Night Doctor
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Mondays, 21 June – 13 September 2021
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Medical
Episodes: 11
Scriptwriter: Okita Haruka (Radiation House, Good Doctor, Keiji Yugami)
Directors: Sekino Munenori, Sawada Kensaku
Cast: Haru, Tanaka Kei, Kishi Yuta, Okazai Sae, Kitamura Takumi, Hara Nanoka, Miyase Ryubi, Ichinose Hayate, Noro Kayo, Sakurai Kaito, Tozuka Junki, Takezai Terunosuke, Kajihara Zen, Maya Miki, Ono Takehiko, Sawamura Ikki, Satoi Kenta (guest star), Tanimura Mitsuki (guest star), Kasahara Hideyuki (guest star), Tonesaku Toshihide (guest star), Konno Mahiru (guest star), Yamamoto Mirai (guest star), Matsui Airi (guest star)
Synopsis: Japan’s emergency medical care is severely understaffed. Overtime hours per doctor is increasing as they are overworked. In particular, in the field of emergency medical care at night, there are few doctors with a wealth of experience, and on some occasions, they are unable to handle treatments outside their area of specialisation. Despite this situation, a constant stream of seriously ill patients are brought in at night. In such circumstances, medical errors that can kill a patient can occur. Hakuoukai Asahi Kaihin Hospital, a branch hospital of Hakuoukai Group, is about to implement a large-scale reform of working arrangements on a trial basis in order to turn around emergency medical care which is on the brink of collapse. This involves total abolition of the system of doctors on duty and the establishment of a team of emergency medical doctors called Night Doctor who only work at night while maintaining the system of accepting any patient 24 hours 365 days a year. The members of this team are Asakura Mitsuki (Haru), Naruse Akito (Tanaka Kei), Fukazawa Arata (Kishi Yuta), Sakuraba Shun (Kitamura Takumi) and Takaoka Yukiho (Okazai Sae). These five doctors of completely different ages, personalities and values begin to work as night doctors with the motto “Refuse no patient.”
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/NightDoctor
Twitter: twitter.com/nd_fujitv
Ii ne! Hikaru Genji-kun Season 2
Date: From 10.45 p.m., Mondays, 7 – 28 June 2021
Station: NHK
Genre: Love comedy
Episodes: 4
Original Work: Ii ne! Hikaru Genji-kun by Estem
Scriptwriter: Abe Mika (Ii ne! Hikaru Genji-kun Season 1)
Directors: Konaka Kazuya, Tanaka Satoshi
Theme Song: NiNiNiNiNi by Okazaki Taiiku
Cast: Chiba Yudai, Ito Sairi, Kiriyama Ren, Iriyama Anna, Kamio Fuju, Ichinose Hayate, Konno Ayaka, Kote Shinya
Synopsis: Fujiwara Saori (Ito Sairi) is gazing up at the fireworks alone as Hikaru Genji (Chiba Yudai) reenters her life. From that day on, the two of them begin a heart-pounding cohabitation again. Saori had ended her contract and moved to a new place in order to forget her memories. However, she never thought that Hikaru would come back and now she has to live in very close quarters with him since her one-room apartment is much smaller than the last. Chujou (Kiriyama Ren), Cain (Kamio Fuju) and Saori’s younger sister Shiori (Iriyama Anna) are happy to see Hikaru return. They help out with the move while watching the progress of Hikaru and Saori’s romance with amusement. However, the appearance of Ichijo Toru (Ichinose Hayate), a peer at Saori’s workplace who likes her, unexpectedly strains the relationship between Hikaru and Saori. On top of that, Saori learns of the existence of a beautiful teacher called Murasaki at the waka classical Japanese poetry class that her boss Abe (Kote Shinya) has started attending. She starts to fret that this woman may be Hikaru’s wife.
Website: www.nhk.jp/p/hikarugenjikun/ts/L2XV225GVX
Twitter: twitter.com/nhk_dramas
Preview: Ii ne! Hikaru Genji-kun Season 2 CM
Related: Ii ne! Hikaru Genji-kun Season 1
Komi-san wa, Komyusho desu
Date: From 10.45 p.m., Mondays, 6 September – 1 November 2021
Station: NHK
Genre: Comedy
Episodes: 8
Original Work: Komi-san wa, Komyusho desu by Oda Tomohito
Scriptwriter: Mizuhashi Fumie (#RemoLove, Mikazuki, Haha ni Naru)
Directors: Okashita Yoshihito, Ishii Eiji
Theme Song: Atashitachi by aiko
Cast: Masuda Takahisa, Ikeda Eliza, Yoshikawa Ai, Yutaro, Kakei Miwako, Onishi Ayaka, Mizubata Junpei
Synopsis: Tadano Hitohito (Masuda Takahisa) qualified for the school of his choice and became a first-year high school student in April this year. On the morning of the school’s entrance ceremony, he encounters the beautiful Komi Shoko (Ikeda Eliza), who looks like she has stepped out from a fashion magazine centrefold, at the school gate. A nervous Tadano tries to talk to her but gets a silent reaction in return. Discovering that Shoko is terrible at communicating with people, he sets out to help her achieve her dream to make 100 friends.
Website: www.nhk.jp/p/ts/EYMZ6JJWVM
Twitter: twitter.com/nhk_dramas
Preview: Komi-san wa, Komyusho desu CM
Chef wa Meitantei
Date: From 11.06 p.m., Mondays, 31 May – 2 August 2021
Station: TV Tokyo
Genre: Food mystery
Episodes: 9
Original Work: Taruto Tatan no Yume, Bangsho wo Anata ni and Macaron wa Macaron by Kondo Fumie
Scriptwriters: Tanaka Shinichi (Papa ga Moichido Koi o Shita, Fuhatsudan, Shachoushitsu no Fuyu), Saijo Mitsutoshi (Oh My Jump!)
Directors: Kimura Hisashi, Taki Yusuke, Mukai Kiyoshi
Ending Theme: Miyakowasure by mihoro
Cast: Nishijima Hidetoshi, Hamada Gaku, Kamio Yu, Ishii Anna, Sato Kanta, Hashimoto Manami, Inoue Sayuri (guest star), Tamaoki Reo (guest star), Tomite Ami (guest star), Okuda Yohei (guest star), Matsumoto Wakana (guest star), Yamashita Rio (guest star), Sylvia Grab (guest star), Emi Kurara (guest star), Aoyagi Sho (guest star), Matobu Sei (guest star), Niiro Shinya (guest star), Riju Go (guest star), Doguchi Yoriko (guest star), Ishizuka Yu (guest star), Yoshizawa Ken (guest star), Yamamoto Koji (guest star), Okunuki Kaoru (guest star), Kumagai Mami (guest star), Sayashi Riho (guest star), Sato Honami (guest star), Miyashita Kanako (guest star)
Synopsis: Mifune Shinobu (Nishijima Hidetoshi) is the chef of a French restaurant called Bistro Pas Mal. He trained at French-style inns and restaurants in the countryside of France for more than 10 years. Despite his taciturn nature and artisan spirit, he is mild-mannered and cares about people. Mifune has completely no interest in Michelin stars, status or titles but wants to heal people with his food. He has an outstanding memory of the flavours, colours and scents of ingredients, and also people’s faces, and notices the smallest details. In fact, he is a great private detective who helps solve the problems or worries of customers who visit the restaurant.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/shefutan
Twitter: twitter.com/tx_shefutan
Preview: Chef wa Meitantei CM
Ukiwa ~ Tomodachi Ijou, Furin Miman
Date: From 11.06 p.m., Mondays, 9 August – 27 September 2021
Station: TV Tokyo
Genre: Romance
Episodes: 8
Original Work: Ukiwa by Nomura Munehiro
Scriptwriters: Kuramitsu Yasuko (Alive, Scandal Senmon Bengoshi Queen, Keiji Yugami), Kanda Yu (Alibi Kuzushi Uketamawarimasu, Alive, Black Pean)
Directors: Kazama Hiroki, Ota Ryo
Cast: Kadowaki Mugi, Moriyama Naotaro, Tanaka Juri, Takahashi Fumiya, Onishi Sakurako, Daito Shunsuke, Renbutsu Misako, Nishida Naomi
Synopsis: Housewife Nakayama Maiko (Kadowaki Mugi) has just moved to Tokyo from Hiroshima due to her husband Takuya’s (Daito Shunsuke) job. She is excited about her new life in Tokyo but her husband has been busy with work. He comes home late and does not eat the dinner she prepares for him every night. Maiko becomes friends with her husband’s boss Futaba Hajime (Moriyama Naotaro), who lives in the apartment next door, through conversations across the verandah. As he is kind and a good listener, she gradually opens up to him. Then Maiko learns about her husband’s lies for the first time. What she had believed in thus far starts to crumble. The more Maiko and Futaba bond, the more they are drawn to each other. Reasoning that extending a hand to help when someone has been betrayed by a trusted person and is unable to recover, they tell themselves this is not an affair. Will the two of them end up crossing the line?
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/ukiwa
Twitter: twitter.com/tx_ukiwa
Preview: Ukiwa Teaser
Kanojo wa Kirei datta
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 6 July – 14 September 2021
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Romance
Episodes: 10
Original Work: She Was Pretty by Jo Sung-Hee
Scriptwriters: Shimizu Yukako (Watashi Teiji de Kaerimasu, Poison Daughter Holy Mother, Reverse), Miura Kisa (Guilty, Watashi Danna Share Shiteta, Shiyakusho)
Directors: Kamiya Kaede, Kinoshita Takao, Matsuda Yusuke
Theme Song: Natsu no Hydrangea by Sexy Zone
Cast: Nakajima Kento, Koshiba Fuka, Akaso Eiji, Sakuma Yui, Takahashi Yuto, Uzaki Misato, Sogawa Ayana, Murase Sae, Yamada Momoko, LiLiCo, Kimura Yuichi, Sugawara Daikichi, Honda Chikara, Katase Nana
Synopsis: Handsome Hasebe Sosuke (Nakajima Kento) looks nothing like the ugly and fat boy who was bullied when he was a child. He is now the creative director and deputy editor of the Japanese-language edition of The Most, a fashion magazine which is sold in 30 countries. Although he is capable, he often arouses resentment for being harsh to editorial department staff. Sosuke transfers from the magazine’s New York headquarters and makes a date with his first love Sato Ai (Koshiba Fuka) after returning to Japan for the first time in 16 years. Ai was a pretty A-student who became his first friend but her looks changed as she grew up and she lost confidence. She has been unemployed after the company she worked for went bankrupt and gets hired by a publishing company’s general affairs department. Sosuke and Ai are unexpectedly reunited at The Most, when she ends up being assigned to work at its editorial department for three months. However, he does not realise that Ai is his first love and she keeps her identity from him.
Website: www.ktv.jp/kanokire
Twitter: twitter.com/kanokire
Preview: Kanojo wa Kirei datta CM
Promise Cinderella
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 13 July – 14 September 2021
Station: TBS
Genre: Love comedy
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Promise Cinderella by Tachibana Oreko
Scriptwriter: Furuya Kazunao (Gyoretsu no Megumi, Innocence Enzai Bengoshi, Sumika Sumire)
Directors: Murakami Shosuke, Tsuzuchi Junichi
Theme Song: Hadashi no Step by LiSA
Cast: Nikaido Fumi, Maeda Gordon, Matsui Rena, Inowaki Kai, Matsumura Sayuri, Sakai Koharu, Takahashi Katsumi, Tomochika, Moriya Kanna, Kaneko Nobuaki, Mita Yoshiko (guest star), Iwata Takanori
Synopsis: Katsuragi Hayame (Nikaido Fumi), an ordinary housewife around 30, is suddenly told by her husband Masahiro (Inowaki Kai) that he wants a divorce because he has another woman. Reeling from this news, she impulsively storms out of the house. But she gets pickpocketed and ends up penniless and virtually homeless. Then a handsome and rich male high school student Kataoka Issei (Maeda Gordon) that Hayame met by chance, proposes to give her a place to sleep if she plays a game. She is forced to participate in “real-life games” to repay debt that she has been saddled with. Hayame has an aversion to relying on people but she stays at Issei’s family mansion as she devotes herself to games such as humiliating the main character at a party for the wealthy to earn 200,000 yen. Issei turns out to be the younger brother of Hayame’s first love Seigo (Iwata Takanori), the young fifth-generation owner of the high-end traditional Japanese inn Kataoka.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/promise_cinderella_tbs
Twitter: twitter.com/promisecinderella_tbs
Preview: Promise Cinderella CM
Saretagawa no Blue
Date: From 1.28 a.m., Wednesdays, 14 July – 1 September 2021
Station: TBS
Episodes: 8
Original Work: Saretagawa no Blue by Semoto Chika
Scriptwriter: Date Sorami (Raise de wa Chanto Shimasu, Coffee and Vanilla)
Director: Smith
Ending Theme: Lost love song by Hilcrhyme
Cast: Inukai Atsuhiro, Hori Miona, Iwaoka Toru, Takanashi Rin
Synopsis: Tagawa Noburu (Inukai Atsuhiro), a handsome and highly paid designer, is devoted to his wife Aiko (Hori Miona). They seem to be in love with each other and happily married. But Noburu witnesses Aiko enjoying a fling with her married boss Mori Kazumasa (Iwaoka Toru). He cannot believe what he saw of his gentle and cute wife. Feeling utterly betrayed, Noburu decides to take revenge on Aiko who has been indulging her own desires. Kazumasa’s wife Kozue (Takanashi Rin), who has a 9-month-old baby, also learns that he is having an affair and forms an alliance with Noburu.
Website: www.mbs.jp/saretagawa-blue
Twitter: twitter.com/sareburu_mbs
Preview: Saretagawa no Blue CM
Tokyo Seimenjo
Date: From 1.28 a.m., Wednesdays, 8 September – 13 October 2021
Station: TBS
Genre: Food
Episodes: 6
Scriptwriters: Miyamoto Takeshi (Byplayers Series, Prison Hotel), Shimo Ayumi (Keiji Zero)
Director: Kondo Keisuke
Ending Theme: Off The Wall by The Rampage by Exile Tribe
Cast: Yoshino Hokuto, Okuno So, Yanagi Shuntaro, Akita Shiori, Enoue Keiko
Synopsis: Tokyo Seimenjo is part of a chain of udon restaurants known for its quick, cheap and delicious noodles. The bustling restaurant has many regular customers, but their manager has been on maternity leave for the past two months and a reliable staff member has just quit. The four remaining staff members Aoi Haruto (Yanagi Shuntaro), Midorikawa Yoshio (Okuno So), Momota Rin (Akita Shiori) and Kimoto Setsuko (Enoue Keiko), are in a fix. That is when Aoi, the leader of the part-timers, receives a phone call about the arrival of a new manager. Akamatsu Kotaro (Yoshino Hokuto), who previously worked at the hotel which is the parent company of Tokyo Seimenjo, comes to the restaurant. For all his assurance that he knows how things work at a restaurant, Akamatsu does not get any work done because he is overly polite to customers as if he is still working at a hotel. Aoi feels on edge the whole time. Kimoto, Midorikawa and Momota are assigned new duties to cover for Akamatsu. Even so, Akamatsu keeps to his unique style and displays rather thick skin with the proposal of a new menu. Aoi and the other part-timers are confounded by him. What will happen to Tokyo Seimenjo?
Website: www.mbs.jp/tokyoseimenjo
Twitter: twitter.com/tokyoseimen_mbs
Preview: Tokyo Seimenjo CM
Hakozume Tatakau! Kouban Joshi
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Wednesdays, 7 July – 15 September 2021
Station: NTV
Genre: Investigative
Episodes: 9
Original Work: Hakozume Kouban Joshi no Gyakushu by Yasu Miko
Scriptwriter: Nemoto Nonji (Kansatsui Asagao Series, Fruits Takuhaibin, Oh My Jump!)
Directors: Sugawara Shintaro, Nagumo Seiichi, Ito Akinori
Theme Song: Ordinary days by milet
Cast: Toda Erika, Nagano Mei, Miura Shohei, Yamada Yuki, Nishino Nanase, Hirayama Yusuke, Chihara Seiji, Muro Tsuyoshi
Synopsis: 20-year-old rookie police officer Kawai Mai (Nagano Mei) works hard at a police box and feels both physically and mentally drained. She has never felt appreciated even though she supposedly works for the sake of the area’s residents. In addition, she does not find working at a police box rewarding. Mai is about to hand in her resignation when she meets 30-year-old Fuji Seiko (Toda Erika), the former ace detective of the Criminal Investigations Division. Seiko is said to have been forced to transfer to the police box for harassing a subordinate at work but … … This encounter between Mai and Seiko will significantly change their lives as they are suddenly paired up. This odd pair struggle to help and support each other in cases, routine duties and romance?! And Seiko’s true reason for coming to the police box is revealed.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/hakozume
Twitter: twitter.com/hakozume_ntv
Preview: Hakozume CM
Zenra Kantoku Season 2
Date: From 24 June 2021
Network: Netflix
Episodes: 8
Original Work: Zenra Kantoku Muranishi Toru-den by Motohashi Nobuhiro
Scriptwriters: Yamada Yoshitatsu (Tokyo Kaikizake, Zenra Kantoku Season 1, 1,000,000 yen no Onnatachi), Kodera Kazuhisa (Piple, Mushikago no Jomae)
Directors: Take Masaharu, Goto Kotaro
Cast: Yamada Takayuki, Mitsushima Shinnosuke, Tamayama Tetsuji, Morita Misato, Tsunematsu Yuri, Emoto Tokio, Ito Sairi, Tomite Ami, Goto Takenori, Watanabe Daichi, Megumi, Nishiuchi Mariya, Kasamatsu Sho, Masuda Yuka, Yoshida Eisaku, Ihara Tsuyoshi, Miyazawa Rie, Ishibashi Renji, Muroi Shigeru, Koyuki, Pierre Taki, Lily Franky, Kunimura Jun
Synopsis: Muranishi Toru (Yamada Takayuki) reaches the top of the adult video industry at the beginning of the Heisei era. Despite producing a large number of videos and pushing boundaries, none have come close to the hit he made with Kuroki Kaoru (Morita Misato). Kaoru longs to work with Muranishi on another video but he keeps dodging the subject and their relationship gradually grows strained. At that time, he had been encouraged to go into satellite TV and struggles to raise funds for his ambition to “drop erotica from the sky”. CEO Kawada (Tamayama Tetsuji) who has been sharing both the good times and bad times with Muranishi, starts to have misgivings about him running wild and the two of them part ways. Muranishi launches a new company, the more upscale Diamond Visual, and begins promoting new actresses such as Nogi Mariko (Tsunematsu Yuri). Meanwhile, Toshi (Mitsushima Shinnosuke) who had previously made a break with Muranishi and become a gangster under Furuya (Kunimura Jun), meets a hostess called Sayaka (Nishiuchi Mariya) at a high-end club.
Website: www.netflix.com/jp/title/80239462
Preview: Zenra Kantoku Season 2 CM
Tada Rikon Shitenai dake
Date: From 12.00 a.m., Thursdays, 8 July 2021
Station: TV Tokyo
Genre: Suspense
Original Work: Tada Rikon Shitenai dake by Honda Yuki
Scriptwriters: Tanaka Shinichi (Papa ga Moichido Koi o Shita, Fuhatsudan, Shachoushitsu no Fuyu), Shimizu Tadashi (Mushikago no Jomae, Otoko Meshi)
Director: Asato Mari
Theme Song: Fear by Kis-My-Ft2
Cast: Kitayama Hiromitsu, Nakamura Yuri, Sugimoto Tetta, Komoto Masahiro, Hagiwara Minori, Fukami Motoki, Kitagawa Takumi, Ohara Yuno, Yamaguchi Yoshiyuki, Nishikawa Kanako, Takeda Kohei, Dan Jiro
Synopsis: Freelance writer Kakino Masataka (Kitayama Hiromitsu) and school teacher Yukie (Nakamura Yuri) have been a married couple for seven years. However, they do not love each other. Their relationship status is simply: We’re just not divorced. Furthermore, Masataka has a young lover called Natsukawa Moe (Hagiwara Minori) who does newspaper deliveries in the day and works at a bar at night. His playfulness and passing fancy leads to the worst situation. What happens to him is therefore no surprise as sin invites sin.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/tadarikon
Twitter: twitter.com/tx_tadarikon
Preview: Tada Rikon Shitenai dake CM
Nibun no Ichi Fuufu
Date: From 12.40 a.m., Thursdays, 3 June – 28 July 2021
Station: TV Tokyo
Genre: Romance
Episodes: 8
Original Work: Nibun no Ichi Fuufu by Natsukawa Yukino
Scriptwriter: Kawasaki Izumi (Haru to Ao no Obentobako, Nemurenu Shinju, Jimi ni Sugoi! Series)
Directors: Matsuda Ayato, Yamamoto Takeyoshi, Kato Naoki
Ending Theme: 1 no Tsugi wa by NakamuraEmi
Cast: Higa Manami, Takezai Terunosuke, Bando Ryota, Seto Saori, Kokubo Toshihito, Ito Momoka, Abe Oto, Akimoto Sayaka, Kurokawa Tomoka
Synopsis: 32-year-old Nakayama Aya (Higa Manami) and Kazuma (Takezai Terunosuke), her handsome and faithful husband of two years, are a happily married couple who are the envy of the people around them. She should be living a blissful life. But one day, a meaningful message from an unknown woman is sent to her husband’s smartphone. Is her beloved husband cheating on her? They have also not been intimate for two months. Aya gets anxious and begins to search for evidence in order to get her husband back from his lover. This is a battle she has chosen for the sake of their marriage. The small misunderstanding between the couple starts to grow into a big rift. Is Kazuma truly having an affair?
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/nibunnoichi
Twitter: twitter.com/2bunno1_tx
Preview: Nibun no Ichi Fuufu CM
Raise de wa Chanto Shimasu Season 2
Date: From 12.40 a.m., Thursdays, 12 August – 29 September 2021
Network: TV Tokyo
Genre: Love comedy
Episodes: 8
Original Work: Raise de wa Chanto Shimasu by Itsuma-chan
Scriptwriters: Peyoung Maki (Raise de wa Chanto Shimasu Season 1, Koi no Tsuki, Retake), Date Sorami (Raise de wa Chanto Shimasu Season 1, Coffee & Vanilla, Goodbye)
Director: Miki Koichiro
Theme Song: Ultimate Love Zenbu by Omori Seiko
Cast: Uchida Rio, Ota Rina, Koseki Yuta, Goto Takenori, Tobinaga Tsubasa, Kojima Fujiko, Yutaro, Nakagawa Chika, Ura Mayu, Shiono Akihisa, Hirata Yuya, Nomura Shohei, Tomita Kentaro, Obata Onii-san, SWAY, Kudo Haruka, Itagaki Rihito
Synopsis: Studio Delta is a small video production company in Tokyo which does CG for anime and games. It is rather hard work for its five employees who often have late nights. One of its employees, 27-year-old Omori Momoe (Uchida Rio), is a sex addict in intimate relationships with five male friends. She thinks of sex as a hobby that does not cost money. However, Momoe is truly in love with A-kun (Shiono Akihisa) who is her favourite. A-kun is well-educated, works for a trading company, and draws a good salary. But A-kun has a girlfriend. Although Momoe feels heartbroken and empty, she knows that her love will be unrequited and supposes she will do it right in her next life.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/raisechan2
Twitter: twitter.com/tx_raisechan
Preview: Raise de wa Chanto Shimasu Season 2 CM
Hachigatsu wa Yoru no Batting Centre de
Date: From 1.10 a.m., Thursdays, 8 July – 8 September 2021
Station: TV Tokyo
Genre: Sports
Episodes: 9
Original Work: Hachigatsu no Cinderella Nine
Scriptwriters: Yamada Yoshitatsu (Zenra Kantoku Season 1, Denei Shojo Series, Nou ni Sumaho ga Umerareta!), Yajima Koichi (Kenkou de Bunkatekina Saitei Gendo no Seikatsu, Aino Kekkon Soudanjo, Busujima Yuriko no Sekirara Nikki)
Directors: Hara Hiroto, Shima Kentaro, Harada Kentaro
Ending Theme: Konna ni Kanashii no ni Hara ni Naru by CreepHyp
Cast: Sekimizu Nagisa, Nakamura Toru, Itaya Yuka (guest star), Kinami Haruka (guest star), Sato Hitomi (guest star), Takeda Rena (guest star), Fukagawa Mai (guest star), Hotta Akane (guest star), Yamazaki Yuhane (guest star), Yamashita Rio (guest star)
Synopsis: 17-year old high school girl Natsuha Mai (Sekimizu Nagisa) is on summer break and has begun working part-time at the batting practice centre that her uncle runs. Troubled female customers (Itaya Yuka, Kinami Haruka, Sato Hitomi, Takeda Rena, Fukagawa Mai, Hotta Akane, Yamazaki Yuhane, Yamashita Rio) come here at night. A mysterious man Ito Tomohiro (Nakamura Toru) seems to watch them hit the balls in the batter box every night. He says he can tell what problems they have just by observing their swings. He tries to guide them in solving their worries through baseball baseball theory.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/hachinai89
Twitter: twitter.com/@tx_hachinai89
IP ~ Cyber Sousa-han
Date: From 8.00 p.m., Thursdays, 1 July – 16 September 2021
Station: TV Asahi
Genre: Investigative
Episodes: 9
Scriptwriter: Todayama Masashi (Tokkai, Keiji Zero Series, Specialist Series)
Directors: Kanesaki Ryosuke, Shintoku Koji
Theme Song: family by Sekai no Owari
Cast: Sasaki Kuranosuke, Fukuhara Haruka, Mamiya Shotaro, Horiuchi Keiko, Yoshimura Kaito, Nakagawa Chika, Takahata Atsuko, Sugimoto Tetta
Synopsis: The Kyoto Prefectural Police has established the Cyber Crime Unit to tackle cyber crimes. A groundbreaking team that primarily supports investigations with the most advanced equipment and skills such as web analysis and profiling, it has been granted the power to conduct investigations at the scene and make arrests. Despite bringing together outstanding experts and being set up with much fanfare, what comes into the Cyber Crime Unit are all troublesome tasks such as doing background work on cyber crimes and cleaning up. Although the team led by Hiratsuka Eitaro (Sugimoto Tetta) has investigative authority, it is resigned to playing a support role in the prefectural police’s chain of command. Unfortunately they are mocked as “cleaning crew” in a pun on their name even though they are leading edge.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/ip
Twitter: twitter.com/ip_cyber2021
Kinkyuu Torishirabeshitsu Season 4
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Thursdays, 8 July – 16 September 2021
Station: TV Asahi
Genre: Investigative
Episodes: 9
Scriptwriter: Inoue Yumiko (BG Series, Kinkyuu Torishirabeshitsu Series, Pandora Series)
Director: Tsunehiro Jota
Theme Song: Litmus by Ryokuoushakai
Cast: Amami Yuki, Tanaka Tetsushi, Hayami Mokomichi, Suzuki Kosuke, Kudo Asuka, Tsukaji Muga, Denden, Ikeda Narushi, Kohinata Fumiyo, Momoi Kaori (guest star), Otani Ryohei
Synopsis: The Emergency Investigation Response Team, a team of interrogation experts that goes by the name of Kintori, implemented audio-videos recordings of interrogations and contributed to clarifying the motives of suspects through these recordings even before it was officially mandated. However, it is now an era where audio-video recordings of interrogations have become common practice. The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department considers that the team’s role is over. Clear evidence such as interrogation videos and surveillance camera footage, which is important for an arrest, can even be easily obtained. But the members believe that there must be facts that cannot be seen from visuals alone. Faced with the strict time limit of a 100 days before the team is terminated, they intently tackle the cases at hand and work towards unravelling the motives of suspects. However, a battle that surpasses all imagination awaits them from their first case. What will be the fate of the Emergency Investigation Response Team?
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/kintori
Twitter: twitter.com/kintori_tvasahi
Related: Kinkyuu Torishirabeshitsu Season 3
Hakoniwa no Lemming
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Thursdays, 17 June – 8 July 2021
Network: Abema TV
Genre: Omnibus suspense
Episodes: 4
Scriptwriter: –
Director: Fujii Michihito
Cast: Isomura Hayato, Mikami Ai, Okayama Amane, Suga Kenta, Tomiyama Eriko, Suzuki Miu, Tsubone Yuto, Ando Ryuichi, Suzuki Kosuke, Mizuno Maki, Nishimura Kazuhiko, Fukagawa Mai, Tanaka Shunsuke, Kawashima Junya, Toritani Hiroyuki, Suzuki Taku, Iwaya Kenji, Uchida Chika, Yamamoto Hiroshi, Furukawa Tsuyoshi, Abe Yumeri, Suzuki Maiko, Okuda Yohei
Synopsis: With the widespread use of the internet, social media has become a part of people’s daily lives. However, for some young people who are obsessed with it, their desire to be popular, need for approval, warped sense of justice and exhibitionism drives them to destruction and lunacy. The darkness and fear of these young people are the current social issues caused by social media.
Website: abema.tv/video/title/90-1529
Sakeguse 50
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Thursdays, 15 July – 19 August 2021
Network: Abema TV
Episodes: 6
Scriptwriter: Suzuki Osamu (M Ai Subeki Hito ga Ite, Sensei o Kesu Houteishiki, Ubai Ai Series)
Director: Kobayashi Yuki
Cast: Koide Keisuke, Asaka Kodai (guest star), Maeno Tomoya (guest star), Inukai Atsuhiro (guest star), Murakami Jun (guest star), Koike Teppei (guest star), Wakabayashi Takuya, Kobayashi Ryoko, Koyanagi Yu, Hakamada Yoshihiko, Okada Koki, Mizuma Ron, Yui Ryoko, Yamanaka Takashi
Synopsis: Sakeno Sei (Koide Keisuke) works for Hate Alcohol Firm. He receives a request for a “Hate Alcohol Programme” from the CEO of a company. It is meant to gather 50 employees (Asaka Kodai, Maeno Tomoya, Inukai Atsuhiro) with the worst drinking habits, exhibiting behaviours such as coercion, violence and a lack of inhibition under the influence of alcohol. These alcohol addicts will be shown a video to get them to understand the dangers of excessive drinking. Although Sakeno has a unique method to help people with bad drinking habits, there are participants who remain undaunted even after attending the programme and continue consuming large amounts of alcohol. What is the shocking and unpredictable end that will befall them? In addition, it will become clear why Sakano decided to start the Hate Alcohol Programme.
Website: abema.tv/video/title/90-1537
Oshi no Oujisama
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Thursdays, 15 July – 23 September 2021
Network: Fuji TV
Genre: Love comedy
Episodes: 11
Scriptwriters: Aso Kumiko (Lunch Gokon Tantei, Gosaigyo, Yami no Banshosha Series), Date-san (Ojisama to Neko, 40-man km Kanata no Koi, Toki o Kakeru Band)
Directors: Kimura Masato, Kono Keita, Kuraki Yoshinori
Theme Song: Love Song by Uru
Cast: Higa Manami, Watanabe Keisuke, Dean Fujioka, Shiraishi Sei, Tokunaga Eri, Seto Toshiki, Sano Hinako, Tani Kyosuke, Fujiwara Taiyu, Funakoshi Eiichiro
Synopsis: 36-year-old Hidaka Izumi (Higa Manami) is the CEO of Pegasus Inc, a startup which creates dating games for females. While working at an insurance company, Izumi was addicted to such games and moved to work for a game company. After that, she started Pegasus Inc. Its first game called Love My Pegasus became an unprecedented huge hit when it was released and she was hailed as an up-and-coming businesswoman. In this game, players fall in love with the character Kent-sama who was created based on Izumi’s ideals. In her private life, Izumi has not been in a relationship for years. Since the success of Love My Pegasus, she has been racking her brain for the production of the next game. One night, a weary Izumi is walking home after having one too many drinks when a man literally falls from the sky all of a sudden. Although she is taken aback, she gets a bigger surprise after taking a look at his face. This man is a dead-ringer for Kent-sama in Love My Pegasus. He is 23-year-old Igarashi Wataru (Watanabe Keisuke) who seems like a prince who had swooped down to earth when he had actually been running away from debt collectors. Only his looks match her ideals. Wataru is ill-mannered, uncultured and apathetic. Despite her disappointment, Izumi decides to change his life and develop him into the ideal guy as a result of an unexpected turn of events.
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/oshinooujisama
Twitter: twitter.com/oshi_no_oji
Preview: Oshi no Oujisama CM
Ita Ike ni Koi Shite
Date: From 11.59 p.m., Thursdays, 1 July – 9 September 2021
Station: NTV
Genre: Love comedy
Episodes: 10
Scriptwriter: Tokuo Koji (Koi wa Deep ni, Watashi no Kaseifu Nagisa-san, Ossan’s Love)
Director: Toyoshima Keisuke
Theme Song: Driver’s Licence by Olivia Rodrigo
Cast: Watanabe Daichi, Kikuchi Fuma, Ike Nwala, Ishikawa Ren, Ishii Anna, Masu Takeshi, Otomo Karen (guest star)
Synopsis: A struggling singer-songwriter Kageyama Nobuhiro (Watanabe Daichi), a proud, overconfident young actor Iizuka Masaki (Kikuchi Fuma) and a struggling American manga artist Merrick Johnson Jr (Ike Nwala) have been gathered at a shared house in Tokyo. The three young men are live-in part-timers at the Romance Science Research Institute. It is run by Hirota Sachi (Ishii Anna), a graduate student studying the psychology of love. On top of this work, Sachi is also a popular social media influencer in romance who gives advice and talks about her own failures in romance self-deprecatingly. They have been hired to assist her in solving the problems of clients who come to the institute. As they work through various types of romantic issues, will their own romances bear fruit?
Website: www.ytv.co.jp/itakoi
Twitter: twitter.com/itakoi_drama
Hatsu Jouji made Ato 1-jikan
Date: From 12.59 a.m., Fridays, 23 July – 10 September 2021
Station: TBS (followed by TELASA J:COM)
Genre: Omnibus romance
Episodes: 8
Original Work: Hatsu Jouji made Ato 1-jikan by Knots
Scriptwriters: Hashiguchi Ryosuke (Koibitotachi, Gururi no Koto), Miura Daisuke (Uragiri no Machi, Nanimono, Ai no Uzu), Oku Akiko (Sutete yo Adachi-san, Ano Ko no Yume o Mitan desu, Jiko Keisatsu Hajimemashita), Taniguchi Kohei (Yaritai Futari)
Directors: Hashiguchi Ryosuke, Miura Daisuke, Oku Akiko, Taniguchi Kohei
Ending Theme: Asu wa Nichiyoubi by Rain Drops
Cast: Kudo Asuka, Usuda Asami, Hagiwara Riku, Kiryu Mai, Matsuyuki Yasuko, Omori Nao, Mochizuki Ayumu, Aoyama Misato, Nakata Seina, Okamoto Rei, Nakao Akira, Sato Honami, Shuri, Watanabe Daichi, Otomo Karen, Hosoda Kanata
Synopsis: The first liaison is a special moment that only comes once for all lovers. One hour before lovers are to join for the first time, some might want to get close but cannot do so while some draw close even though they should keep their distance. The giddy game of romance which connects and lays both body and mind bare. The tangle of emotions right before couples make love and the various forms of love – amusing, heartrending, awkward, bothersome but hopelessly endearing – are depicted. Doll lovers (Kudo Asuka, Usuda Asami) who hit it off at a meet-up; childhood friends who meet again (Matsuyuki Yasuko, Omori Nao); two sisters and the older sister’s lover (Mochizuki Ayumu, Aoyama Misato, Nakata Seina); a junior who is in love with a senior (Okamoto Rei) troubled by an affair; a cheating couple (Nakao Akira, Sato Honami); a woman (Shuri) who is terribly unhappy; an aspiring director and actress (Otomo Karen, Hosoda Kanata); a male and female listener who call each other by their pseudonyms on a radio programme; a hotpot party with a jumble of unrequited love; a bookstore employee who is a late bloomer; and part-timers at a karaoke bar.
Website: www.mbs.jp/hatsu-jouji
Twitter: twitter.com/hatsujouji
Preview: Hatsu Jouji made Ato 1-jikan CM
Joge Kankei
Date: From 6.00 p.m., Fridays, 30 July – 8 October 2021
Network: Line News Vision
Genre: Mystery
Episodes: 10
Scriptwriters: Wada Kiyohito (Nihon Boro Yado Kikou, Shinjuku Seven), Hitsuji, Nishi Kosuke (Zettai Seigi, Napoleon no Mura, Mozu Series)
Director: Kakimoto Kensaku
Theme Song: Gekijo by Dios
Cast: Kubozuka Yosuke, Kawai Yumi, Oshima Yuko, Furuya Kenji, Tanaka Rena, Denden, Itao Itsuji
Synopsis: Honda Konatsu (Kawai Yumi) has come to Tokyo from the countryside where hierarchical relationships are strict observed. She moves into Maison Pilgrim, an apartment building where only the quirky people of the lower class live. The residents are Yamaha Nonoka (Oshima Yuko), a woman who works in the nightlife district; Toyota Hibiki (Furuya Kenji), a struggling member of a music band; Hino Shigeo (Denden), a creepy caretaker; and a mysterious man called Kawasaki (Kubozuka Yosuke) who is always on the rooftop. On Konatsu’s first night in the building, she hears a young girl’s terrifying shrieks. The next day, a detective Mitsuoka Daigo (Itao Itsuji) comes to visit. She is notified that a girl who lived here previously has gone missing. Kawasaki warns Konatsu that there is something strange about this apartment. However, she ignores his warning. She goes after the mystery and arrives at a shocking truth.
Website: jogekankei.com
Twitter: twitter.com/JogeKankei_vi
Preview: Joge Kankei CM
New World Makers
Date: From 8.00 p.m., Wednesday, 21 July, Fridays from 30 July – 17 December 2021
Network: Youtube by Menicon
Episodes: 12
Scriptwriter: Yanagi Akina
Director: Yanagi Akina
Theme Song: Esora by Marcy
Cast: Hamabe Minami, Itagaki Mizuki, Imo Haruka, Yutaro, Kuribayashi Aino, Otomo Kazuki, Miura Ryota, Fuwa Mansaku, Hinagata Akiko, Ahn Mika, Hamatsu Takayuki, Nikaido Satoshi
Synopsis: Tatsuya’s (Itagaki Mizuki) mother passed away and he lives with his father. He spends his time every day working part-time with the goal of saving money to revive the photography studio that his parents once ran. As a result of the influence of his mother who was a makeup artist, Tatsuya is able to do make up. But he has never had the opportunity to hold a brush as he does his best to avoid getting involved with people. One day, Tatsuya reflexively helps Kotona (Imo Haruka) and also meets Yuta (Yutaro) during an accident that started from a misunderstanding. Kotona is a plain, diffident girl who has run away from home and pretends to be strong in front before other people while Yuta (Yutaro) is a young man with a complicated family background and an unusual fashion sense. Hoping to launch his own brand some day, Yuta creates clothes which Kotona is asked to be the model and Tatsuya is roped in to take charge of the make up. Their lives change as a result of this encounter. They learn that even without outstanding talent, it is possible to pursue what they like and accomplish something with friends.
Website: www.menicon.co.jp/mels20th/nwms
Twitter: twitter.com/nwms_official
Preview: New World Makers CM
Momo Ume
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Fridays, 10 September 2021 (4 episodes each week)
Network: Hulu & NTV
Genre: Corporate
Episodes: 40
Original Work: Momo Ume by Cubic
Scriptwriter: Mori Hayashi (Himo Men, Mane no Tenshi, Isharyou Bengoshi)
Director: Yamamoto Yoshihiko
Cast: Ito Sairi, Eguchi Noriko, Minagawa Sarutoki, Ito Asako, Sayashi Riho, Aoyama Megu, Arisawa Shotaro, Konishi Eito, Kuriyama Chiaki (guest star)
Synopsis: 24-year-old newbie office lady Momo-chan (Ito Sairi) and 40-year-old veteran office lady Ume-san (Eguchi Noriko) are colleagues and get along despite their difference in ages. Although Momo-chan is still inexperienced in some areas, she tries to do her best in everything but is just a tiny bit off course. She is a lovable character who demonstrates a peculiarly observant eye and humorously goes down to the nitty gritty about various queer employees and the company. Ume-san listens to Momo-chan talk with motherly patience and infinite love and smoothly goes along with her jokes and retorts.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/momoume
Twitter: twitter.com/momo_and_ume
Preview: Momo Ume CM
#Kazoku Boshuu Shimasu
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Fridays, 9 July – 24 September 2021
Station: TBS
Genre: Family
Episodes: 9
Scriptwriter: Magy (Mukai no Bazuru Kazoku, Kanna-san, Rinshou Hanzai Gakusha Himura Hideo no Suiri Series)
Directors: Fukuda Ryosuke, Murao Yoshiaki
Theme Song: Dekkai Ai by Johnny’s West
Cast: Shigeoka Daiki, Kimura Fumino, Nakano Taiga, Kishii Yukino, Sato Haruto, Miyazaki Ririsa, Miura Kira
Synopsis: Akagi Shunpei (Shigeoka Daiki) just became a single father three months ago due to some circumstances. While struggling to bring up his 5-year-old son Haru (Sato Haruto), he happens to meet his childhood friend Osanai Sosuke (Nakano Taiga) again. Shunpei gets tangled up in an offbeat invitation with the hashtag #bemyfamily that Sosuke posts on social media. Sosuke had been thinking about earning rental income in order to rebuild Nijiya, the old okonomiyaki shop where he works, by turning the empty second floor into a communal living space. Shunpei does not believe anyone will respond to this invitation. However, as a result of this #bemyfamily social media post, he meets single mother Momota Rei (Kimura Fumino) who is an elementary school teacher and singer-songwriter Yokose Meiku (Kishii Yukino) who has a son (Miura Kira). The four adults and three children start living under the same roof.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/kazokuboshuu_tbs
Twitter: twitter.com/kazoku_tbs
Preview: #Kazoku Boshuu Shimasu CM
Otoko Copywriter, Ikukyu o Toru
Date: From 11.00 p.m., Fridays, 9 July – 13 August 2021
Network: WOWOW
Genre: Comedy
Episodes: 6
Original Work: Otoko Copywriter, Ikukyu o Toru by Ugaeri Yohei
Scriptwriter: Hosokawa Toru (Tonari no Seki-kun)
Director: Yamaguchi Junta
Cast: Seto Koji, Takiuchi Kumi, Akapen Takigawa, Fukuchi Momoko, Shoji Yusuke, Ikeda Narushi, Murakami Jun
Synopsis: Ugaeri Yohei (Seto Koji) is a copywriter who works for an advertising agency. He is overjoyed that his wife Aiko (Takiuchi Kumi) is pregnant and decides to take six months of paternity leave. It is an unprecedented move as no one at his workplace has ever taken paternity leave for half a year. Yohei comes up with a detailed transition plan and submits his leave to his anxious boss Hamasaki (Murakami Jun). Although he is deeply moved by the birth of his daughter, it is a fleeting moment that soon gives way to chaos. The chaotic days gradually blur the boundary between reality and delusion. But at the same time, he also encounters a new world that was previously unknown to him. There are also a string of thorny problems such as hunting for a nursery school, making friends with other fathers and sharing childcare duties.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/original/ikukyu
Twitter: twitter.com/drama_wowow
Hyouchakusha
Date: From 11.15 p.m., Fridays, 23 July – 24 September 2021
Network: TV Asahi
Episodes: 9
Original Work: Hyouchakusha by Akimoto Yasushi
Scriptwriters: Kanda Yu (Gekikarado, Alive, Alibi Kuzushi Uketamawarimasu), Brazily Anne Yamada (Yokai Sharehouse, Silent Voice Series, Tokyo Sentimental Series)
Directors: Motohashi Keita, Yamamoto Daisuke
Theme Song: Yasashisa no Ken by Novelbright
Cast: Saito Takumi, Shiraishi Mai, Funakoshi Eiichiro, Lily Franky, Tozuka Junki, Nomaguchi Toru, Hashimoto Jun, Namase Katsuhisa
Synopsis: A naked handsome man (Saito Takumi) drifts ashore on the coast of a certain region. Three high school girls who happened to discover this man, post a video of him on social media. The hashtag #handsomenakeddrifter starts trending and he suddenly becomes the man of the moment. Called Hemingway because he had muttered the words “Winner Take Nothing”, which is the name of one of Ernest Hemingway’s collection of short works, when he was found, this man has no memories or knowledge of who he is. He displays prophetic ability which guides the resolution of a series of inexplicable incidents around him including the disappearance of a girl and a bizarre murder. People start to fanatically believe in his divine power and worship him little by little. Despite the wild enthusiasm of the people, Hemingway himself remains consistent from beginning to end. People are the ones who pounce on his words, read his expressions and try to infer his identity. Who is Hemingway and what is the truth regarding the series of incidents?
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/hyouchakusha
Twitter: twitter.com/hyochakusha2021
Hitori de Nomeru mon!
Date: From 11.30 p.m., Fridays, 4 June – 23 July 2021
Network: WOWOW
Genre: Food
Episodes: 8
Original Work: Hitori de Nomeru mon! by Konari Misato
Scriptwriters: Yokota Rie (Hot Mom!, Nile Perch no Joshikai, Mistresses), Mizuhashi Fumie (Remo Love, Scarlet, Haha ni Naru), Inoue Kiko
Directors: Ninomiya Takashi, Shindo Takehiro, Shimomukai Eiki
Theme Song: So What by SPiCYSOL
Cast: Omasa Aya, Kiriyama Ren, Omoto Karen, Taimura Mitsuki, Tobinaga Tsubasa, Murasugi Seminosuke, Shibuki Jun
Synopsis: Benikawa Mei (Omasa Aya) works for the public relations department of a cosmetics company. She is not only beautiful but was selected to be the leader of the department at a young age. While Mei is respected within the company for her job performance, she is also the target of much jealousy. There are rumours that she is quite fussy about what she eats in order to maintain her beauty and figure that is the envy of everyone. But reality is actually quite the opposite. Mei rewards herself by drinking alone at a food chain on her way home from work. She enjoys a blissful glass and eats delicious food at a reasonable price to unwind after a day of hard work and psych herself for the next day.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/original/nomerumon
Twitter: twitter.com/drama_wowow
Preview: Hitori de Nomeru mon! CM
Grappler Baki wa BL dewa nai ka to Kangaetsuzuketa Otome no Kiroku
Date: From 11.00 p.m., Fridays, 20 August – 1 October 2021
Network: WOWOW
Episodes: 7
Original Work: Grappler Baki wa BL dewa nai ka to 1 Nichi 30 jikan 300 Nichi Kangaeta Otome no Kiroku by Kaneda Junko
Scriptwriter: Ueda Makoto (Urayasu Tekkin Kazoku, Streetwise in Wonderland Series, Dragon Seinendan)
Director: Yamagishi Santa
Cast: Matsumoto Honoka, Okayama Amane, Kamio Fuju, Iwasaki Udai, Shimada Momoi, Hoshi Moeka
Synopsis: Kojima Akane (Matsumoto Honoka) works for a stationary manufacturer. She has a hobby reading BL manga and no one in the company knows about. Akane is such a rabid fan of BL manga to the extent that she replaces even the most common things around her with BL. One day, she comes to know about Grappler Baki, a manga series on hand-to-hand combat, and discovers tremendous potential for BL in the physical beauty of the fighters and their captivating behaviour. Taking the characters and fighting scenes from Grappler Baki, Akane starts reimagining them for a BL story. She hides her true self as she does her work flawlessly in the office. Akane is happy in her imaginary world. However, the preparation for an important presentation as well as a reunion with an ex-classmate Shibamoto Taiju (Kamio Fuju) start to disrupt her halcyon days.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/original/bakibl
Twitter: twitter.com/drama_wowow
Enjiya
Date: From 11.30 p.m., Fridays, 30 July – 3 September 2021
Network: WOWOW
Episodes: 6
Scriptwriter: Noguchi Teruo
Director: Noguchi Teruo
Cast: Nao, Isomura Hayato, Kasahara Shinji, Aoyama Noriko, Kurauchi Hideki, Kato Yuzuna, Imai Kosuke, Tokunaga Eri, Ito Momoka, Ito Asahi, Shimazaki Haruka, Tanaka Shunsuke, Shirakawa Yujiro, Oshinari Shugo, Okayama Hajime, Hakamada Yoshihiko
Synopsis: On the day before his wedding ceremony, Tomoki (Isomura Hayato) loses both his job and fiancee after being falsely accused of molest. Deciding to take his own life, he is about to jump from the rooftop of a building when he sees a woman screaming and running towards him. She has been attacked by a man wielding a knife. Even Tomoki who happened to be there ends up getting stabbed … … Or so he thought. But this is all staged – an act by the performer Aika (Nao) and her client. Tomoki learns about the existence of this new occupation known as enjiya from Aika where she gets into a client’s requested character. He decides to hire her to take revenge on the people who falsely accused him of molest. Tomoki is initially unable to conceal his bewilderment with the occupation but he is gradually captivated by this world. He grows through “exacting revenge” with Aika and in the process, falls in love with her.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/original/enjiya
Twitter: twitter.com/drama_wowow
Tokyo, Ai da no, Koi da no
Date: From 12.00 a.m., Saturdays, 11 September – 16 October 2021
Network: Paravi
Episodes: 7
Scriptwriters: Mukai Kosuke (Yuganda Hamon, Shinya Shokudo Series), Peyoung Maki (Raise de wa Chanto Shimasu Series, Koi no Tsuki), Tanada Yuki (Sakuran)
Director: Tanada Yuki
Cast: Matsumoto Marika, Maiguma Katsuya, Kaji Yuki, Ichinose Hayate, Shimizu Hazuki, Ohara Sakurako (guest star), Furukawa Yuki (guest star), Eguchi Noriko (guest star), Okura Koji (guest star), Itaya Yuka (guest star), Goriki Ayame (guest star), Miura Takahiro (guest star), Tanaka Shunsuke (guest star), Megumi (guest star), Koseki Yuta (guest star), Tanaka Yoji (guest star), Shuri (guest star), Ando Sei (guest star), Oshinari Shugo (guest star), Ando Tamae (guest star), Usuda Asami (guest star), Ichikawa Yui (guest star), Onoe Hiroyuki (guest star), First Summer Uika (guest star), Hasegawa Tomoharu (guest star)
Synopsis: Wada Kae (Matsumoto Marika) is 35 this year and works for a company in Tokyo that rents properties. While she thinks it is about time to get married to her boyfriend of 10 years, Hashimoto Tatsuya (Kaji Yuki), she feels a sense of security with a male friend Ashiya Yusaku (Maiguma Katsuya) from university days. There are women around Kae attempting to find a place to live for some reason or other, and also acquaintances with worries. A bride-to-be (Ohara Sakurako) who loses confidence in marriage; a career woman (Megumi) for a cosmetics company who is lonely beneath her glamorous role, a lawyer (Shuri) reexamining life plans, friends who lead starkly different lives as a full-time housewife (Usuda Asami) and a photographer (Ichikawa Yui); a web designer (First Summer Uika) who avoids complicated interpersonal relationships and is therefore insecure about the future. What is Tokyo to these women who try hard to live positively? And what will become of Kae’s romance?
Website: www.paravi.jp/static/tokyo_aikoi
Twitter: twitter.com/tokyo_aikoi
Preview: Tokyo, Ai da no, Koi da no CM
Chosoku Parahero Gandeen
Date: From 6.05 p.m., Saturdays, 26 June – 10 July 2021
Station: NHK
Genre: Special effects
Episodes: 3
Scriptwriters: Manabe Yukiko (Red Eyes), Kobayashi Hirotoshi (Tantei Yuri Rintaro)
Director: Tsujimoto Takanori
Theme Song: Gyakkou by SymaG
Cast: Okuno So, Koshiba Fuka, Hayashi Karasu, Nakamura Shuri, Wada Soko, Kubota Taketo, Aoyama Sachiko, Mizuno Miki, Tsuruno Takeshi
Synopsis: 17-year-old high school student Morimiya Taishi (Okuno So) dreams of becoming a top wheelchair track and field athlete. Fukai Kei (Koshiba Fuka), a graduate student and former track and field athlete, takes on the role of his coach. Taishi devotes himself to training with her. One day, a mysterious object falls from the sky accompanied by a thunderous sound. It is actually a spacecraft’s escape pod. A handsome alien named Guu (Hayashi Karasu), who escaped a massacre on Earth’s twin star by the Eltron tribe and has come to earth with a mission, is inside. A huge monster Lagert pursues him and attacks the small factory that Taishi’s father (Tsuruno Takeshi) runs in the outskirts of Tokyo. At that moment, the Mode Shifter that Guu hands over to Taishi lights up and envelopes Taishi’s body. His whole body and wheelchair are covered in special protective gear. Transformed into Super Hero Gandeen, Taishi charges at the monster.
Website: www.nhk.jp/p/ts/W6W5WRRLZ2
Twitter: twitter.com/nhk_dramas
Preview: Chosoku Parahero Gandeen Introduction
Hikikomori Sensei Season 1
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Saturdays, 12 June – 10 July 2021
Station: NHK
Genre: School
Episodes: 5
Original Work: Hikikomori Sensei by Hishida Shinya
Scriptwriter: Kajimoto Emi (Borderline)
Directors: Nishitani Shinichi, Ishizuka Yoshimi
Cast: Sato Jiro, Suzuki Honami, Sakuma Yui, Tamaoki Reo, Hankai Kazuaki, Suzuki Rio, Shiraishi Kayoko, Takahashi Katsunori, Murakami Jun, Uchiyama Rina
Synopsis: Ueshima Yohei (Sato Jiro) spent 11 years as a social recluse from the age of 38 to 49. Three years ago, he finally got out of his room. He is a “survivor” so to speak. After emerging from isolation, he started a yakitori shop with the help of people in the community. However, he can barely speak to customers and is still in the process of reintegrating with society. One day, Yohei is asked to be a part-time teacher at a municipal junior high school. The school’s principal Sakaki Tetsuzo (Takahashi Katsunori) wants someone with the experience of withdrawing from society to assist students who refuse to attend school and selects Yohei. It is a groundbreaking idea that the school’s social worker Isozaki Aiko (Suzuki Honami) and a young teacher Fukano Shoko (Sakuma Yui) came up with as they reached a stalemate in running classes for such students. This is too much of a load for Yohei to bear and he firmly refuses. However, he happens to meet one of these students called Nana (Suzuki Rio) who reminds him of his own daughter whom he is separated from. Ueshima’s resolve is shaken. With the support of Yoda (Tamaoki Reo), a fellow social recluse; Nagamine (Hankai Kazuaki), a supporter since his days as a social recluse; Yohei’s mother Mitsuko (Shiraishi Kayoko) and other people, Yohei eventually decides to teach.
Website: www.nhk.jp/p/ts/L29VQMZMK8
Twitter: twitter.com/nhk_dramas
Voice Season 2
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Saturdays, 10 July – 25 September 2021
Station: NTV
Genre: Suspense
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Voice by CJ ENM
Scriptwriter: Hamada Hideya (Voice Season 1, Zettai Reido Season 3, Yake ni Ben no Tatsu Bengoshi ga Gakkou de Hoeru)
Directors: Otani Taro, Kubota Mitsuru, Nishimura Ryo, Shigeyama Yoshinori
Theme Song: Bakemono by BLUE ENCOUNT
Cast: Karasawa Toshiaki, Maki Yoko, Masuda Takahisa, Miyamoto Mayu, Nakagawa Daisuke, Fujima Sawako, Masuda Shota, Fujimoto Takahiro, Tamura Kentaro, Torigoe Soma, Endo Yuya, Fukuzawa Jubun, Miyata Yoshinori, Matsumoto Hiroyuki, Okouchi Hiroshi
Synopsis: Voice profiler Tachibana Hikari (Maki Yoko), the leader of the Emergency Call Unit, and detective Higuchi Shogo (Karasawa Toshiaki) have continued working together to save victims and catch criminals as quickly as possible. Hikari has a special listening ability and can distinguish even the slightest sounds. Picking up hints from the voice of the victim pleading for help and the minute ambient sound behind that voice which ordinary people cannot hear, she swiftly identifies the victim’s location and issues instructions to Higuchi and his team. Once an emergency call to 110 is received, the time starts counting down. The police have get to the scene within three minutes, grasp the situation within five, and arrest the suspect in the next 10 minutes. This determines whether the victim lives or dies. This time, they face a “dark hero” who more than just a villain. The person is a fascinating evil incarnation that seems to represent the melancholy and impotent anger which some of the youth have against society, and give vent to their anguish and pent-up rage.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/voice2
Twitter: twitter.com/voice_ntv
Related: Voice Season 1
Kokucho no Mizuumi
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Saturdays, 24 July – 21 August 2021
Network: WOWOW
Genre: Mystery
Episodes: 5
Original Work: Kokucho no Mizuumi by Usami Makoto
Scriptwriter: Komine Hiroyuki (Anonymous, Kaseifu no Mitazono Series, Himo Men)
Director: Iwata Kazuyuki
Cast: Fujiki Naohito, Kichise Michiko, Miyake Ken, Itao Itsuji, Sugimoto Tetta, Zaizen Naomi, Hattori Misaki, Osumi Kenya, Takuma Shin, Nakajima Hiroko, Sakou Yoshi, Iida Kisuke
Synopsis: A young woman is kidnapped and her belongings are sent individually to her family. Just about everything is too similar. Zaizen Shota (Fujiki Naohito), the CEO of Zaizen Corporation, recalls a similar case 18 years ago. He had been an investigator at a private detective agency and was asked by a man called Tanioka to investigate a case. Tanioka’s daughter was abducted and a piece of her dress, cut up underwear, torn off nails and photos were sent to him. Zaizen is shaken by the similarities of this new case. He owes his glittering life right now to significant tampering he had done on that case 18 years ago. As a result, the criminal was never caught. Now Zaizen’s beloved daughter Mika goes missing and her belongings are sent to him. He wonders whether he is paying for his sins of the past. As he proceeds to investigate Mika’s disappearance on his own, he begins to learn about his wife Yuko’s (Kichise Michiko) past.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/original/kokucho
Twitter: twitter.com/drama_wowow
Haru no Noroi
Date: From 11.25 p.m., Saturdays, 22 May – 26 June 2021
Station: TV Tokyo
Genre: Romance
Episodes: 6
Original Work: Haru no Noroi by Konishi Asuka
Scriptwriter: Ochiai Masayuki
Director: Ochiai Masayuki
Theme Song: Inai by tricot
Cast: Takahashi Hikaru, Kudo Asuka, Sakurada Hiyori, Takashima Reiko
Synopsis: Tachibana Natsumi’s (Takahashi Hikaru) younger sister Haru (Sakurada Hiyori) has passed away. She was just 19. Haru was everything to Natsumi but she was engaged to Hiiragi Togo (Kudo Asuka). Togo comes from a distinguished family that owns a conglomerate. They have always placed emphasis on bloodlines for generations, and his parents set their eyes on Haru, who was a distant relative, as his future wife. Now that Haru has died of illness, his parents propose that he dates Natsumi. Togo dispassionately goes along with their suggestion and asks to date Natsumi. She is speechless and rejects him. However, a sudden memory of Haru’s smile makes her say something least expected. Natsumi asks Togo to take her to all the places where he had dates with Haru. Despite his surprise, he agrees to her request. As Natsumi spends time with the hateful man who stole her younger sister’s heart, the two of them gradually realise that they have things in common. She is unable to repress the feelings welling up in her and feels a sense of guilt.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/harunonoroi
Twitter: twitter.com/tx_harunonoroi
Preview: Haru no Noroi Teaser
Onna no Senso ~ Bachelor Satsujin Jiken
Date: From 11.25 p.m., Saturdays, 3 July – 7 August 2021
Station: TV Tokyo
Genre: Suspense
Episodes: 6
Theme Song: undress me by Cö shu Nie
Scriptwriter: Yamaoka Junpei (Daisy Luck, Seigi no Se, Gin to Kin)
Directors: Kitagawa Hitomi, Yasumi Goro
Cast: Furukawa Yuta, Aoi Wakana, Triendl Reina, Teramoto Rio, Osaki Ichika, Kitahara Rie, Narumi Riko, Matobu Sei, Matsudai Koya, Kita Noa, Serizawa Shun, Haba Yuichi
Synopsis: Naruto Tetsuya (Furukawa Yuta) is a good catch as a magnificent and wealthy bachelor with total assets worth 100 billion yen. Seven women department store employee Shikura Wakana (Aoi Wakana), Kawahara Reina (Triendl Reina), idol Ichinose Rio (Teramoto Rio), wealthy university student Morishita Ichika (Osaki Ichika), nurse Shimada Rie (Kitahara Rie), elite lawyer Suzaki Riko (Narumi Riko) and cosmetic company CEO Endo Sei (Matobu Sei) battle it out for his love. But in the end he is found dead? These women do not just want to be wedded to Tetsuya. Each of them have their own ulterior motives. Who will Tetsuya finally choose and who will kill him?
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/onnanosenso
Twitter: twitter.com/onnanosenso_tx
Ie Tsuite Itte Ii desu ka?
Date: From 11.25 p.m., Saturdays, 14 August – 25 September 2021
Station: TV Tokyo
Episodes: 7
Original Work: Ie Tsuite Itte Ii desu ka?
Scriptwriters: Masaike Yosuke (Rental Nanmo Shinai Hito, Ano Ko no Yume o Mitan desu, Shiyakusho), Inoue Kiko (Hitori de Nomeru mon!), Takao Sonoko
Directors: Ninomiya Takashi, Yoshimura Keisuke, Kikuchi Shunji
Theme Song: Try Mirai by she9
Cast: Ryusei Ryo, Shida Mirai (guest star), Baba Fumika (guest star), Ken Naoko (guest star), Kawashima Umika (guest star), Goriki Ayame (guest star), Tsubokura Yoshiyuki (guest star), Suzuki Anne (guest star), Nishioka Sumiko, Sota Ryosuke, Okada Ryutaro (guest star), Ito Asahi (guest star), Sugawara Daikichi (guest star), Onozuka Hayato (guest star), Horii Arata (guest star), Nonami Maho (guest star), Onoue Hiroyuki (guest star)
Synopsis: Tamaoka Naoto (Ryusei Ryo), the director of Can I Follow You Home?, a variety programme. He was assigned to the variety team which was not the department he wished to join. He tries to find anyone who is willing to be interviewed for the show, desperately approaching people on the streets in the downtown area at night to ask if he can follow them home, in exchange for their taxi fares. However, they do not even listen to what he has to say and he gripes that he will submit his resignation the next day. At that moment, a woman called Minato Kumiko (Shida Mirai) who had been enjoying karaoke on her own, agrees to do an interview at her house. As they head over in a taxi, she shockingly reveals that her boyfriend (Okada Ryutaro), whom she is living with, lost his memories a year ago … …
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/drama_home_ii
Twitter: twitter.com/tx_ietsuite
Cold Game
Date: From 11.40 p.m., Saturdays, 5 June – 24 July 2021
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Survival
Episodes: 8
Scriptwriter: Komatsu Eriko (Risou no Otoko, Inseki Kazoku, Itsumade mo Shiroi Hane)
Directors: Chiba Yukitoshi, Goto Yosuke
Theme Song: Kaeribana no Orion by First Summer Uika
Cast: Hada Michiko, Yuki Kousei, Kumada Rinka, Wada Takuma, Yasu, Tsubaki Oniyakko, Shinohara Atsushi, Fukuda Tenkyu, Ginpuncho, Nakamura Shunsuke
Synopsis: The world is plunged into an ice age of -45 deg C after the earth’s axis is changed by the collision with a meteorite. Few humans have survived in this extreme world where communications and traffic have been cut off. Kimura Shoko (Hada Michiko) is a talented swindler with two prior convictions and would do anything to survive. Although she is serving time in prison, she manages to escape to an evacuation centre during the ensuing chaos after the giant meteorite’s direct hit. Shoko makes the decision to have a fake family called the Kimuras in order to live among the group of people. The members of this family are “son” Daiki (Yuki Kousei) who is intent on revenge against someone, “daughter” Haruna (Kumada Rinka) who is a smart high school student and “father” Takashi (Yasu) who is harmless and too nice but complains a lot.
Website: www.tokai-tv.com/io/coldgame
Twitter: twitter.com/tokaitv_dodra
Preview: Cold Game CM
Junkyoju Takatsuki Akira no Suisatsu Season 1
Date: From 11.40 p.m., Saturdays, 7 August – 25 September 2021 (Season 2 on WOWOW in October)
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Mystery
Episodes: 8
Original Work: Junkyoju Takatsuki Akira no Suisatsu by Sawamura Mikage
Scriptwriters: Fujii Kiyomi (Keiji Yugami, Utsubokazura no Yume, Renai Jidai), Ito Takashi (Itsutsuboshi Tourist, Orthros no Inu)
Directors: Ikezawa Tatsuya, Morishita Toshiyuki, Muroi Takehito
Theme Song: Gunjo Runaway by Hey! Say! JUMP
Cast: Inoo Kei, Jinguji Yuta, Okada Yui, Suga Kenta, Yoshizawa Hisashi, Shida Mirai, Nukumizu Yoichi, Yoshida Akari, Ichikawa Yui, Matsumoto Wakana
Synopsis: Eight years ago, a young Fukamachi Naoya missed the village festival that he had been looking forward to as a result of a fever. But when he woke up in the middle of the night, he could still hear the sounds of the festival from outside. Putting on a mask so that he would not get yelled at if discovered, he slipped out of the house. Everyone wore masks but it was a festival that no human should enter. From that day on, Naoya (Jinguji Yuta) has been able to detect lies by discerning the distortion of a person’s voice when a lie is told. He avoids forming any connections with other people and lives a solitary life. But when Naoya attends a lecture about folklore studies, he takes an interest in Associate Professor Takatsuki Akira (Inoo Kei) whose words contain no lies. His voice is comfortable to Naoya’s ears. Takatsuki has the ability to instantly memorise everything he sees and is only interested in mysterious phenomenon in the world. One day, a strange incident involving Kokkuri-san occurs at an elementary school in the neighbourhood. Naoya somehow ends up pursuing this mystery with Takatsuki as his assistant.
Website: www.junkyoju-takatsuki.com
Twitter: twitter.com/tokaitv_dodra
Preview: Junkyoju Takatsuki Akira no Suisatsu Season 1 CM
Homeraretai Boku no Mousou Gohan
Date: From 12.00 a.m., Sundays, 11 July – 26 September 2021
Network: BS TV Tokyo
Genre: Food & love comedy
Episodes: 12
Original Work: Homeraretai Boku no Mousou Gohan by Kyujitsu Kachou
Scriptwriter: Abe Mika (Ii ne! Hikaru Genji-kun Series, )
Directors: Hariu Yuji, Kato Misato
Theme Song: Ordinary Days by Dadaray
Cast: Takasugi Mahiru, Ono Karin, Hachimura Rintaro, Yamano Umi, Ishida Nicole (guest star), Yamashita Rio (guest star), Dan Mitsu (guest star), Yahagi Honoka (guest star), Sakai Wakana (guest star), Okamoto Natsumi (guest star), Hori Miona (guest star), Matsumoto Wakana (guest star), Toda Naho (guest star), Hotta Akane (guest star)
Synopsis: Salaryman Wada Masao (Takasugi Mahiru) works for the subsidiary of an electrical appliances manufacturer on weekdays and on weekends, he is the bassist of a band. However, he is serious and very fastidious Masao is not popular with females and has not had a girlfriend in 3,000 days. He has always wanted to be praised by someone. His routine is to prepare delicious meal using quality ingredients. He deftly cooks while talking to his imaginary girlfriend.
Website: www.bs-tvtokyo.co.jp/moso_gohan
Twitter: twitter.com/tvo_mayodora
Preview: Homeraretai Boku no Mousou Gohan CM
Given
Date: From 12.00 a.m., Sundays, 18 July – 22 August 2021
Network: Fuji On Demand
Genre: Romance
Episodes: 6
Original Work: Given by Kizu Natsuki
Scriptwriter: Miki Koichiro (Yowamushi Pedal)
Director: Miki Koichiro
Theme Song: Strange Days by Panorama Panama Town
Cast: Suzuki Jin, Sanari, Inowaki Kai, Yanagi Shuntaro, Yagi Arisa, Okuno So, Onodera Akira, Inaba Yu
Synopsis: High school student Uenoyama Ritsuka (Suzuki Jin), whose remarkable guitar techniques put professional musicians to shame, has formed a three-member instrumental band called the seasons with university student Kaji Akihiko (Inowaki Kai) on drums and graduate student Nakayama Haruki (Yanagi Shuntaro) on bass. Even though Ritsuka had been absorbed in music, he has forgotten the passion that he had when he first started playing the guitar. On what starts out looking like a dull day, Ritsuka heads to a staircase landing leading to the rooftop – his regular place in school which no one intrudes. He happens to encounter Sato Mafuyu (Sanari), who is holding a Gibson guitar with broken strings. When Ritsuka grudgingly fixes the strings, he is asked by Mafuyu to teach him to play the guitar. Ritsuka is initially reluctant to do so. But he is hounded by a persistent Mafuyu and takes him to the band’s practice session. After hearing Mafuyu’s clear singing voice, he is stunned and invites him to join the band. Mafuyu is reticent at first until a meeting with a childhood friend Kashima Hiiragi (Okuno So) spurs him to take up Ritsuka’s offer. The distance between the two of them begins to change.
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/drama-given
Twitter: twitter.com/given_foddrama
Tokyo MER ~ Hashiru Kinkyuu Kyuumei Shitsu
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Sundays, 4 July – 12 September 2021
Station: TBS
Genre: Medical
Episodes: 11
Scriptwriter: Kuroiwa Tsutomu (Unsung Cinderella, Grand Maison Tokyo, Kikenna Venus)
Directors: Matsumoto Aya, Hirano Shunichi
Theme Song: Akari by GReeeeN
Cast: Suzuki Ryohei, Kaku Kento, Nakajo Ayami, Kaname Jun, Kote Shinya, Sano Hayato, Nanao, Naka Riisa, Ishida Yuriko
Synopsis: The newly established Tokyo Mobile Emergency Room, or Tokyo MER for short, is a professional emergency and critical care team created on the orders of Tokyo’s governor Akatsuka Azusa (Ishida Yuriko). Their mission is to rush to the scenes of hazardous or serious accidents, disasters and incidents in their vehicle which is equipped with the latest medical devices and an operating room, and quickly carry out life-saving procedures on the injured to prevent any deaths. Kitami Kota (Suzuki Ryohei), the leader of Tokyo MER, is a valiant emergency doctor with astounding life-saving skills. Driven by the strong belief that lives cannot be saved just by waiting, he would go into dangerous sites to save people in critical condition without any regard for his personal safety. Otowa Nao (Kaku Kento), a young elite Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare bureaucrat and doctor, has been deployed to Tokyo MER to carry out the Minister’s wishes and prevent the team from obtaining official approval.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/TokyoMER_tbs
Twitter: twitter.com/tokyo_mer_tbs
Preview: Tokyo MER CM
Mikkoku wa Utau Season 1 ~ Keishichou Kansatsu File
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 22 August – 26 September 2021
Network: WOWOW
Genre: Suspense
Episodes: 6
Original Work: Mikkoku wa Utau ~ Keishichou Kansatsu File by Igane Gentaro
Scriptwriter: Suzuki Kenichi (Akuto (WOWOW), Bye Bye Black Bird)
Director: Uchikata Akira
Cast: Matsuoka Masahiro, Izumi Rika, Ikeda Tetsuhiro, Miura Masaki, Totsuka Shota, Akimoto Sayaka, Mashima Hidekazu, Brother Tom, Matsuura Yuya, Akira100%, Chiba Tetsuya, Komoto Masahiro, Kinoshita Houka, Kimura Yuichi, Tsurumi Shingo, Nakamura Toru
Synopsis: Sara Masaki (Matsuoka Masahiro) was a detective in the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department’s First Investigation Division until a junior detective Saito Kota (Totsuka Shota) lost his life while they were investigating a murder case. Sara was transferred to the First Personnel Division’s Inspection Unit which cracks down on wrongdoing by police personnel. It is a lonely role and he is regarded with hostility by colleagues who consider him a traitor. Meanwhile, the First Personnel Division receives a tip-off that Minaguchi Nanako (Izumi Rika), Sara’s former colleague when he belonged to the First Investigation Division, has been illegally divulging confidential data. Sara feels conflicted about having to investigate her, but he complies with the orders of his boss (Nakamura Toru). As he reviews her actions, he makes the connection to an unsolved murder case and the truth regarding Saito’s untimely death begins to emerge. Who is the traitor and what shocking truth will Sara arrive at?
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/original/mikkoku
Twitter: twitter.com/drama_wowow
Lion no Oyatsu
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 27 June – 15 August 2021
Network: NHK BS Premium
Episodes: 8
Original Work: Lion no Oyatsu by Ogawa Ito
Scriptwriter: Honda Takaaki (Gekikarado, Rental Nanmo Shinai Hito, Silent Voice Series) supervised by Okada Yoshikazu (Soshite Ikiru, Hiyokko, Kono Sekai no Katasumi ni)
Directors: Nagata Koto, Shindo Takehiro
Cast: Tsuchimura Kaho, Ryusei Ryo, Wada Masato, Kato Kazuko, Hamada Mari, Nishida Naomi, Ishimaru Kanji, Suzuki Kyoka
Synopsis: Lion’s House is the name of a hospice on a beautiful island. This is where people who do not have long to live come to spend the final days of their life. 29-year-old Umino Shizuku (Tsuchimura Kaho) arrives at Lion’s House after deciding to spend her remaining days here. She has a complicated family situation and feels a little regretful that she came here without improving the strained relationship with her family. At Lion’s House, there is tea time where residents can request snacks that they remember. However, Shizuku is unable to decide which snack she wants. She wishes to eat, live and travel. Such commonplace things are so precious. Shizuku starts having days of laughter, conflict and tears with the manager (Suzuki Kyoka) who runs Lion’s House, and fellow residents. And also a bittersweet time with Tahiti (Ryusei Ryo), a young man on the island who has devoted himself to farming. What will she find and leave behind during these special last moments of her life?
Website: www.nhk.jp/p/ts/2GVXYR2MN8
Twitter: twitter.com/nhk_dramas
Preview: Lion no Oyatsu CM
Shiroi Dakuryu
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 22 August – 10 October 2021
Station: NHK BS Premium
Genre: Suspense
Episodes: 8
Original Work: Shiroi Dakuryu by Koyabu Kojiro
Scriptwriter: Ikeda Natsuko (Kimi to Sekai ga Owaru Hi ni Series, Zekkyou, Shinhannin)
Directors: Mizuta Naruhide, Miyamoto Rieko
Cast: Ito Atsushi, Sasaki Nozomi, Kiriyama Ren, Fujino Ryoko, Yajima Kenichi, Hagiwara Minori, Izumisawa Yuki, Kamio Yu, Okabe Takashi, Toyota Maho, Kimura Midoriko, Nishimura Masahiko
Synopsis: All sorts of incidents such as falsified or plagiarised theses and misuse of research funds have been happening at Japanese universities and research institutions. Yoshinami Kazuki (Ito Atsushi) is a pharmaceutical researcher at a university. His close friend Kashiwagi Wataru (Kiriyama Ren) is also a fellow researcher at the same university. They are rivals vying for the few positions in the university, but talk to each other about their dreams. One day, Kazuki makes a groundbreaking discovery. This results in Kazuki and Wataru getting entangled in a fight between companies over patents. Eventually they are pushed into a situation where they are forced to commit fraud. When this is brought to the knowledge of newspaper reporter Kawahara Tomoko (Sasaki Nozomi), who is Kazuki’s childhood friend, the relationship between the three of them … … ?!
Website: www.nhk.jp/p/ts/MXJMJY6YKJ
Twitter: twitter.com/nhk_dramas
Boku no Satsui ga Koi o Shita
Date: From 10.30 p.m., Sundays, 4 July – 12 September 2021
Station: NTV
Genre: Love comedy
Episodes: 10
Scriptwriters: Tokunaga Yuichi (Lupin no Musume Series, Keiji Zero, Good Doctor), Miura Kisa (Guilty, Watashi Danna o Share Shiteta, Shiyakusho)
Directors: Hoshino Kazunari, Horai Tadaaki
Theme Song: Hana Uranai by Vaundy
Cast: Nakagawa Taishi, Araki Yuko, Suzuki Nobuyuki, Tanaka Minami, Nakao Akira, Mizuno Miki, Fujiki Naohito
Synopsis: Onotora Shu (Nakagawa Taishi) does not know that his foster father Joichiro (Fujiki Naohito) is a legendary professional killer. However, his daily life dramatically changes after Joichiro’s death, which was treated as an accident, is determined to be murder. Shu decides to take over the family business and become a hitman in order to avenge his foster father. He is well prepared when he approaches the mysterious and immensely popular manga writer Narumiya Mitsuki (Araki Yuko) who is his assassination target. She does not yet know that she actually has a “big secret” that will later cause huge ripples and shake the other characters. Despite his physical abilities as a hitman, Shu is not able to kill Mitsuki because of his terrible timing, no matter how he tries. On the contrary, he ends up protecting her as danger approaches. Mitsuki is gradually attracted to Shu because of his protection. The two of them who should not fall in love, have an unlikely romance.
Website: www.ytv.co.jp/bokukoi
Twitter: twitter.com/bokukoi_drama
Preview: Boku no Satsui ga Koi o Shita CM
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