayato (guest star), Wakatsuki Yumi (guest star), Jiro (guest star), Hasegawa Shinobu (guest star)
Synopsis: 40-year-old Obika Taro (Muro Tsuyoshi) is a single father and a novelist. After his wife Sachiko (Aragaki Yui) died from an illness, he raised their daughter Sakura (Nagano Mei) alone. Father and daughter get along well. Sakura is his precious daughter and has led a sheltered life. Since she only attended all girls’ schools, Obika worries excessively about her entering a coed university and ends up enrolling in the same university. He begins to enjoy campus life for himself. He involves himself in the university’s activities such as seminars, interest groups, drinking sessions, matchmaking parties and cultural festivals, and enjoys his “youth” to the fullest.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/oyabaka
Twitter: twitter.com/oyabaka_ntv
Preview: Oya Baka Seishun Hakusho CM

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