Upcoming Spring 2023 Dramas

Ranman
Date: From 8.00 a.m., Mondays – Fridays, 3 April 2023
Station: NHK
Episodes: 130
Scriptwriter: Osada Ikue (Gunjo Ryouiki, Sugu Shinun Dakara)
Directors: Watanabe Yoshio, Tsuda Atsuko
Theme Song: Ai no Hana by Aimyon
Cast: Kamiki Ryunosuke, Hamabe Minami, Shison Jun, Sakuma Yui, Kasamatsu Sho, Nakamura Riho, Shimazaki Wakako, Terawaki Yasufumi, Hirosue Ryoko, Matsuzaka Keiko, Makise Riho, Miyazawa Ema, Ikeuchi Mansaku, Daito Shunsuke, Narumi Riko, Ikeda Tetsuhiro, Ando Tamae, Yamaya Kasumi, Nakamura Aoi, Tanabe Seiichi, Ito Seiko, Dean Fujioka, Miyano Mamoru, Uzaki Ryudo, Miyama Hiroshi, Kaname Jun, Tanaka Tetsushi, Okuda Eiji, Tsuruta Mayu
Synopsis: A long-awaited baby boy was born at the end of the Edo Period in 1862 to a wealthy merchant family that runs a brewing business in Kochi Prefecture. He would later become the gifted botanist Makino Mantaro (Kamiki Ryunosuke). Raised by his grandmother Taki (Matsuzaka Keiko) after his parents passed away when he was young, Mantaro loves plants for some reason and adults consider him a curious child. When he is older, Mantaro goes up to Tokyo for the National Industrial Exposition in Ueno. He gets to meet natural historians whom he admires and see precious plants from every region of the country as well as rare plants from overseas. This experience ignites his passion for botany and desire to identify all plants in Japan. Mantaro starts working as an assistant at Tokyo Imperial University’s Department of Botany where he immerses in research. He discovers one new species after another and gives them scientific names. In addition, he falls head over heels in love with Sueko (Hamabe Minami) whose mother runs a confectionary store. They get married and enjoy a happy life blessed with children. However, Mantaro has to deal with harassment by a group of professors who are jealous of his achievements. He also has to go through a rough time including being underpaid because he has no academic qualifications. Despite these challenges, he never loses his passion and single-mindedly presses on for the sake of the plants he loves and his dream of compiling a picture book of plants unique to Japan.
Website: www.nhk.jp/p/ranman
Twitter: twitter.com/asadora_nhk

Kazama Kimichika Kyojo Zero
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Mondays, 10 April 2023
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Investigative
Original Work: Kyojo Series by Nagaoka Hiroki
Scriptwriter: Kimizuka Ryoichi (Kyojo, Kareinaru Spy, Odoru Daisousasen Series)
Director: Nakae Isamu
Cast: Kimura Takuya, Akaso Eiji, Aragaki Yui, Kitamura Takumi, Shiraishi Mai, Sometani Shota, Hotta Mayu, Hamada Takahiro, Yuki Kousei, Kobayashi Kaoru, Kohinata Fumiyo, Ichihara Hayato (guest star), Uchida Rio (guest star)
Synopsis: Before Kazama Kimichika (Kimura Takuya) took up his role as an instructor at the police academy, he supervised the education of rookie detectives. Through a training system called Kazama Dojo, inexperienced young detectives would suddenly be paired with Kazama and taught detective skills through the investigation of actual murder cases. Crime scenes are the classroom in on the job training. Kazama sees the truth faster than anyone else. By urging the junior detectives to think for themselves, they arrive at the answers and eventually graduate from Kazama Dojo one by one. It will become clear how Kazama became such a merciless person.
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/kyojo0
Twitter: twitter.com/kazamakyojo
Related: Kyojo

Gouritekini Arienai ~ Tantei Kamizuru Ryoko no Kaimei
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Mondays, 17 April 2023
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Investigative
Original Work: Gouritekini Arienai ~ Kamizuru Ryoko no Kaimei by Yuzuki Yuko
Scriptwriter: Nemoto Nonji (Hakozume, Kansatsui Asagao Series, Gin to Kin)
Directors: Mitsuno Michio, Ninomiya Takashi, Kuraki Yoshinori
Cast: Amami Yuki, Matsushita Kohei, Shiraishi Sei, Nakagawa Daisuke, Maruyama Tomomi, Nakamura Toru
Synopsis: Kamizuru Ryoko (Amami Yuki) was a remarkable lawyer and handled many cases until she was disbarred after a case that resulted in injury. She subsequently set up her own private investigation firm and switched careers. Ryoko accepts all requests except murder and assault. But her fee alone is an extraordinary 2 million yen. For that amount, she will solve cases with sheer boldness, disregarding the law and accepted practices. Her partner Takayama Nobuhiko (Matsushita Kohei) has an IQ of 140 and is well versed in many fields. He seems to be perfect but has trouble speaking to women. Together, the two of them fight against unreasonable scoundrels who harass clients. At the same time, Ryoko and Nobuhiko have to grapple with their pasts. He has a feud with his family while she cannot recall the case that led to her losing her lawyer’s licence and continues to pursue the truth.
Website: www.ktv.jp/arienai
Twitter: twitter.com/arienai_g

Kashi Mashi Meshi
Date: From 11.06 p.m., Mondays, 10 April 2023
Station: TV Tokyo
Original Work: Kashi Mashi Meshii by Okazaki Mari
Scriptwriters: Tamada Shinya (Junai Dissonance, Anonymous, Densetsu no Okaasan), Imanishi Yuko (Shoumonai Bokura no Renairon, Sabishii Oka de Kari o Suru, Hoshi kara Kita Anata)
Directors: Matsumoto Kana, Fukuda Momoko
Cast: Maeda Atsuko, Narumi Riko, Shiono Akihisa
Synopsis: Three people close to 30 meet again for the first time since graduating from art college when a former classmate takes his own life. Despite their own troubles in life, they get together regularly for lively meals at home and in the process of doing so, they eventually start living together. Oda Chiharu (Maeda Atsuko) quit her design job at the company of her dreams after being bullied by her boss. Nakamura Seiko (Narumi Riko) is a career woman with a strong desire to get married because of her old-fashioned family. But her fiance, who works in the same department, suddenly breaks off their engagement. Amagai Eiji (Shiono Akihisa) was the boyfriend of their classmate who committed suicide. He used to be a designer at an advertising agency but since his transfer to sales, he no longer knows what he wants to do. He is a gay man but has yet to tell his parents.
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/kashimashimeshi
Twitter: twitter.com/tx_kashimashi

unknown
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 18 April 2023
Station: TV Asahi
Genre: Love suspense
Scriptwriter: Tokuo Koji (Roppongi Class, Koi wa Deep ni, Watashi no Kaseifu Nagisa-san)
Directors: Ruto Toichiro, Kanai Hiro
Cast: Takahata Mitsuki, Tanaka Kei, Machida Keita, Aso Kumiko, Yoshida Kotaro
Synopsis: Yamihara Kokoro (Takahata Mitsuki), a journalist for a weekly magazine, and Asada Toramatsu (Tanaka Kei), a police officer working at a police box, have been dating for a year and pledged to love each other. As Kokoro’s 30th birthday approaches, both of them start thinking of marriage but neither can summon the courage to tell their grave secrets. They live in a pretty peaceful town but three serial murder cases in the neighbourhood actually remain unsolved. These cases are regarded as serial murders because all the victims were killed using the same method and their bodies drained of blood. Five years have gone by without any clues related to the killer. Now that people’s memories have begun to fade, tragedy strikes once again. Toramatsu wears a thoughtful expression for some reason after he sees the body of the new victim at the crime scene. Then Kokoro has mixed feelings about her editor in chief’s talk of creating a special feature on these bizarre crimes. The worse part is that the tragedy does not end with this murder and the town residents whom Kokoro and Toramatsu are on good terms with get caught in one case after another.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/unknown
Twitter: twitter.com/unknown_ex2023

Ousama ni Sasagu Kusuriyubi
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Tuesdays, April 2023
Station: TBS
Genre: Love comedy
Original Work: Ousama ni Sasagu Kusuriyubi by Watanabe Shiho
Scriptwriters: Kuramitsu Yasuko (PICU, Imawa no Kuni no Arisu Season 1, Alive), Seki Hisayo (Iribito, Pandora no Kajitsu)
Directors: Tsuboi Toshio, Izumi Masahide, Miyazaki Moeka
Theme Song: Dear My Lover by Hey! Say! Jump
Cast: Hashimoto Kana, Yamada Ryosuke, Bando Ryota, Nagao Kento, Morinaga Yuki, Kobayashi Kinako, Wakatsuki Yumi, Miura Ryota, Kobayashi Ryoko, Tsukaji Muga, Riju Go, Ryou, Matsushima Nananko
Synopsis: Rookie wedding planner Haneda Ayaka (Hashimoto Kana) just joined La Blanche wedding hall. She has always been popular because of her incomparable beauty. But she gets put off by guys who only look at appearances, and has hardly ever been in love. Ayaka’s life has also been nothing but trouble as she is often misunderstood and envied for her beauty by those around her. Her parents (Ryou, Tsukaji Muga) run a small kamaboko shop. As the eldest of five children, she had to earn her own school fees in order to help out her family. One day, Ayaka suddenly gets a marriage proposal from Nitta Togo (Yamada Ryosuke) which becomes a turning point in her life. Togo is the autocratic CEO of La Blanche and the successor of a large company, Nitta Holdings. He has neither had problems with women nor truly been in love before. Ayaka chooses marriage to protect her family while Togo chooses marriage to turn around the struggling wedding hall. A married life full of calculations begins.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/ousama_tbs2023
Twitter: twitter.com/ousama_tbs

Watashi no Oyome-kun
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Wednesdays, 12 April 2023
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Love comedy
Original Work: Watashi no Oyome-kun by Shiba Natsumi
Scriptwriter: Hashimoto Natsu (Octo, Gossip)
Directors: Kamiya Kaede, Joho Hidenori, Mito Yusuke
Cast: Haru, Takasugi Mahiro, Maeda Kentaro, Nimura Sawa, Takezai Terunosuke, Furukawa Yuta, Nakamura Aoi
Synopsis: Hayami Honoka (Haru) works in the sales department of a large home appliance manufacturer. She has not only been number 1 in sales for five consecutive terms, but also won the Outstanding Employee Award. Although Honoka is considered everyone’s ideal bride and a perfect person, she has been hiding the fact that she lives in a dirty home because she is slovenly. Yamamoto Chihiro (Takasugi Mahiro), a junior in the same department, greatly admires Honoka’s competence at work. Having had to help his busy mother with the housework together with his siblings from a young age, he has absolute confidence in his skills at household chores. One thing leads to another and Chihiro unwittingly learns the truth about Honoka. Soon he is over at Honoka’s house often enough that she gets him to move in with her!?
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/oyome_kun
Twitter: twitter.com/oyome_kun

Sorette Pakuri Janai desu ka?
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Wednesdays, 12 April 2023
Station: NTV
Genre: Corporate
Original Work: Sorette Pakuri Janai desu ka? by Okuno Sakurako
Scriptwriter: Ushio Kentaro (Kyoso no Bannin, Itoshii Uso, Black Paen)
Directors: Nakajima Satoru, Uchida Hidemi
Cast: Yoshine Kyoko, Shigeoka Daiki, Tokiwa Takako, Watanabe Daichi, Fukuchi Momoko, Asakura Aki, Toyoda Yudai, Suwa Masashi, Takahashi Tsutomu, Aijima Kazuyuki, Akai Hidekazu, Nomaguchi Toru, Tomosaka Rie, Tanabe Seiichi
Synopsis: Fujisaki Aki (Yoshine Kyoko) is an employee at beverage maker Tsukiyono’s drink development department but ends up being assigned to work involving intellectual property. When an important patent related to a beverage under development gets stolen by a rival company, Aki is suspected of leaking information. She teams up with Kitawaki Masami (Shigeoka Daiki), an intellectual property lawyer who comes from headquarters to investigate this incident at Tsukiyono. But they get off to a rocky start since Aki knows nothing about intellectual property while Kitawaki makes no compromises in business. She is emotional, looks at people’s strengths and cares about the reasons. However, Kitawaki is rational, looks at people’s weaknesses and only cares about the rules and outcomes. The two of them have to fight together to regain the stolen patent from the rival company.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/sorepaku
Twitter: twitter.com/sorepaku_ntv

Keiji to Kenji, Tokidoki Hanji
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Thursdays, April 2023
Station: TV Asahi
Genre: Suspense comedy
Scriptwriter: Fukuda Yasushi (Doctors Saikyo no Meii Series, Good Partner, Hero Series)
Directors: Motohashi Keita, Kinoshita Naomi
Cast: Kiritani Kenta, Higa Manami, Isomura Hayato, Nakamura Ann, Kichise Michiko, Kitamura Yukiya
Synopsis: Nakaido Gota (Kiritani Kenta) is a former high school physical education teacher who now works at the Minatomirai Police Precinct’s Criminal Affairs Division in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture. Wanting to eradicate the bad people who lead students astray, he quit teaching and changed jobs. Nakaido is currently a sergeant and wants to get a promotion, but he is not good at studying so he obsesses about his accomplishments, that is, arresting criminals. He likes nothing better than to be thanked by victims for catching criminals. What stands in the way of a mid-career detective like Nakaido is a prosecution team (Nakamura Ann, Kitamura Yukiya) with the country’s best brains who declare that the law is everything, and life experience and empathy have no part in bringing someone to justice. A self-centred judge (Kichise Michiko) will also join the battle. Going from warrant → arrest → prosecution → indictment → warrant → trial is not easy. In the process of doing so, people with completely different academic backgrounds, status, income, qualifications, investigation approaches who would never have mingled, interact and clash head-on.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/keiji_kenji_hanji
Twitter: twitter.com/keijito_tvasahi

Anata ga Shite Kurenakute mo
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Thursdays, 13 April 2023
Station: Fuji TV
Original Work: Anata ga Shite Kurenakute mo by Haruno Haru
Scriptwriters: Ichikawa Takayuki, Okazaki Satoko (Saisho wa Paa, Konintodoke ni Han o Oshita dake desu ga, Kaseifu no Mitazono Seasons 3 – 5), Kuroda Ko
Director: Nishitani Hiroshi
Cast: Nao, Iwata Takanori, Tanaka Minami, Sato Honami, Takeda Rena, Uno Shohei, Megumi, Otsuka Nene, Nagayama Eita
Synopsis: Yoshino Michi (Nao), an office lady who works for a construction company’s sales department, is still on good terms with her husband Yoichi (Nagayama Eita) after being married for five years. The only thing bothering her is their lack of a sex life for two years. This makes her feel a vague sense of anxiety that she can be written off as a woman if this carries on. Yoichi who is a manager of a cafe, shuns interactions with people and considers Michi the only person that he can be at ease with. He certainly loves her but every time they come to that moment, he would end up sidestepping and running away after feeling pressured. He believes that they can make it work as a married couple even without sex because their personalities are a perfect match and they also get along well. Niina Makoto (Iwata Takanori) and Kaede (Tanaka Minami) are also having problems of their own despite being considered an ideal married couple. Makoto is Michi’s boss. He has many fans in the company due to his outstanding work, affability and good looks. Furthermore, he is known to be a devoted husband who supports his wife. A career woman who works for a fashion magazine, Kaede has just been made its deputy editor. She is so absorbed in her work every day that she practically has no time for Makoto and does not realise how he truly feels. One night, Michi gets stood up by Yoichi. While she is drinking a can of beer alone, Makoto happens to pass by and they end up having drinks together. A drunken Michi confides in Makoto about being in a sexless relationship with her husband. From that day on, the problems that each couple faces start to come to the surface, and then … …
Website: www.fujitv.co.jp/anataga_drama
Twitter: twitter.com/anataga_drama

Shouri no Houteishiki
Date: From 11.59 p.m., Thursdays, 13 April 2023
Station: NTV
Genre: Legal mystery
Scriptwriters: Kotani Nobuaki (Miss Sherlock), Honda Takaaki (Hondana Shokudo Season 2, Shoku no Gunshi, Kodoku no Gurume Series)
Directors: Horai Tadaaki, Honda Ryuichi
Cast: Shida Mirai, Kazama Shunsuke, Takahashi Yuto
Synopsis: 29-year-old Kagura Ran (Shida Mirai) is a lawyer who once shot to acting fame as a child prodigy. Despite the acting skills Ran honed at the time, her close friend is made a murderer because of a false accusation. Ran then vanishes from the legal community. One year later, a legal essay by someone with the same name Kagura Ran is published online and held up to be a hotshot lawyer who never loses. The writer of this essay appears in front of Ran one day. He is Kurosawa Jin (Kazama Shunsuke), a mysterious, talented scriptwriter who mostly writes mysteries. With the help of a script written by Kurosawa, Ran resumes practicing as a lawyer and tries to clear her friend’s name. The mystery of her friend’s case and Kurosawa’s mystery turn out to be intertwined and the truth is gradually revealed.
Website: www.ytv.co.jp/houteishiki
Twitter: twitter.com/houtei_drama

Angel Flight ~ Kokusai Reikyuu Soukanshi
Date: From 12.00 a.m., 17 March 2023
Network: Amazon Prime
Episodes: 6
Original Work: Angel Flight ~ Kokusai Reikyuu Soukanshi by Sasa Ryoko
Scriptwriters: Kosawa Ryota (Confidence Man JP Series, Date, Legal High Series), Kosaka Takafumi (Mahiru no Akuma, Mutsuu, Tenshi to Akuma)
Director: Horikirizono Kentaro
Cast: Yonekura Ryoko, Matsumoto Honoka, Shirota Yu, Yamoto Yuma, Noro Kayo, Oriyama Nao, Kamata Erena, Tokui Yu, Kusakari Tamiyo, Mukai Osamu, Endo Kenichi
Synopsis: There is a small company called Angel Hearth at Haneda Airport which specialises in escorting the remains of people who died abroad to bring them back to their loved ones in Japan. Led by formidable CEO Izawa Nami (Yonekura Ryoko) and fierce looking chairman Kashiwagi (Endo Kenichi), the team includes newcomer Takagi Rinko (Matsumoto Honoka), geeky Hiiragi Shusuke (Shirota Yu), flashy former delinquent Yano Yuya (Yamoto Yuma), gossipy Matsuyama Minori (Noro Kayo) and mild-mannered but mysterious Tanoshita Mitsugu (Tokui Yu). Nami may be strong-minded and acerbic but her convictions are undoubtedly genuine. She works hard every day to bring the deceased and their bereaved family members together as soon as possible, using her innate strength to overcome all sorts of difficulties that may arise including international issues and family disputes.
Website: www.amazon.co.jp/エンジェルフライト
Twitter: twitter.com/PrimeVideo_JP
Preview: Angel Flight Introduction

Nihon Touitsu ~ Kanto-hen^*NEW*
Date: From 12.59 a.m., Fridays, 14 April 2023
Station: NTV
Genre: Gang
Episodes: 10
Scriptwriter: Murata Keiichiro
Director: Tsuji Hiroyuki
Cast: Motomiya Yasukaze, Yamaguchi Yoshiyuki, Aoyagi Sho, Fujiwara Itsuki, Takaishi Akari, Ichinose Ryu, Akira 100%, Hirano Kinari, Akiyama Yuzuki, Tachi Yoshimi, Kitadai Takashi, Katsuya, Nakazawa Tatsuya, Honda Hiroto, Kawasaki Kenta, Kishida Tatsuya, Kyan Yutaka, Yamashita Yorie, Iwamatsu Ryo, Terajima Susumu
Synopsis: The phone rings at Kyowakai’s Hachioji branch. The caller informs them that Kyowakai gang members died after they were attacked by someone. The detectives in charge of this case are Shima Takuya (Aoyagi Sho) and Hayami Ryota (Fujiwara Itsuki) from Hakkyoku Police Precinct’s First Investigation Division. They have been busy investigating a case related to a recent spate of unsolved murders. Meanwhile, Himuro Renji (Motomiya Yasukaze) and Tamura Haruto (Yamaguchi Yoshiyuki) lead Kyowakai’s own investigation into the criminal, aiming to get to the perpetrator ahead of the police and avenge their dead members. The police and Kyowakai cross paths as a result of this case. And the mystery of the case deepens. A large, nefarious organisation stands in the way of Shima, Hayami and Kyowakai and traps them.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/nihontouitsu
Twitter: twitter.com/nihon_touitsu

Bengoshi Sodom
Date: From 8.00 p.m., Fridays, 28 April 2023
Station: TV Tokyo
Genre: Legal
Scriptwriters: Izumisawa Yoko (Sister, Guilty, Dairenai), Miura Hayato (Octo, Kei x Yaku, W Kenkei no Higeki)
Directors: Oikawa Takuro, Kubota Hiroki
Cast: Fukushi Sota, Hyunri, Mitsuishi Ken, Kato Seishiro, Yamashita Mizuki
Synopsis: Odagiri Wataru (Fukushi Sota) is a lawyer who represents swindlers. He will not take any job that does not make money. Odagiri puts down defending criminal cases which are not profitable in favour of focusing on civil cases. His defence of swindlers means taking sides with the deceivers rather than weak people who were deceived. He is an unscrupulous lawyer for his inhumanity, high-handed tactics and greed that has led him to be called Sodom in legal circles. What is his true motive for becoming such a lawyer?
Website: www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/sodom
Twitter: twitter.com/tx_dorama8

Pending Train~ 8-ji 23-ppun Asu Kimi to
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Fridays, 21 April 2023
Station: TBS
Genre: Time travel
Scriptwriter: Kaneko Arisa (Kikazaru Koi ni wa Riyuu ga Atte, Koi wa Tsuzuku yo Doko made mo, Chugakusei Nikki)
Directors: Tanaka Kenta, Okamoto Shingo, Kato Naoki
Theme Song: Tatoo by Official髭男dism
Cast: Yamada Yuki, Akaso Eiji, Kamishiraishi Moka, Inowaki Kai, Furukawa Kotone, Fujiwara Joichiro, Hyuga Wataru, Kataoka Rin, Ikeda Yuto, Miyazaki Shuto, Murata Hideaki, Onishi Ayaka, Yamaguchi Sayaka, Sugimoto Tetta, Matsuyuki Yasuko
Synopsis: It is 8.23 am and just like any other morning. Most of the passengers on the train check their social media feeds or watch movies on their smart phones while the train they are on heads to Tokyo. Everyone thought that today would be no different from the day before. However, one of the train cars suddenly travels to a devastated world in the future. In this world, smart phones, much less social media are of no use. Having been thrown into this unprecedented situation, the strangers (Akaso Eiji, Kamishiraishi Moka, Inowaki Kai, Furukawa Kotone, Fujiwara Joichiro, Hyuga Wataru, Kataoka Rin, Sugimoto Tetta, Matsuyuki Yasuko) who happened to ride on the same train including Kayashima Naoya (Yamada Yuki) will need to do their best to survive in extreme conditions and get back to their own world. Kayashima is a charismatic hairstylist who built an emotional wall and been superficially cheerful and talkative as a result of the complicated past he experienced. What will he truly think and do in these circumstances?
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/p_train823_tbs
Twitter: twitter.com/p_train823_tbs

Nagatan to Aoto ~ Ichika no Ryouricho
Date: 11.00 p.m., Fridays, 24 March 2023
Network: WOWOW
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Nagatan to Aoto ~ Ichika no Ryouricho by Isoya Yuki
Scriptwriters: Kawasaki Izumi (Saihate kara Toho 5-hun, Hankei 5 metres, Nibun no Ichi Fuufu), Yuge Isamu
Director: Matsumoto Soushi
Cast: Kadowaki Mugi, Sakuma Ryuto, Nakamura Aoi, Kumada Rinka, Shiraishi Shunya, Iida Kisuke, Tokoshima Yoshiko, Itao Itsuji, Toda Keiko
Synopsis: 34-year-old Kuwanoki Ichika’s (Kadowaki Mugi) family runs an established traditional Japanese restaurant in post-war Kyoto. She lost her husband in the war and spends her days working as a chef in a hotel kitchen. One day, she decides to strike it out on her own in the world of Western cuisine but her family’s restaurant faces financial difficulties as the number of customers continue to decline after the war. Ichika’s aunt Marukawa Machiko (Toda Keiko) pushes for marriage with the Yamaguchis, a family that owns hotel(s) in Osaka, in order to save the restaurant. However, the prospective groom turns out to be a 19-year-old university student called Amane (Sakuma Ryuto)! With his outspoken nature, Amane’s interactions with Ichika can best be described as volatile. Nevertheless, she commits to this marriage of convenience for the sake of the restaurant. This is the start of a testy marriage and process of turning around the restaurant’s business.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/original/nagatantoaoto
Twitter: twitter.com/drama_wowow　

Nami yo Kiite Kure
Date: From 11.15 p.m., Fridays, 21 April 2023
Station: TV Asahi
Genre: Comedy
Original Work: Nami yo Kiite Kure by Samura Hiroaki
Scriptwriter: Furuya Kazunao (Promise Cinderella, Gyoretsu no Megumi, Innocence Enzai Bengoshi)
Directors: Sumida Takashi, Katayama Osamu, Ueda Hisashi
Cast: Koshiba Fuka, Kitamura Kazuki, Katayose Ryota, Hara Nanoka
Synopsis: 26-year-old Koda Minare (Koshiba Fuka), who works part time at a soup curry joint, has reached a low point in her life. Not only was she dumped by her boyfriend, she was also swindled of money. While drowning her sorrows in alcohol at a bar, she blows up at a male stranger but cannot recall what happened because she was drunk. However, this male stranger is actually the chief director of the local radio station. He realises that Minare has potential to be a radio personality and before she knows what is happening, he selects her to host a late night radio programme called Nami yo Kiite Kure. With her eloquence, rapid talking, quick thinking and unique sense of humour, Minare soon begins to shine as a radio personality.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/namiyo
Twitter: twitter.com/namiyo_tvasahi

Utsubora
Date: 11.30 p.m., Fridays, 24 March 2023
Network: WOWOW
Genre: Suspense
Episodes: 8
Original Work: Utsubora by Nakamura Asumiko
Scriptwriters: Kodera Kasuhisa (Shimbun Kisha, Piple, Mushikago no Jomae), Inoue Kiko (Seigi no Tenbin, Hitori de Nomeru mon!)
Director: Hara Hiroto
Cast: Maeda Atsuko, Fujiwara Kisetsu, Taira Yuna, Okayama Hajime, Takeda Kohei, Hinagata Akiko, Watanabe Ikkei, Kitamura Yukiya 　
Synopsis: One day, a beautiful young woman named Fujino Akemi (Maeda Atsuko) mysteriously jumps to her death. Miki Sakura (Maeda Atsuko) who seems to have switched places with Akemi, shows up in front of popular writer Mizorogi Shun (Kitamura Yukiya) and identifies herself as Akemi’s younger twin sister. Mizorogi is basking in the limelight again with a new novel “Utsubora” after being unable to write. But he had actually plagiarised Akemi’s novel. Sakura has the original manuscript of “Utsubora” and she makes some suggestions to him. Mizorogi gets close to her, thinking that she has the next manuscript. However, he is soon driven to the depths of despair. Meanwhile, detectives (Okayama Hajime, Takeda Kohei) pursue the truth of Akemi’s death. The story heads towards an unanticipated conclusion.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/original/utsubora
Twitter: twitter.com/drama_wowow

Fuufu ga Kowareru Toki
Date: From 12.30 a.m., Saturdays, 8 April 2023
Station: NTV
Genre: Love suspense
Original Work: Doctor Foster by Mike Bartlett
Scriptwriters: Kanome Keiko (Kei x Yaku, Gohoubi Gohan, Good Morning Call Series), Mikuni Tsuzuko, Ueno Shiori
Directors: Otsuka Kyoji, Nagao Kumiko, Yamamoto Kan
Cast: Inamori Izumi, Yoshizawa Hisashi, Yuki Mio
Synopsis: Makabe Yoko (Inamori Izumi) is a doctor and deeply in love with her husband Kota (Yoshizawa Hisashi). The morning after he returns from a business trip to Sapporo, a woman’s lip balm drops out from his jacket. Yoko does not give it a second thought at the time. But that day, she ended up finding a long strand of brown hair that was not hers on his muffler. She wants to trust her husband because of her love for him. However, she cannot shake off the doubts that she feels. That is when she finally finds proof of his infidelity. At the same time, she learns about the betrayal of her trusted colleagues and neighbours. Kota has been hiding another huge secret – the pregnancy of his young mistress Sakura Rio (Yuki Mio). What should have been a perfect family starts to crumble and fall apart. Yoko launches a bitter revenge to corner her husband.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/deep-fufu
Twitter: twitter.com/deepfriday_ntv

Seigi no Tenbin Season 2
Date: From April 2023
Station: NHK
Original Work: Seigi no Tenbin by Daimon Takeaki
Scriptwriters: Tanabe Mitsuru (Seigi no Tenbin Season 1, Kakkou no Tamago wa Dare no Mono, Henshin), Inoue Kiko (Seigi no Tenbin Season 1, Hitori de Nomeru mon!)
Directors: Kataoka Hiroshi, Ninomiya Takashi
Cast: Kamenashi Kazuya, Nao, Kitauama Hiromitsu, Omasa Aya, Satoi Kenta, Oshima Yuko, Takenaka Naoto, Nakamura Masatoshi, Yamaguchi Tomoko
Synopsis: It has been three months since Takano Kazuya (Kamenashi Kazuya) vanished from the law firm Shidanzaka. This happened after he secured life imprisonment for the man he had defended, Minamino Kazuto who attacked Takano’s girlfriend Kumiko (Oshima Yuko). Saeki Mei, daughter of the firm’s founder, calls Takano to come back but he never shows up. Meanwhile Kiryu Miyuki (Omasa Aya), a former judge who belongs the Room 1 which is in charge of criminal matters, gets a request for a retrial. It comes from a defendant whom she sentenced to imprisonment for life during the time she was a judge. In addition to overturning her own ruling, she has to confront the steep challenge for retrial requests. Wanting to see justice, Takano gives Miyuki a hand. After that, Room 1 will get a series of difficult cases as if to put the team’s unity to the test.
Website: –
Twitter: twitter.com/nhk_dramas
Related: Seigi no Tenbin Season 1

Draft King
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Saturdays, 8 April 2023
Network: WOWOW
Episodes: 10
Original Work: Draft King by Kuromatsu Tetsuro
Scriptwriter: Suzuki Kenichi (Mikoku wa Utau, Akutou, Bye Bye Blackbird)
Directors: Yamamoto Toru, Yoshikawa Yuta
Cast: Muro Tsuyoshi, Miyazawa Hio, Hirayama Yusuke, Fujima Sawako, Kawakubo Takuji, Sakata Masanobu, Kamiji Yusuke, Ibu Masato, Denden, Otaka Akira, Ikuta Shupei, Masunaga Tatsuki, Machida Keita, Tanaka Yoji, Takahashi Tsutomu, Sendo Atsuko, Nakayama Shoki, Kido Taisei, Moro Morooka, Kitaro, Sudo Risa, Abe Ryohei, Hyodo Katsumi, Fukumatsu Rin, Yagi Masuyasu, Takashina Yuki　
Synopsis: Gohara Aura (Muro Tsuyoshi), a scout for the Yokohama Bay Golds, is caustic and self righteous but generally regarded as a hotshot. He flies around the country in search of hidden talent to pick the Draft King – the no. 1 among the players chosen for this year’s draft. Kamiki Ryosuke (Miyazawa Hio), a former professional player who is now a rookie scout, and the members of the scout division led by the empathetic Shimobe Rikuo (Denden) engage in a heated discussion with Gohara in their effort to strengthen the team. Gohara’s arch-enemy Busujima Ryuji, a veteran scout for the Osaka White Tigers who would do anything to accomplish his goals, is also fired up to secure talented players and makes a secret move. Can Gohara and his colleagues find a diamond in the rough and pick the Draft King?
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/original/draftking
Twitter: twitter.com/drama_wowow

Dr Chocolate
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Saturdays, 22 April 2023
Station: NTV
Genre: Medical
Original Work: Dr Chocolate by Akimoto Yasushi
Scriptwriter: Watanabe Yûsuke (Shinigami-san, Talio, dele)
Directors: Sakuma Noriyoshi, Nagumo Seiichi, Miyashita Naoyuki
Cast: Sakaguchi Kentaro, Shiroyama Noa, Aoi Wakana, Suzuki Sarina, Maeda Oushiro, Furukawa Yuta, Ozawa Yukiyoshi, Saito Yuki
Synopsis: There is a rumour flying around about a Banksy in the medical profession – Dr Chocolate, a talented surgeon who can pull off any surgery. His conditions for wielding the scalpel are 100 million in cash, a non-disclosure agreement, and … chocolate? In truth, Dr Chocolate is a 10-year-old genius Terajima Yui (Shiroyama Noa). Former doctor Noda Tetsuya (Sakaguchi Kentaro) who has lost the use of his dominant arm, and Yui work together with six medical colleagues at the Chocolate Company. They save the lives of patients regardless of the situation whether they are in the middle of a gunfight, in a plane in mid-air or inside a lift … … Yui and Noda are doing this in order to unravel the mysterious conspiracy that claimed the lives of her parents two years ago. In the midst of this, a female news reporter who is pursuing Dr Chocolate shows up.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/dr-chocolate
Twitter: twitter.com/drchocolate_ntv

Tsukuyomi-kun no Kindan Oyashoku
Date: From 11.30 p.m., Saturdays, 22 April 2023
Station: TV Asahi
Genre: Romance, Food
Original Work: Tsukuyomi-kun no Kindan Oyashoku by Asada Nikki
Scriptwriter: Matsuda Yuko (Koi desu! Yankee-kun to Hakujo Garu, Renai Mangaka, Seigi no Se)
Directors: Saito Yuki, Kaneshige Atsushi, Shimizu Yuki
Cast: Hagiwara Riku, Triendl Reina, Asaka Kodai, Ozaki Takumi, Higuchi Hina
Synopsis: Charismatic personal trainer Mikami Soyogi’s (Triendl Reina) unique training method has taken off through video streaming. She is so popular that there is a three-month waiting list to book her. She is strict with herself as well as her clients and always produces results. Because Soyogi is intent on maintaining her figure, she consumes only the nutrition needed every day and has long lost interest in food. One night, she happens to come across Tsukuyomi Yuga (Hagiwara Riku). A young man of many mysteries, Yuga is a good cook and a dietary management expert with several qualifications related to food. He has a strong love and obsession with food which shows in his tendency to talk fast and get assertive when it comes to this topic. After learning that Soyogi has been neglecting food, Yuga proposes to serve her a midnight snack. That “forbidden snack” reminds her of the joys of food and starts to heal her.
Website: www.tv-asahi.co.jp/tsukuyomi_oyashoku
Twitter: twitter.com/tsukuyomikun_ex

Hitori Bocchi ~ Hito to Hito o Tsunagu Ai no Monogatari
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Sundays, 9 April 2023
Station: TBS
Scriptwriter: Yamamoto Mutsumi (Kounodori, Gegege no Nyobo)
Director: Kiyohiro Makoto
Cast: Aiba Masaki, Ueto Aya, Nakano Taiga, Enari Kazuki, Kadono Takuzo, Nakada Yoshiko, Nomura Mami, Fujita Tomoko, Kobayashi Ayako, Funakoshi Eiichiro, Ichiro Maki, Sakamoto Fuyumi, Ishizaka Koji
Synopsis: Sugi Shinya (Aiba Masaki) works as a water metre reader even though he is a qualified architect. He has a painful past that he has not been able to tell anyone. When he was 15, he lost his parents and home. Several years later, his dearest elder sister suddenly died of illness, leaving him all alone in this world. Shinya lost sight of his goals and withdrew into himself. At this time, he was invited by a friend and visited a shop that specialises in rice balls. That is where he meets the shop owner Tachibana Kaoru (Sakamoto Fuyumi) who looks very much like his late sister. Kaoru believes rice balls help her form connections with people. Because of her meddlesome nature, Kaoru gets involved with her customers (Nakano Taiga) who each have their own circumstances, and makes them smile in spite of themselves. How will Shinya begin to change through his encounter with her?
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/hitoribotti_tbs
Twitter: twitter.com/hitoribotchitbs

Last Man ~ Zenmou no Sousakan
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Sundays, 23 April 2023
Station: TBS
Genre: Investigative
Scriptwriter: Kuroiwa Tsutomu (My Family, Tokyo MER, Kikenna Venus)
Directors: Doi Nobuhiro, Hirano Shuichi, Ishii Yasuharu, Ito Yoshihiro
Cast: Fukuyama Masaharu, Oizumi Yo, Imada Mio, Terao Akira, Yoshida Yo
Synopsis: FBI special agent Minami Hiromi (Fukuyama Masaharu) has come to Japan from the US for a foreign exchange programme. Although he lost his sight in both eyes due to an accident, he is called the Last Man in the FBI – the last trump card with the ability to close a case using his keen analytical skills as well as sense of touch and smell. Godo Shintaro (Oizumi Yo) heads the National Police Agency’s Personnel Exchange Planning Unit. While members of the family including his father Seiji (Terao Akira) have served as Commissioner of the agency for generations, Godo chose to work in the field and has made an overwhelming number of arrests. He will not forgive a wrong but will do anything to catch criminals. This stance has earned him many enemies within the police organisation. However, he is ordered by his older brother, who is seen as the next Commissioner, to be Minami’s attendant.
Website: www.tbs.co.jp/lastman_2023_tbs
Twitter: twitter.com/LASTMAN_tbs

Fence
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 19 March 2023
Network: WOWOW
Episodes: 5
Scriptwriter: Nogi Akiko (MIU404, Unnatural, Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu Series)
Director: Matsumoto Kana
Cast: Matsuoka Mayu, Miyamoto Ariana, Aoki Munetaka, Yonashiro Sho, Higa Nanako, Sakumoto Takara, Nozomi de Lencquesaing, Matsuda Ruka, Nikki, Aragaki Yui (guest star), Reina, Dante Carver, Shiser, Yoshida Taeko, Mitsuishi Ken
Synopsis: Magazine writer Komatsu Kie (Matsuoka Mayu) heads to Okinawa to interview Omine Sakura (Miyamoto Ariana), a young woman of mixed race, who reported that she was sexually assaulted by an American soldier. Needing to probe the background of the case as a result of some discrepancies in Sakura’s statement, Kie visits the town where the US army is based and goes to MOAI, the coffee bar that Sakura runs. Pretending to be a tourist, she approaches her. Kie learns that Sakura’s grandmother Yoshi (Yoshida Taeko) has been participating in the peace movement because she went through the Battle of Okinawa, and Sakura’s father is an American soldier. Kie also meets Isa Kenji, a police officer from the Okinawa Prefectural Police, who was Sakura’s customer during the time she worked at a hostess bar in Tokyo, and finds out the harsh reality of criminal investigations relating to the US army. She eventually gets to some truth that is intertwined with Okinawa’s complicated situation.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/original/fence
Twitter: twitter.com/drama_wowow

Grace no Reriki
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 19 March 2023
Station: NHK BS Premium
Episodes: 8
Scriptwriter: Minamoto Takashi (Liquid, Kamisama no Boat)
Director: Minamoto Takashi
Cast: Takito Kenichi, Ono Machiko, Ito Hideaki (guest star), Emoto Tasuku (guest star), Hayashi Kento (guest star), Yamazaki Hirona (guest star), Hirano Kinari (guest star), Kimura Yuichi (guest star), Minami (guest star), Tokunaga Eri (guest star), Mimura Rie (guest star), Kurotani Tomoka (guest star), Nakahara Takeo (guest star), Oka Mitsuko (guest star), Ishibashi Renji (guest star), Uzaki Ryudo (guest star), Hirosue Ryoko (guest star)
Synopsis: Hasumi Kikuo (Takito Kenichi) lost his wife Minako (Ono Machiko) in a sudden accident and is left with her beloved car named Grace. After finding far-flung places in the car navigation records which were not part of her routine, he suspects that she was unfaithful and sets out on a journey to trace her routes and unravel the mystery. As he goes to Fujisawa, Matsumoto, Omi Hachiman, Onomichi, Matsuyama, Kikuo digs up the past that he had sealed off everywhere he goes and also starts to perceive Minako’s feelings.
Website: www.nhk.jp/p/ts/88ZGN5PJ1Q
Twitter: twitter.com/nhk_dramas

Fixer Season 1
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Sundays, 23 April 2023
Network: WOWOW
Episodes: 5
Scriptwriter: Inoue Yumiko (BG Series, Kinkyuu Torishirabeshitsu Series, Pandora Series)
Director: Nishiura Masaki
Cast: Karasawa Toshiaki, Fujiki Naohito, Machida Keita, Koizumi Kotaro, Kaname Jun, Yoshikawa Ai, Saito Yuki, Uchida Yuki, Suruga Taro, Nishida Toshiyuki (guest star), Nagashima Toshiyuki, Tomita Yasuko, Jinnai Takanori, Uchida Yuki, Kobayashi Kaoru　
Synopsis: One night, the car carrying Prime Minister Tonomura Shigeru (Nagashima Toshiyuki) plunges off a cliff. The driver who died in the accident was suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol. In addition, suspicions begin to be raised about its connection to a secret pact surrounding the approval of a new drug. Meanwhile, one man approaches the Prime Minister’s secretary Nakano Hiroki (Fujiki Naohito) who is busy dealing with the accident. This man who is also called Fixer, is Shitara Kenichi (Karasawa Toshiaki). He has covered up the Prime Minister’s scandals in the past and had spoken to him on the phone right before the accident happened. Was this just an accident? Or was it rigged? While newspaper journalist Watanabe Tatsuya (Machida Keita) is absorbed in gathering information, he receives a tip from someone. When Prime Minister Tonomura does not regain consciousness, he is removed from office and the leadership contest begins. As the kingmaker, Kenichi has the ruling party’s candidates in the palm of his hand and starts to seize power.
Website: www.wowow.co.jp/drama/original/fixer1
Twitter: twitter.com/drama_wowow

Daga, Jounetsu wa Aru
Date: From 10.30 p.m., Sundays, 9 April 2023
Station: NTV
Scriptwriter: Imai Taro
Directors: Kariyama Shunsuke, Ito Akinori
Cast: Takahashi Kaito, Morimoto Shintaro, Sakai Maki, Fujii Takashi, Morimoto Shintaro, Hiccorohee, Miyake Hiroki, Shiraishi Kayoko, Yanai Yumena, Ikezu Shoko, Yakushimaru Hiroko, Mitsuishi Ken
Synopsis: On 31 May 2021, Wakabayashi Masayasu (Takahashi Kaito) and Yamasato Ryota (Morimoto Shintaro) were about to stand on stage for a live stream without an audience. While the two of them had been active as part of their respective comedy duos Audrey and Nankai Candies, they had insecurities and formed Tarinai Futari to show new routines. On this day, they are breaking up live. Wakabayashi and Yamasato first met at a pub 12 years ago. Both of them just sat there looking at the menu without saying anything even though more than 10 minutes had passed since they entered the place. Or rather they could not speak. Wakabayashi and Yamasato were extremely bad at engaging with people because their personalities were warped at a young age. They became comedians due to experiences that they each encountered during their high school days. They did not know who they were but they wanted to be somebody.
Website: www.ntv.co.jp/daga-jyounetsu
Twitter: twitter.com/daga_jyounetsu

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