Ochoyan
Date: From 8.00 a.m., Mondays – Fridays, 30 November 2020 – 15 May 2021 (Original date: 28 September)
Station: NHK
Genre: Comedy
Episodes: 115
Scriptwriter: Yatsu Hiroyuki (Miss Jikocho, Kaseifu no Mitazono Series, Rikuou)
Directors: Nagikawa Yoshiro, Bonkobara Makoto
Theme Song: Nakiwarai no Episode by Hata Motohiro
Cast: Sugisaki Hana, Tortoise Matsumoto, Miyazawa Emma, Shinohara Ryoko, Nagura Jun, Ishino Yoko, Narita Ryo, Hoshida Hidetoshi, Nakamura Ganjiro, Igawa Haruka, Wakamura Mayumi, Katsura Kichiya, Higashino Ayaka, Inoue Takuya, Miyata Keiko, Itao Itsuji, Shigeyama Motohiko, Nishikawa Tadashi, Nishimura Kazuhiko, Yoshikawa Ai, Abe Junko, Emi Kurara, Wakaba Ryuya, Rokkaku Seiji, Shibuya Tengai, Asumi Rio, Soganoya Kantaro, Shibuya Tensho, Otsuka Noriyuki, Okawa Ryotaro, Matsumoto Kiyo, Sakaguchi Ryotaro, Kusumi Kaoru, Doi Shiori, Nimura Sawa, Furuya Chisa, Kura Yuki, Itaya Yuka, Maeda Oshiro, Tsukaji Muga, Fujiyama Senjiro, Namase Katsuhisa
Synopsis: Takei Chiyo (Sugisaki Hana) was born to a poor family in Osaka Prefecture’s Minami Kawachi district after the end of the Meiji era. Her mother passed away when she was still a child, and she lived with her father Teruo (Tortoise Matsumoto) and younger brother Yoshio. Although Chiyo could not attend elementary school, she has the gift of the gab and quick wit. At the age of 9, she starts working as a servant in Dotombori and comes across the theatre world which immediately captivates her. Chiyo’s desire to become an actress grows stronger by the day. She eventually runs away and heads to Kyoto where she throws herself into acting.
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/ochoyan
Preview: Ochoyan Introduction
Kansatsui Asagao Season 2*UPDATED*
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Mondays, 2 November 2020 – 22 March (for two seasons) (Original date: July)
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Family
Episodes: 19
Original Work: Kansatsui Asagao by Kagawa Masahito
Scriptwriter: Nemoto Nonji (Kansatsui Asagao Season 1, Fruits Takuhaibin, Izakaya Fuji)
Directors: Hirano Shin, Abe Masakazu, Mihashi Toshiyuki
Theme Song: Asagao by Orisaka Yuta
Cast: Ueno Juri, Tokito Saburo, Kazama Shunsuke, Shida Mirai, Nakao Akiyoshi, Morimoto Shintaro, Fujiwara Kisetsu, Saito Yoichiro, Sakanoue Akane, Tagawa Shunji, Mochizuki Ayumu, Miyamoto Mayu, Tatsumi Yudai, Kato Yuzuna, Totsugi Shigeyuki, Hiraiwa Kami, Tomosaka Rie, Otani Ryohei, Miyake Hiroki, Sugimoto Tetta, Itao Itsuji, Emoto Akira, Yamaguchi Tomoko, Otake Shinobu, Katagiri Hairi (guest star), Matsuda Genta (guest star), Sakuma Yui (guest star), Takanashi Rin (guest star), Nakagawa Daisuke (guest star), Yahagi Honoka (guest star), Akaso Eiji (guest star), Miho Jun (guest star), Kanno Rio (guest star), Inoue Mizuki (guest star), Nomaguchi Toru (guest star), Okazaki Sae (guest star), Rintaro (guest star)
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
Preview: Kansatsui Asagao Season 2 CM
Related: Kansatsui Asagao Season 1
Kataomoi Gurume Nikki
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Mondays, 12 October – 14 December 2020
Station: Tokyo MX
Genre: Love comedy
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Kataomoi Gurume Nikki by Akiyama Kaori
Scriptwriters: Suzuki Fumiko, Hirabayashi Katsutoshi (Hai Poji, Koekoi, Tonari no Seki-kun)
Director: Hirabayashi Katsutoshi
Ending Theme: Unforgiven by RAKURA
Cast: Motokariya Yuika, Hiraoka Yuta, Fujita Rei, Nakamura Shizuka, Murayama Nagomi, Okamoto Anri, Hyodo Katsumi, Sento Takemori
Synopsis: Tokoro Madoka (Motokariya Yuika) works at a publishing company and is an editorial staff of Juice, a monthly manga for young women. She has not experienced real love even though she is 33. Madoka is in love with Hakkaku Naoya (Hiraoka Yuta), a popular colleague in the sales department. When she consults the manga artist (Fujita Rei) that she is in charge of, she is advised to “stalk” him through meals. “If you don’t have the courage to have a meal with him, check out what he has eaten and you’ll feel him.” Taking this advice to heart, Madoka eats dishes such as a beef bowl, mackerel simmered in miso and omurice and lets herself fantasise … …
Website: s.mxtv.jp/drama/katakoi_gourmet
Twitter: twitter.com/katakoi_mx
Preview: Kataomoi Gurume Nikki CM
Kyouen NG
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Mondays, 26 October – 7 December 2020
Station: TV Tokyo
Genre: Love comedy
Episodes: 6
Original Work: Kyouen NG by Akimoto Yasushi
Scriptwriters: One Hitoshi (Hello Harinezumi, River’s Edge Okawabata Tanteisha, Moteki Series), Higuchi Takuji (Manatsu no Shonen, Boku no Tsuma to Kekkon Shite Kudasai)
Director: One Hitoshi
Theme Song: Anata o Motometa dake nano ni by Novelbright
Cast: Nakai Kiichi, Suzuki Kyoka, Yamaguchi Sayaka, Nekoze Tsubaki, Saito Takumi, Lily Franky, Satomi Kotaro, Horibe Keisuke, Hosoda Yoshihiko, Ozawa Ren, Wakatsuki Yumi, Ono Karin, Onozuka Hayato, Morinaga Yuki, Kojima Fujiko, Okabe Takashi, Sakoda Takaya, Iwaya Kenji, Takiuchi Kumi, Hashimoto Jun, Aoki Munetaka
Synopsis: Toyama Eiji (Nakai Kiichi) became popular and his star was on the rise in his mid-20s. Back in the day, he played the lead in the hit drama Deeper than Love. His passionate romance with his co-star Ozono Hitomi (Suzuki Kyoka) made waves but he was discovered to be two-timing her and they broke up. He was iced out of the industry for three years as a result of a press conference that Hitomi held. It has been an open secret that the two of them will not act together. However 25 years after they split up, Toyama, who is now an A-lister and married to a former idol Yukina (Yamaguchi Sayaka), and Hitomi, who continues to top the rankings as the female actress that people want as their boss, find themselves co-stars of a major drama titled Love You to Death that TV Toyo is staking its fortunes on. Will the two of them be able to put aside their years of resentment and deliver performances in tune with each other?
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/kyouen_ng
Twitter: twitter.com/kyouenNG_tx
Preview: Kyouen NG CM
Haru to Ao no Obentobako
Date: From 12.00 a.m., Tuesdays, 13 October – 28 December 2020
Station: BS TV Tokyo
Genre: Food
Episodes: 12
Original Work: Haru to Ao no Obentobako
Scriptwriters: Kawasaki Izumi (Oedo Mono no Ke Monogatari, Jimi ni Sugoi! Series, Nezumi Edo o Hashiru Series), Suzuki Yuna (Kamiki Clinic de Kanpai o, Itsuka Kono Ame ga Yamu Hi made), Toyama Erika (Keishichou Sousa Ichi Kachou 2020), Abe Sayaka
Directors: Toda Yosuke, Kato Ayaka, Kajiya Akihito
Theme Song: 5-senchi saki no Yume by H△G
Cast: Yoshitani Ayako, Inowaki Kai, Kajiwara Hikari, Nanase Ko, Sumire, Yajima Maimi, Mori Hinami, Fujii Mina, Nakajima Hiroko, Nomura Mami
Synopsis: Haru (Yoshitani Ayako) works at a university’s library. She is not particular about her meals and is more interested in keeping up with information on her favourite manga through her smartphone. One random day, Haru becomes depressed by the words of pity she hears about herself every day. That night, she heads to her regular drinking spot to soothe her hurt. She gets drunk with an androgynous guy called Ao-kun (Inowaki Kai) and they hit it off. The two of them end up living under one roof on impulse. However, the rule for living together is to make lunch boxes for each other?!?!
Website: www.bs-tvtokyo.co.jp/obentou-bako
Twitter: twitter.com/BS7_haruao
Satsui no Michinori
Date: From 12.00 a.m., Tuesdays, 10 November – 22 December 2020
Network: WOWOW
Genre: Suspense, comedy
Episodes: 7
Scriptwriter: Bakarhythm (Sumu Sumu Series, Sutekina Sentaxi, Kakuu OL Nikki)
Director: Sumida Takashi
Cast: Bakarhythm, Iura Arata, Hotta Mayu, Hino Yojin, Asuka Rin, Kaai Gamon, Sakuma Yui, Tsurumi Shingo
Synopsis: Kubota Takaki (Hino Yojin) is the boss of a small metal working company. He takes his own life after he is left heavily in debt and his company goes bankrupt as a result of manipulation by Murooka Yoshiyuki (Tsurumi Shingo), the CEO of a client company. However, Murooka gets away without punishment and continues to live well. Kubota’s son Kazuma (Iura Arata) vows revenge and plots the perfect crime with Azuma Mitsuru (Bakarhythm), a younger cousin whom his father had treated like a son. But things do not turn out quite well for the two of them who have never been involved in crime. Where do they plot the murder? What are the essential materials? How do they carry it out?
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/original/satsui
Twitter: twitter.com/drama_wowow
Preview: Satsui no Michinori CM
Ane-chan no Koibito
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 27 October – 22 December 2020
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Romance, family comedy
Episodes: 9
Scriptwriter: Okada Yoshikazu (Soshite Ikiru, Kono Sekai no Katasumi ni, Saigo kara Nibanme no Koi Series)
Directors: Miyake Yoshishige, Motohashi Keita, Horai Tadaaki
Theme Song: Brand new planet by Mr.Children
Cast: Arimura Kasumi, Hayashi Kento, Nao, Takahashi Kaito, Yatsui Ichiro, Hyuga Wataru, Anami Atsuko, Nasu Yuto, Sumi Masanori, Isaka Ikumi, Minamide Ryoka, Nishikawa Zui, Wakui Emi, Mitsuishi Ken, Konno Mahiru, Koike Eiko, Fujiki Naohito
Synopsis: 27-year-old Adachi Momoko (Arimura Kasumi) is an employee of a home centre where she has worked for nine years. Her parents died in an accident when she was in the third year of high school. A cheerful, positive and slightly rough person, she has been the main pillar of her family, raising her three younger brothers Kazuki (Takahashi Kaito), Yuki (Hyuga Wataru) and Tomoki (Minamide Ryoka). One day, Momoko falls in love with Yoshioka Manato (Hayashi Kento), a colleague whom she happened to meet at the workplace, and her daily life changes significantly. However, this guy with a nice smile has some emotional scars and a secret … … Their families, colleagues and friends get entangled in this romance between the couple who are somewhat innocent and awkward despite their age.
Website: www.ktv.jp/anekoi
Twitter: twitter.com/anekoi_tue21
Preview: Ane-chan no Koibito CM
Kono Koi Atatamemasu ka
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 20 October – 22 December 2020
Station: TBS
Genre: Romance
Episodes: 10
Scriptwriters: Kamimori Marie (Kioku, Love Song), Aotsuka Miho (Ito-kun A to E, Prison Hotel)
Directors: Okamoto Shingo, Tsuboi Toshio
Theme Song: silent by Sekai no Owari
Cast: Mori Nana, Nakamura Tomoya, Nakano Taiga, Ishibashi Shizuka, Iizuka Satoshi, Furukawa Kotone, Ichinose Hayate, Sato Takashi, Osamura Koki, Nakata Kurumi, Sano Hinako, Sasamoto Rena, Riju Go, Ichikawa Mikako, Yamamoto Koji
Synopsis: Inoue Kiki (Mori Nana) works lethargically at a convenience store where she is a part-time employee. She happens to meet Asaba Takumi (Nakamura Tomoya), the young CEO of the convenience store chain, and this changes her destiny. Asaba has been tasked to transform the chain which has the smallest market share in the industry. The social media comments about Kiki’s sweets, which she has been making as a hobby, catches his attention. He plans to outdo the competition and secure his own success with her sweets. Both Kiki and Asaba finds themselves at odds. But as the two of them try to create sweets that will become best sellers for the convenience store, they gradually get drawn to each other.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/koiata_tbs
Twitter: twitter.com/koiata_tbs
Preview: Kono Koi Atatamemasu ka CM
Sono Goen, Otodoke Shimasu
Date: From 1.28 a.m., Wednesdays, 4 November – 8 December 2020
Station: TBS
Episodes: 6
Scriptwriter: Kitagawa Ayako (Tokyo Love Story (2020), Hokusai to Meshi Sae Areba, Onna Kudoki Meshi Series)
Director: Katagiri Kenji
Cast: Iitoyo Marie, Asaka Kodai, Itagaki Mizuki, Tokunaga Eri, Maeno Tomoya, Matsumoto Honoka, Suzuki Jin, Tomosaka Rie, Asano Kazuyuki, Takahashi Maryjun, Yanagi Shuntaro, Miho Jun, Tsukaji Muga
Synopsis: Kuroe Riku (Iitoyo Marie) is a delivery person who works for Elephant Express, a delivery company located in the corner of a fruit and vegetable shop along a deserted shopping street. She loads items that are bought and sold into her small truck for delivery every day. Riku gets a feeling of people who are about to give up their dreams, at the start of their dreams or have chosen to part ways with someone they love or the wonderful encounters that may happen … … What someone gives up today could become someone else’s treasure tomorrow. Small miracles happen somewhere in this town through the relationships that Riku connects.
Website: www.mbs.jp/entodo
Twitter: twitter.com/entodo_mbs
Preview: Sono Goen, Otodoke Shimasu CM
Aibou Season 19
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Wednesdays, 14 October 2020 – 17 March 2021 (for two seasons)
Station: TV Asahi
Genre: Detective
Episodes: 20
Scriptwriter: Koshimizu Yasuhiro (Aibou Series)
Director: Hashimoto Hajime
Cast: Mizutani Yutaka, Sorimachi Takashi, Moriguchi Yoko, Kawahara Kazuhisa, Yamanaka Takashi, Yamanishi Atsushi, Asari Yosuke, Jinbo Satoshi, Sugimoto Tetta, Nakama Yukie, Ishizaka Koji, Yoshino Kimura, Harada Ryuji, Emoto Akira, Tsugawa Masahiko, Ishimaru Kanji (guest star)
Synopsis: Inspector Sugishita Ukyo (Mizutani Yutaka) from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department’s Special Missions Unit makes brilliant deductions and cracks difficult cases with his partner Kaburagi Wataru (Sorimachi Takashi) who used to be a career bureaucrat from the Ministry of Justice.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/aibou
Twitter: twitter.com/aibouNow
Related: Aibou Season 15
38-sai Batsuichi Dokushin Onna ga Matching Apuri o Yattemita Kekka Nikki
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Wednesdays, 11 November – 23 December 2020
Network: Paravi & TV Tokyo
Genre: Love comedy
Episodes: 6
Original Work: 38-sai Batsuichi Dokushin Onna ga Matching Apuri o Yattemita Kekka Nikki by Matsumoto Chiaki
Scriptwriter: Date Sorami (Raise de wa Chanto Shimasu, Goodbye, Coffee & Vanilla)
Director: Sakai Mai
Theme Song: Inochi no Tobari by Tokyo Jihen
Cast: Yamaguchi Sayaka, Machida Marie, Nomura Masumi, Masuko Naozumi, Sato Aiko
Synopsis: 38-year-old Matsumoto Chiaki (Yamaguchi Sayaka) is divorced and single. Because she married early at the age of 24, she has not had much experience with men. When she starts thinking of regaining the youth that she had lost, she is recommended a matching making app by her good friend Rika (Machida Marie). Chiaki checks the app out of curiosity and discovers it is full of handsome younger men who do not care for age difference. She keeps going on wholesome dates with these young men. But one morning when Chiaki wakes up, she finds her clothes strewn around and a university student lying next to her … …
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/38appli
Twitter: twitter.com/tx_38appli
Preview: 38-sai Batsuichi Dokushin Onna ga Matching Apuri o Yattemita Kekka Nikki CM
#RemoLove ~ Futsuu no Koi wa Jado
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Wednesdays, 14 October – 23 December 2020
Station: NTV
Genre: Love comedy
Episodes: 10
Scriptwriter: Mizuhashi Fumie (Scarlet, Haha ni Naru, Hayako Sensei Kekkon Surutte Honto desu ka?)
Directors: Nakajima Satoru, Maruya Shunpei
Theme Song: Shinon by Fukuyama Masaharu
Cast: Haru, Matsushita Kohei, Mamiya Shotaro, Kawaei Rina, Takahashi Yuto, Fukuchi Momoko, Imai Takafumi, Nishihori Ryo, Tsuihiji Anna, Sakuma Reku, Watanabe Dai, Eguchi Noriko, Oikawa Mitsuhiro
Synopsis: 28-year-old Ozakura Mimi (Haru) is an occupational health physician who works full time at a clinic in a company. As she is observant and perceptive, she sees through employees’ worries and the matters that they want to hide and puts them on the path to good health. However, she is a perfectionist who will not compromise. Because of that and her sadistic way of doing things, she is the feared “healthcare dictator”. Since the COVID-19 outbreak six months ago, Mimi has been swamped dealing with the new normal. Nevertheless, she is proud that she has been able to protect the company and its employees. She never expected that the pandemic would give her this strange desire to fall in love even though she has neglected romance for a long time. She falls for someone she met online through social media without knowing his looks nor his name. But this person is apparently someone in the company. There are five possible “love suspects”: Aobayashi Fuichi (Matsushita Kohei), Gomoji Juntaro (Mamiya Shotaro), Yagihara Daiki (Takahashi Yuto), Misaki Tsuneo (Watanabe Dai) and Asanari Hajime (Oikawa Mitsuhiro) … …
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/remolove
Twitter: twitter.com/remolove_ntv
Preview: #RemoLove Teaser
Curry no Uta
Date: From 12.00 a.m., Thursdays, 1 October – 17 December 2020
Network: dTV & Hikari TV
Episodes: 12
Scriptwriter: Yamazaki Sahoko
Directors: Seta Natsuki, Shimazoe Ryo, Kaneko Isao
Theme Song: spice by JABBERLOOP
Cast: Mitsushima Shinnosuke, Suzuka Ouji, Moriguchi Yoko, Deguchi Natsuki
Synopsis: Amasawa Yoichiro (Mitsushima Shinnosuke) was abandoned by his parents and has been wandering the world alone. Some trouble leads to his encounter with a shy university student Suzuki Nita (Suzuka Ouji) who hopes to become an artist. A penniless and homeless Yoichiro makes Nita buy him curry on the grounds that he saved him, and mutters briefly about his family. Kiyokawa Kaoruko (Moriguchi Yoko) who runs Kiyokawa Realty has been keeping the ashes of Yoichiro’s late father because she used to be the caretaker of his apartment. There appears to be some significant reason why Yoichiro tries out curry every day.
Website: www.hikaritv.net/sp/currysongs
Twitter: twitter.com/currysongs
Preview: Curry no Uta Teaser
7-nin no Hisho
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Thursdays, 22 October – 10 December 2020
Station: TV Asahi
Genre: Corporate
Episodes: 8
Scriptwriters: Nakazono Miho (Haken no Hinkaku Series, Doctor X Series, Dr Rintaro), Kosaka Takafumi (Sign, Genkai Danchi, Mahiru no Akuma), Hayashi Makoto (Doctor X Seasons 2 – 6, Isan Sozoku Bengoshi Kakizaki Shinichi, Strawberry Night)
Director: Tamura Naoki
Theme Songs: Who I Am & The Hardest by milet
Cast: Kimura Fumino, Hirose Alice, Nanao, Shim Eun-kyung, Oshima Yuko, Muroi Shigeru, Eguchi Yosuke, Kinoshita Houka, Makita Sports, Toyota Maho, Matsumoto Wakana, Nagase Riko, Kobayashi Takashi, Sugita Kaoru, Fujimoto Takahiro, Manda Hisako, Owada Shinya, Lily Franky, Hashizume Isao, Kishibe Ittoku
Synopsis: Mochizuki Chiyo (Kimura Fumino) and Terui Nana (Hirose Alice) are secretaries at the same bank. Along with Hase Fujiko (Nanao), Park Saran (Shim Eun-kyung) and Kazama Miwa (Oshima Yuko) who serve important people in the police, hospital and prefectural government, they are nameless secretaries who adeptly blend in with their respective organisations and stay inconspicuous. While their job is to serve faithfully, they are gathered in secret behind the scenes to help people as a sideline. They deftly handle this sideline by using their skills, confidential information and network to rescue vulnerable members of society who encounter unreasonable things. At times, they get rid of ruthless leaders tainted by money and power. These secretaries and the “shadow man” Ban Keitaro (Eguchi Yosuke) who has become their boss, begin to change a Japanese society full of irrationality.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/7-hisho
Twitter: twitter.com/7_hisho_tvasahi
Lupin no Musume Season 2
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Thursdays, 15 October – 10 December 2020
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Romantic comedy
Episodes: 9
Original Work: Lupin no Musume by Yokozeki Dai
Scriptwriter: Tokunaga Yuichi (Lupin no Musume Season 1, Good Doctor, Keiji Yugami)
Director: Takeuchi Hideki
Theme Song: Mosu by Sakanaction
Cast: Fukada Kyoko, Seto Koji, Ozawa Maju, Kurihara Rui, Donguri, Fujioka Hiroshi, Kishii Yukino, Hashimoto Kanna, Kato Ryo, Matsuo Satoru, Onuki Yusuke, Shida Masayuki, Marcia, Ibuki Goro, Gashuin Tatsuya, Maro Akaji, Watabe Atsuro, Ota Rina (guest star), Ichimura Masachika (guest star)
Synopsis: Mikumo Hana (Fukada Kyoko) and Sakuraba Kazuma (Seto Koji) decided to part forever even though they love each other because she belongs to the L clan of professional thieves that is on the nationwide wanted list. However, the two of them finally wed after her father Takeru (Watabe Atsuro) said the family would fake their own deaths. Despite overcoming numerous obstacles, theirs is only a common-law marriage because Hana is supposed to be dead. Kazuma is made to take responsibility for dating the daughter of the L clan and demoted from the First Investigation Division to a police precinct. He naturally keeps his marriage a secret at his workplace and pretends to be a bachelor. As the couple begin life as newlyweds in a shabby apartment, Hana finds herself in a predicament when the police come to make door-to-door inquiries about a neighbour that is wanted. Her father saves her from this crisis. Worried about Hana and Kazuma’s wellbeing, he presents them with a luxurious apartment, needless to say stolen, as a wedding gift. The catch is that it is a two-generation family residence connected to the Mikumos’ new home. Then Hana’s older brother Wataru (Kurihara Rui) finds a huge target and the L clan swings into action again. What will happen to Hana who wants to cut ties with her thieving family and live a quiet life with Kazuma?
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/Lupin-no-musume
Twitter: twitter.com/lupin_no_musume
Preview: Lupin no Musume Season 2 Teaser
Related: Lupin no Musume Season 1
Shanai Marriage Honey
Date: From 12.59 a.m., Fridays, 13 November – 25 December 2020
Station: TBS
Genre: Love comedy
Episodes: 7
Original Work: Shanai Marriage Honey by Fujiwara Emi
Scriptwriters: Uchihara Mio (13-sai no Hello Work), Shimo Ayumi
Directors: Morita Ryo, Shingu Ryohei
Cast: Itagaki Mizuki, Matsui Airi, Wada Hayate, Oshida Gaku, Miyata Tappei, Nakamura Riho, Asami Himeka, Tateishi Toshiki
Synopsis: After her boyfriend cheats on her, Haruta Ami (Matsui Airi) breaks off their engagement and registers herself on a matchmaking app out of desperation. She gets to know Miura Manatsu (Itagaki Mizuki) through a dating app and they wed on the same day without seeing each other face-to-face. Ami had been drawn to the words he posted “Looking for a woman who will marry me on the same day”. She was desperate enough to choose marriage thinking that she does not need love as long as she can get married. The couple start to go through the motions of life as newly weds but Ami is attracted to Manatsu’s kindness and manliness. However, the two of them later find out that they work for the same company! They have to keep their marriage a secret from their colleagues as well as their friends. Furthermore, Manatsu has a secret for the same day marriage. The sham life of this newly married couple vacillates wildly but is tinged with sweetness.
Website: www.mbs.jp/marihani
Twitter: twitter.com/marihani_drama
Preview: Shanai Marriage Honey CM
30-sai made Dotei da to Mahotsukai ni Narerurashii
Date: From 1.00 a.m., Fridays, 9 October – 24 December 2020
Station: TV Tokyo
Genre: Love comedy
Episodes: 12
Original Work: 30-sai Made Dotei da to Mahoutsukai ni Narerurashii by Toyota Yu
Scriptwriters: Yoshida Erika (Heaven? Gokuraku Restaurant, Hana Nochi Hare, Dansui!), Okazaki Satoko (Kaseifu no Mitazono Seasons 3 – 4)
Directors: Kazama Hiroki, Yuasa Hiroaki, Hayashi Masaki
Ending Theme: Good Love Your Love by DEEP SQUAD
Cast: Akaso Eiji, Asaka Kodai, Yutaro, Kusakawa Takuya, Sato Ryo, Suzunosuke, Machida Keita
Synopsis: There is an urban legend that a person who is still a virgin at 30 will have magical powers. That legend comes true for Adachi Kiyoshi (Akaso Eiji) who has remained a virgin at the age of 30. He gains the power to read people’s minds when he touches them. Adachi initially does not know what to do with this totally useless power. However, he happens to read the mind of his colleague Kurosawa Yuichi (Machida Keita) who is the most handsome guy in the company and the sales department’s best performer. Kurosawa’s mind is full of romantic feelings for Adachi. Adachi cannot believe Kurosawa likes him and is bewildered by Kurosawa’s thoughts that he can hear each time he touches him. However, Kurosawa has no way of knowing that he has been found out. He continues his efforts to appeal to Adachi. Will he succeed in his love?
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/cherimaho
Twitter: twitter.com/tx_cherimaho
Preview: 30-sai made Dotei da to Mahotsukai ni Narerurashii CM
Kioku Sousa Season 2 ~ Shinjuku Higashi-sho Jiken File
Date: From 8.00 p.m., Fridays, 23 October – 4 December 2020
Station: TV Tokyo
Genre: Detective
Episodes: 7
Scriptwriter: Sakurai Takeharu (Operation Z, Kioku Sousa Series, Kami no Shita o Motsu Otoko)
Directors: Tsukamoto Renpei, Shirakawa Takeshi
Theme Song: Nemuranai Machi by The Alfee
Cast: Kitaoji Kinya, Kazama Shunsuke, Kamishiraishi Mone, Uchida Asahi, Matsumoto Taishi, Hiraoka Yuta, Ishiguro Ken, Yo Kimiko, Hayashi Yasufumi (guest star), Kajihara Zen (guest star), Tayama Ryosei (guest star), Haba Yuichi (guest star), Shaku Yumiko (guest star), Miyakawa Ichirota (guest star), Owada Shinya (guest star)
Synopsis: Onizuka Ichiro (Kitaoji Kinya) has been confined to a wheelchair ever since he was stabbed by a criminal and lost the function of his two legs. After retirement, he was reappointed by Shinjuku Higashi Police Precinct’s Criminal Affairs Division to head its Judicial Section because of the numerous cases he had solved. One day, a dead man is found in Shinjuku Botanical Garden and identified to be Matsumoto Yugo. The name is familiar to Onizuka who does a search on his computer and realises that Matsumoto had filed a report on the theft of his bicycle a month earlier. Together with his subordinate Toyama Saki (Kamishiraishi Mone), and Jin Keitaro (Kazama Shunsuke), who was sent from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department’s First Investigative Division to be a detective at the precinct, Onizuka begins to investigate the case. However, the new police chief Azuma Kanata (Hiraoka Yuta) is not pleased that their section is getting involved and has a confrontation with Keitaro over the investigation strategy.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/kiokusousa2
Twitter: twitter.com/tx_kin8
Related: Kioku Sousa Drama Special 2020
Talio Fukushuu Daikou no Futari
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Fridays, 9 October – 20 November 2020
Station: NHK
Episodes: 7
Scriptwriters: Makita Mitsuharu (White Lab, Hard Nuts, Trick Series), Takimoto Tomoyuki (dele, Tenshi to Akuma), Watanabe Yusuke (Miman Keisatsu, dele, Rental Kyuseishu), Tokunaga Tomihiko (Keiji 7-nin Series, Beshari Gurashi, dele)
Directors: Kimura Hisashi, Yamamoto Toru
Theme Song: Kanashi Kurai Diamond by Ryusenkei/Hitomitoi
Cast: Hamabe Minami, Okada Masaki, Endo Kenichi, Shiraishi Ito (guest star), Miura Ryosuke (guest star), Ito Ayumi (guest star), Takehara Pistol (guest star), Miura Masaki (guest star), Furukawa Rin (guest star), Jinbo Satoshi (guest star), Hoshi Moeka (guest star), Horibe Keisuke (guest star), Ibu Masato (guest star), Nakayama Shinobu (guest star), Arakawa Yoshiyoshi (guest star), Maruyama Tomomi (guest star)
Synopsis: Shirasawa Mami (Hamabe Minami) made use of the preliminary qualifying exam system to become a lawyer at the age of 20 and got a job at a major law firm. Despite her good knowledge of the law, she does not get cases because she is inexperienced and stubborn. One day, Mami is put in charge of a troublesome case that a senior lawyer dropped. The client Watanuki Eriko (Shiraishi Ito) was sexually assaulted by Zaitsu Hiroki (Miura Ryosuke), the son of the owner of a large construction company but he was able to distort the truth with money and power. An impatient Eriko had searched the internet and decided to ask a man who acts as a agent for revenge to retaliate. However, he seemed shady and showed no sign of taking action even after she paid him money. Convinced that Eriko has been cheated, Mami makes her lure him out in order to deal with him with the law. This man is a swindler called Kuroiwa Kensuke (Okada Masaki). Mami and Kuroiwa unexpectedly team up to take revenge on Eriko’s attacker.
Website: www.nhk.jp/p/ts/78YR8PJXJ5
Preview: Talio Introduction
Koi Suru Hahatachi
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Fridays, 23 October – 18 December 2020
Station: TBS
Genre: Romance
Episodes: 9
Original Work: Koi Suru Hahatachi by Saimon Fumi
Scriptwriter: Oishi Shizuka (Shiranakute Ii Koto, Ie Uru Onna Series, Dairenai)
Director: Fukuda Ryosuke
Theme Song: Shiranai Doushi by Matsutoya Yumi
Cast: Kimura Yoshino, Yoshida Yo, Naka Riisa, Koizumi Kotaro, Isomura Hayato, Morita Misato, Takiuchi Kumi, Okudaira Daiken, Miyase Ryubi, Fujiwara Taiyu, Shibukawa Kiyohiko, Tamaoki Reo, Yahagi Ken, Natsuki Yoko, Abe Sadao
Synopsis: Ishiwatari An (Kimura Yoshino) has lived in comfort with her husband Shingo (Shibukawa Kiyohiko) who works for a travel agency and their son Ken (Fujiwara Taiyu). But her life drastically changes one day when her husband disappears all of a sudden. She raises Ken as a single mother and enrolls him in a well-known high school. The sons of Hayashi Yuko (Yoshida Yo) and Kanbara Mari (Naka Riisa) attend the same school as An’s son. Yuko is a career woman married to a struggling writer Shigeo (Yahagi Ken) who is a househusband and her family life seems to be going well. But she is actually troubled that their son Daisuke (Okudaira Daiken) has been a social recluse for a long time. Mari’s husband Shigeki (Tamaoki Reo) heads a law firm and she leads a glamorous life. Although she realises that he has been cheating on her, she is not able to confront him. These three beautiful mothers with different family situations seem to lead happy lives. They are barely keeping calm with secrets and troubles that they cannot tell anyone. What will happen when other men (Abe Sadao, Koizumi Kotaro, Isomura Hayato) enter the voids in their hearts?
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/koihaha_tbs
Twitter: twitter.com/koihaha_tbs
Preview: Koi Suru Hahatachi CM
24 Japan
Date: From 11.15 p.m., Fridays, 9 October 2020 – 26 March 2021 (for two seasons)
Station: TV Asahi & Abema
Genre: Action suspense
Episodes: 24
Original Work: 24 by 20th Century Fox
Scriptwriters: Nagasaka Shukei (Yokoku Satsujin, Keishichou Keizoku Sousahan, 7-nin no Onna Bengoshi), Yamaura Masahiro (Two Weeks, Miss Devil, Umi ni Furu)
Directors: Suzuki Kosuke, Kinouchi Kento, Higurashi Ken, Otsuka Toru
Cast: Karasawa Toshiaki, Nakama Yukie, Kimura Tae, Sakurada Hiyori, Tsutsui Michitaka, Imai Yuki, Mori Maria, Kuriyama Chiaki, Ikeuchi Hiroyuki, Asakura Aki, Murakami Hiroaki, Sano Shiro, Katase Nana, Takahashi Kazuya, Maekawa Yasuyuki, Uesugi Shuhei, Inukai Atsuhiro, Yanagi Miki, Kamio Yu, Denden, Mizuno Kumi, Sakurai Atsuko, Uchimura Haruka, Amano Yoshihisa, Tokito Yuki
Synopsis: Shido Genba (Karasawa Toshiaki) is leader of Team A of the Counter Terrorism Unit’s First Branch headed by Onitsuka Genji (Sano Shiro). His previous missions include the rescue of Japanese nationals held hostage overseas and blowing up a chemical weapons factory used by terrorists. Shido is given the top secret mission to prevent the assassination of female prime ministerial candidate Asakura Urara (Nakama Yukie) who is also the leader of the political party, Minseto. Urara enjoys a broad base of support and is expected to become Japan’s first female prime minister. The mother of two children (Imai Yuki, Mori Maria), she is a cautious and intelligent woman with a squeaky clean image. However, there is also another side to her. On the day of the general election, a plot to assassinate Urara is discovered and a big problem concerning her family also happens. Will she be able to escape the attempt, win the election and become the prime minister?
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/24japan
Twitter: twitter.com/24japan_tvasahi
Takeuchi Ryoma no Satsukyu
Date: From 12.00 a.m., Saturdays, 7 November – 25 December 2020
Network: WOWOW
Genre: Omnibus
Episodes: 8
Scriptwriters: Inukai Kyoko (Onna Tomodachi, Boukyaku no Sachiko, Watashitachi ga Puropozusarenai no ni wa 101 no Riyuu ga Atte da na Series), Peyoung Maki (Raise de wa Chanto Shimasu, Arimura Kasumi no Satsukyu, Koi no Tsuki), Fujiki Mitsuhiko (Arimura Kasumi no Satsukyu, Designer Shibui Naoto no Kyuujitsu, Byplayers Series), Date Sorami (Raise de wa Chanto Shimasu, Coffee and Vanilla, Goodbye), Matsumoto Tetsuya (Ashita no Joe, Space Battleship Yamato), Tamada Shinya (400,000 km Kanata no Koi, Densetsu no Okaasan, Joker x Face), Takemura Takeshi (Sado, Kono Manga ga Sugoi, Yamada Takayuki no Tokyo-to Kita-ku Akabane), Shuto Rin
Directors: Hiroki Ryuichi, Uchida Eiji, Matsumoto Hana
Theme Song: Holiday by Hirai Dai
Cast: Takeuchi Ryoma, Koike Eiko (guest star), Shibukawa Kiyohiko (guest star), Fujino Ryoko (guest star), Matsumoto Honoka (guest star), Sano Hayato (guest star), Satsukawa Aimi (guest star), Fujiwara Kisetsu (guest star), Fuji Sumiko (guest star), Matsumoto Marika (guest star), Yamamoto Hiroshi (guest star), Okabe Takashi (guest star), Morikawa Aoi (guest star), Yoshikura Kaito (guest star), Iketani Nobue, Kuroda Daisuke
Synopsis: Takeuchi Ryoma (Takeuchi Ryoma) suddenly gets a break from filming dramas and movies and visits a spice shop. After he tells the female owner (Koike Eiko) that he wants to make a spice curry, she coaches him on the spices. The two of them end up making curry together. Then a man (Shibukawa Kiyohiko) arrives at the shop all of a sudden … …
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/original/satsukyu2
Twitter: twitter.com/satsukyu_wowow
Related: Arimura Kasumi no Satsukyu
Neko
Date: From 12.52 a.m., Saturdays, 14 November – 18 December 2020
Station: TV Tokyo
Genre: Romance
Episodes: 6
Scriptwriter: Kanai Junichi (LINE no Kotaeawase)
Directors: Kanai Junichi, Matsumoto Hana
Theme Song: Neko ~ THE FIRST TAKE ver. by DISH
Cast: Konishi Sakurako, Maeda Oshiro, Sakai Wakana, Yoshizawa Hisashi, Shibukawa Kiyohiko, Ishida Hikari
Synopsis: 23-year-old Kaneko Mineko (Konishi Sakurako) works at a pet treatment salon. She has been diagnosed with a brain tumour by the doctor and has to confront her own impending death. 20-year-old Amane Koji (Maeda Oshiro) dropped out of university and became a temporary worker who flits from job to job. He has no motivation or dream. Some incident with a cat causes the two of them to end up living together in Mineko’s house. Mineko stipulates that Koji has to send her to the bus stop every morning when she goes to work, welcome her at the bus stop when she gets off work and have dinner together before they go home as the condition for sharing the house.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/cat
Twitter: twitter.com/tx_neko
35-sai no Shojo
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Saturdays, 10 October – 12 December 2020
Station: NTV
Genre: Family
Episodes: 10
Scriptwriter: Yukawa Kazuhiko (Douki no Sakura, Kahogo no Kahoko, Marumaruzuma)
Director: Inomata Ryuichi
Theme Song: Sanmon Shousetsu by King Gnu
Cast: Shibasaki Kou, Sakaguchi Kentaro, Hashimoto Ai, Tanaka Tetsushi, Tomita Yasuko, Ryusei Ryo, Hosoda Yoshihiko, Otomo Karen, Suzuki Honami
Synopsis: In 1995, 10-year-old Imamura Nozomi had a freak accident and went into a long coma. Her family (Tanaka Tetsushi, Suzuki Honami, Hashimoto Ai) fell apart and her first love Hirose Yuto (Sakaguchi Kentaro) gave up his dream. Each of them live lonely lives in the present. Only her mother believed that she would miraculously come back from the dead and kept watch over her. After 25 years, Nozomi (Shibasaki Kou), regains consciousness in 2020. While her body is that of a 35-year-old, she still behaves like a 10-year-old child. Nozomi is bewildered by the world that has changed completely but she lives in the future. To hide his lack of confidence, Yuto protects himself by being critical of other people and behaving condescendingly. But when he meets Nozomi again, he begins to re-examine his life and develops feelings for her again … …
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/shojo35
Twitter: twitter.com/shojo35
Related: 35-sai no Shojo CM
Sensei o Kesu Houteishiki
Date: From 11.00 p.m., Saturdays, 31 October – 19 December 2020
Station: TV Asahi
Genre: School suspense
Episodes: 8
Scriptwriter: Suzuki Osamu (M Ai Subeki Hito ga Ite, Ubai Ai Series, Meishi Game)
Director: Komatsu Takashi
Theme Song: Searchlight by Akiyama Kiiro
Cast: Tanaka Kei, Yamada Yuki, Takahashi Fumiya, Kubota Sayu, Morita Kokoro, Takahashi Nao, Akiya Ikuho, Sakakibara Arina, Kawase Riko, Tanaka Toru, Okuyama Kazusa, Tezuka Toru, Matsumoto Marika
Synopsis: Yoshizawa Tsuneo (Tanaka Kei), a mathematics teacher at a famous private high school, is always with a smile. His motto in life is “Happiness comes with a smile”. He applied to be the form teacher of Class 3D, a class of students (Takahashi Fumiya, Kubota Sayu, Morita Kokoro, Takahashi Nao) with outstanding academic results. However, every teacher who became the form teacher quit in a short time. In fact, the students in this class entertain themselves by cornering and breaking adults like a game. Yoshizawa answers with a smile even when students have malicious comments or questions. He also wears a grin even after being physically attacked and injured by them. Yoshizawa somehow has a good knowledge of their private information and teaches them with a smile. Their actions keep escalating and they finally plot to kill him. Why did Yoshizawa appear in this school?
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/houteishiki
Twitter: twitter.com/senkesu5
Marry Me!
Date: From 11.25 p.m., Saturdays, 4 October – 6 December 2020
Station: ABC TV
Genre: Romance
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Marry Me! by Yuki Miku
Scriptwriter: Aso Kumiko (Lunch Gokon Tantei, Gosaigyou, Yami no Bansosha Series)
Directors: Honda Ryuichi, Sakami Kenmori
Theme Song: Marry Me! by Rude-α
Cast: Kumada Rinka, Seto Toshiki, Masaki Reiya, Sato Harumi, Kyan Yutaka, Mizusawa Rintaro, Toyoshima Kokoro, Jinbo Satoshi, Takahashi Hitomi, Nukumizu Yoichi
Synopsis: An unprecedented NEET Protection Act is enacted in an attempt to solve social problems such as the declining birthrate and a growing proportion of elderly people by making single working adults and NEETs, which refers to adults who are not employed or in education, get married. One couple is about to be formed as part of this experimental programme. The husband is Akiyasu Shin (Seto Toshiki), an elite civil servant who works for the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Although he has been in love, he has no desire to get married. Despite the absurd order to get married to a NEET who is a complete stranger to him, Shin intends to succeed in this mission and get ahead in his career. The wife is Sawamoto Himari (Kumada Rinka), a NEET and social recluse. She has only worked part-time after graduating from junior high school so that she could look after her grandparents who raised her. She naturally has no romantic experience since she shut herself from society. Now that her grandparents have passed away, her old cat Momotaro is her only reason for living. Shin and Himari meet as a result of this queer law and begin married life without any romantic feelings. However, Shin is gradually moved by the pure and earnest Himari who ended up becoming a NEET as if she were stuck in an air pocket. Their two monotonous lives are soon brightened up and buoyed by their family, colleagues and kind neighbours.
Website: www.asahi.co.jp/marryme
Twitter: twitter.com/abc_marryme
Enmado Sara no Suiri Kitan
Date: From 11.30 p.m., Saturdays, 31 October – 19 December 2020
Station: NHK
Genre: Mystery
Episodes: 8
Original Work: Enmado Sara no Suiri Kitan by Kimoto Kanata
Scriptwriter: Furuya Kazunao (Gyouretsu no Megami, Innocence, Ashita no Yakusoku)
Directors: Watanabe Yoshio, Kasai Yuya, Ishikawa Shinichiro, Suzuki Wataru
Cast: Nakajo Ayami, Koseki Yuta (guest star), Kaki Haruka (guest star), R-Shitei (guest star), Murakami Jun (guest star), Kuroshima Yuina (guest star)
Synopsis: Enmado Sara (Nakajo Ayami) is a judge of that world who decides whether to send the departed to heaven or to hell. Those who come to her are nothing but murder victims with feelings for the world they left behind. They plead to be resurrected and Sara has this to say to them, “Get to the bottom of your death.” The dead people frantically make deductions in their bid to be brought back to life. However, not only do they learn the truth, they also find out that while they were alive, they did not live life to the fullest. This makes them prepared to live and change their lives.
Website: www.nhk.jp/p/ts/PM3KQQV9Z2
Preview: Enmado Sara no Suiri Kitan CM
Sakura no Oyakodon Season 3
Date: From 11.40 p.m., Saturdays, 17 October – 19 December 2020
Station: Fuji TV
Episodes: 10
Scriptwriter: Shimizu Yuki (Sakura no Oyakodon Series)
Directors: Abe Yuichi, Tanikawa Kou, Saichi Yukito
Theme Song: sign by lol
Cast: Maya Miki, Shinkawa Yua, Yamasaki Shizuyo, Natori Yuko, Tsurumi Shingo, Imoto Ayaka, hibiki, Kurashima Sara, Nishimoto Marin, Shimizu Kaho, Endo Kenshin, Gotoda Shunsuke, Nagase Riko, Hosoda Kanata
Synopsis: It has been two years since Tsukumo Sakura (Maya Miki) became a staff at a children’s shelter called Hachidori no Ie, drawing from her experience of providing free oyakodon to children with nowhere to go. The lawyer Mitani Momoko (Natori Yuko) has set up a second Hachidori no Ie where Sakura now works. A stream of children who have been hurt come to this shelter. Despite the change from the Heisei to Reiwa era, the number of children with nowhere to go continues to increase and there is a shortage of places to keep them safe. A new lawyer Miyabe Yukino (Shinkawa Yua) who works for Momoko arrives at the second shelter. Yukino’s excessive emotional attachment to the children causes a lot of friction sometimes. The children turn away in response and this gravely hurts Yukino. Seeing her former self in Yukino, Sakura empathises with her. She also engages with the parents of her son’s assailant and begins to open her heart to them.
Website: www.tokai-tv.com/io/oyakodon2020
Preview: Sakura no Oyakodon Season 3 CM
Related: Sakura no Oyakodon Season 2
Seiren no Zange
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 18 October – 8 November 2020
Network: WOWOW
Genre: Suspense
Episodes: 4
Original Work: Seiren no Zange by Nakayama Shichiri
Scriptwriter: Shinozaki Eriko (Ryu no Michi, Saka no Tochuu no Ie, Hanzai Shokogun Series)
Directors: Nakamae Yuji, Murakami Shosuke
Cast: Araki Yuko, Ikeuchi Hiroyuki, Takanashi Rin, Komoto Masahiro, Hamada Mari, Sano Kazuma, Onoe Hiroyuki, Nakamura Ikuji, Haba Yuichi, Nagashima Toshiyuki, Ikeda Narushi, Takashima Masanobu
Synopsis: The survival of Teito TV’s news programme Afternoon Japan is at stake after a series of scandals. Reporters Asakura Takami (Araki Yuko) and Satoya Taichi (Ikeuchi Hiroyuki) chase after a scoop in a bit to save the programme. At the same time, a high school girl called Ayaka is kidnapped in Tokyo. Takami tails a detective (Takashima Masanobu) and sees the body of the victim with a horribly burned face at an abandoned factory. Although the case overlaps with Takami’s own painful past, her tenacity pays off and she scores a big scoop related to the criminal. However, when the truth about the case is revealed, it also causes an incident to happen. Who is the true criminal and what is a reporter’s “justice”?
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/original/sirens
Twitter: twitter.com/drama_wowow
Kikenna Venus
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Sundays, 11 October – 13 December 2020
Station: TBS
Genre: Mystery
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Kikenna Venus by Higashino Keigo
Scriptwriter: Kuroiwa Tsutomu (Unsung Cinderella, Grand Maison Tokyo, Banjo no Himawari)
Directors: Sato Yuichi, Kono Keita
Theme Song: Emerald by back number
Cast: Tsumabuki Satoshi, Yoshitaka Yuriko, Dean Fujioka, Sometani Shota, Nakamura Anne, Hotta Mayu, Yuki Kousei, Aso Yumi, Sakai Maki, Aran Kei, Taguchi Hiromasa, Ikeuchi Mansaku, Kurita Yoshihiro, Kurihara Hideo, Saito Yuki, Toda Keiko, Kohinata Fumiyo
Synopsis: Teshima Hakuro (Tsumabuki Satoshi) is a veterinarian and deputy director of a veterinary hospital. After his father passed away when he was 5 years old, his mother Teiko (Saito Yuki) remarried Yagami Yasuharu (Kurihara Hideo), the son of the distinguished Yagami family. Although Hakuro became a member of the family, he felt small unlike his young brother Akito (Sometani Shota) who was a Yagami by birth. Because of that, he chose to cut ties once his mother died. One day, an enigmatic beauty Yagami Kaede (Yoshitaka Yuriko), who claims to be his younger brother’s wife shows up without warning and he is told that his younger brother has disappeared. Hakuro searches for Akito’s whereabouts together with this woman. He ends up getting entangled in the Yagami family’s struggle over a 3 billion yen inheritance as he finds himself gradually attracted to Kaede’s charms.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/kikenna_venus
Twitter: twitter.com/kikenna_venus
Preview: Kikenna Venus CM
100 Million Yen no Sayonara
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 27 September – 15 November 2020
Station: NHK BS Premium
Genre: Family
Episodes: 8
Original Work: Ichi-oku-en no Sayonara by Shiraishi Kazufumi
Scriptwriter: Watanabe Mako (Monroe ga Shinda Hi, Pretty ga Oosugiru, Akutotachi wa Senri o Hashiru) supervised by Okada Yoshikazu (Soshite Ikiru, Hiyokko, Kono Sekai no Katasumi ni)
Directors: Kawamura Taisuke, Murakami Makito, Yamauchi Munenobu
Cast: Kamikawa Takaya, Matsumura Hokuto, Morita Misato, Miyama Karen, Sakumoto Takara, Horii Arata, Wada Masato, Ishibashi Natsumi, Hasegawa Jun, Horiuchi Keiko, Riju Go, Okunuki Kaoru, Takeda Shinji, Yasuda Narumi
Synopsis: 52-year-old Kano Teppei (Kamikawa Takaya) is a salaryman who works for a healthcare-related company. His family life is ordinary but happy. Then Teppei inadvertently discovers his wife Natsuyo’s (Yasuda Narumi) shocking secret. 30 years ago she received a huge inheritance from an aunt. This amount has grown to a staggering 4.8 billion yen through savvy investment and has been left untouched in a bank account. Teppei wonders why Natsuyo has kept this from him all through their marriage. He searches his memories of their younger days (Matsumura Hokuto, Morita Misato) and as he begins to question their relationship, their life begins to unravel. Hurt by a fight in his company, Teppei sets off on a trip to Kanazawa and throws himself into a new routine in a bid to get his life back. What will he be able to find in the second-half battle of his life?
Website: www.nhk.jp/p/ts/B4GXMY6Y9R
Preview: 100 Million Yen no Sayonara CM
Yoru ga Dorehodo Kurakutemo
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 22 November – 13 December 2020
Network: WOWOW
Genre: Suspense
Episodes: 4
Original Work: Yoru ga Dorehodo Kurakutemo by Nakayama Shichiri
Scriptwriter: Oishi Tetsuya (Shitsuji Saionji no Meisuiri Series, Kirawareru Yuuki, Scapegoat)
Directors: Hashimoto Hajime, Taniguchi Masaaki
Cast: Kamikawa Takaya, Kato Shigeaki, Okada Yui, Suzuki Kosuke, Kirishima Reika, Hayama Shono, Tatsumi Yudai, Takahashi Katsumi, Takashima Masanobu (guest star), Hada Michiko, Harada Taizo
Synopsis: Shiga Michinari (Kamikawa Takaya) is the deputy editor of Shukan Jiryu, a major publisher’s magazine that has boosted its sales by exposing numerous scandals. One day, his only son Kensuke (Hayama Shono) who is a university student causes a stalking-related murder and ends his life at the scene. Shiga’s position is reversed overnight from pursuing scandals, to being the one pursued as a family member of the suspect. He is relegated to another magazine and eventually falls out with his wife Mariko (Hada Michiko). While he is stuck in this hopeless situation, an encounter with a young woman Hoshino Nanami (Okada Yui) spurs him into action again. New facts begin to emerge little by little and Shiga finds a ray of light in this deep darkness.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/original/yoruga
Twitter: twitter.com/drama_wowow
Goku Shufudo
Date: From 10.30 p.m., Sundays, 11 October – 13 December 2020
Station: NTV
Genre: Comedy
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Goku Shufudo by Ono Kosuke
Scriptwriter: Uda Manabu (Oshii Keiji, Tantei ga Hayasugiru, 99.9% Keiji Senmon Bengoshi Series)
Director: Ruto Toichiro
Theme Song: Citrus by Da-iCE
Cast: Tamaki Hiroshi, Kawaguchi Haruna, Shison Jun, Furukawa Yuta, Tamashiro Tina, Megumi, Yasui Junpei, Tanaka Michiko, Shiratori Tamaki, Nakagawa Daisuke, Kataoka Hisamichi, Mizuhashi Kenji, Honda Chikara, Niitsu Chise, Hashimoto Jun, Takito Kenichi, Inamori Izumi, Takenaka Naoto
Synopsis: Nicknamed Immortal Dragon, Tatsu (Tamaki Hiroshi) was a legend of the underworld until he chose to leave the yakuza, get married to Miku (Kawaguchi Haruna) and concentrate on being a househusband. However, he still continues to have the fierce look and the behaviour of a yakuza which often terrifies the people around him even though he is oblivious to it. Despite Tatsu’s appearance, he is a loving and endearing househusband who refreshingly fixes problems.
Website: www.ytv.co.jp/gokushufudo
Twitter: twitter.com/gokushufu_drama
Preview: Goku Shufudo CM
Bokura wa Koi ga Heta Sugiru
Date: From 11.55 p.m., Sundays, 25 October – 6 December 2020
Station: ABC TV
Genre: Romance
Episodes: 7
Original Work: Bokura wa Koi ga Heta Sugiru by Tachibana Eiko
Scriptwriters: Fukutani Keisuke, Uchida Hiroki
Directors: Ono Koji, Sakamoto Hidetaka
Theme Song: Be My Love by Abe Mao
Cast: Kawashima Umika, Shirasu Jin, Shiono Akihisa, Asakawa Nana, Shimasaki Toa, Noro Kayo, Oba Mina
Synopsis: Fujiwara Hana (Kawashima Umika) and Katayama Mizuki (Asakawa Nana) have been best friends since elementary school. When Hana gets dumped by her boyfriend who was cheating on her, Hana and Mizuki take a trip together to relieve her heartbreak. They meet two guys – Narita Yosuke (Shirasu Jin) and Ichinose Ayumu (Shiono Akihisa) – at a hot spring inn at their destination. Although they have only just become acquainted, Yosuke suddenly lectures Hana, who does not have it in her nature to speak her mind. At first, Hana gets defensive. But she starts to realise that her inability to speak out because she is too mindful of others is a shortcoming and tries to change. On the other hand, Mizuki, who has never dated seriously before, wants to be loved. Yosuke is despised for saying things that he thinks are for the other person’s sake while Ayumu is a mixture of kindness and frivolousness. Then there is Ayumu’s “younger brother” Kanata (Shimasaki Toa). Friendship, jealousy, betrayal and quarrels swirl in each of them. They start to come to terms with themselves through love.
Website: www.asahi.co.jp/bokuheta
Twitter: twitter.com/dramaplus_abc
Preview: Bokura wa Koi ga Heta Sugiru CM
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