Spring 2021 Dramas

Okaeri Mone
Date: From 8.00 a.m., Mondays – Fridays, 17 May – 30 October 2021
Station: NHK
Episodes 120
Scriptwriter: Adachi Naoko (Kinou Nani Tabeta?, Sagi Deka, Toumeina Yurikago)
Directors: Ichiki Masae, Kajiwara Toki, Kuwano Tomohiro, Tsuda Yasuko
Theme Song: Nanairo by Bump of Chicken
Cast: Kiyohara Kaya, Uchino Masaaki, Suzuki Kyoka, Makita Aju, Fuji Tatsuya, Takeshita Keiko, Natsuki Mari, Sakaguchi Kentaro, Hamano Kenta, Denden, Nishijima Hidetoshi, Nagase Ren, Tsunematsu Yuri, Maeda Koki, Takada Hyoga, Asano Tadanobu, Imada Mio, Shimizu Hiroya, Morita Misato, Tamaoki Reo, Maiko, Sugawara Koharu, Takaoka Saki, Inoue Jun
Synopsis: Nagaura Momone (Kiyohara Kaya) lives with her parents Koji (Uchino Masaaki) and Ayako (Suzuki Kyoka), grandfather Tatsumi (Fuji Tatsuya) and younger sister Michi (Makita Aju) on an island with a rich natural environment in Kesennuma Bay, Miyagi Prefecture. After graduating from high school in the spring of 2014, she moves to the inland city of Tome on her own. However, she fails every university entrance exam. While trying to figure out what to do with her life, Momone begins to work as a trainee forest guide. One day, she reaches a turning point. A famous weather forecaster Asaoka Satoru (Nishijima Hidetoshi) from Tokyo comes to Tome City. As Momone walks in the mountain with him, she is told that weather forecasting can read the future. Inspired by that comment, Momone resolves to become a weather forecaster. She studies hard to obtain the qualifications to become one. However, the pass rate for the exam is only 5%. Momone has never been good in studying and seems disheartened. With the support of Suganami Kotaro (Sakaguchi Kentaro), a young doctor involved in community healthcare, and the locals in Tome City, she finally passes the exam. Momone moves to Tokyo and starts working at a private weather forecasting company. She learns that weather forecasting actually covers a broad range of things and grows in her role. Several years later, in 2019, Momone who has become a full-fledged weather forecaster, sees a major typhoon hammer cities across Japan. Wanting to use the knowledge and skills that she has gained thus far to help her hometown, she decides to head to Kesennuma.
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/okaerimone
Twitter: twitter.com/nhk_dramas
Preview: Okaeri Mone CM

Ichikei no Karasu
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Mondays, 5 April – 14 June 2021
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Legal
Episodes: 11
Original Work: Ichikei no Karasu by Asamu Rito
Scriptwriter: Hamada Hideya (Zettai Reido Series, Naomi to Kanako, Haretsu)
Directors: Tanaka Ryo, Hoshino Kazunari, Moriwaki Tomonobu, Namiki Michiko
Theme Song: Starlight by Wagakki Band
Cast: Takenouchi Yutaka, Kuroki Haru, Arata Mackenyu, Yamazaki Ikusaburo, Sakurai Yuki, Itaya Yuka, Nakamura Baijaku, Masu Takeshi, Mizutani Kaho, Kusakari Tamiyo, Kohinata Fumiyo, Hagiwara Riku (guest star), Katsumura Masanobu (guest star), Maeda Atsuko (guest star), Satsukawa Aimi (guest star), Okada Yoshinori (guest star), Baba Fumika (guest star), Bakarhythm (guest star), Nagano Mei (guest star), Hirose Alice (guest star), Endo Kenichi (guest star), Ikuta Erika (guest star), Kurosawa Asuka (guest star), Kubozuka Shunsuke (guest star), Usuda Asami (guest star), Asaka Mayumi (guest star), Matsukaze Risaki (guest star), Itao Itsuji (guest star)
Synopsis: Iruma Michio (Takenouchi Yutaka) is a devil-may-care, unorthodox criminal judge at the Tokyo District Court’s First Criminal Investigations Department. He used to be a lawyer and was deeply involved in a past case that was behind his transformation into a judge. Iruma personally inspects crime scenes to prevent a miscarriage of justice and bring the truth to light. Although his demeanour is far from the image of a stuffy judge, he is feared by lawyers as well as prosecutors because he is not bound by obligations, prejudices and preconceptions and has an inquiring mind. On the other hand, the judge Sakama Chizuru (Kuroki Haru) is the complete opposite of Iruma. A graduate of Tokyo University’s Faculty of Law, she is an elite among elites. She has been transferred to the First Criminal Investigations Department to reform it due to the unbelievably small number of cases that have been closed. This is the equivalent of a company in the red to the extent of going bankrupt. As someone who takes great pride in maintaining public order by handling cases accurately and promptly, Chizuru cannot understand Iruma’s style which frustrates her to no end. However, when she realises that Iruma believes in treating a case as an individual’s life, she is faced with the question, “What can a judge do aside from issuing a ruling?”
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/ichikei
Twitter: twitter.com/ichikei_cx
Preview: Ichikei no Karasu CM

FM999 999 Women’s Songs
Date: From 9.30 p.m., Mondays, 29 March – 7 June 2021
Network: WOWOW
Episodes: 10
Scriptwriter: Nagahisa Makoto
Directors: Nakamura Takeshi, Okuma Kazuhiro
Cast: Yukawa Hina, Okabe Takashi, Kura Yuki, Tarako, Miyazawa Rie (guest star), Meiling (guest star), Ota Rina (guest star), Yashiro Aki (guest star), Motola Serena (guest star), Goto Mariko (guest star), Tomosaka Rie (guest star), Aoi Yamada (guest star), Miura Toko (guest star), Yuriyan Retriever (guest star),
Synopsis: On her 16th birthday, high school student Koike Kiyomi (Yukawa Hina) is a mixture of anxiety and happiness. When she suddenly blurts out “What is a woman?”, she hears a DJ’s (Tarako) voice in her head. The voice says “Women’s Songs! Radio FM999 starts now.” The DJ in Kiyomi’s head proceeds to select and spin songs in response to her worries. With her eyes closed, Kiyomi meets various women in the world of these songs and learns from them. Kiyomi is in her classroom after school one day feeling frustrated about her dreams for the future including deciding which path to take after high school and sitting for exams. As she murmurs “What is a woman?”, she hears the DJ’s voice once again and FM999 begins. Kiyomi returns to reality just in time to meet a senior student Shinkai (Kura Yuki), who will have a big influence on her future, but … …
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/original/fm999
Twitter: twitter.com/drama_wowow

Kirei no Kuni
Date: From 10.45 p.m., Mondays, 12 April – 31 May 2021
Station: NHK
Genre: Sci-fi
Episodes: 8
Scriptwriter: Kato Takuya (Shinitai Yoru ni Kagitte, Miki Clinic de Kanpai o, Ore no Sukato Doko Itta?)
Directors: Nishimura Takegoro, Kashima Yu, Tanaka Yoji, Kato Takuya
Cast: Yoshida Yo, Renbutsu Misako, Hirahara Tetsu, Ono Karin, Hashimoto Atsushi, Kato Rosa, Aoki Yuzu, Mikami Ai, Okamoto Natsumi, Yamawaki Tatsuya, Akimoto Ryutaro, Inagaki Goro
Synopsis: Hairstylist Eri (Yoshida Yo) and accountant Hiroyuki (Hirahara Tetsu), a couple in their 40s, are in their second marriage. They go on trips, enjoy meals, and make the most of a comfortable life together. If they have any concerns, it has to do with slightly sagging looks, the lack of sex lately, and practically giving up on having children. They should have no complaints about married life … … But when a mysterious woman (Renbutsu Misako) shows up in front of Hiroyuki, the couple is confronted with a baffling and unbelievable event. Seiya (Yuzu Aoki), Rin (Mikami Ai), Reira (Okamoto Natsumi), Takashi (Yamawaki Tatsuya) and Nakayama (Akimoto Ryutaro) who attend the same high school are childhood friends. They are so close that they go to karaoke after school and hang out together all the time. But lately, they have been feeling a little awkward on occasion due to their awareness of the opposite sex and looks. They are ordinary high school students. The only difference is that they live in a country where most of the adults around them look the same. Every adult walking the streets have the same male (Inagaki Goro) and female (Kato Rosa) faces. These five young people fall in love in such a world. One day, Rin and Eri meet at a movie theatre … …
Website: www.nhk.jp/p/ts/M8Q721V51L
Twitter: twitter.com/nhk_dramas
Preview: Kirei no Kuni Introduction

Kanojo no Ura Sekai
Date: From 11.00 p.m., 22 – 26 March 2021
Network: Fuji 2 & Hikari TV (simultaneous)
Episodes: 10 (5 – Toshiro Side, 5 – Akiko Side)
Original work: Kanojo no Ura Sekai by Meriyama Momoka
Scriptwriters: Nishikori Iyo (Itoshi no Nina, Takane to Hana) – Toshiro Side, Akutsu Tomoko (Itoshi no Nina, The Black Company, Daddy Go!) – Akiko Side
Director: Tominaga Masanori
Cast: Goriki Ayame, Miura Takahiro, Nishida Naomi, Sugiyama Hikohiko, Yutaro, Yanagi Shuntaro, Kirishima Reika, Fujita Tomoko
Synopsis: Nishimura Toshiro (Miura Takahiro) works at a production company as a drama director. He has been having a hectic time, discussing the script for an ongoing drama with the female producer who is not satisfied with it. The proud and elitist Toshiro intends to make interesting works. But he does not realise that his mindset is old-fashioned and that he tends to be chauvinistic. His life has gone smoothly so far and he believes he has everything. Toshiro proposes to his 29-year-old girlfriend, Kondo Akiko (Goriki Ayame), whom he has been dating for three years. Well, from his perspective, he proposed because he feels responsible for her. Akiko is a modest-looking woman who has been supporting the busy Toshiro, doing the housework and cooking perfectly. But the day after his proposal, Akiko leaves the engagement ring behind and vanishes all of a sudden.
Website: www.kanojo-no-urasekai.jp
Twitter: twitter.com/kanoura2021
Preview: Kanojo no Ura Sekai CM

Kohi Ikaga deshou
Date: From 11.06 p.m., Mondays, 5 April – 24 May 2021
Station: TV Tokyo & Paravi
Episodes: 8
Original Work: Kohi Ikaga deshou by Konari Misato
Scriptwriter: Ogigami Naoko
Directors: Ogigami Naoko, Mori Yoshitaka, Shoji Hiroshi
Ending Theme: CHAIN by Nulbarich
Cast: Nakamura Tomoya, Kaho, Isomura Hayato, Mitsuishi Ken, Adachi Rika (guest star), Kanjiya Shihori (guest star), Usada Asami (guest star), Yamada Anna (guest star), Kote Shinya (guest star), Kakei Miwako (guest star), Totsugi Shigeyuki (guest star), Takito Kenichi (guest star), Maruyama Tomomi (guest star), Ichinose Wataru (guest star), Yamada Maho (guest star), Iketani Mion (guest star), Nomaguchi Toru (guest star), Matsumoto Wakana (guest star), Mitsuura Yasuko (guest star), Miyase Ryubi (guest star), Watanabe Dai (guest star), Tsurumi Shingo (guest star), Nagano Sora (guest star), Ichige Yoshie (guest star), Miyano Hina (guest star), Maeda Oshiro (guest star), Morisako Ei (guest star)
Synopsis: Aoyama Hajime (Nakamura Tomoya) is the owner of a mobile coffee joint called Tako Coffee. He puts his heart into each cup of coffee that he makes and the taste of the coffee somehow helps a person to relax. Riding in his coffee truck, he goes from town to town, healing the hearts of people including Gakine Shima (Kaho) who have been slightly hurt in their lives, wherever he goes. Aoyama seems like a prince who does not have a care in the world, but he has an unimaginable secret.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/coffee_ikaga
Twitter: twitter.com/tx_coffee
Preview: Kohi Ikaga deshou CM

Tantei Hoshikamo
Date: From 12.59 a.m., Tuesdays, 27 April – 28 June 2021
Station: NTV
Genre: Comedy mystery
Episodes: 10
Scriptwriter: Suwa Masashi (Urayasu Tekkin Kazoku, Streetwise in Wonderland Series)
Directors: Horai Tadaaki, Honda Daisuke
Theme Song: Negative Fighter by Hey! Say! JUMP
Cast: Arioka Daiki, Katayama Yuki, Okada Yoshinori, Horibe Keisuke
Synopsis: Hoshikamo (Arioka Daiki) used to work at a big private detective agency, but he set up his own investigation firm in a corner of his grandmother’s second-hand shop. He makes clients smile and became a private detective because he adores hard-boiled crime fiction. However, he gets thrown off by women and does not understand them. Although Hoshikamo is a good guy, his shy and awkward investigations are always slapstick. On top of that, Hoshikamo gets treated as the suspect. But he is quick to have an epiphany.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/hoshikamo
Twitter: twitter.com/hoshikamo_ntv
Preview: Tantei Hoshikamo CM

Sweet Revenge
Date: From 1.05 a.m., Tuesdays, 23 March – 27 April 2021
Network: Fuji on Demand
Episodes: 6
Original Work: Sweet Revenge by Sawada Kenichi
Scriptwriters: Moriguchi Yusuke (Lunch Gokon Tantei, Ryu no Michi, Daishou), Ohara Yuki
Director: Nakamae Yuji
Theme Song: Sweet Love by Tielle
Cast: Natsuna, Morinaga Yuki, Furuhata Seika, Asaka Kodai, Masaki Reiya, Hinagata Akiko, Hakamada Yoshihiko, Nakamura Shizuka
Synopsis: Mariko (Natsuna) seems to be an uninteresting and plain woman who has no luck in love. She strangely only looks at research material on men. In fact, she regards men as guinea pigs and romance as an experiment. However, Mariko is actually the CEO of a company called Sweet Revenge. This company is in the business of helping female clients who have been cruelly dumped by men (Asaka Kodai, Masaki Reiya, Hakamada Yoshihiko) and become emotionally and physically worn out, to take revenge on them and inflict the very same pain. Mariko first makes the men fall for her. After that, she will dump and mercilessly send them to hell. Her numerous techniques are based on research results obtained from a huge number of men. Even though her work as an “avenger” started as an extension of this research, Mariko’s research has unexpectedly been helping women.
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/sweetrevenge
Twitter: twitter.com/Revenge_Sweet_
Preview: Sweet Revenge CM

Omameda Towako to 3-nin no Moto Otto
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 13 April – 15 May 2021
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Love comedy
Episodes: 10
Scriptwriter: Sakamoto Yuji (anone, Quartet, Saikou no Rikon Series)
Directors: Nakae Kazuhito, Ikeda Chihiro, Taki Yusuke
Theme Song: Presence Ⅰ (feat. KID FRESINO) by STUTS & Matsu Takako with 3exes
Cast: Matsu Takako, Okada Masaki, Kakuta Akihiro, Matsuda Ryuhei, Ichikawa Mikako, Takahashi Maryjun, Yuge Tomohisa, Hirano Kinari, Hoshi Moeka, Raiku, Toyoshima Hana, Ishibashi Shizuka, Ishibashi Natsumi, Takiuchi Kumi, Kondo Yoshimasa, Iwamatsu Ryo, Nagaoka Ryosuke (guest star), Saito Takumi (guest star), Okada Yoshinori (guest star), Kamio Fuju (guest star), Hamada Shinya (guest star), Yanaka Atsushi (guest star), Odagiri Joe (guest star), Takezai Terunosuke (guest star), Fubuki Jun (guest star)
Synopsis: Omameda Towako (Matsu Takako) has just become the CEO of Shirokuma Housing, a construction company. Although she is thrice divorced, there is nothing particularly strange or erratic about her. She loves clothes, is cheerful, playful, a little impatient and in some ways feigns ignorance. Towako lives with her daughter Uta (Toyoshima Hana) whom she had with her first husband Tanaka Hassaku (Matsuda Ryuhei), the owner and waiter of a restaurant in Oku Shibuya, Tokyo. Her second husband Sato Kataro (Kakuta Akihiro) is a famous fashion photographer who still has a thing for her but is narrow-minded. Her third husband Nakamura Shinshin (Okada Masaki) is a top lawyer and legal adviser to Shirokuma Housing with an argumentative and cynical nature. Towako is still swayed by her three ex-husbands to this day and this brings trouble as everyone apparently loves and also hates her. Will the four of them be able to find happiness?
Website: www.ktv.jp/mameo
Twitter: twitter.com/omamedatowako
Preview: Omameda Towako to 3-nin no Moto Otto CM

Kikazaru Koi ni wa Riyuu ga Atte
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 20 April – 22 June 2021
Station: TBS
Genre: Romance
Episodes: 10
Scriptwriter: Kaneko Arisa (Koi wa Tsuzuku yo Doko Made mo, Chugakusei Nikki, Boku no Tsuma to Kekkon Shite Kudasai)
Director: Tsukahara Ayuko
Theme Song: Fushigi by Hoshino Gen
Cast: Kawaguchi Haruna, Yokohama Ryusei, Matsuyama Ryuhei, Nakamura Anne, Mukai Osamu, Natsukawa Yui, Yamashita Mizuki, Takahashi Fumiya, Kimoto Yuki, Io Kazuki, Akapen Takigawa
Synopsis: 26-year-old Mashiba Kurumi (Kawaguchi Haruna) is in charge of public relations at el Arco Iris, an interior goods company that is popular with young people. She works hard every day, overstretching herself for the sake of the company, its fans and her CEO Hayama Shogo (Mukai Osamu) whom she secretly likes. However, she is so busy that she forgets to renew the contract for her apartment and ends up getting kicked out. Fortunately, Kurumi is helped by Saotome Koko (Natsukawa Yui), a popular 50-year-old food stylist who is her only female friend. She arrives at Koko’s apartment in Omotesando expecting to lead the high life in a fancy condominium but finds out that she has to share the place with Koko and three strangers. They are 26-year-old Fujino Shun (Yokohama Ryusei), a minimalist and a chef who runs a bar from his food truck only whenever he likes; 36-year-old Terai Haruto (Matsuyama Ryuhei), an online counsellor who is Shun’s second cousin; and 33-year-old Hase Ayaka (Nakamura Anne), an aspiring artist who does part-time deliveries for an upscale supermarket nearby. There are frequent problems due to the different mindsets and preferences of the five roommates. While Kurumi has always been conscious of other people’s opinions, her values begin to change as she spends time with the carefree Shun who stays true to himself, and the two of them rapidly grow close … …
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/kikazarukoi_tbs
Twitter: twitter.com/kikazarukoi_tbs
Preview: Kikazaru Koi ni wa Riyuu ga Atte CM

Tokusou 9 Season 4
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Wednesdays, 7 April – 30 June 2021
Station: TV Asahi
Genre: Detective
Episodes: 13
Scriptwriter: Tokunaga Tomihiko (Aibou Seasons 7 – 18, Keiji 7-nin Series, Talio)
Director: Hosokawa Mitsunobu
Cast: Inohara Yoshihiko, Hada Michiko, Tsuda Kanji, Fukikoshi Mitsuru, Taguchi Hiromasa, Yamada Yuki, Miyachika Kaito, Nakagoshi Noriko, Hara Sachie, Nakamura Baijaku
Synopsis: Centred around Asawa Naoki (Inohara Yoshihiko) who is the leader of Tokusou 9, three pairs of detectives – Asawa and Shindo Ryo (Yamada Yuki), Komiyama Shiho (Hada Michiko) and Murase Kengo (Tsuda Kanji), and Aoyagi Yasushi (Fukikoshi Mitsuru) and Yazawa Hideaki (Taguchi Hiromasa) – share information that they have each discovered through investigations and exchange opinions in their search for clues to solve cases. This season will focus more than ever on the circumstances of each member of the special investigation team such as whether there will be any progress in the relationship between Shiho and Murase who have become more than friends in their 15 years, and how Aoyagi and Yazawa, who have internalised “rash righteousness”, will struggle against the huge legislative wall that stands right in the way of Tokusou 9.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/tokusou9_04
Twitter: twitter.com/5drama9tokusou

Koi wa Deep ni
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Wednesdays, 14 April – 16 June 2021
Station: NTV
Genre: Love comedy
Episodes: 9 + Special
Scriptwriter: Tokuo Koji (Watashi no Kaseifu Nagisa-san, Miss Jikocho, Ossan’s Love)
Directors: Suzuki Yuma, Iwamoto Hitoshi, Ito Akinori
Theme Song: Kaitou by back number
Cast: Ishihara Satomi, Ayano Go, Imada Mio, Watanabe Keisuke, Fujimori Shingo, Takahashi Tsutomu, Kakei Miwako, Mizusawa Shingo, Fukuyama Shodai, Matsukuma Tsurumatsu, Hashimoto Jun, Otani Ryohei, Kaga Takeshi
Synopsis: Nagisa Mio (Ishihara Satomi), an oceanographer at Shibaura University of Marine Science and Technology, is very interested in fishes and loves the sea. Despite her cheerful smile and kind, good-natured personality, she is reticent about her family and past. Hasuda Rintaro (Ayano Go), the second of three sons (Otani Ryohei, Watanabe Keisuke) of a wealthy family, is feared by the people around him as he comes across as someone who is hard to approach. But beneath that armour is a young man with a pure heart and no airs. He has returned to Japan due to his father’s (Kaga Takeshi) poor health and is put in charge of a marine resort development project. While Mio wants to protect the ocean and opposes the resort’s development, Rintaro is staking his life on it. These two people who seem as if they live in different worlds, meet each other over the project and eventually fall in love. However, theirs is a forbidden romance because Mio has a secret that will shock everyone.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/deep
Twitter: twitter.com/deep_ntv
Preview: Koi wa Deep ni CM

Risou no Otoko
Date: From 12.40 a.m., Thursdays, 8 April – 27 May 2021
Station: TV Tokyo & Paravi
Genre: Romance
Episodes: 8
Original Work: Risou no Otoko by Chika
Scriptwriter: Komatsu Eriko (Inseki Kazoku, Itsumade mo Shiroi Hane, Nukemairu)
Directors: Miyawaki Ryo, Kitagawa Hitomi, Yoshino Mamoru
Ending Theme: By Your Side by Ohashi Chippoke
Cast: Renbutsu Misako, Fujii Mina, Seto Toshiki, Hirai Amon, Ririka, Iwakami Shunya, Kawazu Hiroaki, Kurosu Hirotsugu, Matsunaga Yuriko, Miyachi Mishika, Mikata Ryosuke, Ando Masanobu
Synopsis: 32-year-old Komatsu Toko (Renbutsu Misako) is a hairstylist who has been out of the dating game for a long time. But one day, she is asked by an editor friend to style manga artist Mitsuyasu (Ando Masanobu) who will be going on stage at an award ceremony. Toko arrives at the ceremony and is reunited with a former high school classmate Shima Keigo (Mikata Ryosuke) that she had been close to. This day is a turning point for her and she suddenly reaches the period in life when she enjoys the most romantic attention.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/ootoko
Twitter: twitter.com/tx_ootoko
Preview: Risou no Otoko CM

Rabu Kome no Okite ~ Kojirase Joshi to Toshishita Danshi
Date: From 1.28 a.m., Thursdays, 8 April – 24 June 2021
Station: TV Tokyo
Genre: Love comedy
Episodes: 12
Scriptwriters: Obayashi Rieko (Edo Moiselle, Nodoka no Niwa, Inochi Urimasu), Suzuki Yuna (Haru to Ao no Obentobako, Kamiki Clinic de Kanpai o, Itsuka Kono Ame ga Yamu Hi made), Aotsuka Miho (Kono Koi Atatamemasuka?, Ito-kun A to E, Prison Hotel)
Director: Kawahara Yo
Theme Song: Can You Feel My Heart by Kuraki Mai
Cast: Kuriyama Chiaki, Koseki Yuta, Kusakawa Takuya, Hotta Akane, Yoshizawa Hisashi
Synopsis: Beautiful, stylish and capable Kujo Ruri (Kuriyama Chiaki) works for a digital manga’s editorial department. She seems like the perfect woman who is experienced in romance. But in fact, she is a novice as she briefly had a boyfriend 15 years ago when she was in university. Ruri is suddenly invited to drinks by a younger colleague Mamiya Ryo (Koseki Yuta) one day and consulted about love. Ryo confides that his relationships have never lasted longer than three months no matter who he dates. In response, Ruri smugly tells him that he just has not met the right person yet. But all this is knowledge that she has gained from manga for girls. When a drunken Ruri wakes up the next morning, she finds Ryo next to her and immediately panics. She ends up coaching him in romance. For the first time in 15 years, Ruri’s heart will not stop fluttering as she pretends to have a wealth of experience in love in front of Ryo who begins to embody her ideal boyfriend.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/kojidan
Twitter: twitter.com/tx_kojidan
Related: Rabu Kome no Okite CM

Hinekure Onna no Bocchi Meshi
Date: From 6.00 a.m., Thursdays, 29 April – 17 June 2021
Network: Paravi (followed by TV Tokyo in July)
Genre: Food
Episodes: 8
Scriptwriters: Takase Shuho (Sherlock, Nihon Boro Yado Kiko), Taguchi Yoshihiro (Kodoku no Gurume Seasons 2 – 8, Shoku no Gunshi, Hondana Shokudo)
Directors: Nishikawa Tatsuro, Takase Shuho, Kitao Kento, Sasaki Go
Cast: Iitoyo Marie, Emoto Tokio, Shimono Hiro, Tsuji Nagiko, Kawahara Kazuhisa, Dandy Sakano, Katagiri Hairi, Katsumura Masanobu (guest star), Kawamura Emiko (guest star), Kinoshita Houka (guest star), Odai Ryohei (guest star), Tamabukuro Tsujitaro (guest star), Torii Miyuki (guest star), Okada Kazuchika (guest star), Watanabe Marina (guest star), Suzuki Ami (guest star), Ichikawa Saya (guest star), Takahashi Tsutomu (guest star), Tanaka Sougen (guest star), Ono Mayumi (guest star), Yamada Kinuo (guest star), Minemura Rie (guest star)
Synopsis: Kawamoto Tsugumi (Iitoyo Marie) is a cynical young woman who is not good at socialising and has no friends. She comes across White Horse’s Instagram account one day. While she does not know his face or name, she is drawn to his photos of meals which are strangely attractive even though they are common dishes, and his posts about unreasonable circumstances that are similar to her own. Tsugumi believes White Horse is her very own prince charming. She delights in eating alone everyday in order to have the same dishes as her prince. Prince charming also begins looking forward to her likes, which are the only ones that he receives.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/hinekure
Twitter: twitter.com/hinekure_tx

Men to Chihiro no Heiko Sekai
Date: From 7.00 p.m., Thursdays, 27 May – 10 June 2021
Network: YouTube
Genre: Food sci-fi
Episodes: 4
Scriptwriter: Asada Atsushi (Aoki Vampire no Nayami, Kafka no Tokyo Zetsubou Nikki, Maji de Koukaishitemasu Series)
Director: Kimura Yoshikatsu
Cast: Maeda Atsuko, Tsukamoto Takashi, Watabe Gota, Yanagi Erisa, Niki, Yutaro, Saito Tsukasa, Suzuki Taku, Nishiyama Kokoro
Synopsis: Marugame Seimen organises its first attempt at a grand prix to energise people with udon amid the current COVID-19 pandemic. Hagio Chihiro (Maeda Atsuko) from Toridoll Holding’s marketing department is in charge of Marugame Seimen. She is appointed by Itami Masaharu (Tsukmoto Takashi), who heads the business strategy department and conceived this idea, to be the project leader. Chihiro works on getting the reluctant manager of the sales department Nakamoto Gosuke (Saito Tsukasa) as well as the area manager Kikuchi Junichi (Suzuki Taku) to understand the project. However, they question the need to do such a project at a time like this. A disheartened Chihiro shouts that she wants to go to a world where there is no pandemic. After slurping down udon, she returns to work as usual but realises that it is the world she had wished for. Why has she come to this parallel world and will she be able to go back?
Website: www.marugame-seimen.com/mentochihiro
Twitter:twitter.com/mentochihiro
Preview: Men to Chihiro no Heiko Sekai Teaser

Sakura no Tou
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Thursdays, 15 April – 10 June 2021
Station: TV Asahi
Genre: Detective
Episodes: 9
Scriptwriter: Muto Shogo (3-nen A-gumi, Nippon Noir, Wakamonotachi 2014)
Directors: Tamura Naoki, Hoshino Kazunari, Katayama Osamu
Theme Song: sha・la・la・la by Miyamoto Hiroji
Cast: Tamaki Hiroshi, Hirosue Ryoko, Okada Kenshi, Morisaki Win, Watanabe Daichi, Baba Toru, Imoto Ayaka, Okabe Takashi, Komatsu Kazushige, Hasegawa Tomoharu, Komakine Ryusuke, Kobayashi Masahito, Naka Riisa, Hashimoto Jun, Takaoka Saki, Seki Tomokazu, Danta Yasunori, Mitsuishi Ken, Yoshida Kotaro, Shiina Kippei
Synopsis: Kamijo Ren (Tamaki Hiroshi) is the director of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Liaison Division. His father is a former police officer. An incident in Ren’s childhood triggered his thirst for power and he has his sights set on heading the police force by becoming its Superintendent General someday. Ren believes topping the faction that he belongs to is the shortcut to fulfilling his aspiration. He is driven by ambition and has no qualms carrying out work, no matter how dirty it is. His childhood friend Mizuki Sawa (Hirosue Ryoko), a senior detective in the First Investigation Division, often opposes his stance and mindset as a detective but is the only one who knows about his past.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/sakuranotou
Twitter: twitter.com/SakuranoTou_ex
Preview: Sakura no Tou Teaser

Renai Mangaka
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Thursdays, 8 April – 17 June 2021
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Love comedy
Episodes: 11
Original Work: Renai Mangaka by Yamazaki Sayaka
Scriptwriter: Matsuda Yuko (Seigi no Se, Tokyo Tarareba Musume Series, Hanasaki Mai ga Damattenai Series)
Directors: Ishikawa Junichi, Kobayashi Yoshinori, Fuchigami Masato
Theme Song: Kataware by Sato Chiaki
Cast: Suzuki Ryohei, Yoshioka Riho, Maeda Gordon, Iwata Ryusei, Konishi Sakurako, Inaba Yu, Shiraishi Shunya, Matsudai Koya, Okudaira Daiken, Ryusei Ryo, Kinami Haruka, Kataoka Ainosuke, Bando Takumi (guest star), Mizuki Arisa (guest star), Uchida Rio (guest star)
Synopsis: Talented but eccentric manga writer Karibe Seiichiro (Suzuki Ryohei) has never made an appearance. He hides his identity behind a female pen name and his private life is shrouded in mystery. He is not good at socialising, barely goes out and cannot understand regular people. He continues to write a series which has been a big hit without any assistant. One day, Seiichiro winds up adopting his younger brother’s orphan Ren and his solitary life is disturbed. Kuon Aiko (Yoshioka Riho), a girl around 30 who has no dreams, boyfriend and work, is at the funeral service for her first love Jun (Iwata Ryusei). She has an electrifying encounter with Seiichiro, who is the elder brother of her first love, when he makes a preposterous request, “Have a romance with me.” This sham is meant as material for his manga. Aiko develops a tumultuous relationship of tragicomic starts and stops with Seiichiro and they cross swords but … …
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/renaimangaka
Twitter: twitter.com/renai_mangaka
Preview: Renai Mangaka CM

Colourful Love: Genderless Danshi ni Aisareteimasu
Date: From 11.59 p.m., Thursdays, 1 April – 3 June 2021
Station: NTV
Genre: Romance
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Genderless Danshi ni Aisareteimasu by Tameko
Scriptwriter: Tsubota Fumi (Ojisan wa Kawaiimono ga Osuki, Motokare Mania, Kounodori Series)
Directors: Kumasaka Izuru, Yuasa Hiroaki, Matsuura Takeshi
Theme Song: Question by Amber’s
Cast: Yoshikawa Ai, Itagaki Rihito, Kiriyama Ren, Mizuno Miki, Nakagawa Daisuke, Endo Kenshin, Goshima Momoka, Sogawa Ayana, Oideyasu Oda
Synopsis: Rookie manga editor Machida Wako (Yoshikawa Ai) has a weakness for beautiful things and people. But she focuses too much on her work and tends to neglect her own beauty. Wako encounters Soma Meguru (Itagaki Rihito), a very pretty boy who is into fashion and makeup. He works at a fashion shop and was her junior in high school. Meguru says that he has always liked Wako because she saved him from bullying. The cute pair who are mistaken for sisters when they walk together, grow closer and try out dating. However, Wako feels disconcerted about going out with a guy who is too pretty.
Website: www.ytv.co.jp/colorfulovele
Twitter: twitter.com/colorfulovele
Preview: Colourful Love CM

Ocha ni Gosu
Date: From 5 March 2021 (Airs on Amazon, followed by TV Tokyo from 7 October)
Network: Amazon Prime Video & TV Tokyo
Genre: Comedy
Episodes: 12
Original Work: Ocha ni Gosu by Nishimori Hiroyuki
Scriptwriters: Kato Takuya (Shinitai Yoru ni Kagitte, Miki Clinic de Kanpai o, Ore no Sukato Doko Itta?), Yuki Shuji (Kami no Te)
Directors: Furusawa Takeshi, Takashi Koji
Theme Song: Maybe … Yes by iScream
Cast: Suzuki Nobuyuki, Seto Toshiki, Hagiwara Minori, Kumada Rinka, Nagashima Seira, Nishina Karin, Hirakawa Yuzuki, Yamamoto Naohiro, Hama Shogo, Nomaguchi Toru
Synopsis: As a junior high school student, Funabashi Masaya (Suzuki Nobuyuki) was called “Devil” as he had a tough look and an intimidating air. Fights would be picked with him because of his appearance. When he entered high school, he desired to have peaceful days and break out of the loop of violence. But on his first day of school, Funabashi is challenged to a fight. He is avoided by the students around him as a result of his notorious reputation from junior high school. Meanwhile, seniors from different school clubs try to recruit new members for their respective clubs. Anesaki Naomi (Kumada Rinka), the leader of the tea ceremony club, is the only one who invites Funabashi to participate in the club’s activities. Feeling curious about her, he decides to join the tea ceremony club. Funabashi interacts with his good friend Wataru Yamada (Seto Toshiki), a newcomer to the club Asakawa Kaho (Hagiwara Minori) and other members. As he learns about tea ceremony, he slowly begins to change but … …
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/ochanigosu
Twitter: twitter.com/tx_ochanigosu

Iki o Hisomete
Date: From 12.00 a.m., Fridays, 23 April 2021
Network: Hulu
Genre: Omnibus
Episodes: 8
Scriptwriters: Nakagawa Ryutaro (Kamata Zensoukyoku, Shizukana Ame, Ai no Chiisana Rekishi), Takada Ryo (60 Gohan Taisakushitsu, Koi no Tsuki, Gugu datte Neko de Aru)
Director: Nakagawa Ryutaro
Cast: Kaho, Ishii Anna, Hagiwara Riku, Nagasawa Itsuki, Murakami Nijiro, Adachi Yumi, Yokota Mayu, Makita Aju, Mitsuishi Ken, Miura Takahiro, Takiuchi Kumi, Ogawa Miyu, Saito Takumi
Synopsis: The Tama River flows along the border of Tokyo and Kanagawa into Tokyo Bay. Near the river bank boasting rich nature, there are people playing sports, couples leaning on each other, students practicing singing and people riding bicycles. But the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 brought some changes to their everyday life. Relying on the tastes in her memories, Masuda Hitomi (Kaho), who resigned from a consulting firm, reopens her late grandpa’s old eatery. But the number of customers sharply decreased in the spring of 2020. Just as she thinks about closing the eatery, a high school teacher called Mizutani Mitsuo (Saito Takumi) begins to frequent the shop and always orders bottled beer and “juiced liver with Chinese chives” which were popular in her grandpa’s generation. In the late autumn of 2021, Mitsuo proposes to organise a concert by the chorus club at the bank of the Tama River. As he listens to the clear singing voices, he finds…
Website: www.hulu.jp/static/ikiwohisomete
Preview: Iki o Hisomete CM

Risky
Date: From 12.59 a.m., Fridays, 26 March – 7 May 2021
Station: MBS
Genre: Love suspense
Episodes: 7
Original Work: Risky ~ Fukushuu wa Tsumi no Aji by Tachibana Azusa
Scriptwriter: Tsubota Fumi (Ojisan wa Kawaiimono ga Osuki, Motokare Mania, Kounodori Series)
Directors: Hara Hiroto, Sato Tatsunori
Theme Song: Hinkou Houkai by FantasticYouth
Cast: Hagiwara Minori, Miyachika Kaito, Yamashita Rio, Fukagawa Mai, Furukawa Yuki
Synopsis: Kuroda Mika (Yamashita Rio) is engaged to Sakurai Toru (Furukawa Yuki), a guy who works at a trading company and is a great catch. She earns the resentment of females at work for foisting troublesome tasks on her colleagues because she is about to get married. Part-timer Asai Mitsutoshi (Miyachika Kaito) is a nice young man who helps Mika with her work without pulling a face when he sees her. One day, Mika receives a message from a weird account. With that as a start, inexplicable events begin to occur around her. Mika receives direct messages on social media as if her movements are under surveillance. Then she gets a phone call at her workplace from someone claiming to be Toru’s former fiancee Hirose Kanata (Fukagawa Mai). The mounting harassment gradually takes a toll on Mika’s mental state. Meanwhile, an incident causes Toru to suddenly get close to Hinata (Hagiwara Minori) and they end up having a relationship. But this is just the prelude of Hinata’s horrifying revenge plan. The true faces and relationships of the mysterious characters are slowly revealed. Who will have the last laugh?
Website: www.mbs.jp/risky
Twitter: twitter.com/risky_drama
Preview: Risky CM

Love Phantom
Date: From 12.59 a.m., Fridays, 14 May 2021
Station: MBS & Hulu
Genre: Romance
Original Work: Love Phantom by Mitsuki Kako
Scriptwriters: Motoyama Kumiko (Itsuka Nemuri Tsuku Hi), Minorikawa Osamu (Double Fantasy)
Director: Minorikawa Osamu
Ending Theme: 23:59 by all at once
Cast: Kiriyama Ren, Konishi Sakurako, Sato Megumi, Kubota Yuki, Hosoda Kanata, Matsumoto Wakana, Hotta Akane, Takigawa Yumi
Synopsis: 22-year-old Hirasawa Momoko (Konishi Sakurako) is a clumsy but innocent employee at a hotel cafe. One night, she encounters a handsome male stranger at the hotel’s viewing deck. He kisses her repeatedly as if he is trying to draw her in. Although Momoko has no experience in romance, the man keeps demanding her response. She soon learns that he is Hase Kei (Kiriyama Ren), an all too perfect employee who works at the same hotel. While Momoko is unable to forget the kisses they shared that night, she is bewildered by his cool and icy attitude. Was it just a dream or an illusion? This is the beginning of a sweet and exciting romance.
Website: www.mbs.jp/lovephantom
Twitter: twitter.com/lphantom_drama

Hot Mom!
Date: From 8.00 p.m., Fridays, 19 March – 9 April 2021
Network: Amazon Prime
Genre: Romance
Episodes: 12
Original Work: La Ma Zheng Zhuan by Qin Wen
Scriptwriters: Yokota Rie (Nile Perch no Joshikai, Mistresses, Daisy Luck), Kanome Keiko (Cheat, Haburashi Onna Tomodachi, Good Morning Call Series), Takaishi Akihiko
Directors: Miyawaki Ryo, Kitagawa Hitomi
Theme Song: ever after by Aimer
Cast: Nishino Nanase, Chiba Yudai, Mikata Ryosuke, Yokota Mayu, Hagiwara Riku, Shimizu Kurumi, Yano Koji, Nakamaru Shinsho, Itaya Yuka
Synopsis: Matsuura Natsuki (Nishino Nanase) works for fashion company Avril’s women’s department and dreams of becoming a world-class fashion director. However one day, she is ordered to transfer to the newly established baby department led by Kijima Toko (Itaya Yuka) who is highly influential in the fashion world. At the same time, Natsuki meets Mimura Motoya (Chiba Yudai), a former university schoolmate who likes her. They get along very well and end up spending the night together. Several months later, Natsuki discovers that she is pregnant. Will she be able to get through pregnancy, marriage, childbirth and parenting, balancing work and family to achieve her dream?
Website: www.amazon.co.jp
Twitter: twitter.com/hotmom_2021
Preview: Hot Mom! CM

Keishichou Zero-gakari ~ Seikatsu Anzenka Nandemo Soudanshitsu Season 5
Date: From 8.00 p.m., Fridays, 30 April – 2 July 2021
Station: TV Tokyo
Genre: Detective
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Seikatsu Anzenka Zero-gakari & Keishichou Zero-gakari Kobayakawa Fuyuhiko by Togashi Rintaro
Scriptwriters: Yoshimoto Masahiro (Gekikarado, Keishichou Zero-gakari Series, Kageri Yuku Natsu), Funabashi Susumu (Keishichou Zero-gakari Series, Ito-kun A to E), Watanabe Kei (Onna wa Sore o Yurusanai, Sugarless)
Directors: Kuranuki Kenjiro, Takemura Kentaro, Okano Hironobu
Theme Song: tomorrow by Tokunaga Hideaki
Cast: Koizumi Kotaro, Matsushita Yuki, Adachi Yumi, Tozuka Junki, Ishida Akira, Motomiya Yasukaze, Ishimaru Kenjiro, Kato Cha, Nakayama Miho, Kataoka Tsurutaro, Kote Shinya (guest star), Okamoto Rei (guest star), Ando Miki (guest star), Tezuka Toru (guest star), Ogi Shigemitsu (guest star), Kondo Yoshimasa (guest star), Hasegawa Tomoharu (guest star)
Synopsis: Suginami Chuo Police Precinct’s “anything” consultation office is a department to boot people for causing problems at various places. They get ridiculed as the “Zero Section” and have to handle miscellaneous affairs such as annoying, trivial notifications, complaints, claims and troublesome disputes. Kobayakawa Fuyuhiko (Koizumi Kotaro), an elite career police officer who is unable to read situations but can read cases, and Terada Torami (Matsushita Yuki), a strong-minded and sharp-tongued veteran detective who was thrown out of the Criminal Affairs Division for causing trouble all the time, are an unlikely duo. Although they do not agree with each other, they take on all sorts of cases and chores with their good-for-nothing colleagues.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/zerogakari5
Twitter: twitter.com/tx_kin8
Related: Keishichou Zero-gakari Season 2

Rikokatsu
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Fridays, 16 April – 18 June 2021
Station: TBS
Genre: Romance
Episodes: 10
Scriptwriter: Izumisawa Yoko (Guilty, Akuma no Bengonin, Dairenai)
Directors: Tsuboi Toshio, Suzuki Sanae, Han Chul, Komaki Sakura
Theme Song: Pale Blue by Yonezu Kenshi
Cast: Kitagawa Keiko, Nagayama Eita, Takahashi Mitsuomi, Shirasu Jin, Ono Ito, Tanabe Momoko, Nakata Kurumi, Matsunaga Tenma, Nakayama Masei, Matsukawa Akari, Sugawara Takuma, Ikeda Dai, Yoshida Ryoya, Shibata Yuki, Natsuno Kotoko, Hiraiwa Kami, Miyazaki Yoshiko, Sakou Yoshi, Mitsuishi Kotono, Sano Shiro, Hirata Mitsuru, Takeda Rena (guest star)
Synopsis: Mizuguchi Saki (Kitagawa Keiko) is an outstanding fashion magazine editor who grew up in a modern and liberal family (Mitsuishi Kotono, Sano Shiro/Hirata Mitsuru). She meets Obara Koichi (Nagayama Eita) who is the ace of the Air Rescue Wing of the Air Self Defence Force. He grew up in a strict military family (Miyazaki Yoshiko, Sakou Yoshi) and is the classic straight-laced guy. Although Saki and Koichi are polar opposites, the two of them quickly get married without dating, believing that they would start a happy life as newly weds after a lavish wedding ceremony. However, as they begin living together in the same house, their different lifestyles and values result in differences in opinions and huge fights. Saki and Koichi soon decide to get a divorce. But the couple have difficulty breaking the news of their decision to their families, colleagues and friends who celebrated their marriage and looked forward to the future. They thus start activities behind the scenes to prepare for their divorce.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/rikokatsu_tbs
Twitter: twitter.com/rikokatsu_tbs
Preview: Rikokatsu CM

Hankei 5 metres
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Fridays, 30 April – 25 June 2021
Station: NHK
Episodes: 9
Scriptwriter: Hashibe Atsuko (Shitteru Wife, Mokomi, Ghost Writer)
Directors: Mishima Yukiko, Okada Ken, Kitano Takashi
Cast: Yoshine Kyoko, Maiguma Katsuya, Matobu Sei, Yamada Maho, Kitamura Yukiya, Omi Toshinori, Nagasaku Hiromi
Synopsis: Fumika (Yoshine Kyoko) is an editor with the weekly magazine Josei Life. She gets transferred from the Ichiori team, which goes after entertainment gossip, to the Niori team, which delves into matters that are of interest to readers such as lifestyle information, after she makes a blunder. This is where she makes the acquaintance of a well-known veteran journalist Takarako (Nagasaku Hiromi). In comparison to the Ichiori team’s frantic pursuit of cases and scoops, the Niori team seems lax and Takarako’s way of covering a story is unusual. For example, on the subject of a housewife who intended to buy ready-made oden at a supermarket and got yelled at by a male stranger to make her own oden, Takarako does not link it to gender, but for some reason, starts from making konyaku. Fumika initially does not understand her purpose of doing this. However, she gradually realises what can be seen by taking a different approach, and she grows under Takarako’s mentorship.
Website: www.nhk.jp/p/ts/E33JWZ3ZR3
Twitter: twitter.com/nhk_dramas

Kawa no Hotori de
Date: From 11.00 p.m., Fridays, 2 April – 7 May 2021
Network: WOWOW
Genre: Comedy
Episodes: 6
Scriptwriters: Tekkan Master, Okudera Satoko (Watashi Teiji de Kaerimasu, Reverse, N no Tame ni), Yamada Kota, Abe Teruo (Utenai Keikan), Nagatsuka Keishi, Hirayama Hideyuki
Director: Hirayama Hideyuki
Cast: Ayata Toshiki, Bengal, Narumi Riko, Koizumi Kyoko, Kishibe Ittoku, Yamada Yuki, Baisho Mitsuko, Hirooka Yuriko, Yamauchi Takaya, Usuda Asami, Takigawa Rishou, Okubo Hitoe, Sato Bungo, Hara Kintaro, Yamanaka Takashi, Morishita Yoshiyuki, Tobe Shunsuke, Tobayama Bunmei, Otomine Daiki, Muraoka Nozomi, Date Satoru, Watanabe Azusa, Okabe Takashi, Kato Kei, Hayashi Erika, Arizono Yoshiki, Chiba Masako, Peter Gössner, Inoue Hajime
Synopsis: Toshi-chan (Ayata Toshiki) and BB (Bengal) live in huts with blue sheets on the banks of the Tama River. Having lived there for several years, they are familiar with the area. The two of them gather cans across town from 4 am in the morning and sleep at 7 pm in order to save money on electricity at night. While they do not have substantial income, they are not particularly concerned about money. They are carefree each day and take pride in being homeless men who can support themselves. Nao (Narumi Riko), a young female actress from a small theatre company, visits Toshi-chan and BB one day. She is playing a heroine who has a grand romance with the leader of homeless men in her next performance and asks to interview them. This is the beginning of a long night for the trio … …
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/original/kawa
Twitter: twitter.com/drama_wowow

Mukou no Hate
Date: From 11.00 p.m., Fridays, 14 May – 2 July 2021
Network: WOWOW
Genre: Mystery
Episodes: 8
Original Work: Mukou no Hate by 52pro
Scriptwriter: Takeda Shin
Director: Uchida Eiji
Theme Song: Shigure by Oyama Yutaka
Cast: Matsumoto Marika, Matsushita Kohei, Kakizawa Hayato, Kaji Masaki, Shibukawa Kiyohiko, Toyomoto Akinaga, Uno Shohei, Yamano Umi, Tatsumi Takuro, Tsukahara Daisuke, Hamaya Yasuyuki, Izumi Tomochika, Irei Himena, Minamide Ryoka, Tamura Tsuguru
Synopsis: An arson and murder takes place at an apartment in a crime of passion in Tokyo in 1985. Ikematsu Ritsuko (Matsumoto Marika), a childhood friend of the dead novelist Kimizuka Kohei (Matsushita Kohei) is arrested. She smoothly dodges questions as if she is drifting when interrogated by Tsudaguchi Ryosuke (Kakizawa Hayato), the prosecutor in charge of the case. Tsudaguchi starts getting in touch with people who have been involved with Ritsuko. Her checkered life and the men surrounding her come to light. But their impressions of Ritsuko are all in fragments. Tsudaguchi gradually becomes engrossed in her as he relentlessly pursues the truth of the case. Eventually, he guesses that an incident that happened in Tsugaru in Aomori Prefecture, where Ritsuko (Irei Himena) and Kohei (Minamide Ryoka) spent their childhood around 1955, holds the key to solving this murder.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/original/mukounohate
Twitter: twitter.com/drama_wowow

Ano Toki Kisu Shite Okeba
Date: From 11.15 p.m., Fridays, 30 April – 18 June 2021
Station: TV Asahi
Genre: Love comedy
Episodes: 8
Scriptwriter: Oishi Shizuka (Koisuru Hahatachi, Ie Uru Onna Series, Dairenai)
Directors: Motohashi Keita, Higurashi Ken, Saito Yuki
Theme Song: Itoshii Hito by Super Beaver
Cast: Matsuzaka Tori, Aso Kumiko, Iura Arata, Miura Shohei, Nekoze Tsubaki, Rokkaku Shinji, Anami Atsuko, Uraji Nuno, Sumita Takashi, Fujieda Yoshiki, Kawase Riko, Itakura Takeshi, Megumi, Kubozuka Airu, Kishimoto Kayoko
Synopsis: Momochi Nozomu (Matsuzaka Tori) is a useless and rather unfortunate 32-year-old supermarket employee. He constantly fails at his job and has no particular desire to advance in his career nor have a romance. Momochi’s only interest is to stay at home on weekends and read his favourite manga Seika no Sora. One day, he is entangled with a difficult customer at the supermarket’s checkout counter when Yuizuki Tomoe (Aso Kumiko), the writer of his favourite manga, comes to his rescue. The writer whom he had thought was a male is actually a female. In addition, Tomoe seems to take a liking to Momochi and before he knows it, he is asked to be her highly paid part-timer in a position like a housekeeper or servant. Their relationship develops into something more than friends. Although Momochi gently refuses to be kissed and Tomoe is angered, she invites him on a trip to Okinawa. However, she gets involved in an accident and unexpectedly dies. Momochi is grief-stricken by the sudden loss of Tomoe. That is when a male stranger Tanaka Masao (Iura Arata) appears and claims to be Tomoe?!?!
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/anokiss
Twitter: twitter.com/anokiss2021

Yo ni mo Kimyouna Kimi Monogatari
Date: From 12.00 a.m., Saturdays, 6 March – 2 April 2021
Network: WOWOW
Genre: Omnibus
Episodes: 5
Original Work: Yo ni mo Kimyouna Kimi Monogatari by Asai Ryo
Scriptwriter: Watanabe Chiho (Wagaya no Himitsu, Beppin-san, 5-nin no Junko)
Director: Ikezawa Tatsuya
Cast: Kuroshima Yuina, Aoi Wakana, Sato Shori, Tanaka Rena, Ueda Tatsuya, Kashiwabara Shuji, Kubozuka Shunsuke, Taguchi Hiromasa, Takeda Rena, Tsuruta Mayu, Terada Kokoro, Totsugi Shigeyuki, Nagao Mariya, Hasegawa Tomoharu, Hiraiwa Kami, Maeda Koki, Matsukura Kaito, Mizuhashi Kenji, Watanabe Makiko
Synopsis: In her quest for success as a freelance writer, Tagami Hiroko (Kuroshima Yuina) makes an attempt to do an undercover story on a sharehouse where four strangers live in order to delve into the reasons why independent working adults would live together when they have jobs, money and friends of their own. However, the real purpose for their communal life goes far beyond her imagination.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/original/monogatari
Twitter: twitter.com/drama_wowow

The Limit
Date: From 12.00 a.m., Saturdays, 6 March – 10 April 2021
Network: Hulu
Genre: Omnibus
Episodes: 6
Scriptwriters: Tamada Shinya (Anonymous, Toki o Kakeru Band, Densetsu no Okaasan), Iwasaki Udai, Ogigami Naoko
Directors: Kauchi Kentaro, Yoshida Shinya, Nakajima Shunsuke
Cast: Ito Sairi, Kadowaki Mugi, Furukawa Kotone, Hosoda Yoshihiko, Okayama Amane, Izumisawa Yuki, Asaka Kodai, Sakai Koharu, Natsuko, Bando Ryota, Iwasaki Udai, Iwamatsu Ryo, Kino Hana
Synopsis: Unexpected pasts, hidden intentions and startling facts … The true nature of people become apparent when faced with confined spaces, limited time and constrained circumstances. A moment’s choice will change their lives.
Website: www.hulu.jp/static/thelimit
Preview: The Limit CM

Ikiru Toka Shinu Toka Chichioya Toka
Date: From 12.12 a.m., Saturdays, 10 April – 26 June 2021
Station: TV Tokyo
Genre: Family
Episodes: 12
Original Work: Ikiru Toka Shinu Toka Chichioya Toka by Jane Su
Scriptwriter: Izuchi Kishu
Directors: Yamato Yuki, Kikuchi Takeo
Ending Theme: En by Higuchi Ai
Cast: Yoshida Yo, Kunimura Jun, Tanaka Minami, Matsuoka Mayu, Tomita Yasuko, DJ Matsunaga, Okamoto “Moby” Takuya, Morimoto Shintaro, Iwai Yuki, Hikorohi
Synopsis: Kanbara Tokiko’s (Yoshida Yo) mother (Tomita Yasuko) died 20 years ago and her father Tetsuya (Kunimura Jun) is her only immediate family. Now in his 70s, Tetsuya is a charmer and quite an extraordinary character while strong-willed Tokiko is in her mid 40s and still single. At one point, the interactions between father and daughter were so strained whenever they saw each other that they were on the verge of breaking off ties. However, they now meet from time to time for a meal outside. One day, Tokiko decides to write an essay about her father. To gather materials for this essay, she listens to his recollections of the family each time they meet. However, these are not all pleasant memories – the encounter with her mother, the loss of his entire fortune and the shadow cast by the other woman … … Tokiko depicts her love and hatred for her father and the two sides of her family.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/ikirutoka
Twitter: twitter.com/tx_ikirutoka

Solo Katsu Joshi no Susume Season 1
Date: From 12.52 a.m., Saturdays, 3 April – 19 June 2021
Station: TV Tokyo
Episodes: 12
Original Work: Solo Katsu Joshi no Susume by Asai Mayumi
Scriptwriter: Oikawa Hironori (First Class Season 2)
Director: Oikawa Hironori
Ending Theme: Herge by Homecomings
Cast: Eguchi Noriko, Kobayashi Kinako, Shibuya Kento, Sasaki Haruka
Synopsis: Sotome Megumi (Eguchi Noriko), a contract employee at Digest Publishing’s editorial department, is invited by her colleagues (Shibuya Kento, Sasaki Haruka) to join them for drinking sessions. But Megumi turns them down and leaves the office quickly after work. She is in such a rush as she is heading somewhere in search of a new solo activity where she can pamper herself at a place she likes on her own time. She enjoys activities such as dining solo at restaurants, having her own girl’s night out, and staying alone at a love motel.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/solokatsu
Twitter: twitter.com/tx_solokatsu

Ima Koko ni Aru Kiki to Boku no Koukando ni Tsuite
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Saturdays, 24 April – 29 May 2021
Station: NHK
Genre: Comedy
Episodes: 5
Scriptwriter: Watanabe Aya (Long Goodbye, Carnation)
Directors: Shibata Takeshi, Horikirizono Kentaro
Cast: Matsuzaka Tori, Suzuki Anne, Watanabe Ikkei, Takahashi Kazuya, Ikeda Narushi, Nukumizu Yoichi, Saiki Shigeru, Ando Tamae, Iwai Yuki, Bando Ryota, Yoshikawa Ai, Wakabayashi Takuya, Sakanishi Ryota, Kunimura Jun, Furutachi Kanji, Iwamatsu Ryo, Matsushige Yutaka, Kunihiro Tomiyuki (guest star), Tatsumi Takuro (guest star), Shimada Kyusaku (guest star)
Synopsis: The handsome Kanzaki Shin (Matsuzaka Tori) used to be a presenter for a TV station. But he has been hired mid-career by the prestigious Teito University and put in charge of public relations. Kanzaki was personally called in by the university’s president Miyoshi (Matsushige Yutaka). Miyoshi is his former teacher and values his tact, name recognition and background in media. However, a string of scandals and issues have arisen at Teito University. A well-known professor is suspected of misconduct in his research, non-native species were let out from a research facility … … Complying with the wishes of the university’s leadership to defuse each crisis, Kanzaki considers how to make sense of things. However, he gets pushed around by the indecisive president, directors (Kunimura Jun, Furutachi Kanji, Iwamatsu Ryo, Nukumizu Yoichi, Saiki Shigeru, Sakanishi Ryota) with a lack of transparency, a boss (Watanabe Ikkei) who plays it safe, an overly liberal and eccentric professor (Ikeda Narushi), a cool but perceptive middle-aged secretary (Ando Tamae), a capable associate professor (Iwai Yuki) popular with the media, and righteous students from the media club (Bando Ryota, Yoshikawa Ai, Wakabayashi Takuya). The situation steadily deteriorates. His encounter with the young researcher Minori (Suzuki Anne) who blew the whistle on the misconduct, makes him begin to think something is wrong. Eventually, it becomes a huge crisis that is more than an internal university issue … …
Website: www.nhk.jp/p/ts/J94YJZG3V6
Twitter: twitter.com/nhk_dramas

Influence
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Saturdays, 20 March – 17 April 2021
Network: WOWOW
Genre: Suspense
Episodes: 5
Original Work: Influence by Kondo Fumie
Scriptwriter: Shinozaki Eriko (Seiren no Zange, Ryu no Michi, Saka no Tochuu no Ie)
Directors: Mizuta Naruhide, Paul Young
Theme Song: miracle by Cö shu Nie
Cast: Hashimoto Kanna, Aoi Wakana, Yoshikawa Ai, Shirasu Jin, Miyachika Kaito, Otsuka Nene, Suzuki Honami
Synopsis: High school student Tozuka Yuri (Hashimoto Kanna) lives in a public housing complex in the countryside. She feels guilty for not doing anything to protect her classmate Hino Satoko (Yoshikawa Ai) who had been sexually abused by Satoko’s grandfather in the past, and they ended up drifting apart. One day, Sakazaki Maho (Aoi Wakana) transfers from Tokyo to the school that Yuri attends. Maho is serious about everything but this backfires on her and she feels out of place in class. However, Yuri immediately opens up to her about living in the same public housing complex. Around that time, Maho is almost attacked by a thug with a knife. Yuri stabs the man in an attempt to save her. She escapes and falls asleep shivering with fear. However, the next day, the person who is arrested is Satoko who has become a delinquent.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/original/influence
Twitter: twitter.com/drama_wowow

Konto ga Hajimaru
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Saturdays, 17 April – 19 June 2021
Station: NTV
Episodes: 10
Scriptwriter: Kaneko Shigeki (Ore no Hanashi wa Nagai, Momikeshite Fuyu Series, Boku Unmei no Hito desu)
Directors: Inomata Ryuichi, Kanai Ko
Theme Song: Ai o Shiru made wa by Aimyon
Cast: Suda Masaki, Arimura Kasumi, Kamiki Ryunosuke, Nakano Taiga, Furukawa Kotone, Suzuki Kosuke, Matsuda Yuki, Asumi Rio, Yoshine Kyoko, Ono Rina, Yonekura Reia, Ichige Yoshie (guest star), Sugawara Daikichi (guest star), Maiguma Katsuya (guest star), Kimura Fumino (guest star), Kaneda Akio (guest star), Nishida Naomi (guest star), Ibu Masato (guest star), Nakamura Tomoya (guest star), Asaka Kodai (guest star)
Synopsis: Takaiwa Haruto (Suda Masaki), Asabuki Shunta (Kamiki Ryunosuke) and Minowa Junpei (Nakano Taiga) are a struggling comedy trio. They have decided to give up on their dream and break up. Nakahama Rihoko (Arimura Kasumi) drops out of a top company that she worked at for several years and seems to become like an empty shell while her younger sister Tsumugi (Furukawa Kotone) uses the excuse of supporting Rihoko to aimlessly work in the nightlife district. The five of them in their late 20s are pointed out as “big failures” by everyone. But maybe this is the prelude to glittering futures?
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/conpaji
Twitter: twitter.com/conpaji_ntv
Preview: Konto ga Hajimaru CM

Samayou Yaiba
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Saturdays, 15 May – 26 June 2021
Network: WOWOW
Episodes: 6
Original Work: Samayou Yaiba by Higashino Keigo
Scriptwriter: Yoshida Noriko (Sono Onna Jiruba, Dying Eye, Kataomoi)
Director: Katayama Shinzo
Cast: Takenouchi Yutaka, Ishida Yuriko, Miura Takahiro, Furutachi Kanji, Takiuchi Kumi, Inoue Mizuki, Honda Hirotaro, Ichikawa Riku, Namura Shin, Kawai Yumi, Kizaki Yuria, Megumi, Katsuya, Wada Misa, Takeuchi Miyako, Kirishima Reika, Matsuura Yuya, Tokunaga Eri, Horibe Keisuke, Kunimura Jun
Synopsis: Nagamine Shigeki (Takenouchi Yutaka) raised his only daughter Ema (Kawai Yumi) on his own after his wife Eriko (Wada Misa) passed away. However, one night Ema fails to return home from her part-time job and is later found brutally murdered. Several days later, a grief-stricken Nagamine receives an anonymous phone call telling him the names and address of the criminals. After some hesitation, he heads to the apartment where he finds a video capturing Ema’s gruesome murder while he rummages the place. When one of the criminals called Atsuya (Namura Shin) returns home, Nagamine kills him, and goes on to pursue Kaiji (Ichikawa Riku) who is the main culprit. Both Kaiji and Atsuya are underaged youth that the death penalty does not apply to under the current law. Are Nagamine’s actions right or wrong? His flight and revenge is about to polarise public opinion.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/original/samayou
Twitter: twitter.com/drama_wowow

Nakuna Kenshuui
Date: From 11.00 p.m., Saturdays, 24 April – 26 June 2021
Station: TV Asahi
Genre: Medical
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Nakuna Kenshuui by Nakayama Yujiro
Scriptwriter: Higuchi Takuji (Kyouen NG, Boku no Tsuma to Kekkon Shite Kudasai)
Directors: Toyoshima Keisuke, Asadori Tsuwako, Komatsu Takashi
Theme Song: konomama by DOBERMAN INFINITY
Cast: Shirahama Aran, Kinami Haruka, Nomura Shuhei, Emoto Tokio, Tsunematsu Yuri, Ohira Shuzo, Nagami Rea, Yoshida Oolongta, Nishio Mari, Okuyama Kazusa, Takahashi Kazuya, Yamaguchi Tomomitsu, Kimura Subaru
Synopsis: Ameno Ryuji (Shirahama Aran) moved to Tokyo after graduating from a local university’s faculty of medicine and became at a resident at a general hospital’s department of surgery. He is not able to do or understand anything and just keeps getting scolded by senior doctors and his superior every day. However, patients flock to the hospital. Although he is a doctor, Ameno lacks both knowledge and experience as a resident. He may feel overwhelmed by the reality of his helplessness, conflicted and shed countless tears in front of injured patients or those that he occasionally cannot save. But he never loses his passion and enthusiasm for his profession, and develops together with fellow residents.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/nakuna_doctor
Twitter: twitter.com/nakuna_doctor

Watashi no Otto wa Reitoko ni Nemutteiru
Date: From 11.25 p.m., Saturdays, 10 April – 15 May 2021
Station: TV Tokyo
Genre: Love suspense
Episodes: 6
Original Work: Watashi no Otto wa Reitoko ni Nemutteiru by Yazuki Misaki
Scriptwriters: Otani Yosuke (Shiratori Reiko de Gozaimasu!), Motoyama Kumiko (Itsuka Nemuri ni Tsuku Hi), Minorikawa Osamu
Director: Minorikawa Osamu
Theme Song: Kingyo Sukui by MATSURI
Cast: Motokariya Yuika, Shirasu Jin, Aoyagi Sho, Okayama Hajime, Asada Miyoko, Saito Yuki
Synopsis: Kisaragi Natsuna (Motokariya Yuika) has been living quietly in the suburbs in an old Western-style detached house and dealing in imported furniture and general goods. She got acquainted with her fiance Sato Ryo (Shirasu Jin) by chance several months ago, and they started living together. It was supposed to be happy. However, Ryo’s demeanour completely changes over time and he starts getting violent with her. Natsuna tolerates it but snaps one day and ends up killing him on impulse. After that, she hides his dead body in the storeroom’s old freezer. But the next morning, Ryo appears like usual and greets her even though he should be lying at rest in the freezer. What exactly happened?
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/watashino_otto
Twitter: twitter.com/tx_satadora

Kotaro wa Hitorigurashi
Date: From 11.30 p.m., Saturdays, 24 April – 26 June 2021
Station: TV Asahi
Genre: Comedy
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Kotaro wa Hitorigurashi by Tsumura Mami
Scriptwriter: Eto Rin (Watashitachi Douka Shiteiru, Gisou Furin, Survival Wedding)
Director: Matsumoto Kana
Theme Song: Hitori ni Shinai yo! by Kanjani 8
Cast: Yokoyama Yu, Kawahara Eito, Yamamoto Maika, Nishihata Daigo, Momota Kanako, Mamiya Shotaro, Deguchi Natsuki, Mitsuishi Ken, Minemura Rie, Takito Kenichi, Okura Koji, Issey Ogata, Namase Katsuhisa
Synopsis: Struggling 35-year-old manga writer Karino Shin (Yokoyama Yu) has not gained much popularity after winning a publisher’s manga award. He lives on the prize money and shuts himself away in his apartment the whole day. One day, a 5-year-old boy called Sato Kotaro (Kawahara Eito) suddenly moves in alone and becomes Karino’s neighbour even though there is a rule forbidding children from living in the apartment building. Karino initially wonders why a kid is living on his own and looks all ready to flee to avoid getting into any trouble. The almost expressionless Kotaro is dependable beyond his years although there are occasions when he seems childlike. He claims that he wants to become strong. But what is the reason behind these grown-up words? Through their encounters with Kotaro, the residents (Yamamoto Maika, Namase Katsuhisa) of the apartment building including Karino realise their responsibilities as adults and the importance of empathy as they begin to care for the boy.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/kotaro
Twitter: twitter.com/oshidoraEX
Preview: Kotaro wa Hitorigurashi CM

Rika ~ Reverse
Date: From 11.40 p.m., Saturdays, 20 March – 3 April 2021
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Thriller
Episodes: 3
Original Work: Rika by Igarashi Takahisa
Scriptwriter: Honda Takaaki (Gekikarado, Rental Nanmo Shinai Hito, Silent Voice Series)
Director: Matsuki Tsukuru
Theme Song: 99 by FAKY
Cast: Takaoka Saki, Asaka Kodai, Fukuda Mayuko, Yamaguchi Mayu, Tanabe Momoko, Odai Ryohei
Synopsis: Amamiya Rika (Takaoka Saki) has been starved of family love. Her thirst for pure love in the abyss of loneliness turned her into a monster. Rika’s mother, the beautiful Amamiya Reimi (Takaoka Saki), had everything. She was wealthy and lived in a stylish Western-style house with her handsome husband Takeshi (Odai Ryohei), who was a doctor in private practice, and two lovely and smart teenage twin daughters Rika (Tanabe Momoko) and Yuka (Yamaguchi Mayu). They seemed like the perfect family and she was the envy of people around her. But in reality, this was a sham full of lies, jealousy, love and hate. Reimi was broken-hearted. Before long, this sham came apart and she gradually shattered. Her quest for love stirred up a nightmarish tragedy. Rika and Yuka were affected by their mother’s sorrow which spread to them. Numerous incidents began to occur around these three females. Who was the culprit?
Website: www.rika-28.com
Twitter: twitter.com/rika__28
Related: Rika
Preview: Rika ~ Reverse CM

Saikou no Obahan Nakajima Haruko
Date: From 11.40 p.m., Saturdays, 10 April – 29 May 2021
Station: Fuji TV
Episodes: 8
Original Work: Saikou no Obahan Haruko Series by Hayashi Mariko
Scriptwriter: Nishiogi Yumie (Yokai Sharehouse, SPEC Series, Tamiou Series)
Directors: Otani Kentaro, Kaneko Yoshikazu, Shibuya Mirai
Theme Song: Yattare Wa ga Jinsei by Matsuri9
Cast: Daichi Mao, Matsumoto Marika, Mao, Goda Masashi, Warabino Tomoya, Konno Hiroki, Takahashi Hitomi, Tayama Ryosei, Ishida Tousei, Onishi Ayaka, Kaai Gamon, Kobayashi Ami, Sano Kazuma, Shimizu Koji, Takeda Kohei, Chan Kawai, Nagashima Shugo, Nana, Hakamada Yoshihiko, Hiraoka Yuta, Hirata Yuya, Furusawa Ren, Morisaki Tomomi, Yuki Moe, Rokkaku Shinji
Synopsis: 38-year-old Kikuchi Izumi (Matsumoto Marika) is an editor at a small publishing company, and troubled by a stale affair of 10 years. She meets Nakajima Haruko (Daichi Mao), a capable businesswoman around 60 who owns an extremely popular beauty clinic in Ebisu in Tokyo. The two women unexpectedly hit it off and Izumi becomes something like a younger sister to Haruko. From then on, her stormy days begin. Izumi is taken by Haruko to one of the most extravagant parties she has ever seen. She encounters the mistress (Onishi Ayaka) of the young businessman (Hakamada Yoshihiko) who is the party’s host. Strangely enough, the woman has been in a 10-year affair and the similarity of her circumstances makes Izumi feel bad. Whether intentionally or unintentionally, Haruko takes a swipe at the mistress pretending to be the lawful wife and then rounds on the businessman at the party, “You’re the ones who have wrecked your own lives. That much I know.” For some reason, Haruko is a magnet for people with troubles. She rapidly cuts them down but their lives somehow steadily pick up?!
Website: www.tokai-tv.com/io/haruko
Twitter: twitter.com/tokaitv_dodra
Preview: Saikou no Obahan Nakajima Haruko Teaser

Kimi to Sekai ga Owaru Hi ni Season 2
Date: From 12.00 a.m., Sundays, 21 March – 25 April 2021
Network: Hulu
Genre: Survival, love mystery
Episodes: 6
Scriptwriter: Ikeda Natsuko (Zekkyou, Shinhannin, Miyazawa Kenji no Shokutaku)
Director: Sugawara Shintaro
Theme Song: Hoshi o Aogu by Suda Masaki
Cast: Takeuchi Ryoma, Nakajo Ayami, Kasamatsu Sho, Iitoyo Marie, Makita Sports, Ando Tamae, Yokomizo Naho, Hyunri, Asaka Kodai, Horike Kazuki, Tanaka Kanau, Takito Kenichi, Hongo Kanata, Yoshizawa Hisashi, Hamada Mari, Kimura Ryo, Mao, Miura Ryota
Synopsis: A new community is found in this apocalyptic world. The name of the shelter is also House of Hope. There is abundant food and private power generation, and people live self-sufficiently. What is their identity and their objective for looking for survivors? Are they friend or foe? There is the mystery of a golem with a “x” mark … … A savagery felt from an artificially applied wound. A new threat is just around the corner.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/kimiseka
Twitter: twitter.com/kimiseka_ntv
Related: Kimi to Sekai ga Owaru Hi ni Season 1
Preview: Kimi to Sekai ga Owaru Hi ni Season 2 CM

Takane no Hana-san
Date: From 12.00 a.m., Sundays, 11 April – 27 June 2021
Station: BS TV Tokyo
Genre: Love comedy
Episodes: 12
Original Work: Takane no Hana-san by Murata Koji
Scriptwriters: Okaniwa Nanami, Miyamoto Hayato
Directors: Naito Eisuke, Horie Takahiro, Takasugi Takahiro, Tsukada Megu
Cast: Izumi Rika, Kanon, Ogoe Yuki, Izuka Kenta, Kanon
Theme Song: Stories by Sakura Shimeji feat. Hirame
Synopsis: Takamine Hana (Izumi Rika) works for the product planning department of a traditional Japanese sweets maker. All the products that she designed have been big hits. With her intelligence and beauty, she is like a flower on a high peak that everyone admires. However, Hana is actually deeply in love with Yowaki Tsuyoshi (Ogoe Yuki), her hopeless younger colleague whom she always reprimands. As Hana is like a fifth grader when it comes to romance, she is harsh on him at work and unable to express her true feelings. Then worries about it day after day. She does not know that Yowaki likes her while Yowaki has the impression that she detests him. There is never any progress in their relationship. A playboy colleague Sarada Genki (Izuka Kenta) and company idol Amai Ichigo (Kanon) complicate matters by coming in the way of the two of them.
Website: www.bs-tvtokyo.co.jp/takanenohana
Twitter: twitter.com/BS7ch_hanasan

Dragon Zakura Season 2
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Sundays, 25 April – 27 June 2021 (Original date: July 2020)
Station: TBS
Genre: School
Episodes: 10
Original work: Dragon Zakura 2 by Mita Norifusa
Scriptwriters: Okura (Sumu Sumu Series, Hello Harinezumi, Sutekina Sentaxi), Ri Masami (Shudan Sasen!, Seisei Suru Hodo Ai Shiteru), Koyama Shota (Inochi Urimasu, Career, Zettai Reido Season 3)
Director: Fukuzawa Katsuo
Cast: Abe Hiroshi, Nagasawa Masami, Takahashi Kaito, Minami Sara, Hirate Yurina, Kato Seishiro, Suzuka Ouji, Shida Sara, Hosoda Kanata, Nishiyama Jun, Nishigaki Sho, Yoshida Mizuki, Uchimura Haruka, Yamada Kinuo, Ken, Tsurugasaki Yoshiaki, Sano Hayato, Sagiri Seina, Yamazaki Ginnojo, Kiba Katsumi, Eguchi Noriko, Oikawa Mitsuhiro, Suruga Taro (guest star), Mabuchi Erika (guest star), Ohata Shieri (guest star), Hayashi Kento (guest star), Koike Teppei (guest star), Nakao Akiyoshi (guest star), Aragaki Yui (guest star), Saeko (guest star)
Synopsis: After lawyer and former motorcycle gang member Sakuragi Kenji (Abe Hiroshi), left Ryuzan High School, he moved from place to place to offer management advice to private universities based on his achievements. 10 years later, Ryuzan High School which used to produce students who qualified for Tokyo University, has been on the decline since Sakuragi’s departure. He receives an offer from the school again to save it from its predicament. Sakuragi does not mince his words or hesitate to refute an argument no matter who the other party is, and gave many young people courage. But what kind of changes can he bring about with his eloquence in the present day? With the transition from the Heisei to Reiwa era, there will also be a change in the university entrance exam to the new common test for university admissions which places more emphasis on students’ ability to think, make judgements, and express themselves rather than their knowledge.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/dragonzakura
Twitter: twitter.com/dragonzakuraTBS
Preview: Dragon Zakura Season 2 CM

Yappari Oshii Keiji
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 7 March – 25 April 2021
Station: NHK BS Premium
Genre: Comedy mystery
Episodes: 8
Original Work: Oshii Keiji by Fujisaki Sho
Scriptwriter: Uda Manabu (Oshii Keiji, Tantei ga Hayasugiru, 99.9% Keiji Senmon Bengoshi Series)
Directors: Yamamoto Daisuke, Yoshiwara Michkatsu
Cast: Kazama Shunsuke, Inukai Atsuhiro, Shiraishi Sei, Hashimoto Ryo, Ishikawa Ren, Hagiwara Minori, Asakura Aki, Watanabe Hiroyuki, Nozoe Yoshihiro, Takeda Rena, Kinoshita Ayane, Kurosaki Reina, Wakatsuki Yumi, Abe Junko, Matsuo Satoru, Masaki Reiya, Shiraishi Shunya, Fuwa Mansaku, Yamada Jundai, Tsurumi Shingo, Takeda Shinji, Itao Itsuji, Sano Shiro, Iwamoto Hikaru (guest star)
Synopsis: Detective Oshii Takashi (Kazama Shunsuke) at Udobashi Police Precinct has outstanding powers of deduction and yet he gets bested by his partner Yokode Toru (Inukai Atsuhiro) as he always falls a step short at the very end. His promotion to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department has been decided. However, it falls through after he interferes in an undercover investigation while he is off duty. Oshii has a rookie female detective Mirayama Kurumi (Shiraishi Sei) assigned under him. But he is completely disinterested in her for some reason although he easily falls in love even with suspects. Kurumi gradually grows interested in Oshii while a former colleague Haida Ena (Ishikawa Ren), who has transferred to the Tokyo Metropolitan Department, consults him about a personal matter despite instantly quashing his attempt at confessing his feelings previously. In addition, a shady character who has been keeping watch on Oshii emerges … …
Website: www.nhk.jp/p/ts/8RZKVNPXMV
Twitter: twitter.com/nhk_dramas

Kareinaru Ichizoku
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 18 April – 11 July 2021
Network: WOWOW
Genre: Family
Episodes: 12
Original Work: Kareinaru Ichizoku by Yamasaki Toyoko
Scriptwriter: Maekawa Yoichi (Kirin ga Kuru, Shizumanu Taiyo, Lady Joker)
Directors: Nishiura Masaki, Ikezawa Tatsuya
Cast: Nakai Kiichi, Mukai Osamu, Fujigaya Taisuke, Yoshioka Riho, Matsumoto Honoka, Kaname Jun, Kudo Asuka, Mimura Rie, Sasamoto Rena, Fukumoto Riko, Aso Yumi, Takashima Masanobu, Ishiguro Ken, Manda Hisako, Tanaka Rena, Kato Masaya, Ishizaka Koji (guest star), Uchida Yuki, Shinkawa Yua, Miyata Toshiya, Rokkaku Seiji, Komoto Masahiro, Nukumizu Yoichi, Horibe Keisuke, Inoue Hajime, Hosoda Yoshihiko, Nagashima Toshiyuki, Iida Kisuke, Hasegawa Hatsunori, Nakamura Ikuji, Ogura Hisahiro, Onodera Akira, Aijima Kazuyuki, Ibu Masato, Moro Morooka, Magy, Otoo Takuma
Synopsis: Manpyo Daisuke (Nakai Kiichi) is the owner and president of Hanshin Bank which is ranked in tenth place in terms of volume of deposits at a time when Japan is enjoying rapid economic growth. He heads the Manpyo group of companies which consist of Hanshin Steel, Manpyo Real Estate, Manpyo Trading and Manpyo Warehouses. The family has gained wealth and power through family connections in Kansai’s business circles. When Daisuke hears about the move to restructure the city’s banks from his eldest daughter Ichiko’s (Mimura Rie) husband Mima Ataru (Kaname Jun) who is an elite Ministry of Finance official, he swings into action with a plan to prevent Hanshin Bank from being absorbed by a higher ranked bank and to fight for survival. Behind the scenes, a love-hate drama unfurls within the family from discord between father and sons (Mukai Osamu, Fujigaya Taisuke) to wife (Aso Yumi) and mistress (Uchida Yuki).
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/original/ichizoku
Twitter: twitter.com/drama_wowow
Preview: Kareinaru Ichizoku (2021) CM

Nemesis
Date: From 10.30 p.m., Sundays, 11 April – 13 June 2021
Network: NTV
Genre: Mystery
Episodes: 10
Scriptwriters: Kataoka Sho (Machida-kun no Sekai, Tokyo Alien Brothers, I”s), Irie Yu
Directors: Irie Yu, Katagiri Kenji, Kishizuka Yuki
Cast: Hirose Suzu, Sakurai Sho, Eguchi Yosuke, Katsuji Ryo, Nakamura Aoi, Tomita Miu, Hashimoto Kanna, Mishima Ayona, Nakamura Toru, Maki Yoko, Ishiguro Ken, Yamazaki Hirona, Oshima Yuko (guest star), Ueda Tatsuya (guest star), Okudaira Daiken (guest star), Kato Ryo (guest star), Minamino Yoko (guest star)
Synopsis: Kazama Naoki (Sakurai Sho) is a crack detective at the private investigation firm Nemesis in Yokohama. He has a brilliant mind like Sherlock Holmes and solves every difficult case. But the true detective is actually his talented assistant Mikami Anna (Hirose Suzu). The two of them, who make quite an odd duo, are searching for Anna’s father Hajime (Nakamura Toru). He is a scientist and went missing all of a sudden. Together with Kurita Kazuaki (Eguchi Yosuke), the owner of Nemesis who is Hajime’s good friend, Anna and Kazama seek clues to his disappearance. As they take on one puzzling trick-ridden case after another, they seem to find a hint related to her father each time that brings about a new riddle. Then they learn that the key to solving the mystery of his disappearance is a 20-year-old incident that was hushed up. What Anna does not yet realise is that both Kazama and Kurita are connected to this incident … …
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/nemesis
Twitter: twitter.com/nemesis_ntv_
Preview: Nemesis Teaser

Kekkon Dekinai ni wa Wake ga Aru
Date: From 11.55 p.m., Sundays, 18 April – 20 June 2021
Station: ABC TV
Genre: Romance
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Kekkon Dekinai ni wa Wake ga Aru by Murasaki
Scriptwriters: Moral (Goku Shufudo, Manatsu no Shonen, LINE no Kotaeawase), Kuwashima Kenji
Directors: Honda Ryuichi, Kuwashima Kenji, Matoba Masayuki, Katayama Yuichi
Theme Song: Saikyou Peace by she9
Cast: Hayami Mokomochi, Wakatsuki Yumi, Furukawa Tsuyoshi, Igashira Manami, Yamaguchi Maho, Yoshida Shiori, Akiyama Yuzuki, Narumi Juria, Dandy Sakano, Takada Shoko
Synopsis: 29-year-old Goto Mariko (Wakatsuki Yumi) dreams of marrying her ideal man by the age of 30, a man like Tomizawa Mitsuo (Hayami Mokomichi) who is a section chief at the company where she works. She will not get married if it is not to the person she likes. And she will not be able to like someone unless he is her ideal guy. Mariko falls in love with smart, handsome and tall Tomizawa. He seems like a perfect man, but he has a secret that he cannot tell anyone. He loves his doll called Michuko. An inexplicable love triangle is about to develop between Mariko and Michuko regarding Tomizawa.
Website: www.asahi.co.jp/konwake
Twitter: twitter.com/dramaplus_abc
Preview: Kekkon Dekinai ni wa Wake ga Aru CM

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