Winter 2022 Dramas

Kingyo Tsuma
Date: From 14 February 2022
Network: Netflix Japan
Genre: Romance
Episodes: 8
Original Work: Kingyo Tsuma by Kurosawa R
Scriptwriters: Tsubota Fumi (Ojisan wa Kawaiimono ga Osuki, Motokare Mania, Kounodori Series), Koshikawa Miyako (Shitsuren Chocolatier), Matoba Tomomi
Directors: Namiki Michiko, Narakino Rei, Matsuyama Hiroaki
Cast: Shinohara Ryoko, Iwata Takanori, Ando Masanobu, Hasegawa Kyoko, Matsumoto Wakana, Nakamura Shizuka, Seto Saori, Ishii Anna, Mashima Hidekazu, Fujimori Shingo, Inukai Atsuhiro, Kubota Yuki, Fukumoto Riko, Fukami Motoki, Kobayashi Masahito, Hori Miona, Minemura Rie
Synopsis: Hiraga Sakura (Shinohara Ryoko) had to give up on her dream due to an accident. She is now married to Takuya (Ando Masanobu), a man who runs a hair salon and they live in a luxurious penthouse in a high-rise apartment building. Sakura seems to lead a glamorous life as a housewife and is the envy of everyone. However, she constantly feels sad when she is alone. Her husband whom she once loved and married, abuses her physically and verbally. And yet, she cannot leave him. Sakura identifies with the goldfish swimming in a fishbowl. This goldfish is instrumental in her encounter with a young man called Haruto (Iwata Takanori) one day. Because he accepts her for who she is, Sakura is no longer able to repress the feelings that she has stifled all this while and ends up crossing the line. Is this a momentary fling or a destined encounter?
Website: www.netflix.com/jp/title/81312809
Twitter: twitter.com/kingyo_netflix
Preview: Kingyo Tsuma CM

Mystery to Iu Nakare
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Mondays, 10 January – 28 March 2022
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Mystery
Episodes: 12
Original Work: Mystery to Iu Nakare by Tamura Yumi
Scriptwriter: Aizawa Tomoko (Boku dake ga 17-sai no Sekai de, Trace, Kagi no Kakatta Heya Series)
Directors: Matsuyama Hiroaki, Shinada Shunsuke, Aizawa Hideyuki, Abe Hiroyuki
Theme Song: Chameleon by King Gnu
Cast: Suda Masaki, Ito Sairi, Shiraishi Mai, Kadowaki Mugi, Onoe Matsuya, Suzuki Kosuke, Tsutsui Michitaka, Nagayama Eita, Endo Kenichi (guest star), Saotome Taiichi (guest star), Kohinata Fumiyo (guest star), Okayama Amane (guest star), Mizukawa Asami (guest star), Sasaki Kuranosuke (guest star), Ikeuchi Mansaku (guest star), Shibuya Kento (guest star), Taguchi Hiromasa (guest star), Shida Mirai (guest star), Horibe Keisuke (guest star), Natsuko (guest star), Matsumoto Wakana (guest star), Funakoshi Eiichiro (guest star), Seki Megumi (guest star), Takahata Atsuko (guest star)
Synopsis: University student Kuno Totono (Suda Masaki) is the type who constantly questions what is taken for granted in society and develops his own theories based on his vast knowledge and unique set of values. One day in autumn, the police come to see him. His university schoolmate has been murdered at a park nearby and the police apparently regard Totono with suspicion. He is asked to come with them for questioning. In the interrogation room, the police are manipulated by Totono who tends to digress from the topic and poke at their contradictions. He even correctly guesses that one of them is troubled about not getting along with the wife and ends up giving advice. However, Totono’s fingerprints are eventually discovered on the murder weapon … …
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/mystery
Twitter: twitter.com/not_mystery_
Preview: Mystery to Iu Nakare CM

Dr White
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Mondays, 17 January – 22 March 2022
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Medical mystery
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Dr White by Kibayashi Shin
Scriptwriter: Komine Hiroyuki (Kokucho no Mizuumi, Suits Series, Giver)
Directors: Joho Hidenori, Kono Keita, Kitabo Shinichi
Cast: Hamabe Minami, Emoto Tasuku, Takimoto Miori, Okazaki Sae, Takahashi Fumiya, Katsuji Ryo, Miyata Toshiya, Maiguma Katsuya, Katagiri Jin, Takahashi Tsutomu, Kote Shinya, Ishizaka Koji, Ishibashi Ryo (guest star), Hashizume Jun (guest star)
Synopsis: An unidentified woman is found collapsed in a park in the early morning. She has clear white skin and fine features and is wearing a white dress. The young woman only introduces herself as Byakuya (Hamabe Minami). She is suffering from memory loss and does not remember anything else. While she lacks a sense of societal norms and is like a spotless pure white canvas, she possesses astounding medical knowledge and talent for diagnosis that amazes even veteran doctors. Even though she is not a doctor, Byakuya is able to diagnose any illness with just a small amount of information, overturning misdiagnosis to save many patients’ lives. Who exactly is she?
Website: www.ktv.jp/dr_white
Twitter: twitter.com/dr_white2022

Koisenu Futari
Date: From 10.45 p.m., Mondays, 10 January – 21 March 2022
Station: NHK
Genre: Comedy
Episodes: 8
Scriptwriter: Yoshida Erika (30-sai made Dotei da to Mahotsukai ni Narerurashii, Heaven? Gokuraku Restaurant)
Directors: Noguchi Yuta, Oshida Yuta, Doi Shohei
Theme Song: Marugoto by CHAI
Cast: Kishii Yukino, Takahashi Issei, Hama Shogo, Kojima Fujiko, Kikuchi Akiko, Kita Kana, Abera Hidenobu, Nishida Naomi, Koichi Mantaro
Synopsis: Is there no happiness without love? Kodama Sakuko (Kishii Yukino) has never loved a person, does not understand why people kiss and knows nothing about love or sex. She is unaccustomed to living in a society which assumes that people will fall in love with each other. One day when she visits a supermarket to see a product for a “〇〇 in Love” campaign put together by her junior at work, she is told by an employee Takahashi Satoru (Takahashi Issei) that there are people who do not fall in love and this startles her. Sakuko finds it difficult to live at her parents’ house as her mother Sakura (Nishida Naomi) has been pressing her to get married. She plans to leave home and share a room with her close friend. However, this friend backs out at the last minute after getting back together with an ex-boyfriend, leaving Sakuko nearly broken hearted. She comes across the words aromantic and asexual online … …
Website: www.nhk.jp/p/ts/VWNP71QQPV
Twitter: twitter.com/nhk_dramas
Preview: Koisenu Futari CM

Youtuber ni Musume wa Yaran!
Date: From 11.06 p.m., Mondays, 17 January – 28 March 2022
Station: TV Tokyo
Genre: Love comedy
Episodes: 10
Scriptwriters: Date Sorami (Deaikei Saito de 70-nin to Jissai ni Atte Sono Hito ni Aisouna Hon o Susume Makutta 1-nenkan no Koto, Raise de wa Chanto Shimasu Series, Takeuchi Ryoma no Satsukyuu), Kawasaki Izumi (Hankei 5 metres, Haru to Ao no Obentobako, Jimi ni Sugoi! Series), Ito Nanoha ( ), Honda Takaaki (Gekikarado, Rental-san Nanmo Shinai Hito, Watashi Danna o Share Shiteta)
Directors: Nishiura Masaki, Sekino Munenori
Theme Song: Switch by Da-iCE
Cast: Sasaki Nozomi, Kaneko Nobuaki, Tozuka Junki, Wakatsuki Yumi, Kuriyama Hideyoshi, Endo Kenichi, Saito Yuki
Synopsis: Taira Chisa (Sasaki Nozomi) works for an undergarment company’s sales department and will soon turn 33. She is cheerful, positive and strong willed. Due to her straight talking ways, people consider her caustic. She is the type who cannot show any sign of weakness to others, particularly when it comes to romance, and unconsciously puts on a brave front. Unfortunately, tragedy spoils her big moment. On this worst day of her life, Enomoto Shin (Kaneko Nobuaki), a safe and secure employee TV director who draws a high income, and Taktak (Tozuka Junki), a popular Youtuber whose philosophy in life is to do what he likes and mainly publishes videos on experiments and challenges, show up. Chisa gets caught in a love triangle with these two men who are very different from those she has met. Her stubborn father Soichiro (Endo Kenichi) presents a hurdle as she begins a romance with ups and downs.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/youtuber_musume
Twitter: twitter.com/youtuber_musume
Preview: Youtuber ni Musume wa Yaran! CM

Fight Song
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 11 January – 15 March 2022
Station: TBS
Genre: Love comedy
Episodes: 10
Scriptwriter: Okada Yoshikazu (Nijiiro no Karute, Nee-chan no Koibito, Soshite Ikiru)
Directors: Okamoto Shingo, Ishii Yasuharu, Murao Yoshiaki
Theme Song: Flow by Perfume
Cast: Kiyohara Kaya, Mamiya Shotaro, Kikuchi Fuma, Higashi Keisuke, Fujiwara Sakura, Wakabayashi Jiei, Kubozuka Airu, Riko, Kuriyama Chiaki, Hashimoto Jun, Totsugi Shigeyuki, Inamori Izumi
Synopsis: Cheerful and tenacious Kisara Hanae (Kiyohara Kaya) grew up in an orphanage and aspires to represent Japan in karate. However, her dream is suddenly cut short. After losing everything, Hanae’s life hits rock bottom and she has been wearily getting through each day. Hanae has an encounter with Ashida Haruki (Mamiya Shotaro), the composer of the song that she always listens to before her matches. But Ashida turns out to be a down-and-out one-hit wonder. Hanae has been devoted to karate all this while and never been in love while Ashida is on the verge of being fired since he cannot write good songs without understanding people’s hearts. The two of them unexpectedly join hands and take a crack at a fake yet real romance. Hanae’s flirtatious childhood friend Natsukawa Shingo (Kikuchi Fuma) who has always liked her gets involved and this soon develops into a love triangle. But she has a “secret” that she cannot tell anyone and decides this will be the last love of her life.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/fight_song_tbs2022
Twitter: twitter.com/fightsong_tbs
Preview: Fight Song CM

Hoshi kara Kita Anata
Date: From 23 February 2022
Network: Amazon Prime Japan
Genre: Love fantasy
Episodes: 10
Original Work: My Love from the Stars by Park Ji Eun
Scriptwriters: Seki Erika (Gossip, Gosaigyou, Career), Imanishi Yuko (Unmei kara Hajimaru Koi, Izakaya Fuji), Morohashi Hayato
Director: –
Theme Song: Ryuusei no Kakera by GReeeeN
Cast: Fukushi Sota, Yamamoto Mizuki, Kudo Asuka, Fukuhara Haruka, Otomo Karen, Mizusawa Rintaro, Deguchi Natsuki, Kinami Haruka, Itao Itsuji, Imai Tsubasa, Mitsuishi Ken
Synopsis: Toyama Mitsuru (Fukushi Sota) is an alien who landed in Japan during the Edo period some 400 years ago. Concealing his true identity and special abilities, he has lived on earth disguised as a university lecturer. Mitsuru has just three months left on earth and is preparing to return to his planet when he meets “troublesome” top actress Sasahara Tsubaki (Yamamoto Mizuki). The high and mighty Tsubaki has just moved into the apartment next door and his peaceful life completely changes overnight. Furthermore, she is reported to be the cause of a rival actress’ suspicious death which Mitsuru also becomes embroiled in. To complicate matters, as he gets involved with Tsubaki whom he cannot ignore, he ends up falling in love with her right before he goes home … …
Website: www.kyodo-tv.co.jp/hoshiana
Twitter: twitter.com/PrimeVideo_JP
Preview: Hoshi kara Kita Anata CM

#Izakaya Shinkansen
Date: From 12.58 a.m., Wednesdays, 15 December 2021 – 9 February 2022
Station: TBS
Genre: Food
Episodes: 8
Original Work: #Izakaya Shinkansen by Amamiya Saron
Scriptwriters: Kida Norio (Hamura Akira), Kurosawa Hisako (Hamura Akira, Tokyo Joshi Zukan, Arechi no Koi), Aso Kumiko (Oshi no Oujisama, Lunch Gokon Tantei, Double Fantasy), Yokomaku Tomohiro (Meikenchiku de Chuushoku o Series, Sousa Kaigi wa Living de!, Otoko no Misao)　　
Directors: Shibazaki Hiroki, Yoshino Mamoru, Eda Goshi
Ending Theme: 7997 by Orange Spiny Crab
Cast: Mashima Hidekazu, Niiyama Chiharu (guest star), Mizuma Ron (guest star), Oishi Goro (guest star), Sakai Maki (guest star)
Synopsis: Takamiya Susumu (Mashima Hidekazu), a salaryman who works for an insurance company’s internal audit office, travels around the country on same-day business trips using the shinkansen. His secret pleasure is to take away the local food and drinks found at his destination including boxed meals bought at the train station, local delicacies, brewed sake and craft beer, and feast on it on the return journey. The train becomes like an izakaya to him, a place to relax with good food and drinks along with unforgettable sweets.
Website: www.mbs.jp/izakayashinkansen
Twitter: twitter.com/bistro_train
Preview: #Izakaya Shinkansen CM

Muchaburi ~ Watashi ga Shachou ni Naru Nante
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Wednesdays, 12 January – 16 March 2022
Station: NTV
Genre: Romance
Episodes: 10
Scriptwriter: Watanabe Mako (100 Million Yen no Sayonara, Akutotachi wa Senri o Hashiru)
Directors: Inomata Ryuichi, Matsuda Shota, Kayama Shunsuke
Theme Song: Always by ENHYPEN
Cast: Takahata Mitsuki, Shison Jun, Matsuda Shota, Kaho, Yuka, Arakawa Yoshiyoshi, Kasamatsu Sho, Yamada Maho, Oshinari Shugo, Jinbo Satoshi, Tsubokura Yoshiyuki, Katayama Yuki, Sakamoto Keisuke, Matsuoka Kodai
Synopsis: 30-year-old Takanashi Hinako (Takahata Mitsuki) is the personal secretary of Asami Hiroto (Matsuda Shota), the handsome, charismatic CEO of Relation Gate, a startup that has been growing at a breakneck pace. She has worked for him for four years and it is routine for her to get a slew of unreasonable demands from this man who acts on instinct. Because of this, there has never been a peaceful day for her. Hinako has not had a boyfriend in six years or time to think about her future. All she can do at the end of each day is let out a long sigh with a beer in one hand and rail that there is no way this is a job worth doing. However, Hinako gets the most unreasonable request from Asami out of the blue when she is appointed to be the CEO of a subsidiary. Moreover, there are the “hints of love” in the air as she finds herself caught in the middle of two men with very different personalities – her charismatic boss and impertinent younger subordinate Taiga Ryo (Shison Jun). But both of them are problematic. How will Hinako’s romance develop?
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/muchaburi
Twitter: twitter.com/muchaburi_ntv
Preview: Muchaburi CM

Shimbun Kisha
Date: From 13 January 2022
Network: Netflix
Episodes: 6
Original Work: Shimbun Kisha by Mochizuki Isoko
Scriptwriters: Yamada Yoshitatsu (Zenra Kantoku Season 1, Denei Shojo Series, Nou ni Sumaho ga Umerareta!), Kodera Kazuhisa (Piple, Mushikago no Jomae, Shinjuku Seven), Fujii Michihito
Director: Fujii Michihito
Cast: Yonekura Ryoko, Yokohama Ryusei, Yoshioka Hidetaka, Terajima Shinobu, Fukikoshi Mitsuru, Taguchi Tomorow, Okura Koji, Tanaka Tetsushi, Hagiwara Masato, Emoto Tokio, Tsuchimura Kaho, Ono Karin, Hashimoto Jun, Denden, Santamaria Yusuke, Sano Shiro, Ayano Go
Synopsis: Known as the maverick of news media, Tohto Shimbun journalist Matsuda Anna (Yonekura Ryoko) defiantly seeks the truth regarding the government’s falsified official documents and strives to expose issues in modern Japanese society. Murakami Shinichi (Ayano Go), a young, elite bureaucrat, presses ahead with his duties while university student Kinoshita Ryo (Yokohama Ryusei) hunts for a job and has neither interest nor knowledge of politics. The destinies of these three people who live in different worlds, begin to intertwine in the wake of a scoop that shocks the nation.
Website: www.netflix.com/jp/title/81317111
Twitter: twitter.com/NetflixJP
Preview: Shimbun Kisha CM

Buchou to Shachiku no Koi wa Modokashii
Date: From 12.30 a.m., Thursdays, 6 January – 24 March 2022
Station: TV Tokyo
Genre: Office love comedy
Episodes: 11
Original Work: Buchou to Shachiku no Koi wa Modokashii by Shimo
Scriptwriter: Kawasaki Izumi (Hankei 5 metres, Haru to Ao no Obentobako, Jimi ni Sugoi! Series)
Directors: Murakami Makito, Yuasa Hiroaki, Horie Takahiro, Funatani Junya
Theme Song: Filter by mzsrz
Cast: Nakamura Yurika, Takezai Terunosuke, Ono Rina, Nagata Takato, Sano Gaku, Maruyama Tomomi
Synopsis: Maruyama Mayumi (Nakamura Yurika), an office lady who works for a company’s sales department, keeps working overtime every day. Nevertheless, she likes her work and being relied on, and feels a sense of fulfilment. During the department’s New Year’s party, Mayumi gets into a heated argument with (Takezai Terunosuke), the head of the general affairs department, who happened to be at the same restaurant. He is famous for leaving work on time. The two of them get drunk and end up heading to a love hotel. After spending the night together, Mayumi comes to like him. He was gentle with her which is quite unlike his very serious and inflexible image. However, the next day, he tells her, “You understand that we’re adults, don’t you?!” Their way of working and thinking are totally different.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/shachikoi
Twitter: twitter.com/tx_shachikoi

Tonari no Chikara
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Thursdays, 20 January – 31 March 2022
Station: TV Asahi
Genre: Family comedy
Episodes: 9
Scriptwriter: Yukawa Kazuhiko (35-sai no Shojo, Douki no Sakura, Kahogo no Kahoko)
Directors: Yukawa Kazuhiko
Cast: Matsumoto Jun, Ueto Aya, Ozawa Yukiyoshi, Emi Kurara, Sonim, Shimizu Hiroya, Nagao Kento, Katsuji Ryo (guest star), Shukugawa Atom, Asano Kazuyuki, Fubuki Jun
Synopsis: Nakagoshi Chikara (Matsumoto Jun) is married to Akari (Ueto Aya) and has two young children. He calls himself a novelist but he usually ghost writes essays for prominent figures. While he has more consideration and love for fellow humans than anybody else around, whatever he does is in half measure. Seeing a happy person makes Chikara a little happy, and a sad person makes him a little sad. When he sees someone who seems to be in trouble, he cannot help but get worried. After agonising over what he should do, he would always end up calling out to the person. Despite Chikara’s ability to listen attentively to people’s stories, he hears too many of them and winds up feeling troubled instead. He wishes to save people and pacify those around him but he typically gets involved in their problems in a half-baked fashion. When he finds out that there are problems that cannot be solved easily, he is always flustered and worried. Chikara tackles the concerns of residents living in the same apartment building and they gradually become one community with strong ties.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/tonarinotikara
Twitter: twitter.com/chikara2022_ex

Gossip #Kanojo ga Shiritai Hontou no OO
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Thursdays, 6 January – 17 March 2022
Station: Fuji TV
Episodes: 11
Scriptwriters: Seki Erika (Gosaigyou, Shinmai Shimai no Futari Gohan, Career), Hashimoto Natsu, Aotsuka Miho (Janai Hou no Kanojo, Kono Koi Atatamemasu ka, Yowamushi Pedal Series)
Director: Ishikawa Junichi
Theme Song: Kitani Tatsuya
Cast: Kuroki Haru, Mizobata Junpei, Nomura Shuhei, Nomaguchi Toru, Ishii Anna, Kanichiro, Ichinose Hayate, Uzaki Misato, Otsuru Gitan, Ryou, Ando Masanobu, Namase Katsuhisa, Kayashima Mizuki (guest star), Takeda Kohei (guest star), Akimoto Sayaka (guest star)
Synopsis: Kanfuru News, an online news site run by a major publisher, is in danger of closure. Under its chief editor Yamada Reiji (Namase Katsuhisa) who has a laissez faire approach, the all-male editorial staff have only been publishing articles that are copied and pasted from other companies’ news, blog posts and comments. At this juncture, something triggers Seko Ririko’s (Kuroki Haru) transfer from the accounting department to the editorial team as a new member in order to save the business. She cannot read the situation and has no empathy. However, she is willing to do what it takes to increase the page views which is the mission she has been given. In the process of gathering information and posting articles for this purpose, Ririko slowly begins to find significance in her work in online news that she had thought unnecessary in the world. As the men around her come in touch with her straightforward working style and extremely awkward and innocent side, they grow to like her. And she also grows through her interactions with them.
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/gossip
Twitter: twitter.com/gossip_cx
Preview: Gossip #Kanojo ga Shiritai Hontou no OO CM

Kei x Yaku
Date: From 11.59 p.m., Thursdays, 13 January – 17 March 2022
Station: NTV
Genre: Suspense
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Kei x Yaku ~ Abunai Aibou by Kaoruhara Yoshie
Scriptwriters: Sakai Masaaki (Red Eyes, Yakubyougami Series, Zettai Reido Seasons 1 – 2), Kanome Keiko (Gohoubi Gohan, Hot Mama, Haburashi Onna Tomodachi), Miura Hayato (Scandal Senmon Bengoshi, Keishichou Ikimono-gakari, Shachoushitsu no Fuyu)
Directors: Hatano Takafumi, Shiraishi Tatsuya, Kurakata Masatoshi, Hidaka Takashi
Theme Songs: It’s a Bop and Be With You by OCTPATH
Cast: Inukai Atsuhiro, Suzuki Nobuyuki, Tokui Yoshimi, Hagiwara Minori, Maehara Ko, Matsuomoto Toshio, Yoshimura Kaito, Kuriyama Chiaki (guest star), Itao Itsuji
Synopsis: 28-year-old Kunishita Ichiro (Suzuki Nobuyuki), an investigator at the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department’s Public Safety Bureau, has not been able to come to terms with the quick closure of a missing persons case that he was investigating three years ago and continues to bargain for a resumption. But he is ordered on a completely different mission by his boss who wants him to carry out secret surveillance on Hanabusa Shiro (Inukai Atsuhiro), a young boss of a designated organised crime group. A man of many mysteries, Hanabusa had been a part-time worker until three years ago when he infiltrated the group for a certain purpose and got to the top in remarkable speed. Hanabusa does not fear death and lives for the moment. In the course of getting close to Hanabusa for his mission, Kunishita learns a startling truth. He and Hanabusa decide to form a fake lovers’ pact in order to hide their collaboration. As they secretly investigate a case that has been shrouded in darkness, they get dragged into a huge conspiracy that will gradually shake the country and is also tied to their own destinies.
Website: www.ytv.co.jp/keiyaku
Twitter: twitter.com/keiyaku_drama
Preview: Kei x Yaku CM

No Activity ~ Honjitsu mo Ijou Nashi
Date: From 17 December 2021
Network: Amazon Prime Japan
Genre: Detective comedy
Episodes: 6
Original Work: No Activity by Trent O’Donnell and Patrick Brammall
Scriptwriter: Jiro
Director: Hanabusa Tsutomu
Cast: Toyokawa Etsushi, Nakamura Tomoya, Kimura Yoshino, Seino Nana, Kishitani Goro, Okayama Amane, Kishii Yukino
Synopsis: Tokita Shingo (Toyokawa Etsushi) gave up on the career track and is the eternal low-ranking veteran detective. He seems competent but is a burden in the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, having actually lost out on promotions. Tokita does not demonstrate any motivation even when he is at investigation scenes and bewilders people as he repeatedly says mysterious and meaningless phrases which initially seem wise. However, he is somehow impossible to hate. Tokita teams up with up with an unusual rookie detective Shiina Asobu (Nakamura Tomoya) who used to be a driving school instructor before joining the police force. While on a stakeout to investigate a narcotics case, they find themselves in an unexpected situation.
Website: www.amazon.co.jp/No-Activity-本日も異状なし
Preview: No Activity Introduction

Shitsuren Meshi
Date: From 14 January 2022
Network: Amazon Prime Japan
Genre: Food
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Shitsuren Meshi by Kimaru Misaki
Scriptwriter: Imai Masako (Miyako ga Kyoto ni Yatte Kita!, Soko o Nantoka Series, Bitter Sugar)
Director: Oku Akiko
Theme Song: Arpeggio by Homecomings
Cast: Hirose Alice, Inowaki Kai, Murasugi Seminosuke, Usuda Asami, Ando Nico, Wakabayashi Takuya, Kadowaki Mugi (guest star), Maeno Tomoya (guest star), Konishi Sakurako (guest star), Miura Toko (guest star), Konno Buruma (guest star), Otomo Karen (guest star), Fukagawa Mai (guest star), Hayashi Kento (guest star)
Synopsis: Illustrator Kimimaru Miki (Hirose Alice) has an ongoing manga series called Shitsuren Meshi in a local newspaper and she searches for people who have ended a relationship as material for her stories every day. These broken-hearted people have memories of unforgettable dishes and as they savour the flavours with Miki, they begin talking about their breakup. Before they realise it their heartbreak is healed and they start to feel positive.
Website: www.ytv.co.jp/shitsurenmeshi
Twitter: twitter.com/shitsurenmeshi
Preview: Shitsuren Meshi CM

Kimi to Sekai ga Owaru Hi ni Season 3
Date: From 8.00 p.m., Fridays, 25 February – 1 April 2022
Network: Hulu
Genre: Survival, love mystery
Episodes: 6
Scriptwriters: Ushio Kentaro (Hanzawa Naoki Season 2, Black Pean, Chiisana Kyojin), Tsukuda Ryota
Directors: Nakaguki Tsuyoshi, Sugawara Shintaro, Hobo Karibu
Cast: Takeuchi Ryoma, Nakajo Ayami, Kasamatsu Sho, Iitoyo Marie, Hyunri, Kokubo Toshihito, Yokomizo Naho, Kim Jae Hyun, Wada Masato, Mizuishi Atomu, Yoshida Oolongta, Onishi Takeshi, Suga Kenta, Sakurai Hinako, Tamayama Tetsuji
Synopsis: 10 months have passed. Devastation has spread, food sources have been depleted and humans no longer have a refuge. There is no safe place or anything believable in this apocalyptic world of the living dead. Ogasawara Kurumi (Nakajo Ayami) has disappeared with the mysterious group X while infected with the Golem virus and pregnant with Mamiya Hibiki’s (Takeuchi Ryoma) child. Hibiki and Mihara Yuzuki (Yokomizo Naho) set out to search for her. Thinking that he will not be able to see Kurumi again, they are ready to give up in the middle of the long, arduous journey when they arrive at a site sacred to Hikari no Monshou, a religious group that aims to create a new world.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/kimiseka
Twitter: twitter.com/kimiseka_ntv
Related: Kimi to Sekai ga Owaru Hi ni Season 2
Preview: Kimi to Sekai ga Owaru Hi ni Season 3 CM

Tsuma, Shougakusei ni Naru
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Fridays, 21 January – 25 March 2022
Station: TBS
Genre: Family
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Tsuma, Shougakusei ni Naru by Murata Yayu
Scriptwriter: Oshima Satomi (Nagi no Oitoma, Boukyaku no Sachiko Series, Anata ni wa Kaeru Ie ga Aru)
Directors: Tsuboi Toshio, Yamamoto Takeyoshi, Ouchi Maiko, Kato Naoki
Theme Song: Tomoshibi by Yuga
Cast: Tsutsumi Shinichi, Ishida Yuriko, Makita Aju, Morita Misato, Maida Nono, Yanagiya Kyotaro, Iizuka Satoshi, Baba Toru, Tanaka Shunsuke, Mizutani Kaho, Hagiwara Riku, Ogura Rio, Toma Ami, Yoshida Yo, Kamiki Ryunosuke
Synopsis: Ever since Niijima Keisuke’s (Tsutsumi Shinichi) beloved wife Takae (Ishida Yuriko) passed away 10 years ago, he has considered the rest of his life without her as “borrowed time”. He feels lifeless and is viewed as a melancholic man. Although Niijima wishes for the happiness of their daughter Mai (Makita Aju) who is his only family, he feels sorry for not doing anything besides earning a living and hardly communicates with her. For father and daughter, time stopped when Takae died. Then one day, an unknown girl carrying a school bag visits them. She introduces herself as his wife. Niijima cannot believe it but she seems like Takae. She has been reborn after their sudden separation 10 years and is now an elementary school student (Maida Nono). She cannot live together with him and her curfew is 6 pm. They will arouse suspicion when they are together and the police will be called if he hugs her exuberantly. The time that had stood still for this kind of strange family of three starts moving again.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/tsuma_sho_tbs
Twitter: twitter.com/tsumasho_TBS
Preview: Tsuma, Shougakusei ni Naru CM

Shimobei
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Fridays, 7 January – 25 March 2022
Station: NHK
Episodes: 8
Original Work: Shimobei by Murata Hiroyuki
Scriptwriters: Araki Yahito (Yo ni mo Kimyouna Monogatari Series), Toyama Erika
Directors: Yamauchi Daisuke, Kamiya Kaede
Cast: Yasuda Ken, Shiraishi Sei, Kaneko Daichi, Yahagi Honoka, Naito Shuichiro, Yada Akiko
Synopsis: 17-year-old Kamoshida Yurina (Shiraishi Sei) is a cheerful, carefree high school student who has never seriously thought about her future. She lives with her mother Yasuko (Yada Akiko). One day, Yurina is playing with her smartphone like a typical teenager and discovers an app called Shimobe no Shimobei which she casually downloads. From that day onwards, a middle-aged man (Yasuda Ken) would appear out of nowhere each time Yurina is in trouble – when she gets entangled with a guy with a bad personality or realises while she is at a cafe that she has no money on her. The man fells the guy, pays the money and rescues Yurina. He always shows up without a word and leaves silently. Who exactly is this man? A transfer student Sasaki Tatsuma (Kaneko Daichi) comes to Yurina’s school. He is Tacchan whom she got on well with in her childhood. Although she is happy to meet Tatsuma again, he does not remember her and seems to dislike her getting near him. Yurina is disconcerted but this reunion makes her recall her childhood dream to become a doctor. It is practically unrealistic with her academic results. However, she begins to run towards her dream. With the help of the mysterious middle-aged man Shimobei, Yurina’s school life is set in motion and even her friends Aki (Yahagi Honoka) and Tada Reo (Naito Shuichiro) become involved.
Website: www.nhk.jp/p/ts/P84K566R3V
Twitter: twitter.com/nhk_dramas

Kamiki Ryunosuke no Satsukyuu
Date: From 11.00 p.m., Fridays, 7 January – 25 February 2022
Network: WOWOW
Genre: Omnibus
Episodes: 8
Scriptwriters: Inukai Kyoko (Onna Tomodachi, Boukyaku no Sachiko), Takada Ryo (Boku no Nee-chan, Iki o Hisomete, 60 Gohan Taisakushitsu), Shinohara Makoto (Arimura Kasumi no Satsukyu), Fujiki Mitsuhiko (Takeuchi Ryoma no Satsukyuu, Arimura Kasumi no Satsukyu, Byplayers Series), Takemura Takeshi (Kono Manga ga Sugoi, Yamada Takayuki no Tokyo-to Kita-ku Akabane), Tamada Shinya (400,000 km Kanata no Koi, Joker x Face), Amano Chihiro, Yamazaki Sahoko (Curry no Uta), Yamada Yuri
Directors: Zeze Takahisa, Morigaki Yukihiro, Miyake Sho, Amano Chihiro, Eda Yuka
Theme Song: Non Fiction by Saucy Dog
Cast: Kamiki Ryunosuke, Adachi Yumi (guest star), Narumi Riko (guest star), Fujiwara Kisetsu (guest star), Megumi (guest star), Yamoto Yuma (guest star), Nagasawa Itsuki (guest star), Kiryu Mai (guest star), Matsushige Yutaka (guest star), Otsuka Akio (guest star), Tanaka Yoji (guest star), Hagiwara Minori (guest star), Inowaki Kai (guest star), Kitamura Yukiya (guest star), Nakano Taiga (guest star), Sakai Maki (guest star), Ikeda Tetsuhiro (guest star)
Synopsis: Kamiki Ryunosuke (Kamiki Ryunosuke) suddenly gets a break from filming dramas and movies. What will he do on his days off?
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/original/satsukyu3
Twitter: twitter.com/drama_wowow
Preview: Kamiki Ryunosuke no Satsukyu CM
Related: Takeuchi Ryoma no Satsukyuu

Itoshii Uso, Yasashii Yami
Date: From 11.15 p.m., Fridays, 14 January – 4 March 2022
Station: TV Asahi
Genre: Love suspense
Episodes: 8
Original Work: Itoshii Uso, Yasashii Yami by Aimoto Mizuho
Scriptwriters: Ushio Kentaro (No Side Game, Black Pean, Chiisana Kyojin), Kanda Yu (Gekikarado, Alibi Kuzushi Uketamawarimasu, Black Pean)
Directors: Kinoshita Naomi, Higurashi Ken, Kiuchi Takehito
Theme Song: Illegal Game by Kami wa Saikoro o Furanai
Cast: Haru, Hayashi Kento, Mizobata Junpei, Motokariya Yuika, Kurokawa Tomoka, Shinkawa Yua, Matsumura Sayuri, Tokushige Satoshi
Synopsis: Imai Mio (Haru) made her debut as a manga artist three years earlier. However, she did not gain much popularity and now works as a manga assistant with no bright future in sight. One day, 14 years after her junior high school graduation, a class reunion is held out of the blue. This is where she meets her first love Amemiya Shoichi (Hayashi Kento) again. The cool and handsome Shoichi excelled in his studies and sports and was like a perfect prince to all the female students back then. He is now the CEO of an IT company and still as popular with the ladies. Mio had thought that her feelings for him were one sided but this class reunion results in his active pursuit of her. Then of all things, members among the group of six good friends (Mizobata Junpei, Motokariya Yuika, Kurokawa Tomoka, Shinkawa Yua) who attended the event get caught up in incidents and start to die one after another. Each of them are hiding something shockingly dark which triggers endless lies and an unstoppable, tingling love-hate tragedy.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/itouso
Twitter: twitter.com/itouso_tvasahi

Hakuoki
Date: From 11.30 pm., Fridays, 7 January – 11 March 2021
Network: WOWOW
Genre: Period
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Otomeito by Idea Factory/Design Factory
Scriptwriter: Hokimoto Shinya (Keiji 7-nin Season 6, Tokumei Tantei Season 2)
Directors: Rokusha Masanobu, Nishikata Yuki
Theme Song: Chikai no Kahen by Yoshioka Aika
Cast: Sakiyama Tsubasa, Wakayanagi Kotoko, Yano Masato, Kanai Sonde, Nagata Takato, Fukuyama Kohei, Tokito Yuki, Saikawa Koji, Imari Yu, Nakabayashi Taiki, Tanaka Kotaro
Synopsis: During the tumultuous period towards the end of the Tokugawa shogunate, a young lady Yukimura Chizuru (Wakayanagi Kotoko) visits Kyoto from Edo in search of her missing father Tsunamichi. The rasetsu, who are humans that have turned into bloodthirsty monsters which commit unimaginably horrible deeds, and men of Shinsengumi who are led by Hijikata Toshizo (Sakiyama Tsubasa) show up in front of her. The Shinsengumi slay the rasetsu in an instant. However, the fate of Chizuru’s father is inextricably linked to both the rasetsu and the Shinsengumi. Chizuru eventually stays with the Shinsengumi as she searches for her father.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/original/hakuoki
Twitter: twitter.com/drama_wowow

Shijuu Kara
Date: From 12.12 a.m., Saturdays, 8 January – 26 March 2022
Network: TV Tokyo
Genre: Romance
Episodes: 12
Original Work: Shijuu Kara by Sakai Eri
Scriptwriter: Hiraki Mari
Directors: Oku Akiko, Naruse
Cast: Yamaguchi Sayaka, Itagaki Rihito, Miyazaki Tomu, Ikeuchi Hiroyuki, Sakai Wakana, Iriyama Noriko, Wada Misa
Synopsis: 39-year-old Watanuki Shinobu (Yamaguchi Sayaka) has been married to her husband Yohei (Miyazaki Tomu) for 15 years and they have a son who is in junior high school. She is somehow dissatisfied even though she is supposed to have a happy family. A struggling manga artist with more than 20 years of experience as an assistant, Shinobu resolves to lay down her pen after leaving Tokyo, which holds a lot of memories for her, and move back to her hometown. But ironically, a barely popular work that she had drawn in the past, becomes a smash hit as an e-book. Thinking of giving it her last shot, Shinobu gets back into manga again. This is how she meets 22-year-old Tachibana Chiaki (Itagaki Rihito) who becomes her assistant. He treats her with respect as a woman and above all a manga artist, making her heart flutter – a feeling that she had long forgotten. Despite the awkwardness, Tachibana also makes advances. In the course of their interactions with each other, something warped that has accumulated in Shinobu gradually becomes apparent … …
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/shijukara
Twitter: twitter.com/tx_shijukara

Kaze no Mukou e Kakenukero
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Saturdays, 18 – 25 December 2021
Station: NHK
Episodes: 2
Original Work: Kaze no Mukou e Kakenukero by Furuuchi Kazue
Scriptwriter: Omori Sumio (Tenshi ni Request o, Natsuzora, Seirei no Moribito Series)
Director: Nishitani Shinichi
Cast: Hirate Yurina, Nakamura Aoi, Itagaki Rihito, Furuya Kenji, Okuno So, Ishii Masanori, Takahashi Nao, Goriki Ayame, Ikeuchi Hiroyuki, Tamayama Tetsuji, Ozawa Hitoshi, Daichi Yasuo, Okuda Eiji
Synopsis: Rookie jockey Ashihara Mizuho’s (Hirate Yurina) father (Tamayama Tetsuji) ran a farm for retired horses but he passed away after the earthquake. After that, she graduated from the racing association’s central horse racing school and made her professional debut but she agonised over her performance which stagnated. Midorikawa Stables at the Suzuta Racecourse in the countryside takes Mizuho in. The stables are run-down place and seems ready to collapse. It is a gathering place for people said to be useless elsewhere. There is an unmotivated trainer Midorikawa Koji (Nakamura Aoi), obstinate and rigid veteran stable hands (Ozawa Hitoshi, Daichi Yasuo) as well as a stable boy An-chan (Itagaki Rihito) who lost his voice and is gentle with horses but has shut his heart to people.
Website: www.nhk.jp/p/ts/WVYM7P8KPY
Twitter: twitter.com/nhk_dramas
Preview: Kaze no Mukou e Kakenukero Introduction

Konkatsu Tantei
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Saturdays, 8 January – 12 February 2022
Station: BS TV Tokyo
Genre: Love comedy mystery
Episodes: 6
Original Work: Konkatsu Tantei by Daimon Takeaki
Scriptwriters: Hokimoto Shinya (IP ~ Cyber Sousa-han, Koe Girl), Kondo Keisuke, Kumamoto Hiromu
Directors: Kondo Keisuke, Kuma Shinji
Cast: Mukai Osamu, Narumi Riko, Maeda Oshiro, Hashimoto Manami, Makita Sports, Hotta Akane (guest star), Satsukawa Aimi (guest star), Honda Chikara (guest star), Nonami Maho(guest star), Horibe Keisuke (guest star), Okamoto Natsumi (guest star), Ichikawa Yui (guest star), Kakei Miwako (guest star), Uraji Nuno (guest star), Shiraishi Shunya (guest star)
Synopsis: 41-year-old Kurozaki Ryuji (Mukai Osamu) is a former detective turned private investigator who presents brilliant deductions and solves clients’ problems. The handsome but tough and fierce looking heavy smoker is adored by Yagami Shun (Maeda Oshiro), a junior who works at the investigation agency headed by Kazami Masayoshi (Makita Sports). However, Ryuji has a worry. Although he is good at what he does, he is not popular with women. Resolving to find his life partner, he registers with a dating agency and begins matchmaking activities. A late developer in romance, Ryuji does not understand women’s hearts and makes effort with the support of his adviser from the agency, Kido Madoka (Narumi Riko), but … …
Website: www.bs-tvtokyo.co.jp/konkatsutantei
Twitter: twitter.com/BS7ch_konkatsu

Touboui F
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Saturdays, 15 January – 19 March 2022
Station: NTV
Genre: Medical, suspense
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Touboui F by Izuki Keigo
Scriptwriter: Fukuhara Mitsunori (Anata no Ban desu, Makanai-sou Series, Shikaku Tantei Higurashi Tabito Series)
Directors: Sato Toya, Otani Taro
Theme Song: Taiyo ga Miteiru by Okuda Tamio
Cast: Narita Ryo, Mori Nana, Kiriyama Akito, Sakuraba Nanami, Sakai Koharu, Furuya Robin, Wada Soko, Maeda Atsuko, Sakou Yoshi, Yasuda Ken, Matsuoka Masahiro
Synopsis: Fujiki Keisuke (Narita Ryo) is a genius neurosurgeon who knows Eastern and Western medicine. He has excellent surgical techniques and believes in treating all patients even if they are criminals. However, Keisuke’s life is upended one day when he gets framed for the murder of his beloved girlfriend and her older brother Yagami Takuro (Matsuoka Masahiro) is hell-bent on revenge. He suddenly becomes a wanted criminal. In order to uncover the real killer and take revenge, he plots a desperate escape, abandoning money, status and even his name and disguises himself as Narumi Kensuke. All he has left is his pride as a doctor, top notch skills and surgical tools. During his life on the run, he encounters patients that only he can save. Even as his pursuers close in on him, he reaches out to those in need.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/toubouif
Twitter: twitter.com/toubouif_ntv

Rokuhodo Yotsuiro Biyori
Date: From 11.30 p.m., Saturdays, 15 January – 19 March 2022
Station: TV Asahi
Genre: Food
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Rokuhodo Yotsuiro Biyori by Shimizu Yu
Scriptwriter: Izumisawa Yoko (Rikokatsu, Guilty, W Kenkei no Higeki)
Directors: Saito Yuki, Shibata Keisuke, Sato Eriko
Cast: Kotaki Nozomu, Hayama Shono, Onishi Ryusei, Saeki Daichi, Shirasu Jin
Synopsis: Togoku Kyosui (Kotaki Nozomu) manages Rokuhodo, a cafe in a traditional Japanese-style house which he inherited from his grandfather. Set in a corner of Tokyo, Rokuhodo is a place where customers who have all sorts of worries or feel loneliness in their lives come to. They are warmly welcomed by Sui and three other young men. Sui is in charge of the tea while Tokitaka (Hayama Shono) takes care of the food; Tsubaki (Onishi Ryusei), the sweets; and Gure (Saeki Daichi), the coffee. The four of them provide customers with the best healing time through delicious food and sweets and casual hospitality that fills customers’ hearts and minds. Through their interactions with customers, Sui, Tokitaka, Tsubaki and Gure come to terms with their own problems and grow up.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/rokuhodo
Twitter: twitter.com/oshidoraEX
Preview: Rokuhodo Yotsuiro Biyori Teaser

Oi Handsome!!
Date: From 11.40 p.m., Saturdays, 8 January – 26 February 2022
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Family and love comedy
Episodes: 8
Original Work: by Ito Risa
Scriptwriter: Yamaguchi Masatoshi (Yamikin Ushijima-kun Series)
Director: Yamaguchi Masatoshi
Theme Song: Yona Yona Dance by Wada Akiko
Cast: Yoshida Kotaro, Kinami Haruka, Sakuma Yui, Takeda Rena, Sudo Ren, Kubota Yuki, Okuno So, Ota Rina, Kiriyama Ren, Yamanaka So, Nonami Maho, Takasugi Mahiro, Megumi, Hamano Kenta
Synopsis: 58-year-old Ito Gentaro (Yoshida Kotaro) lives with his wife Chizuru (Megumi) in a house in Tokyo. Each of their three daughters should have left home and lived well. However, their eldest daughter 28-year-old Yuka (Kinami Haruka) is single and doing well at work but propensity for affairs. 25-year-old second daughter Rika (Sakuma Yui) wedded a highly educated Daisuke (Kiriyama Ren) and lives in Osaka but the couple are on the brink of divorce. The youngest daughter 22-year-old Mika (Takeda Rena) is also single and the moment she gets to start living on her own, she half cohabits with Yuji (Sudo Ren) who does not seem like he will become a successful manga artist. Gentaro worries endlessly about his daughters who are poor judges of character. Completely ignoring their tastes, this stubborn, old-fashioned father suddenly brings a man whom he likes to the house in the middle of the night and introduces him to his daughters. In fact this man is Yuka’s ex-boyfriend Omori Toshio (Hamano Kenta). What will the family be like the next day!?
Website: www.tokai-tv.com/io/oihandsome
Twitter: twitter.com/tokaitv_dodra
Preview: Oi Handsome!! Teaser

Kamakura Dono no 13-nin
Date: From 8.00 p.m., Sundays, 9 January – December 2022
Station: NHK
Genre: Period
Scriptwriter: Mitani Koki (Sanadamaru, Shinsengumi!)
Directors: Yoshida Teruyuki, Suenaga So, Hosaka Keita, Ando Daisuke
Cast: Oguri Shun, Koike Eiko, Kataoka Ainosuke, Matsudaira Ken, Sato Jiro, Nakagawa Taishi, Koizumi Kotaro, Minami Sara, Nozoe Yoshihiro, Sugimoto Tetta, Yamamoto Koji, Yokota Eiji, Asano Kazuyuki, Miyazawa Ema, Anan Kenji, Bando Yajuro, Kaneko Daichi, Niiro Shinya, Sakoda Takaya, Kurihara Hideo, Suda Masaki, Kobayashi Takashi, Nakamura Shido, Miyazawa Rie, Oizumi Yo, Aoki Munetaka, Akimoto Sayaka, Yamazaki Hajime, Okamoto Nobuto, Nishida Toshiyuki
Synopsis: During the time of Taira no Kiyomori (Matsudaira Ken), Hojo Yoshitoki (Oguri Shun) was merely the second son of a minor clan in Izu. However, the marriage of his older sister Masako (Koike Eiko) to Minamoto Yoritomo (Oizumi Yo), who had been exiled to Izu, sets the wheels of fate in motion. In 1180, Yoritomo unites the samurai from the Kanto region and leads a rebellion against the Taira. This is a huge, impulsive gamble for the Hojo clan. Through the political maneuvering of Yoshitoki who would become Yoritomo’s closest associate, the Taira clan is finally defeated. Yoritomo becomes the shogun, marking the start of the Kamakura shogunate. However, he dies mysteriously while at the height of power. Yoritomo’s two sons with Masako, the second shogun Yoriie (Kaneko Daichi) struggles to surpass his great father while the third shogun Sanetomo remains an “ornament” in an attempt to survive. The replacement of the shogun becomes a power game between Yoshitoki and the shogun’s retainers. As the uncle of the two shoguns, Yoshitoki controls the shogunate. When the Minamoto clan’s legitimate heirs die out, the Hojo clan rules the country. In the capital in Kyoto, Emperor Go Toba raises an army to suppress Yoshitoki. Gambling on the fate of the shogunate, Yoshitoki takes on what would be the last decisive battle. Yoritomo’s rule over the whole country was supported by a group of 13 vassals (Sato Jiro, Nozoe Yoshihiro, Yokota Eiji, Kurihara Hideo, Kobayashi Takashi, Nakamura Shido). Although intense infighting broke out after his death, Yoshitoki, who was the youngest among the 13, survived to the end and eventually gained power.
Website: www.nhk.or.jp/kamakura13
Twitter: twitter.com/nhk_dramas

DCU ~ Tejou o Motta Divers^*UPDATED*
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Sundays, 16 January – 20 March 2022
Station: TBS
Genre: Mystery
Episodes: 10
Scriptwriter: –
Directors: Tanaka Kenta, Aoyama Takahiro, Miyazaki Yohei
Theme Song: Another Day Goes by Lizabet
Cast: Abe Hiroshi, Yokohama Ryusei, Nakamura Anne, Yamazaki Ikusaburo, Shuri, Takahashi Mitsuomi, Okazaki Taiiku, Tosa Yuki, Shunputei Shota, Ichikawa Mikako, Kikkawa Koji (guest star), Kajihara Zen (guest star), Helena Alesi Goto (guest star), Fujii Ryusei (guest star), Yanagi Shuntaro (guest star), Kato Masaya (guest star), Asumi Rio (guest star), Okada Koki (guest star)
Synopsis: Japan is surrounded by the sea on all sides and has many rivers, lakes and water sites. Despite numerous cases where dead bodies are dumped or hidden in water, the rate at which these are solved is lower than cases that happen on land. This is because it is fraught with many dangers and difficulties. Niina Masayoshi (Abe Hiroshi) is the leader of the Deep Crime Unit, known as DCU. This new team of specialists formed by the Japan Coast Guard investigates underwater incidents and accidents. Their mission is to solve cases by diving not only into conventional seawater zones but also hazardous rivers and lakes across the country which are difficult for police investigations, in search of hidden evidence. Niina may disregard the rules but he never gives up on his pursuit of the truth. He will not tolerate the sea being soiled and the truth remaining unsolved. Together with the members of the DCU including Seno Haruki (Yokohama Ryusei), Niina dives underwater to solve all sorts of difficult cases and confronts the evil lurking beneath the surface.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/DCU_japan
Twitter: twitter.com/DCU_japan
Preview: DCU Introduction

Dakara Korosenakatta
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 9 January – 6 February 2022
Network: WOWOW
Genre: Mystery
Episodes: 5
Original Work: Dakara Korosenakatta by Ippongi Toru
Scriptwriter: Maekawa Yoichi (Kareinaru Ichizoku (2021), Kirin ga Kuru, Lady Joker)
Director: Gonno Hajime
Cast: Tamaki Hiroshi, Matsuda Genta, Hagiwara Masato, Furuta Arata, Takaoka Saki, Watabe Atsuro, Komoto Masahiro, Hasegawa Tomoharu, Takahashi Tsutomu, Kanai Yuta, Yuki Moe, Yasoda Yuichi, Shiraishi Shunya, Ando Yuko, Matsumoto Wakana, Sakou Yoshi
Synopsis: “Try stopping my murders with words.” This is the line in a letter delivered to Ippongi Toru (Tamaki Hiroshi), a roving reporter for Taiyo Shimbun’s local news desk, and the random serial murders which have shaken the Tokyo metropolitan area are described in detail. The criminal designates Ippongi and demands a public debate in the newspapers. Using a journalist’s power of words, Ippongi goes head to head with the criminal who warns of another murder. The unprecedented dialogue between the serial killer and newspaper reporter eventually rocks society.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/original/dakakoro
Twitter: twitter.com/drama_wowow

Jashin no Tenbin ~ Kouan Bunseki-han
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 13 February – 17 April 2022
Network: WOWOW
Genre: Crime suspense
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Jashin no Tenbin Kouan Bunseki-han & no Shinpan Keishichou Kouan Bunseki-han by Asami Kazushi
Scriptwriters: Anabuki Ichiro (Chou no Rikigaku, Dr DMAT, Gunshi Kanbei), Koyama Shota (Inochi Urimasu, Career, Ishitachi no Renai Jijou), Naruse Katsuo (Chiisana Kyojin, Kiraware Matsuko no Isshou)
Directors: Uchikata Akira, Yamamuro Daisuke, Yamamoto Daisuke
Cast: Aoki Munetaka, Matsuyuki Yasuko, Tokushige Satoshi, Koichi Mantaro, Fukuyama Shodai, Takiuchi Kumi, Okuno Eita, Watanabe Ikkei, Danta Yasunori, Kikuchi Rinko, Tsutsui Michitaka
Synopsis: A leading figure of the ruling political party is found murdered near the site of a bombing. The internal organs have been removed from the body, and balancing scales with a heart and feathers placed on it has been left behind. Detective Takano Hideaki (Aoki Munetaka), who has just transferred to the Public Security Department, comes to carry out the initial investigation at the crime scene. He feels uncomfortable about this bizarre murder which imitates ancient Egyptian mythology and tries to work through the case with his deductive skills. However, he gets brushed aside by his colleague Himuro (Matsuyuki Yasuko) who says the department has its own methods. Even within Japan’s police force, the Public Security Department has a strong elitist mentality as the guardian of public order. While gathering information is the basis of investigation for the police, the Public Security Department’s requirements are more precise and complicated. Takano also pursues the case using their investigation methods. But will he be able to get clues to solve the difficult case in a department where secretiveness is prevalent. This bizarre murder will eventually greatly rock the fates of the Public Security Department as well as Takano who came to the department to accomplish a certain purpose.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/original/jyashin
Twitter: twitter.com/drama_wowow
Related: Chou no Rikigaku ~ Satsujin Bunsekihan Season 3

Ningen Kowai Season 1
Date: From 11.00 p.m., Sundays, 6 February – 6 March 2022
Network: WOWOW
Genre: Omnibus
Episodes: 5
Scriptwriters: Shuto Rin (Takeuchi Ryoma no Satsukyuu), Yamada Yuri, Peyoung Maki (Tokyo Ai da no Koi da no, Raise de wa Chanto Shimasu Series, Arimura Katsumi no Satsukyuu), Date Sorami (Deaikei Saito de 70-nin to Jissai ni Atte Sono Hito ni Aisouna Hon o Susume Makutta 1-nenkan no Koto, Raise de wa Chanto Shimasu Series, Takeuchi Ryoma no Satsukyuu)
Directors: Kauchi Kentaro, Yamada Yuri
Cast: Kuroki Haru, Higashide Masahiro, Matsumoto Kiyo, Yamamoto Mizuki, Okayama Amane, Daito Shunsuke, Nagayama Kento, Takiuchi Kumi, Kitaro, Nao, Wakaba Ryuya, Hagiwara Minori, Nakajima Ayumu
Synopsis: Rakugo is associated with humorous stories but it is actually also a treasure trove of horror stories. This modern interpretation of four classic rakugo plays – Shingan, Tatsumi no Tsujiura, Koya Takao and Miyatogawa, depicts the desires of the characters that appear and the universality of how frightening humans can be.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/original/ningenkowai
Twitter: twitter.com/drama_wowow

Fuujinshi
Date: From 11.25 p.m., Mondays, 16 January – 13 March 2022
Station: ABC TV
Genre: Action mystery
Episodes: 9
Scriptwriter: Nakashima Kazuki (Futagashira Series)
Directors: Fujii Michihito, Sone Hayato, Koyama Takumi, Kuwashima Kenji
Theme Song: Mitekure by Akiyama Kiiro
Cast: Saotome Taichi, Endo Yuya, Nakamura Yurika, Fukagawa Mai, Yashiba Toshihiro, Tezuka Toru, Hashimoto Jun, Sano Gaku (guest star), Takeda Rina (guest star), Shinno Nanase (guest star)
Synopsis: One day, a man is found killed with a sword in the Tokyo metropolis. Despite signs indicating that his abdomen was slashed by a sharp blade, he did not bleed. Sanjo Mio (Fukagawa Mai), a young tabloid magazine reporter, begins gathering information in her search for the truth about his death. However, she sees black ashes suddenly well up from the dead body. Because the black ashes were apparently only visible to Mio, she is completely ignored by the detectives around her. But besides Mio, there are two men watching the black ashes intently. Their names are Osagami Kakeru (Saotome Taichi) and Iotsu Sho (Endo Yuya). When they come, investigations will always be called off and the truth hushed up. The mystery grows deeper and deeper. Mio gathers information again and eventually gets to a person who bears a grudge against the victim but … …
Website: www.asahi.co.jp/fujinshi
Twitter: twitter.com/dramaL_abct
Preview: Fujinshi CM

Harekon
Date: From 11.55 p.m., Sundays, 16 January – 13 March 2022
Station: ABC TV
Genre: Love comedy
Episodes: 9
Original Work: Harekon by NON
Scriptwriter: Yamada Kana
Directors: Ninomiya Takashi, Yamada Kana, Matsuzaki Yui
Theme Song: Final Piece by Hyde
Cast: Shimazaki Haruka, Inaba Yu, Asakawa Nana, Yanagi Yurina, Naenano, Kyan Yutaka, Watanabe Ikkei, Miyaji Masako
Synopsis: All the men she had dated in Tokyo were married. Tired of romance after being repeatedly deceived, Maezono Koharu (Shimazaki Haruka) moves back to her hometown of Kita Tsubame City. However, her father has fallen ill and she discovers that his coffee shop closed down when he could not repay the debt. Koharu wants to protect the shop no matter what it takes. Date Ryunosuke (Inaba Yu), a mysterious man who had been following her, offers to take over the debt if she agrees to marry him. But he already has two wives! Apparently Kita Tsubame City is the only special region in Japan where polygamy is allowed as a measure to tackle the declining birthrate as well as ageing and dwindling population. While Koharu had dreamed of marrying a man she loved some day, she decides to become Ryunosuke’s third wife in order to save the coffee shop. This is the beginning of her complicated married life with him, the first wife Yuzu (Yanagi Yurina) and second wife Madoka (Asakawa Nana).
Website: www.asahi.co.jp/harekon
Twitter: twitter.com/harekon_drama
Preview: Harekon CM

© jdramas.wordpress.com.