Come, Come Everybody
Date: From 8.00 a.m., Mondays – Saturdays, 1 November 2021 – 9 April 2022
Station: NHK
Genre: Comedy
Episodes: 112
Scriptwriter: Fujimoto Yuki (Mi o Tsukushi Ryouricho Series, Meoto Zenzai, Taira no Kiyomori)
Directors: Adachi Mojiri, Hashizume Shinichiro, Fukagawa Takashi, Matsuoka Kazushi
Theme Song: Aldebaran by Ai
Cast: Kamishiraishi Mone, Fukatsu Eri, Kawaei Rina, Matsumura Hokuto, Murakami Nijiro, Komoto Masahiro, Hamada Gaku, Nishida Naomi, Washio Machio, Owada Shinya, Ono Karin, Asagoe Goe, Danta Yasunori, Okada Yui, YOU, Sada Masahi, Murasame Tatsumasa, Sera Masanori, Maeno Tomoya, Konno Mahiru, Horibe Keisuke, Tokui Yu, Iwai Midori, Nishikawa Kanoko, Takei So, Odagiri Joe, Ichikawa Mikako, Saotome Taichi, Murata Takehiro, Hamada Mari, Kondo Yoshimasa, Shofukutei Shohei, Onoe Kikunosuke, Hamamura Jun, Hongo Kanata, Miura Toko, Shinkawa Yua, Aoki Yuzu, Tokunaga Yuki, Niitsu Chise, Oideyasu Oda, Matsubara Chieko, Hirano Kinari, Adachi Yumi, Matsushige Yutaka,
Synopsis: The first radio broadcast in Japan started in March 1925. On that day, a girl named Yasuko is born to Tachibana Kinta (Komoto Masahiro) and Koshizu (Nishida Naomi) who owned a Japanese-style confectionary shop at a shopping street in Okayama. She (Kamishiraishi Mone) grows up wishing that the family would continue to be happy forever. But Yasuko loses her husband Minoru (Matsumura Hokuto) in the war and has no choice but to leave her daughter Rui and go to America. Kijima Rui (Fukatsu Eri) hates her parents and English. However, she is saved by jazz songs and builds a life for herself in Osaka from the 1950s. Rui’s daughter Hinata (Kawaei Rina) in Kyoto from the mid-1960s adores the world of period dramas but finds a place where she can be herself through the English language programme on the radio after going a long way round. As Yasuko, Rui and Hinata listen to English lessons over the radio, it opens the door to their dreams in a story spanning the Showa, Heisei and Reiwa eras.
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/comecome
Twitter: twitter.com/asadora_bk_nhk
Preview: Come Come Everybody CM
Radiation House Season 2 ~ Houshasenka no Shindan Report
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Mondays, 4 October – 20 December 2021
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Medical
Episodes: 11 + SP
Original Work: Radiation House by Yokomaku Tomohiro
Scriptwriter: Okita Haruka (Radiation House Season 1, Good Doctor, Keiji Yugami)
Directors: Suzuki Masayuki, Aizawa Hideyuki, Mito Yusuke
Cast: Kubota Masataka, Honda Tsubasa, Hirose Alice, Hamano Kenta, Maruyama Tomomi, Yano Masato, Yamaguchi Sayaka, Endo Kenichi, Yashima Norito, Suzuki Nobuyuki, Takashima Masahiro, Asano Kazuyuki, Wakui Emi, Tanaka Minami (guest star)
Synopsis: Radiographer Igarashi Iori (Kubota Masataka) believes the “truth” is always captured in CT and MRI images and his talent is recognised by America’s leading radiologist Professor Pierce. He was hired by Amakasu General Hospital where his childhood friend Amakasu An (Honda Tsubasa), whom he has always harboured feelings for, works as a radiologist. He also possesses a medical licence and demonstrated his talent in reading radiograms, saving countless lives together with the Radiation House members. After receiving Professor Pierce’s invitation to participate in a project to develop radiographic image interpretation software using AI technology, Iori decided to go to the US. An asked him to return, vowing that she would become such an outstanding radiologist that he would not be able to interfere. Two years later, Iori returns to Japan after the project comes to an end, hoping to return to Amakasu General Hospital. However, the new hospital director Haijima Masato (Takashima Masahiro), who took over from Omori Nagisa (Wakui Emi), has rationalised the hospital’s operations. He deems radiologists unessential staff and has outsourced the analysis and interpretation of radiograms. As a result, Radiation House is scaled down and Kurohane Tamaki (Yamaguchi Sayaka), Nokishita Goro (Hamano Kenta), Ino Kei (Maruyama Tomomi) and Yuki Rin (Yano Masato) resign and switch hospitals.
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/radiationhouse2
Twitter: twitter.com/radiation2_2021
Related: Radiation House Season 1
Avalanche
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Mondays, 18 October – 20 December 2021
Station: Fuji TV
Episodes: 10
Scriptwriters: Marumo Amane (Miss Sherlock, Honboshi), Sakai Masaaki (Cold Case Series, Red Eyes, Yakubyougami Series), Fujii Michihito (Kaisha wa Gakkou ja neen da yo), Takei Aya (Pareto no Gosan, Sousa Kaigi wa Living de!, Juken no Cinderella), Kodera Kauzhisa (Mushikago no Jomae), Aoshima Takeshi (Hiru Series, dele, Hitori Shizuka)
Directors: Fujii Michihito, Miyake Yoshishige, Yamaguchi Kento
Theme Song: Avalanche by UVERWorld
Cast: Ayano Go, Fukushi Sota, Chiba Yudai, Takahashi Maryjun, Tanaka Yoji, Riju Go, Hotta Akane, Watabe Atsuro (guest star), Kimura Yoshino, Isomura Hayato (guest star)
Synopsis: Habu Seiichi (Ayano Go) is a member of an outlaw group, Avalanche. Moral hazard has long runs rampant not only among bureaucrats and the people with wealth and power in big corporations but also the general public in the country. How will this crazy and mysterious group sweep the entire country and change it?
Website: www.ktv.jp/A
Twitter: twitter.com/avalanche_ktv
Preview: Avalanche CM
Asagaya Shimai no Nohohon Futarigurashi
Date: From 10.45 p.m., Mondays, 1 November – 20 December 2021
Station: NHK
Genre: Biographical
Episodes: 7
Original Work: Asagaya Shimai no Nohohon Futarigurashi by Asagaya Shimai
Scriptwriter: Fujiki Mitsuhiko (Takeuchi Ryoma no Satsukyuu, Arimura Kasumi no Satsukyu, Byplayers Series)
Directors: Tsuda Atsuko, Horiuchi Yusuke, Nitta Shinzo, Sato Yuzuru
Cast: Kimura Tae, Ando Tamae, Ishino Yoko, Nakagawa Daisuke, Kusumi Kaoru, Yamawaki Tatsuya, Uzaki Ryudo, Ken Naoko
Synopsis: The Asagaya sisters made up of older sister Watanabe Eriko (Kimura Tae) and younger sister Kimura Miho (Ando Tamae) are pseudo siblings who live and work together. The two of them, who began living in a small room in the Asagaya neighbourhood of Tokyo, came to symbolise the town as the Asagaya sisters in pink dresses through their involvement with their neighbours. However, Eriko and Miho became very busy and increasingly spent all the time together until they experienced a period of fatigue. What form of happiness will they arrive at?!
Website: www.nhk.jp/p/drama-nohohon/ts/JY7LJWL7PK
Twitter: twitter.com/nhk_dramas
Janai Hou no Kanojo
Date: From 11.06 p.m., Mondays, 11 October – 27 December 2021
Station: TV Tokyo
Genre: Comedy
Episodes: 12
Scriptwriters: Hattori Takashi, Moral (Nishi Ogikubo Mitsuboshi Youshudo, Goku Shufudo, LINE no Kotaeawase), Aotsuka Miho (Kono Koi Atatamemasuka)
Directors: Miki Koichiro, Nemoto Kazumasa, Kishikawa Masashi
Theme Song: Extra by Thinking Dogs
Cast: Hamada Gaku, Yamashita Mizuki, Yamazaki Shigenori, Higashino Ayaka, Toyoda Yudai, Takarabe Kahomi, YOU, Konishi Manami
Synopsis: Kotani Masaya (Hamada Gaku) is a plain and serious man whose life has never been in the spotlight. An associate university professor with a loving beautiful wife Rei (Konishi Manami) and daughter, he has lived honestly. However, Kotani faces a turning point in his life. One day, he has a series of three chance encounters with a university student Nonoyama Reiko (Yamashita Mizuki) who attends the university that he works at, and the two of them begin to take notice of each other. Kotani tries to keep his distance from Reiko who says that it seems like a miracle has happened and gets close to him. He is drawn to her gestures and behaviour against his better judgement and slowly starts an illicit love affair with her.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/janaiho
Twitter: twitter.com/tx_janaiho
Preview: Janai Hou no Kanojo CM
Kono Hatsukoi wa Fiction desu
Date: From 12.40 a.m., Tuesdays – Fridays, 12 October – 16 December 2021
Station: TBS & Youtube
Genre: Romance
Episodes: 40
Original Work: Kono Hatsukoi wa Fiction desu by Akimoto Yasushi
Scriptwriter: Tokuo Koji (Koi wa Deep ni, Watashi no Kaseifu Nagisa-san, Ossan’s Love Series)
Directors: Miyazaki Yohei, Okamoto Shingo, Komaki Sakura
Cast: Iinuma Ai, Bando Ryota, Kubozuka Airu, Takeyama Ruka, Miura Suzuna, Ako Hana, Yada Akiko, Sakai Maki
Synopsis: Kurashina Izumi (Iinuma Ai), a second year high school student, has always had the best academic results among her cohort but is the least experienced in love. There is a rumour that an extraordinarily handsome guy will be transferring to Class 2/1 and the female students are thrilled. However, this rumoured transfer student is absent from the very first day of school. Only his name Sobue Hiroki is written on the blackboard, leading to delusions among the students who fancy that he may be a famous idol. One day, Izumi is summoned by their form teacher Hasebe and assigned to deliver homework to Sobue’s house because she is the class rep and he lives nearby. When she reaches his house, she is suddenly asked by his mother Mari (Yada Akiko) to befriend him. This is the beginning of the exchanges on LINE between Izumi and Sobue without the knowledge of the rest of the class. Her interactions with the elusive and mysterious Sobue are interesting and Izumi becomes increasingly aware of him. But one of her good friends learns that she has been visiting Sobue’s house while Nojima Keisuke (Bando Ryota), a classmate who secretly likes Izumi, also grows conscious of this invisible rival.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/hatsukoi_f_tbs
Twitter: twitter.com/hatsukoi_f_tbs
Konintodoke ni Han o Oshita dake desu ga
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 19 October – 21 December 2021
Station: TBS
Genre: Love comedy
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Konintodoke ni Han o Oshita dake desu ga by Yuki Aoharu
Scriptwriters: Tanabe Shigenori (Oh! My Boss!, Bishoku Tantei Akechi Goro, Tokusatsu Gagaga), Okazaki Satoko (Kaseifu no Mitazono Seasons 3 – 4, PTA Grandpa Series, Detarame Hero)
Directors: Kaneko Fuminori, Takemura Kentaro
Theme Song: Heart by Aimyon
Cast: Seino Nana, Sakaguchi Kenji, Kurashina Kana, Takasugi Mahiro, Fukagawa Mai, Tanabe Seiichi, Maeno Tomoya, Nakagawa Shoko, Kasahara Hideyuki, Kobayashi Ryoko, Morinaga Yuki, Nagami Rea, Okada Keisuke, Kino Hana
Synopsis: 27-year-old Okado Akiha (Seino Nana) has a design job which is her dream. She has had her share of romance but there is not a single man she has wished to marry because all the boyfriends she dated were horrible men. Happy to have friends that she can drink with and a job she finds rewarding, she exults in single life and has no intention of getting married. But one day, Akiha meets 30-year-old Momose Shu (Sakaguchi Kentaro), a salaryman who works for an advertising agency, while she is having drinks. They have only been acquainted for all of 30 minutes when he proposes a sham marriage. He wants to marry her because he wants the status of a married man of “groom” for a certain reason. Akiha initially rejects this crazy and sudden proposal. However, her grandmother’s small restaurant is in danger of going bankrupt. Not wanting to let her grandmother who has a chronic heart problem down, Akiha agrees to register her marriage to Shu on condition that he lends her 5 million yen. They begin to live together and clash with each other. However, Akiha feels attracted to the slight kindness that Shu shows and gradually understands the true reason he wanted to have this sham marriage. Will the two of them begin to change while living under the same roof?
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/hannoshi_tbs
Twitter: twitter.com/hannoshi_tbs
Preview: Konintodoke ni Han o Oshita dake desu ga CM
Koi desu! Yankee-kun to Hakujo Garu
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Wednesdays, 6 October – 15 December 2021
Station: NTV
Genre: Love comedy
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Koi desu! Yankee-kun to Hakujo Garu by Uoyama
Scriptwriter: Matsuda Yuko (Renai Mangaka, Seigi no Se, Tokyo Tarareba Musume Series)
Directors: Uchida Hidemi, Kariyama Shunsuke
Theme Song: Kotaeawase by JUJU
Cast: Sugisaki Hana, Sugino Yosuke, Nao, Suzuki Nobuyuki, Tanabe Momoko, Hosoda Kanata, Nukumi Meru, Hori Natsuki, Hamada Yutaro, First Summer Uika, Tozuka Junki, Furukawa Yuta, Kishitani Goro, Koseki Yuta
Synopsis: Akaza Yukiko (Sugisaki Hana), a third-year high school student with amblyopia, can faintly see light and colours and recognise large characters if she uses a magnifying glass. She always has a white cane when she walks outdoors. Although she is strong-minded and has a sharp tongue, she is timid in romance. One day, Yukiko happens to meet a delinquent called Kurokawa Morio (Sugino Yosuke) who dropped out of high school after three days and has been unemployed. He is so well-known locally that people flee once they hear his name. While Morio is quick to pick a fight, he has a pure heart. No one understands his brand of justice. At first, Yukiko treats him coldly, but she is gradually drawn to his straightforward nature.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/yangaru
Twitter: twitter.com/koidesu_ntv
Preview: Yankee-kun to Hakujo Garu CM
Tsumari Sukitte Iitain dakedo
Date: From 12.30 a.m., Thursdays, 7 October – 23 December 2021
Network: TV Tokyo & Paravi
Genre: Love comedy
Episodes: 12
Original Work: Tsumari Sukitte Iitain dakedo by Enjoji Maki
Scriptwriter: Umeda Mika (Company, Hakui no Senshi, 37.5°C no Namida)
Directors: Tanazawa Takayoshi, Furubayashi Juntaro, Shimada Ichiro
Cast: Ohara Sakurako, Sakurai Kaito, Higashi Keisuke, Miyao Shuntaro, Morita Misato, Ishikawa Ruka, Sato Eriko, Nishimura Masahiko, Kuroki Hitomi (guest star)
Synopsis: 24-year-old Saejima Chitose (Ohara Sakurako) goes to work in an entertainment agency after an unexpected turn of events. She detests lies due to the deception and humiliation she experienced at the hands of a childhood friend when she was young. This was why she wound up getting fired from her part-time teaching job at an elementary school. Chitose is made the manager of Fujishiro Sena (Sakurai Kaito), an actor whose popularity is skyrocketing and on the verge of getting his big break. Despite his looks and top-notch acting ability which can lead people to believe lies, he is a troublemaker and such a womaniser that there is no way of telling when he will cause a scandal. Chitose struggles to promote Fujishiro even though she is always at his beck and call. However, he is actually the childhood friend who tricked and made fun of her in the past.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/tsumarisuki
Twitter: twitter.com/tx_tsumarisuki
Preview: Tsumari Sukitte Iitain dakedo Teaser
Doctor X ~ Gekai Daimon Michiko Season 7
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Thursdays, 14 October – 16 December 2021
Station: TV Asahi
Genre: Medical
Episodes: 10
Scriptwriter: Nakazono Miho (Haken no Hinkaku Series, Doctor X Series, Dr Rintaro)
Directors: Tamura Naoki, Yamada Hayato
Cast: Yonekura Ryoko, Nomura Mansai, Uchida Yuki, Katsumura Masanobu, Suzuki Kosuke, Imada Mio, Koyabu Kazutoyo, Sugita Kaoru, Nagano Munenori, Miyamoto Mayu, Ichinose Hayate, Yuki Moe, Kishibe Ittoku, Kaname Jun, Endo Kenichi, Nishida Toshiyuki, Tominaga Ai (guest star), Okada Masaki (guest star)
Synopsis: As medical systems across the world collapse due to the pandemic, Japan’s top university hospital, Totei University Hospital, faces a difficult situation. The hospital makes the decision to give highest priority to treating infections and internal medicine, and postponing any non-essential surgeries. The department of surgery which was once the hospital’s star gets shoved to a branch hospital in a separate building. The department of internal medicine is seen gaining prominence. Daimon Michiko (Yonekura Ryoko) comes back to Totei University Hospital into the swirl of the pandemic crisis and a new power struggle. She remains calm even in a workplace that is like a war zone as she strives to save the lives of the people in front of her but … … What did Michiko do and where did she go in the last two years? And who is the new enemy standing in her way this time?
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/doctor-x
Twitter: twitter.com/DoctorX_tvasahi
Related: Doctor X ~ Gekai Daimon Michiko Season 5
Super Rich
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Thursdays, 14 October – 23 December 2021
Station: Fuji TV
Episodes: 11
Scriptwriter: Mizoi Eiichi Davis (Iyasaretai Otoko, Kansatsui Asagao Season 1)
Directors: Mihashi Toshiyuki, Hirano Shin, Aizawa Hideyuki, Abe Masakazu
Theme Song: Betelgeuse by Yuri
Cast: Eguchi Noriko, Akaso Eiji, Machida Keita, Kanno Rio, Itagaki Mizuki, Kashima Riku, Nonomura Hanano, Kayashima Mizuki, Yamoto Yuma, Shida Mirai, Nakamura Yuri, Totsugi Shigeyuki, Miho Jun, Furuta Arata, Matsushima Nanako
Synopsis: Hyoga Mamoru (Eguchi Noriko), the CEO of an e-book start-up called Three Star Books, lives only for work. Born into a wealthy family, she has never experienced financial difficulties. Mamoru believes that money can solve anything and works hard every day to make more profit. While she is recognised for her entrepreneurship, she has built an emotional wall due to her loneliness and sadness over the deaths of her parents when she was a child. She has been starved of love despite having all the money. The only person she trusts is Ichinose Ryo (Totsugi Shigeyuki) whom she met during her university days. They started Three Star Books and still work together. The start-up is her life but she starts to face a series of crises that rock the company’s management as she works on growing the business. Mamoru has a shocking encounter with Haruno Yu (Akaso Eiji), a vocational school student who applied to be an intern at Three Star Books in a bid to change his life. He has a loving family, that includes his parents (Miho Jun) and a younger sister Mako (Kayashima Mizuki), but their financial situation has not been good for many years. Like the warmth of spring, Yu’s smile and friendliness begins to thaw Mamoru’s heart which is frozen like ice because she has been so swamped with work.
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/SUPERRICH
Twitter: twitter.com/super_rich_cx
Preview: Super Rich CM
Kaisha wa Gakkou ja neen da yo ~ Shinsedai Gyakushu-hen
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Thursdays, 21 October – 9 December 2021
Network: Abema TV
Genre: Corporate
Episodes: 8
Scriptwriter: Fujii Michihito
Director: Fujii Michihito
Theme Song: Forever Young feat. UVERworld by AK-69
Cast: Nomura Shuhei, Fujii Karen, Sano Reo, Miura Shohei, Maeda Koki, Nakamura Yurika, Fukikoshi Mitsuru, Asaka Kodai, Emoto Tokio, Saotome Taichi, Matsuoka Mitsuru, Suzuki Airi, Yamanaka Takashi, Taira Yuna
Synopsis: Tsuruta Yusuke (Nomura Shuhei) is in the “outstanding” category among university students. He won a business competition in university and his father has also made a success of a time-honoured leather bag business that has been around for a 100 years. After graduation, he decides to set up a company with his classmate Sato Kengo (Sano Reo), and he works hard every day to make his business a success. With the help of Tsuneta Tomomi (Fujii Karen), his girlfriend since student days and a partner in the business competition, he succeeds in getting funding from Fujimura Teppei (Miura Shohei), the CEO of a listed company. It seems that Yusuke’s business is on the right track, but Fujimura made the investment with a certain motive … …
Website: abema.tv/video/title/90-1567
Related: Kaisha wa Gakkou ja ne-n da yo
Unlucky Girl
Date: From 11.59 p.m., Thursdays, 7 October – 9 December 2021
Station: NTV
Episodes: 10
Scriptwriters: Date-san (Oshi no Oujisama, Ojisama to Neko, 40-man km Kanata no Koi), Moral (Kekkon Dekinai ni wa Wake ga Aru, Goku Shufudo, Watashi no Ojisan)
Directors: Smith, Yoshida Takunori, Aoki Tatsuya
Theme Song: Lucky Days feat. OKAMOTO’S
Cast: Fukuhara Haruka, Bakarhythm, Shiuma, Wakatsuki Yumi, Takanashi Rin, Itagaki Mizuki, Nagai Mijika, Kizu Takumi, Arai Maira, Namase Katsuhisa
Synopsis: Is this a lucky or unlucky encounter? Three women who have no luck become acquainted due to a small fire at a lottery stand. 25-year-old Fukura Sachi (Fukuhara Haruka) has no luck in anything including money which tops the list; 31-year-old Asakura Kaori (Wakatsuki Yumi) has no luck with men or people; and 35-year-old Ayanami Itsuki (Takanashi Rin) who has no luck with work and is unemployed. They get caught up in unfortunate incidents, problems and calamities but are made further sport by fate because of mysterious men who have the faces of a lawyer (Bakarhythm) and fortune teller (Shiuma). Although the three of them act on the divinations, they get entangled in greater misfortune. Amid this streak of bad luck, they get rare instances of little happiness.
Website: www.ytv.co.jp/unluckygirl
Twitter: twitter.com/unlucky_ytv
Preview: Unlucky Girl Teaser
Shinigami-san
Date: From 12.00 a.m., Fridays, 17 September – 22 October 2021
Network: Hulu
Genre: Investigative
Episodes: 6
Original Work: Shinigami-san by Okura Takahiro
Scriptwriter: Watanabe Yusuke (Talio, dele, Rental Kyuuseishu)
Directors: Tsutsumi Yukihiko, Fujiwara Tomoyuki, Inatome Takeshi
Theme Song: Ukiyo Koji no Blues by Miyamoto Koji
Cast: Tanaka Kei, Maeda Atsuko, Kote Shinya, Renbutsu Misako, Rintaro, Hasegawa Kyoko, Takenaka Naoto
Synopsis: Detective Gido Kennin (Tanaka Kei) specialises in reinvestigations, and is the most shunned and loathed person at the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. He carries around a name card with no department written on it and takes pleasure in uncovering cases where the police created false charges. Gido reveals the negligence of the police such as mistakes in initial investigations and cover ups, reconsidering the testimonies and evidence from these cases to discover the real criminals. He hates it if people escape punishment and in order to prevent this from happening, he makes all other sacrifices. It is said that no one will be happy after Gido’s investigations, and this has earned him the nickname “grim reaper”.
Website: www.hulu.jp/static/shinigamisan
Twitter: twitter.com/shinigami_Hulu
Preview: Shinigami-san CM
Boku no Nee-chan
Date: From 24 September 2021
Network: Amazon Prime (followed by TV Tokyo in 2022)
Genre: Family
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Boku no Nee-chan by Masuda Miri
Scriptwriters: Yoshida Yoshiko, Shimizu Tadashi (Tada Rikon Shitenai dake, Mushikago no Jomae, Aku no Hadou), Takada Ryo (Iki o Hisomete, 60 Gohan Taisakushitsu, Koi no Tsuki)
Director: Yoshida Yoshiko
Cast: Kuroki Haru, Sugino Yosuke, Kubota Sayu, Wakabayashi Takuya, Hiraiwa Kami, Watanabe Daichi, Yuya Shintaro, Katagiri Jin
Synopsis: Shirai Chiharu (Kuroki Haru) and her younger brother Junpei (Sugino Yosuke) are living together for the moment while their parents are stationed overseas. 30-year-old Chiharu is humorous but also has a sharp tongue. Junpei has been in the workforce for a year and listens to his older sister even though she trifles with him. After they get home from work, they eat their favourite food and drink together as they talk about love, work, interests and life. Chiharu’s true opinions in this frank conversation between siblings, may sound cynical and mean but Junpei is curiously able to accept them because she says it with all honesty.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/bokuane
Twitter: twitter.com/tx_bokuane
Preview: Boku no Nee-chan CM
Douse Mou Nigerarenai
Date: From 12.59 a.m., Fridays, 17 September – 12 November 2021
Station: MBS
Genre: Romance
Episodes: 9
Original Work: Dousei Mou Nigerarenai by Kazui Kazumi
Scriptwriters: Suzuki Yuna (Rabu Kome no Okite, Haru to Ao no Obentobako, Itsuka Hi no Ataru Basho), Kawahara Yo
Director: Kawahara Yo
Ending Theme: Thermocline by Momosu Momosu
Cast: Shirasu Jin, Yokota Mayu, Asaka Kodai, Kusakawa Takuya, Ishida Nicole, Kobayashi Ryoko, Honda Miu, Shiraishi Shunya, Ichinose Ryu
Synopsis: Nodakura Naho (Yokota Mayu) yearns for an ordinary life as an office lady. However, she has had difficulty getting a job offer ever since graduating from university and lives on temporary and part-time work. Naho decides to go for a part-time job interview at a design company called Solo Design Office. On the way there, she encounters a man and woman having a lovers’ quarrel. The man treats Naho, who just happened to be there, as his new girlfriend in an attempt to give the woman a brush off. Infuriated by the man’s irresponsible attitude, Naho impulsively shoves him away. When she arrives at Solo Design Office, she discovers that this man is its boss Kosaka Takumi (Shirasu Jin). Despite their earlier encounter, Naho gets hired for the part-time job at the company for some reason … …
Website: www.mbs.jp/dousemou
Twitter: twitter.com/dousemou_drama
Preview: Douse Mou Nigerarenai CM
Oishii Kyushoku Season 2
Date: From 6.00 p.m., Fridays, 15 October – 17 December 2021
Network: Tokyo MX
Genre: Food comedy
Episodes: 10
Scriptwriters: Nagamori Yuji (Oishii Kyushoku Season 1, Nekonin Series, Nekozamurai Series), Ayabe Shinya (Oishii Kyushoku Season 1), Taguchi Kei (Oishii Kyushoku Season 1)
Director:
Theme Song: Kimi no Hana by Matsumoto Hiroki
Cast: Ichihara Hayato, Tsuchimura Kaho, Sato Taishi, Yuhi, Yamasaki Rena, Ito Maiko, Naoe Kiichi, Kino Hana, Sakai Toshiya
Synopsis: It has been two years since the teacher Amarida Yukio (Ichihara Hayato) transferred to a new school, Kibinago Junior High School, and took charge of the students of Class 3/1. It is not an exaggeration to say that he came to school because of school meals and enjoys eating his fill. Amarida is tough on his students as usual but all he can think of are the school meals. He would check the menu every morning and make doubly sure at lunch time. A student transfers to Amarida’s class and when he arrives at the school, Amarida is filled with horror to realise that it is his nemesis Kamino Go (Sato Taishi) from the time he worked at Tokiwa Junior High School. They had competed with each other to determine whose school meal was delicious. Meanwhile, a fellow teacher Munakata Sanae (Tsuchimura Kaho) learns about a past incident between Amarida and Go and tries to probe into their mysterious relationship … …
Website: oishi-kyushoku2.com
Twitter: twitter.com/oishikyushoku
Rasen no Meikyuu ~ DNA Kagaku Sousa
Date: From 8.00 p.m., Fridays, 15 October – 26 November 2021 (Original date: April 2020)
Station: TV Tokyo
Genre: Mystery
Episodes: 7
Original Work: Rasen no Meikyuu ~ Idenshi Sousa by Natsu Midori
Scriptwriters: Kuroiwa Tsutomu (Banjo no Himawari, Grand Maison Tokyo, Kizoku Tantei), Sakai Masaaki (Cold Case Season 2, Yakubyougami Series, Aogeba Toutoshi), Fukuda Teppei (In Hand)
Director: Iwamoto Hitoshi
Theme Song: Stay Gold by BTS
Cast: Tanaka Kei, Yasuda Ken, Kurashina Kana, Nakata Keisuke, Watanabe Ikkei, Matsuzaka Keiko, Hiraoka Yuta (guest star), Ono Yuriko (guest star), Sasano Takashi (guest star), Nakagoshi Noriko (guest star), Suga Kenta (guest star), Tokunaga Eri (guest star), Matsuo Satoru (guest star), Konno Mahiru (guest star), Yada Akiko (guest star), Wakatsuki Yumi (guest star), Takahashi Katsuomi (guest star), Yamada Meikyo (guest star), Kashiwabara Shuji (guest star), Hashimoto Manami (guest star), Asakura Aki (guest star)
Synopsis: Jinbo Jin (Tanaka Kei) is a DNA expert who is an associate professor of a genome analysis lab at a university’s faculty of medicine. His interest lies in creating a personal DNA database. One day, a murder takes place in Tokyo and an ‘X’ mark is found on the dead body. Detective Ando Genji (Yasuda Ken) who was supposed to be in charge of the case, is dropped due to the high probability that the criminal is the same serial murderer whom his own wife fell victim to. And so Ando secretly asks Jinbo for help. However, Jinbo has completely no interest in solving the case. Ando finds himself confounded by Jinbo’s totally unexpected words and behaviour. But the two of them gradually learn to get along and their DNA investigation discovers a “signature” that was not even picked up by the investigation headquarters. Meanwhile, serial killer X commits yet another murder … …
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/rasen
Twitter: twitter.com/tx_kin8
Kenjusho ~ Mitsukuni to Ore
Date: From 8.00 p.m., Fridays, 5 November – 24 December 2021
Station: NHK BS Premium
Genre: Period
Episodes: 8
Original Work: Kenjusho by Ubukata Tou
Scriptwriter: Yoshizawa Tomoko (Dream Team, Byoushitsu de Nenbutsu o Tonaenaide Kudasai, Hajimete Koi o Shita Hi ni Yomu Hanashi)
Directors: Motoki Kazuhiro, Isshiki Ryuji
Theme Song: Hana . Taiyo . Ame by PYG
Cast: Yamamoto Koji, Matsumoto Honoka, Kato Shigeaki, Tachi Hiroshi, Ishizaka Koji
Synopsis: A young Tokugawa Mitsukuni (Yamamoto Koji) meets a homeless orphan Ryosuke (Kurokawa Souya). Surprised by his deadly skills with a wooden sword, Mitsukuni invites him to the covert organisation known as Juninshu. The members of Juninshu are orphans with outstanding skills. They conduct intelligence work using their special abilities and help to capture criminals. With the help of Juninshu, Mitsukuni discovers that Nishiki Hyonosuke (Kato Shigeaki) is the leader of the gang of arsonists that caused the Great Fire of Meireki. Hyonosuke is the son of Unkei (Ishizaka Koji), a sculptor specialising in Buddha statues whom Mitsukuni admires. Unkei has lived to bring Hyonosuke, who has gone off the right path, to justice with his own hands. Hyonosuke aims to overthrow the Tokugawas and a fierce battle is imminent. Worried for Mitsukuni, his wife Yasu (Matsumoto Honoka) seeks the help of the great swordsman Yagyu Gisen (Tachi Hiroshi).
Website: www.nhk.jp/p/ts/7KJWN4NYX5
Twitter: twitter.com/nhk_dramas
Saiai
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Fridays, 15 October – 17 December 2021
Station: TBS
Genre: Romantic suspense
Episodes: 10
Scriptwriters: Okudera Satoko (Kawa no Hotori de, Watashi Teiji de Kaerimasu, Reverse), Shimizu Yukako (Kanojo wa Kirei datta, Watashi Teiji de Kaerimasu, Reverse)
Director: Tsukahara Ayuko
Theme Song: Kimi ni Muchuu by Utada Hikaru
Cast: Yoshitaka Yuriko, Matsushita Kohei, Tanaka Minami, Sakuma Yui, Takahashi Fumiya, Okuno Eita, Yakushimaru Hiroko (guest star), Mitsuishi Ken, Sakou Yoshi, Tsuda Kenjiro, Oikawa Mitsuhiro, Iura Arata
Synopsis: Sanada Rio (Yoshitaka Yuriko) assumed the position of President of Sanada Wellness, an affiliate of Sanada Holdings that her mother Azusa (Yakushimaru Hiroko) runs, after studying pharmacy at a Tokyo university. She becomes the focus of public attention when she is chosen as a CEO in her 30s who is changing the world. Back in 2006, there was a missing persons case at some rural town where Rio spent her youth. 15 years later, someone connected to this case appears before her, setting the case that should have been sealed off along with the memories at that time in motion again. Rio finds herself a material witness in a string of murder cases in the present that is tied to the disappearance in the past. A detective Miyazaki Daiki (Matsushita Kohei) who is her first love pursues the truth while a lawyer Kase Kenichiro (Iura Arata) tries to protect her by all means.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/saiai_tbs
Twitter: twitter.com/saiai_tbs
Preview: Saiai CM
Gunjo Ryouiki
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Fridays, 15 October – 24 December 2021
Station: NHK
Episodes: 10
Scriptwriter: Osada Ikue (Sugu Shinun Dakara)
Directors: Ueda Hisashi, Tsukamoto Renpei
Theme Song: Hokuto Shichise by Vicke Blanka
Cast: Shim Eun-kyung, Wakaba Ryuya, Kakizawa Hayato, Hosoda Yoshihiko, Ochiai Motoki, Tanaka Shunsuke, Itaya Yuka
Synopsis: Kim Jun Hee (Shim Eun-kyung) is a member of an extremely popular five-piece band called Indigo AREA. She has encountered setbacks and been hurt deeply in the past. And now, she is dealt a blow by the vocalist Kasai Haruki’s (Kakizawa Hayato) sudden announcement that that he is leaving the band because he is also her boyfriend. Jun Hee is so shocked that she just wants to disappear. She becomes the target of trolls on social media and even grows frightened of music. Abandoning everything, she escapes to the sea. At a seaside town, Jun Hee opens the door to a world previously unknown to her. She eventually breaks free of the narrow-minded world and returns to music, grasping the process of spreading her wings is crucial to carry on living.
Website: www.nhk.jp/p/ts/26R5RYX9NR
Twitter: twitter.com/nhk_dramas
Preview: Gunjo Ryouiki CM
Wadake no Otokotachi
Date: From 11.15 p.m., Fridays, 22 October – 10 December 2021
Station: TV Asahi
Genre: Family
Episodes: 8
Scriptwriter: Oishi Shizuka (Ano Toki Kisu Shite Okeba, Koisuru Hahatachi, Dairenai)
Director: Fukagawa Yoshihiro
Cast: Aiba Masaki, Sasaki Kuranosuke, Danta Yasunori, Koike Eiko, Ishikawa Ren, Komakine Ryusuke, Okabe Takashi, Miyazawa Miho, Yunho
Synopsis: The company that 37-year-old Wada Yu (Aiba Masaki) worked at for the past 15 years suddenly went bankrupt due to the COVID-19 outbreak. He now makes a living as a deliveryman for a delivery service. While making deliveries one day, he is unexpectedly reunited with his grandfather Kan (Danta Yasunori) after 20 years. His stepfather Shuhei (Sasaki Kuranosuke), who happened to be present, proposes that the three of them live together. Yu’s late mother Rie (Koike Eiko) remarried Shuhei when Yu was 10 years old. But as a general producer at a TV station, Shuhei was busy day and night. Yu had to handle most of the things at home and grew up to be good at all housework. Father and son have actually been estranged since Yu moved out after graduating from university and getting a job. As the three men begin living under the same roof, Yu continues with his delivery job and takes charge of all the household chores. One day, at a university friend’s recommendation, Yu begins to work as a reporter for an online news site … …
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/wadake
Twitter: twitter.com/wadake_tvasahi
Kinniku Man ~ The Lost Legend
Date: From 11.30 p.m., Fridays, 8 October – 10 December 2021
Network: WOWOW
Genre: Documentary drama
Episodes: 10
Scriptwriter: Takemura Takeshi (Sado, Kono Manga ga Sugoi!, Yamada Takayuki no Tokyo-to Kita-ku Akabane)
Director: Matsue Tetsuaki
Cast: Maeda Gordon, Tamashiro Tina, Isomura Hayato, Hakamada Yoshihiko, Sono Shion, Hollywood Zakoshisho, Motoi Miki, Kaneda Osamu, Tsuboi Atsushi, Tanigaki Kenji, Yamamoto Yoshinori, Ishiguro Hiroshi, Ozawa Hitoshi, Ozawa Kazuyoshi, Kamiya Akira, Shimada Takashi, Nakai Yoshinori, Ayano Go
Synopsis: It is November 2019 and Muscleman, the live-action movie adaptation and production of the manga series about national hero Kinnikuman, is underway. Before this, it had been said that the manga series was impossible to make into a movie. Furthermore, it becomes an ambitious plan to develop a trilogy consisting of 7-nin Akuma Chojin-hen, Kogane no Mask-hen and Kinniku Oui Soudatsu-hen. However, the day before the long-awaited press conference on the production of the movie, the production team faces sudden problems. At the same time, the actor Maeda Gordon (Maeda Gordon), who is training at the gym, is contacted by the producer of Muscleman who wants him to star in the movie as Warsman. Maeda is genuinely happy to receive this offer but there is a hidden “past” to this movie adaptation. With the help of his splendid co-stars, he begins to investigate the mysterious phenomenon related to the adaptation of Kinniku Man. Will Maeda be able to get to the truth of the hidden “mystery” and will it be possible to adapt the movie that no one has been able to do before?
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/original/kinnikuman
Twitter: twitter.com/drama_wowow
Watashi no Tadashii Onii-chan
Date: From 12.00 a.m., Saturdays, 16 October – 4 December 2021
Network: Fuji on Demand
Genre: Romance, suspense
Episodes: 8
Original Work: Watashi no Tadashii Onii-chan by Morie Satoshi
Scriptwriters: Kato Ayako (Karikare, Piece), Inoue Tete (W Kenkei no Higeki, Uwasa no Onna), Abe Sayaka (Haru to Ao no Obentobako), Kawahara Yo (Rabu Kome no Okite)
Director: Kawahara Yo
Cast: Furukawa Yuta, Yamaya Kasumi, Horii Arata, Dandy Sakano, Kita Noa, Satsukawa Aimi, Hashimoto Manami, Hasegawa Jun, Iida Kisuke
Synopsis: University student Rise (Yamaha Kasumi) encounters a young man called Kairi (Furukawa Yuta) at the place where she works part-time. He resemble her beloved older brother (Hasegawa Jun) whom she has not seen due to their parents’ divorce. While lending her shoulder to Kairi who has difficulty sleeping, Rise starts to feel attracted to him. However, she is shocked when she happens to see a passage in his diary at his apartment that says “There’s no running away from the crime of murder”. She wonders whether Kairi truly killed a person. What will happen to Rise’s romance as the truth gradually comes to light?
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/tada-ani
Twitter: twitter.com/tada_ani_fod
Snack Kizutsuki
Date: From 12.12 a.m., Saturdays, 9 October – 25 December 2021
Station: TV Tokyo
Genre: Food
Episodes: 12
Original Work: Snack Kizutsuki by Masuda Miri
Scriptwriters: Sato Kumiko (Tsuri Baka Nisshi Series, Sanbiki no Ossan Series), Imanishi Yuko (Shinmai Shimai no Futari Gohan, Izakaya Fuji)
Directors: Kakei Masaya, Yuasa Hiroaki
Cast: Harada Tomoyo, Narumi Riko, Hiraiwa Kami, Tsukaji Muga, Koseki Yuta, Hamano Kenta, Tokunaga Eri, Nishida Naomi, Oka Mitsuko, Horiuchi Keiko, Kiryu Sakura, Yashima Norito
Synopsis: Snack Kizutsuki is a rather unusual joint that people with emotional scars regarding family, workplace or significant other find their way to. Toko (Harada Tomoyo) is its slightly eccentric owner who welcomes these people. At this pub which does not carry any alcohol, there are warm drinks and delicious dishes and also singing with Toko to let out the hurt which has accumulated day by day.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/kizutsuki
Twitter: twitter.com/kizutsuki_tx
Seigi no Tenbin
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Saturdays, 25 September – 23 October 2021
Station: NHK
Genre: Legal mystery
Episodes: 5
Original Work: Seigi no Tenbin by Daimon Takeaki
Scriptwriters: Tanabe Mitsuru (Akagi Series, Kakkou no Tamago wa Dare no Mono, Henshin), Tanaka Shinichi (Chef wa Meitantei, Fuhatsudan, Shachoushitsu no Fuyu), Inoue Kiko (Hitori de Nomeru mon!)
Directors: Kataoka Hiroshi, Ninomiya Takashi
Cast: Kamenashi Kazuya, Nao, Kitayama Hiromitsu, Omasa Aya, Satoi Kenta, Oshima Yuko, Hagiwara Masato, Takenaka Naoto, Nakamura Masatoshi, Yamaguchi Tomoko, Kakei Toshio (guest star), Kasamatsu Sho (guest star), Takahashi Katsumi (guest star), Fukikoshi Mitsuru (guest star), Chiba Yudai (guest star)
Synopsis: Takano Kazuya (Kamenashi Kazuya), a former surgeon turned lawyer, gets scouted by the prestigious law firm, Shidanzaka. Its founder Saeki Makio (Nakamura Masatoshi) was a charismatic lawyer but passed away all of a sudden. The man’s daughter Mei (Nao), who is also a lawyer, has brought Takano in to help her turnaround the law firm. There are four lawyers left in Shidanzaka’s Room 1 which is in charge of criminal matters – Mei, who is a rookie; Sugimura Teppei (Kitayama Hiromitsu), a lawyer with an inferiority complex who was not in employment, education or training at one point; Kiryu Miyuki (Omasa Aya), a very proud lawyer who used to be a judge; and Umetsu Seijuro (Satoi Kenta), a compassionate lawyer who was a former detective. Takano solves a string of difficult cases with perceptiveness and intelligence, and the cohesiveness of the team around him gradually grows stronger. Takano will end up having to defend a significant case that is tied to his own past.
Website: www.nhk.jp/p/ts/RM4PJL5QGN
Twitter: twitter.com/nhk_dramas
Preview: Seigi no Tenbin CM
Nigatsu no Shousha ~ Zettai Goukaku no Kyoushitsu
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Saturdays, 16 October – 18 December 2021 (Original date: July 2020)
Station: NTV
Genre: School
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Nigatsu no Shousha ~ Zettai Goukaku no Kyoushitsu
Scriptwriter: Naruse Katsuo (Chiisana Kyojin, Kiraware Matsuko no Isshou)
Director: Suzuki Yuma
Theme Song: Chinchoge by DISH
Cast: Yagira Yuya, Inoue Mao, Kato Shigeaki, Ikeda Tetsuhiro, Takiuchi Kumi, Imai Takafumi, Kaji Masaki, Ichikawa Botan, Sumida Moeno, Kishibe Ittoku, Takaoka Saki
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-sized cram school which has been performing poorly. He 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”. Kuroki is an ultra realist and speaks his mind. However, he quickly declares to all the new sixth grade students that he will get them 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. Sakura Mai (Inoue Mao), a newly hired teacher at the cram school, is repulsed by his remarks and instructions. However, she is always no match for him.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/2gatsu
Twitter: twitter.com/2gatsu_ntv
Zenkamono ~ Shinmai Hogoshi Agawa Kayo
Date: From 10.30 p.m., Saturdays, 20 November – 25 December 2021
Network: WOWOW
Genre: Suspense
Episodes: 6
Original Work: Zenkamono by Kagawa Masahito
Scriptwriter: Kishi Yoshiyuki (Kaitakushatachi)
Director: Kishi Yoshiyuki
Cast: Arimura Kasumi, Ishibashi Shizuka, Daito Shunsuke, Furukawa Kotone, Emoto Tokio, Onishi Shima, Tomita Kentaro, Hashimoto Satoshi, Tokunaga Eri, Akiyama Natsuko, Uno Shohei, Kitamura Yukiya
Synopsis: Agawa Kayo (Arimura Kasumi) is an upright young woman who has been part-timing at a convenience store when she gets a job as a volunteer probation officer. A volunteer probation officer is a civil servant who helps rehabilitate juvenile delinquents and criminals but receives no pay. They are simply volunteers with a sense of public spirit. Kayo deals with people such as Saito Midori (Ishibashi Shizuka) who was sentenced to two years for extortion and assault after behaving violently towards an employee; Ishikawa Jiro (Daito Shunsuke) who was given a six-year jail term for killing his older brother but was released on parole after serving six months; and Tamura Tamiko (Furukawa Kotone) who received a suspended sentence for violating the stimulant drugs control act.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/original/zenkamono_drama
Twitter: twitter.com/zenkamono_jp
Kotodamasou
Date: From 11.00 p.m., Saturdays, 9 October – 18 December 2021
Station: TV Asahi
Genre: Horror
Episodes: 10
Scriptwriter: Hashimoto Hiroshi (Legal V, Shukatsu Kazoku, Otona Gakkou)
Directors: Ochiai Masayuki, Higurashi Ken, Matsukawa Takashi
Cast: Nishino Nanase, Nagayama Kento, Saito Yuki, Miyoshi Ayaka, Nakamura Yurika, Hotta Mayu, Ishii Anna, Uchida Rio, Naito Risa
Synopsis: Utagawa Kotoha (Nishino Nanase) is a ViewTuber who believes in the power of words and wishes for people’s happiness. A dreamy, simple and innocent young woman, she is a coward and yet curious about everything. Through her friend Agi Sayaka’s (Miyoshi Ayaka) introduction, Kotoha becomes a new resident of Ladies Court Hadori, an apartment building exclusively for women. That is when she gets entangled in mysterious phenomenon where words spoken within the building become reality. Kotoha unexpectedly makes the acquaintance of Nakame Reishi (Nagayama Kento), a self-proclaimed psychic who gets caught up in this mysterious phenomenon. However, he schemes to make easy money by selling items which he claims will bring good luck, and does not have psychic abilities even though it is true that his grandmother is a medium. Reishi’s aunt Toshima (Saito Yuki) is an exorcist. But when they ask her to get rid of the ghosts in Ladies Court Hadori, she demands 1 million yen for the danger that she will be put through … …
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/kotodamasou
Twitter: twitter.com/kotodamasou
Kieta Hatsukoi
Date: From 11.30 p.m., Saturdays, 9 October – 18 December 2021
Network: TV Asahi
Genre: School
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Kieta Hatsukoi by Hinekure Wataru
Scriptwriter: Kuroiwa Tsutomu (Tokyo MER, Unsung Cinderella, Grand Maison Tokyo)
Directors: Kusano Shogo, Horai Tadaaki
Cast: Michieda Shunsuke, Meguro Ren, Fukumoto Riko, Suzuki Jin, Tanabe Seiichi
Synopsis: Aoki (Michieda Shunsuke) is a cheerful and lively high school student with a crush on his female classmate Hashimoto (Fukumoto Riko) who sits next to him. One day, he borrows an eraser from her but gets a big shock after noticing the name of a male classmate “Ida-kun ♡” (Meguro Ren) has been written on the eraser. He wonders if this will act like a charm that will make love come true when the name of the love interest is written. A flustered Aoki accidentally drops the eraser. But it is picked up by Ida who sees “Ida-kun ♡” written on it and gets the wrong idea that Aoki might like him. Although Aoki wants to set things right with Ida, he is also not at liberty to reveal Hashimoto’s feelings. His first impulse is to lie that the eraser belongs to him. Despite his best intentions, that mere remark creates a further misunderstanding which leads to an unexpected romance and friendship.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/kietahatsukoi
Twitter: twitter.com/oshidoraEX
Preview: Kieta Hatsukoi CM
Kaodake Sensei
Date: From 11.40 p.m., Saturdays, 9 October – 18 December 2021
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: School comedy
Episodes: 11
Scriptwriters: Mizuno Munenori, Sakurai Tomonari (Sousa Kaigi wa Living de! Series, Ishitachi no Renai Jijou), Akiyama Ryuhei
Director: Hara Keinosuke
Theme Song: Fuurai by Sakiyama Soushi
Cast: Kamio Fuju, Kanjiya Shihori, Yashima Norito, Abe Kayako, Miura Ryosuke, Sakurai Kaito, Tsuna Keito,
Synopsis: The education field is rife with problems and there is a feeling of helplessness. This seems to be a microcosm of society. The default working style crosses the death from overwork line; if an opinion is not given, it is considered to be consent; and it is easier to think that there is too much work to do and be fine with having the same thing as last year. Kikurei High School is no exception. Endo Issei (Kamio Fuju), who is supposed to have been hired as a part-time teacher to reduce the teachers’ burden, shows up at the school. As the assistant form teacher of Class 2B, nothing he does befits a teacher. He also cannot read the situation but has a handsome face. Endo concentrates entirely on the things he likes. He is not only viewed as useless by the other teachers but sows the seeds of trouble through his inappropriate words and deeds. Kametaka Chisato (Kanjiya Shihori), the teacher in charge of all the second-year classes, gets swamped with handling the issues. Although Endo is ridiculed by his colleagues, students and their parents for being a teacher who only has looks, he is completely unconcerned and devotes every spare moment to enjoying his own interests.
Website: www.tokai-tv.com/io/kaodakesensei
Twitter: twitter.com/tokaitv_dodra
Preview: Kaodake Sensei CM
Eroi Kareshi ga Watashi o Madowasu
Date: From 12.00 a.m., Sundays, 19 September – 7 November 2021
Network: Fuji On Demand
Genre: Romance
Episodes: 8
Scriptwriter: Nojima Shinji (Takane no Hana, Papakatsu, Ame ga Furu to Kimi wa Yasashii)
Director: Kato Yusuke
Theme Song: Ichiban Sukina Hito ni Sayonara o Iou by ASTRO
Cast: Matsui Airi, Kasamatsu Sho, Yuki Kousei, Hagiwara Minori, Kanno Rio, Kokusho Sayuri
Synopsis: Hitomi’s (Matsui Airi) wedding to her boyfriend Keigo (Yuki Kousei) whom everyone envies. A stock trader who makes good money, Keigo is highly educated and good looking which makes him an excellent catch. Hitomi had thought that she would get married like this. However, her heart races when she happens to encounter Manabu (Kasamatsu Sho), a muscular and dangerously attractive construction worker holding a drill and dripping in sweat on a street. Although his educational qualifications and income is inferior to Keigo’s, Hitomi becomes obsessed with him. Is this a momentary hesitation and should she get married like this. Does she choose sex appeal or qualifications?
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/erokare
Gohoubi Gohan
Date: From 12.00 a.m., Sundays, 3 October – 18 December 2021
Station: BS TV Tokyo
Genre: Food
Episodes: 12
Original Work: Gohoubi Gohan by Komo Tomoko
Scriptwriters: Kanome Keiko (Hot Mama, Good Morning Call Series), Nishioka (Unmei kara Hajimaru Koi, Hatarakazarutachi), Ito Nanoha
Directors: Kanazawa Tomoya, Nawashiro Yuji, Kakihara Toshiyuki
Ending Theme: Allee by H△G
Cast: Sakurai Hinako, Furukawa Yuki, Okazaki Sae
Synopsis: Ikeda Sakiko (Sakurai Hinako), a native of Nagano Prefecture, came to live in Tokyo and got a job at a stationery manufacturer. She has been in the workforce for a year. The unfamiliar work drains her and she looks forward to rewarding herself to a meal each week for the hard work she put into her job. Sakiko enjoys eating the food prepared at home with small touches of ingenuity or the tasty meals at restaurants that she is interested in with gusto. Whether it is a day when she is feeling cheery or dejected, delicious food makes her happy.
Website: www.bs-tvtokyo.co.jp/gohoubigohan
Twitter: twitter.com/gohoubi_BS7ch
Nihon Chinbotsu ~ Kibou no Hito
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Sundays, 10 October – 12 December 2021
Station: TBS
Genre: Sci-fi
Episodes: 9
Original Work: Nihon Chinbotsu by Komatsu Sakyo
Scriptwriter: Hashimoto Hiroshi (Legal V, Shukatsu Kazoku, Risk no Kamisama)
Directors: Hirano Shunichi, Doi Nobuhiro, Miyazaki Yohei
Theme Song: Last Scene by Suda Masaki
Cast: Oguri Shun, Matsuyama Kenichi, Anne, Wentz Eiji, Nakamura Anne, Takahashi Tsutomu, Hamada Gaku, Kawai Aoba, Rokkaku Shinji, Yamagishi Mondo, Takei Ryosuke, Takano Yurako, Kunimura Jun, Fubuki Jun, Higa Manami, Miyazaki Yoshiko, Yoshida Kotaro (guest star), Sugimoto Tetta, Kazama Morio, Ishibashi Renji, Nakamura Toru, Kagawa Teruyuki
Synopsis: It is the year 2023 in Tokyo. The young prime minister Higashiyama Eiichi (Nakamura Toru) makes a further push for COMS at an international conference on the environment. COMS liquifies pollutants and collects it in the gaps in the layers of the seabed. In addition, he sets up a council for the promotion of Japan’s future which brings together outstanding young bureaucrats from various ministries and agencies to look ahead to the country’s future. Amami Keishi (Oguri Shun) from the Ministry of the Environment and Tokiwa Koichi (Matsuyama Kenichi) from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry are selected to be members of this council. Meanwhile, Tadokoro Yusuke (Kagawa Teruyuki), a former Tokyo University professor and maverick in Japan’s geophysics community, publishes an article in a weekly magazine to warn about the possibility that the Kanto region will sink. As a result of this article, several groups carry out demonstrations. Amami meets Tadokoro in a bid to resolve the situation. However, Tadokoro refuses to listen to him. He instead makes an ominous prediction that in the near future, the islands off Izu Peninsula will sink and that will be a precursor to the sinking of the Kanto region. Around the same time, Amami is confronted by Shiina Minori (Anne), a journalist from a weekly magazine called Sunday Maichou, about groundless allegations of collusion between D Plans, a company in the environmental business, and the Ministry of the Environment. Despite the tinge of anxiety that he feels, Amami goes out scuba diving with Tokiwa. However, he encounters a shocking incident … …
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/nihon_chinbotsu_tbs
Twitter: twitter.com/NCkibou_tbs
Preview: Nihon Chinbotsu CM
Solomon no Gishou
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 3 October – 21 November 2021
Network: WOWOW
Genre: Mystery
Episodes: 8
Original Work: Solomon no Gishou by Miyabe Miyuki
Scriptwriter: Shinozaki Eriko (Influence, Ryu no Michi, Saka no Tochuu no Ie)
Director: Gonno Hajime
Cast: Kamishiraishi Moka, Miyazawa Hio, Yamamoto Maika, Ukisho Hidaka, Nomura Yuki, Bando Ryota, Motola Serena, Tomita Miu, Sakai Maki, Nishida Naomi, Shinohara Yukiko, Hashimoto Jun, Tanaka Tetsushi, Takashima Masahiro, Kobayashi Kaoru
Synopsis: On the morning of Christmas, Fujino Ryoko (Kamishiraishi Moka) finds her classmate Kashiwagi Takuya (Nomura Yuki) dead in the snow-covered grounds of their high school. While the police and the high school conclude that he had committed suicide, Ryoko receives an anonymous letter accusing a classmate Oide Shunji (Bando Ryota) of being the culprit. Was Takuya’s death a suicide or a murder? Speculation regarding his death from a fall mounts in the mass media as well as social media. Even though the school’s principal Tsuzaki Masao (Kobayashi Kaoru) tries to return things to normal, another death happens. They are a series of inexplicable events. Disagreeing with the responses of the adults, Ryoko and Kanbara Kazuhiko (Miyazawa Hio), a mysterious student from another school, rise up and decide that they will have their own trial. This is the beginning of an unprecedented trial in school.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/original/solomon
Twitter: twitter.com/drama_wowow
Preview: Solomon no Gishou CM
Ikite, Futatabi Hogoshi Fukaya Zensuke
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 28 November 2021 – 23 January 2022
Station: NHK BS Premium
Episodes: 8
Scriptwriter: Hisamatsu Shinichi (64, Kinpika, Themis no Kyuukei)
Directors: Fujii Yuya, Hatsuyama Yasuhiro
Cast: Tachi Hiroshi, Renbutsu Misako, Maya Miki, Asaoka Ruriko
Synopsis: Fukaya Zensuke (Tachi Hiroshi) was a teacher for many years and chose to become a probation officer for the second phase of his life. Eight months into this new role, he has been helping people who are about to complete their prison sentence and on parole, to turn over a new leaf and return to society. In fact, Zensuke had been looking for an opportunity to do what he had not finished during his time as a teacher by serving as a probation officer. He gets someone he has never encountered before that does not fit the mould when he is appointed to be the probation officer of Koyama Yuko (Asaoka Ruriko). Yuko was convicted for killing her own child. On the day of her release from prison, Zensuke goes to meet her. However, she does something unexpected that catches him by surprise. What is her true intention and how will Zensuke guide her as a probation officer?
Website: www.nhk.jp/p/ts/6L213WKN3Y
Twitter: twitter.com/nhk_dramas
Iribito
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 28 November – 26 December 2021
Network: WOWOW
Genre: Art mystery
Episodes: 5
Original Work: Iribito by Harada Maha
Scriptwriter: Seki Hisayo (30 Kin)
Director: Hagiwara Kentaro
Cast: Takahata Mitsuki, Kazama Shunsuke, Sumire, Moriguchi Yoko, Matsuo Takashi, Makita Sports, So Kazuho, Kiba Katsumi, Sugawara Daikichi, Kaji Meiko, Miyata Keiko, Shirahane Yuri, Kan Suon, Nikaido Satoshi, Matsushige Yutaka
Synopsis: Takamura Naho (Takahata Mitsuki) is the deputy curator of the art museum that she took over from her grandfather Ariyoshi Kisaburo (Kan Suon) who is an avid art collector and founded this private museum. She also inherited his eye for beauty. Naho’s husband Kazuki (Kazama Shunsuke) is similarly involved in the world of art as the third-generation owner of an art gallery in Ginza. He loves her and yet he is also jealous of her talent. To get away from the bustle of Tokyo, a pregnant Naho stays in Kyoto for an extended period. While she is there, she comes across a painting by an obscure artist called Shirane Tatsuru (Sumire) who is unable to speak and finds herself strongly attracted to it. Naho learns that Shirane has been deprived of freedom by the artist Shimura Shozan (Matsushige Yutaka) who is influential in the Kyoto art world, and becomes convinced that this is a silent plea. In the course of her pursuit of the painting, Naho gets lured into a world where the desires of its beautiful inhabitants intermingle, and arrives at a certain truth that will change her fate … …
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/original/iribito
Twitter: twitter.com/drama_wowow
Preview: Iribito CM
Shinhannin Flag
Date: From 10.30 p.m., Sundays, 10 October 2021 – 13 March 2022 (for two seasons)
Station: NTV
Genre: Mystery
Episodes: 20
Original Work: Shinhannin Flag by Akimoto Yasushi
Scriptwriter: Takano Minato (Kakegurui Series)
Directors: Sakuma Noriyoshi, Nakajima Satoru, Komuro Naoko
Theme Song: seeker by Novelbright
Cast: Nishijima Hidetoshi, Yoshine Kyoko, Sano Hayato, Sakurai Yuki, Ikoma Rina, Emoto Tokio, Kakizawa Hayato, Osada Seiya, Bando Ryota, Yoshida Kengo, Kobayashi Kinako, Morita Kanro, Takemori Sento, BOB, Aoki Ryo, Nakanishi Miho, Atsumi Yurie, Machida Ai, Minami Ayaka, Ryotaro, Hara Nanoha, Horinouchi Satoshi, Kobayashi Masahito, Shibukawa Kiyohiko, Fukami Motoki, Sakoda Takaya, Oka Mitsuko, Hamada Akira, Komatsu Toshimasa, Toda Masahiro, Masana Bokuzo, Hirata Atsuko, Tanaka Tetsushi, Miyazawa Rie
Synopsis: Sagara Ryosuke (Nishijima Hidetoshi) is an ordinary salaryman who works for a mid-size transportation company. A good-natured and easygoing person, he has a charming wife Maho (Miyazawa Rie). She works part-time at a supermarket to support the family. The close couple have two children. Their daughter is a high school student and younger son is an elementary school student, and are in the midst of building their dream home in the suburbs. They were supposed to be a happy family until the day Maho and their two children vanish. There are no clues and Sagara is pushed into the spotlight when their disappearance comes to light. However, he suddenly turns from tragic husband to suspicious husband in a certain social media post. Despite being flagged as the true criminal who killed his family, Sagara tries to find the truth behind their disappearance with the help of his subordinate Ninomiya Mizuho (Yoshine Kyoko) at work.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/shinhannin-flag
Twitter: twitter.com/shinfla_ntv
Preview: Shinhannin Flag Teaser
Junkyoju Takatsuki Akira no Suisatsu Season 2
Date: From 11.00 p.m., Sundays, 10 October – 28 November 2021 (continues from Season 1 on Fuji TV)
Network: WOWOW
Genre: Mystery
Episodes: 8
Original Work: Junkyoju Takatsuki Akira no Suisatsu by Sawamura Mikage
Scriptwriter: Fujii Kiyomi (Junkyoju Takatsuki Akira no Suisatsu Season 1, Keiji Yugami, Utsubokazura no Yume)
Directors: Ikezawa Tatsuya, Murakami Makiko
Theme Song: Break the Wall by Hey! Say! JUMP
Cast: Inoo Kei, Jinguji Yuta, Okada Miu, Suga Kenta, Takahashi Hitomi, Yoshizawa Hisashi, Koike Teppei, Yada Akiko (guest star)
Synopsis: It has been one year since Associate Professor Takatsuki Akira (Inoo Kei) and his student Fukamachi Naoya (Jinguji Yuta), who can see through people’s lies, began pursuing cases of mysterious phenomenon. One day, a freelance photographer Terauchi Hajime (Koike Teppei) visits Takatsuki’s office. He wants Takatsuki to look into the Okutama miracle girl who goes by the name Mana-sama, whom his mother blindly believes. Takatsuki feels something is odd about Terauchi’s words and actions and starts investigating the matter with Ubukata Ruiko (Okada Miu) and Naoya. But in the process of doing so, Takatsuki’s past comes up and then Terauchi’s true motive is revealed.
Website: www.junkyoju-takatsuki.com
Twitter: twitter.com/takatsuki_S2
Related: Junkyoju Takatsuki Akira no Suisatsu Season 1
Soredemo Ai o Chikaimasu ka?
Date: From 11.25 p.m., Sundays, 3 October – 12 December 2021
Station: ABC TV
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Soredemo Ai wo Chikaimasu ka? by Hagiwara Keiku
Scriptwriters: Hyodo Ruri, Suzuki Fumiko (Kataomoi Gourmet Nikki), Kawahara Anna
Directors: Hirose Nanako, Morimoto Shoichi, Hashimoto Hideki, Watanabe Yuya
Theme Song: Ongaku no You ni by I Don’t Like Mondays
Cast: Matsumoto Marika, Ikeuchi Hiroyuki, Sakai Wakana, Fujiwara Kisetsu, Matsuzawa Takumi, Matsuoka Izumi, Yoshida Sayo, Ito Aoi, Uchida Chika, Sugawara Daikichi
Synopsis: Sumisu Jun (Matsumoto Marika) quit her job after getting married and has been a full-time housewife. She still gets on well with her husband Takeyori (Ikeuchi Hiroyuki) in their eighth year of marriage. But they have not had sex for 5 years and are childless. He is serious and focused on work. Even when she tells him that she wants to have a child, he evades the topic and refuses to get into an argument with her. While Jun is not genuinely happy about her friends’ childbirths, she is not able to confide her troubles. Feeling frustrated with married life which has turned out to be different from what she pictured, Jun decides to return to the workforce in a bid to change her gloomy life. She starts working as a contract employee. On the way back home from a drinking session with her colleagues one night, she sees Takeyori walking with a woman. The couple, who are unsatisfied despite their love, will soon face changes to their relationship.
Website: www.asahi.co.jp/soreai
Twitter: twitter.com/soreai_abctv
Preview: Soredemo Ai o Chikaimasu ka? CM
Mushoboke
Date: From 11.55 p.m., Sundays, 3 October – 12 December 2021
Station: ABC TV
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Mushoboke by Okita Garyo
Scriptwriters: Abera Hidenobu, Sawaguchi Akihiro, Osaka Gen
Directors: Abera Hidenobu, Sawaguchi Akihiro, Osaka Gen
Theme Song: One Love by Kuraki Mai
Cast: Kitamura Yukiya, Itao Itsuji, Kujo Joe, Takeda Rena, Kinoshita Houka, Matsuo Satoru, Suenari Yumi, Narumi Yui, Yamasaki Ryutaro, Shintaku Maki, Fujii Akito, Osamura Koki
Synopsis: Jinnai Sosuke (Kitamura Yukiya) is a former gangster who lost everything. He carried out an attack on the boss of an adversarial gang on condition that he would receive a 50 million yen reward and have his own gang. It was a huge once-in-a-lifetime gamble and he was prepared to serve time in prison. However, not only were all promises broken the moment he was put behind bars, he even ended up excommunicated by his gang. All he had waiting for him was a lonely life in prison. 14 years later, Jinnai is released from prison and he decides to live respectably. But he is bewildered by how much the world has transformed. Plastic bags at convenience stores cost money. Smoking is prohibited in pubs. Smart phones are foreign objects to him! And he cannot shake the habits that he had developed from the long years spent in prison. A man whom Jinnai recognises appears, calling him a serious mess. This is the start of a new nightmare … …
Website: www.asahi.co.jp/mushoboke
Twitter: twitter.com/dramaplus_abc
Preview: Mushoboke CM
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