Spring 2017 Japanese Dramas that I will watch
Ahh.. Spring is always a good season for both anime and Japanese drama. Here are some of the doramas that I look forward to seeing this season! Hoping to have all these down but of course, it will still depend on the availability of raws and also subs. lol :)
Title: Kizoku Tantei (The Noble Detective)
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Detective, Mystery
Air Date: April 17, 2017
Cast: Aiba Masaki, Takei Emi
Synopsis:
Elegantly dressed, the protagonist of this drama is an aristocrat who dose detective works as a part of his hobby. Nobody knows him really. His age, academic records, family, where he lives and even what his real name is are all wrapped in a mystery. He does not seem to have a job properly. With gentlemanly behavior, he always bears in mind ladies first. He is a man of dignity who has a strong will as a nobleman and he’ll never be obsessed with power. He works on top police officials when coming across incidents, and this makes a Police detective Hanagata Raiu get involved to resolve cases together. “A chore like reasoning is for servants” he says, and enjoys talking to women he meets along cases. Meanwhile, his extremely loyal servants Yamamoto the butler, Tanaka the maid, and Sato the driver start investigation on crime-scenes instead. -- Fuji TV
Title: CRISIS: Special Security Squad
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Action
Air Date: April 11, 2017
Cast: Oguri Shun, Nishijima Hidetoshi
Synopsis:
Inami Akira is a former Self-Defense Force member. He was emotionally scarred by a special mission and subsequently discharged from the Self-Defense Force. Now, Inami Akira works for a secret Special Investigation Team at the National Police Agency. Meanwhile, Tamaru Saburo is kind and stoic. He used to go on special missions, but due to an incident was ordered to join the Special Investigation Team. With Inami Akira, Tamaru Saburo and other members, the Special Investigation Team tackles important political matters and dirty jobs for the government. -- TV Japan
Title: Hito wa Mita Me ga 100% (It's All About the Looks)
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Occupation Drama
Air Date: April 13, 2017
Cast: Kiritani Mirei, Mizukawa Asami, Buruzon Chiemi
Synopsis:
Totally immersed in research, Jonouchi Jun has been turning her back on "beauty" and "femininity." Realizing that she may be a "imitation girl" who gives up all that sort of thing, she starts to investigate the latest fashion trends and beauty tips with her colleagues, Maeda Mitsuko and Sato Seira. Find out how "imitation girls" with only science background strive in self-exploration and boost their femininity! -- Fuji TV
Title: Sakurako-san no Sokka ni wa Shitai ga Umatteiru (Beautiful Bones: Sakurako's Investigation)
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Mystery
Air Date: April 23, 2017
Cast: Mizuki Arisa, Fujigaya Taisuke
Synopsis:
Born in an affluent family, Sakurako is grown beautiful but rather spirited and speaks roughly. As an osteologist, she reconstructs skeletal remains of animals in her atelier at home when receiving job offers from museums. Deeply inspired by the beauty and majesty of bodies, her eccentricity is remarkable. "Dead bodies speak eloquently." says Sakurako, at the events of examining incidents. She observes bodies and the crime scenes very carefully, and reveals the truth one by one. Kujo Sakurako, the beautiful osteologist, resolves the cases with her expertise hearing the “voice” of bones. How does this extraordinary heroine resolve cases? -- Fuji TV
Title: Boku, Unmei no Hito desu (I'm Your Destiny)
Station: NTV
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Air Date: April 15, 2017
Cast: Kamenashi Kazuya, Yamashita Tomohisa, Kimura Fumino
Synopsis:
Masaki Makoto and Kogetsu Haruko are both 29 years old and single. Since they were children, they have passed each other at various places like on the beach and shrines. Yet, the two are not aware of each other at all. One day, a man appears in front of Makoto and introduces himself as God. He tells Makoto about his destined soulmate and that she works next door. When he faces Haruko, he tells her "I'm your destiny."
Title: Haha ni Naru (My Son)
Station: NTV
Genre: Drama
Air Date: April 12, 2017
Cast: Sawajiri Erika, Fujiki Naohito, Nakajima Yuto
Synopsis:
Yui, a woman that believes being a mother is something that comes naturally. Risako, a woman that worries about being a good mother. Asako, a woman who really wants to be a mother. This drama is about how 3 of them become mothers. After both her parents had died, Yui left her hometown in Hokkaido for Tokyo. At the bookshop where she worked, she made the acquaintance of a university lecturer, Yoichi. As their relationship slowly developed, and when it was discovered that Yui was pregnant, they both tied the knot. Coincidentally, Yoichi's boss at work, Professor Taiji, also had a shotgun marriage with a career woman named Risako. Both Yui and Risako became good friends as they supported each other through their pregnancies and motherhood. One day, when Yui and her son, 3-year old Kou, were on their way home from the nursery, Yui lost Kou. She had only let go of his hand for just a short moment, and when she turned around he was gone, kidnapped by some unknown person. Fast forward to 9 years later, Yui and Yoichi are divorced and now lead separate lives. One day, Yui is reunited with her kidnapped son. Will they be able to bury the 9 years apart, and start all over again as a family? -- NTV
Title: Koi ga Heta de mo Ikitemasu (I'm Bad at Love but I'm Living)
Station: NTV
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Air Date: April 6, 2017
Cast: Takanashi Rin, Tanaka Kei, Tsuchimura Kaho
Synopsis:
The story centers on Misa, a career-minded woman who works in the sales department of her company. She works hard, and often puts in an effort to make herself look beautiful. But she actually has no experience in romance. She can’t act cute, she’s bad at inviting people to outings, and she’s too prideful. All the men she meets end up backing away from her. Her roommate and close friend Chihiro is a department store receptionist. She is good with kids, likes housework, and is passionate about her volunteer work; the exact opposite of Misa. They live together like sisters. But a change is coming to their lives when Misa meets the man of her dreams. Meanwhile, Chihiro is apparently having an affair behind her long-time fiancé’s back.
Title: Frankenstein no Koi (Frankenstein's Love)
Station: NTV
Genre: Drama, Romance
Air Date: April 23, 2017
Cast: Ayano Go, Nikaido Fumi
Synopsis:
A monster was created from an incident that took place 100 years ago. He possesses super physical ability and can live forever. He yearns for humans and listens to the radio. He picks up things thrown away by other people. The monster dreams of living as a human. One day, he meets a young woman Tsugaru. He falls in love with her.
Title: Chiisana Kyojin (Little Giants)
Station: TBS
Genre: Detective
Air Date: April 23, 2017
Cast: Hasegawa Hiroki, Okada Masaki, Yoshine Kyoko
Synopsis:
Chief Kosaka of the No. 1 Investigative Enforcement Division is highly talented and is thought to be a sure choice for Superintendent in the future. This year, however, although he was successful in solving this year’s third HQ incident, a mistake made in the investigative process has caused him to be demoted to another post. Although he has wandered from the fast track to promotion, his new co-workers do their best - in their own feckless way - to solve petty incidents, always believing in their own sense of justice. As Kosaka reflects on his mission as a policeman and his own thoughts on justice, he learns to believe in himself as he fights against “evil.” A thrilling drama about men fighting for justice within a giant organization, the Police. -- TBS
Title: Anata no Koto wa Sore Hodo (I Love You Just a Little Bit)
Station: TBS
Genre: Romance
Air Date: April 18, 2017
Cast: Haru, Higashide Masahiro, Naka Riisa, Omasa Aya
Synopsis:
Mitsu (Haru), who is an administrator at an ophthalmology clinic, is asked out by Ryota (Higashide Masahiro) who comes as a patient. Mitsu believes that she can be happy with Ryota as he is steady and she feels comfortable, and even decides to get marry with him. Mitsu and Ryota receive blessings from many people. She thinks that lots of women get a happy marriage as they compromise somewhere to get married. One day, however, Mitsu meets Arishima (Nobuyuki Suzuki), an elementary and junior high school classmate who she believed that he was the person of destiny by chance on the way back from a drinking party. Her heart begins to shake greatly.
Title: 3-nin no Papa (Three Dads)
Station: TBS
Genre: Family, Comedy
Air Date: April 19, 2017
Cast: Arata Horii, Yuki Yamada, Ryo Mitsuya
Synopsis:
Takuto Hirabayashi lives with his two friends Kyohei Hano and Hajime Okayama at a share house. They have been friends since high school. Takuto Hirabayashi now works at a company, Kyohei Hano works at a trading company and Hajime works for an apparel brand. One day, Takuto comes home from work and finds a baby sleeping in the room. Kyohei and Hajime also come home. They read a letter on the desk that says “the baby is yours.” Who is the baby’s father? All three are not very responsible and guess that one of the other two guys is the father. At that time, they notice the baby has a fever.
Title: Reverse
Station: TBS
Genre: Mystery
Air Date: April 14, 2017
Cast: Fujiwara Tatsuya
Synopsis:
Unremarkable office worker, Fukase Kazuhisa, leads a boring life. The only place he can relax is the Clover Coffee Shop. Here he meets Ochi Mihoko and they begin to date. Just as he begins to grow accustomed to a more enjoyable life, something occurs that drives a wedge between the lovers. Mihoko receives a letter that accuses Fukase of being a murderer. Fukase realizes that he must now disclose the only darkness that happened in his life. He begins to tell Mihoko of a "secret" that he has not spoken of for ten years... Everyone sins. But how can you forgive and be forgiven? -- TBS
Title: Joshu Seven (Seven Female Prisoners)
Station: TV Asahi
Genre: Drama
Air Date: April 21, 2017
Cast: Goriki Ayame, Yamaguchi Sayaka, Triendl Reina
Synopsis:
Kotone Kamiwatari (Ayame Gouriki) is a geisha in Kyoto. While she is sleeping after a night of drinking, her fellow geisha is killed. Kotone Kamiwatari is falsely accused of her murder and is sent to prison. There, she is bullied by other prisoners, but Kotone Kamiwatari relies on her training from senior geishas to persevere. She also learns why she was framed for murder and sent to prison.
Title: 4-go Keibi (The Bodyguards)
Station: NHK
Genre: Drama
Air Date: April 8, 2017
Cast: Kobota Masataka, Kitamura Kazuki
Synopsis:
Wayato Asahina works at security company with his partner Kengo Ishimaru. His first client to guard is Hidetsugu Hirose. Hidetsugu Hirose is blind.
Title: Hokuto Aru Satsujinsha no Kaishan (Some Murderers Conversion)
Station: WOWOW
Genre: Mystery
Air Date: March 25, 2017
Cast: Nakayama Yuya
Synopsis:
20-year-old Hokuto is being detained as a murderer and tells his court-appointed lawyer Takai Soichi to get him the death penalty. Hokuto was actually severely abused by his parents in his childhood and starved of love. He met Kondo Ayako who became his foster mother through child welfare services and learnt of love for the first time. Released from the darkness of his mind, he started to feel like a new person but he is made sport by bizarre fate and becomes a murderer.
Title: Code Name Mirage
Station: TV Tokyo
Genre: Mystery
Air Date: April 8, 2017
Cast: Kiriyama Ren
Synopsis:
Moriyama, codename Mirage (Kiriyama Ren), is a top agent in the special team K-13 of the National Police Agency that deal with crimes which cannot be handled openly by the police force. Members of the organization “K13” do not exist in record were made to assume mission to handle brutal crime behind closed doors.
Title: Massage Tantei Joe
Station: TV Tokyo
Genre: Comedy
Air Date: April 8, 2017
Cast: Nakamaru Yuichi
Synopsis: Yabukihara Joe (Nakamaru Yuichi) starts working as a masseur with the encouragement of Eko-baba (Baisho Mitsuko), the owner of a massage shop whom he happened to become acquainted with about one year ago. Recognising that he is gifted in massage, Eko-baba makes Joe go to the homes of all kinds of customers although it agonises him because he dislikes people and has anxiety around strangers. One day, the wealthy husband of Joe’s customer, is murdered and Joe finds himself suspected by police detectives (Ozawa Yukyoshi, Wada Masato). At the suggestion of fellow masseur Aguri (Koshiba Fuka), Joe uses his massage techniques and powers of observation to solve the mystery and clear his name. This becomes the turning point in his life. After that, he keeps getting involved in strange murder cases at customers’ homes and demonstrates his unexpected talent each time.
Title: Kizoku Tantei (The Noble Detective)
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Detective, Mystery
Air Date: April 17, 2017
Cast: Aiba Masaki, Takei Emi
Synopsis:
Elegantly dressed, the protagonist of this drama is an aristocrat who dose detective works as a part of his hobby. Nobody knows him really. His age, academic records, family, where he lives and even what his real name is are all wrapped in a mystery. He does not seem to have a job properly. With gentlemanly behavior, he always bears in mind ladies first. He is a man of dignity who has a strong will as a nobleman and he’ll never be obsessed with power. He works on top police officials when coming across incidents, and this makes a Police detective Hanagata Raiu get involved to resolve cases together. “A chore like reasoning is for servants” he says, and enjoys talking to women he meets along cases. Meanwhile, his extremely loyal servants Yamamoto the butler, Tanaka the maid, and Sato the driver start investigation on crime-scenes instead. -- Fuji TV
Title: CRISIS: Special Security Squad
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Action
Air Date: April 11, 2017
Cast: Oguri Shun, Nishijima Hidetoshi
Synopsis:
Inami Akira is a former Self-Defense Force member. He was emotionally scarred by a special mission and subsequently discharged from the Self-Defense Force. Now, Inami Akira works for a secret Special Investigation Team at the National Police Agency. Meanwhile, Tamaru Saburo is kind and stoic. He used to go on special missions, but due to an incident was ordered to join the Special Investigation Team. With Inami Akira, Tamaru Saburo and other members, the Special Investigation Team tackles important political matters and dirty jobs for the government. -- TV Japan
Title: Hito wa Mita Me ga 100% (It's All About the Looks)
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Occupation Drama
Air Date: April 13, 2017
Cast: Kiritani Mirei, Mizukawa Asami, Buruzon Chiemi
Synopsis:
Totally immersed in research, Jonouchi Jun has been turning her back on "beauty" and "femininity." Realizing that she may be a "imitation girl" who gives up all that sort of thing, she starts to investigate the latest fashion trends and beauty tips with her colleagues, Maeda Mitsuko and Sato Seira. Find out how "imitation girls" with only science background strive in self-exploration and boost their femininity! -- Fuji TV
Title: Sakurako-san no Sokka ni wa Shitai ga Umatteiru (Beautiful Bones: Sakurako's Investigation)
Station: Fuji TV
Genre: Mystery
Air Date: April 23, 2017
Cast: Mizuki Arisa, Fujigaya Taisuke
Synopsis:
Born in an affluent family, Sakurako is grown beautiful but rather spirited and speaks roughly. As an osteologist, she reconstructs skeletal remains of animals in her atelier at home when receiving job offers from museums. Deeply inspired by the beauty and majesty of bodies, her eccentricity is remarkable. "Dead bodies speak eloquently." says Sakurako, at the events of examining incidents. She observes bodies and the crime scenes very carefully, and reveals the truth one by one. Kujo Sakurako, the beautiful osteologist, resolves the cases with her expertise hearing the “voice” of bones. How does this extraordinary heroine resolve cases? -- Fuji TV
Title: Boku, Unmei no Hito desu (I'm Your Destiny)
Station: NTV
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Air Date: April 15, 2017
Cast: Kamenashi Kazuya, Yamashita Tomohisa, Kimura Fumino
Synopsis:
Masaki Makoto and Kogetsu Haruko are both 29 years old and single. Since they were children, they have passed each other at various places like on the beach and shrines. Yet, the two are not aware of each other at all. One day, a man appears in front of Makoto and introduces himself as God. He tells Makoto about his destined soulmate and that she works next door. When he faces Haruko, he tells her "I'm your destiny."
Title: Haha ni Naru (My Son)
Station: NTV
Genre: Drama
Air Date: April 12, 2017
Cast: Sawajiri Erika, Fujiki Naohito, Nakajima Yuto
Synopsis:
Yui, a woman that believes being a mother is something that comes naturally. Risako, a woman that worries about being a good mother. Asako, a woman who really wants to be a mother. This drama is about how 3 of them become mothers. After both her parents had died, Yui left her hometown in Hokkaido for Tokyo. At the bookshop where she worked, she made the acquaintance of a university lecturer, Yoichi. As their relationship slowly developed, and when it was discovered that Yui was pregnant, they both tied the knot. Coincidentally, Yoichi's boss at work, Professor Taiji, also had a shotgun marriage with a career woman named Risako. Both Yui and Risako became good friends as they supported each other through their pregnancies and motherhood. One day, when Yui and her son, 3-year old Kou, were on their way home from the nursery, Yui lost Kou. She had only let go of his hand for just a short moment, and when she turned around he was gone, kidnapped by some unknown person. Fast forward to 9 years later, Yui and Yoichi are divorced and now lead separate lives. One day, Yui is reunited with her kidnapped son. Will they be able to bury the 9 years apart, and start all over again as a family? -- NTV
Title: Koi ga Heta de mo Ikitemasu (I'm Bad at Love but I'm Living)
Station: NTV
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Air Date: April 6, 2017
Cast: Takanashi Rin, Tanaka Kei, Tsuchimura Kaho
Synopsis:
The story centers on Misa, a career-minded woman who works in the sales department of her company. She works hard, and often puts in an effort to make herself look beautiful. But she actually has no experience in romance. She can’t act cute, she’s bad at inviting people to outings, and she’s too prideful. All the men she meets end up backing away from her. Her roommate and close friend Chihiro is a department store receptionist. She is good with kids, likes housework, and is passionate about her volunteer work; the exact opposite of Misa. They live together like sisters. But a change is coming to their lives when Misa meets the man of her dreams. Meanwhile, Chihiro is apparently having an affair behind her long-time fiancé’s back.
Title: Frankenstein no Koi (Frankenstein's Love)
Station: NTV
Genre: Drama, Romance
Air Date: April 23, 2017
Cast: Ayano Go, Nikaido Fumi
Synopsis:
A monster was created from an incident that took place 100 years ago. He possesses super physical ability and can live forever. He yearns for humans and listens to the radio. He picks up things thrown away by other people. The monster dreams of living as a human. One day, he meets a young woman Tsugaru. He falls in love with her.
Title: Chiisana Kyojin (Little Giants)
Station: TBS
Genre: Detective
Air Date: April 23, 2017
Cast: Hasegawa Hiroki, Okada Masaki, Yoshine Kyoko
Synopsis:
Chief Kosaka of the No. 1 Investigative Enforcement Division is highly talented and is thought to be a sure choice for Superintendent in the future. This year, however, although he was successful in solving this year’s third HQ incident, a mistake made in the investigative process has caused him to be demoted to another post. Although he has wandered from the fast track to promotion, his new co-workers do their best - in their own feckless way - to solve petty incidents, always believing in their own sense of justice. As Kosaka reflects on his mission as a policeman and his own thoughts on justice, he learns to believe in himself as he fights against “evil.” A thrilling drama about men fighting for justice within a giant organization, the Police. -- TBS
Title: Anata no Koto wa Sore Hodo (I Love You Just a Little Bit)
Station: TBS
Genre: Romance
Air Date: April 18, 2017
Cast: Haru, Higashide Masahiro, Naka Riisa, Omasa Aya
Synopsis:
Mitsu (Haru), who is an administrator at an ophthalmology clinic, is asked out by Ryota (Higashide Masahiro) who comes as a patient. Mitsu believes that she can be happy with Ryota as he is steady and she feels comfortable, and even decides to get marry with him. Mitsu and Ryota receive blessings from many people. She thinks that lots of women get a happy marriage as they compromise somewhere to get married. One day, however, Mitsu meets Arishima (Nobuyuki Suzuki), an elementary and junior high school classmate who she believed that he was the person of destiny by chance on the way back from a drinking party. Her heart begins to shake greatly.
Title: 3-nin no Papa (Three Dads)
Station: TBS
Genre: Family, Comedy
Air Date: April 19, 2017
Cast: Arata Horii, Yuki Yamada, Ryo Mitsuya
Synopsis:
Takuto Hirabayashi lives with his two friends Kyohei Hano and Hajime Okayama at a share house. They have been friends since high school. Takuto Hirabayashi now works at a company, Kyohei Hano works at a trading company and Hajime works for an apparel brand. One day, Takuto comes home from work and finds a baby sleeping in the room. Kyohei and Hajime also come home. They read a letter on the desk that says “the baby is yours.” Who is the baby’s father? All three are not very responsible and guess that one of the other two guys is the father. At that time, they notice the baby has a fever.
Title: Reverse
Station: TBS
Genre: Mystery
Air Date: April 14, 2017
Cast: Fujiwara Tatsuya
Synopsis:
Unremarkable office worker, Fukase Kazuhisa, leads a boring life. The only place he can relax is the Clover Coffee Shop. Here he meets Ochi Mihoko and they begin to date. Just as he begins to grow accustomed to a more enjoyable life, something occurs that drives a wedge between the lovers. Mihoko receives a letter that accuses Fukase of being a murderer. Fukase realizes that he must now disclose the only darkness that happened in his life. He begins to tell Mihoko of a "secret" that he has not spoken of for ten years... Everyone sins. But how can you forgive and be forgiven? -- TBS
Title: Joshu Seven (Seven Female Prisoners)
Station: TV Asahi
Genre: Drama
Air Date: April 21, 2017
Cast: Goriki Ayame, Yamaguchi Sayaka, Triendl Reina
Synopsis:
Kotone Kamiwatari (Ayame Gouriki) is a geisha in Kyoto. While she is sleeping after a night of drinking, her fellow geisha is killed. Kotone Kamiwatari is falsely accused of her murder and is sent to prison. There, she is bullied by other prisoners, but Kotone Kamiwatari relies on her training from senior geishas to persevere. She also learns why she was framed for murder and sent to prison.
Title: 4-go Keibi (The Bodyguards)
Station: NHK
Genre: Drama
Air Date: April 8, 2017
Cast: Kobota Masataka, Kitamura Kazuki
Synopsis:
Wayato Asahina works at security company with his partner Kengo Ishimaru. His first client to guard is Hidetsugu Hirose. Hidetsugu Hirose is blind.
Title: Hokuto Aru Satsujinsha no Kaishan (Some Murderers Conversion)
Station: WOWOW
Genre: Mystery
Air Date: March 25, 2017
Cast: Nakayama Yuya
Synopsis:
20-year-old Hokuto is being detained as a murderer and tells his court-appointed lawyer Takai Soichi to get him the death penalty. Hokuto was actually severely abused by his parents in his childhood and starved of love. He met Kondo Ayako who became his foster mother through child welfare services and learnt of love for the first time. Released from the darkness of his mind, he started to feel like a new person but he is made sport by bizarre fate and becomes a murderer.
Title: Code Name Mirage
Station: TV Tokyo
Genre: Mystery
Air Date: April 8, 2017
Cast: Kiriyama Ren
Synopsis:
Moriyama, codename Mirage (Kiriyama Ren), is a top agent in the special team K-13 of the National Police Agency that deal with crimes which cannot be handled openly by the police force. Members of the organization “K13” do not exist in record were made to assume mission to handle brutal crime behind closed doors.
Title: Massage Tantei Joe
Station: TV Tokyo
Genre: Comedy
Air Date: April 8, 2017
Cast: Nakamaru Yuichi
Synopsis: Yabukihara Joe (Nakamaru Yuichi) starts working as a masseur with the encouragement of Eko-baba (Baisho Mitsuko), the owner of a massage shop whom he happened to become acquainted with about one year ago. Recognising that he is gifted in massage, Eko-baba makes Joe go to the homes of all kinds of customers although it agonises him because he dislikes people and has anxiety around strangers. One day, the wealthy husband of Joe’s customer, is murdered and Joe finds himself suspected by police detectives (Ozawa Yukyoshi, Wada Masato). At the suggestion of fellow masseur Aguri (Koshiba Fuka), Joe uses his massage techniques and powers of observation to solve the mystery and clear his name. This becomes the turning point in his life. After that, he keeps getting involved in strange murder cases at customers’ homes and demonstrates his unexpected talent each time.