Drama Season: Fall 2023
I pubblicly announce that my drama radar is becoming worse by the day, since this summer the best drama I've watched was one I wasn't even considering (Vivant) and the one I was the most excited about (Manatsu no Cinderella) was absolute trash. Will this fall be different? Who knows.
Kyou Kara Hitman
Preview
Date: From 11.15 p.m., Fridays, 27 October 2023
Station: TV Asahi
Scriptwriters: Okura (Sumu Sumu Series), Yamaura Masahiro (Hotel Next Door, Two Weeks, Miss Devil)
Directors: Kimura Hisashi, Nakamae Yuji, Katayama Osamu
Cast: Aiba Masaaki, Yamamoto Maika, Motokariya Yuika, Honda Chikara, Kakei Toshio, Katsumura Masanobu
Synopsis: Inaba Tokichi (Aiba Masaaki), an ordinary officer worker at a food manufacturer, is no match for his wife. One day, he happens to meet a remarkable hitman called Nichou who suddenly orders Inaba to kill his target and save his woman. And if Inaba fails to do so, he says he will kill Inaba and his family. As a result, Inaba has to lead a double life in order to protect his wife and children.
Cat out of the bag, this is probably going to be BAD but I don't care because I miss Aiba terribly.
Gekokujo Kyuji
Preview
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Sundays, 15 October 2023
Station: TBS
Scriptwriter: Okudera Satoko (Saiai, Kawa no Hotori de, Watashi Teiji de Kaerimasu)
Directors: Tsukahara Ayuko, Yamamura Daisuke, Hamano Daiki
Cast: Suzuki Ryohei, Kuroki Haru, Igawa Haruka, Namase Katsuhisa, Asumi Rio, Yamashita Mizuki, Kyon, Matsudaira Ken, Koizumi Kotaro, Kohinata Fumiyo
Synopsis: Nagumo Shuji (Suzuki Ryohei) is in his third year as a social studies teacher at Etsuzan High School in Mie Prefecture. He had played baseball all the way through university but had to stop after he sustained an injury. After dropping out of university, he worked as a sports trainer but he could not give up his dream of being a teacher. Nagumo went back to university at the age of 32, and became a teacher. When the grandson of a local landowner joins in Etsuzan High School, Nagumo is put in charge of the weak baseball club that is on the verge of being closed and his daily life completely changes.
I'm a ROOKIES fangirl (now I want to rewatch it) and I can only pray this is going to be as good. Or just... good. That would be enough. I'm really interested in this one and even with my defective radar I have a good feeling about it!
One Day ~ Seiya no kara Sawagi
Preview
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Mondays, 9 October 2023
Station: Fuji TV
Scriptwriter: Tokunaga Yuichi (Keibuho Daimajin, Lupin no Musume Series, Good Doctor)
Director: Suzuki Masayuki
Cast: Nakatani Miki, Ninomiya Kazunari, Osawa Takao, Nakagawa Taishi, Matsumoto Wakana, Nakamura Anne, Fukumoto Riko, Kote Shinya, Kato Ryo, Omizu Yosuke, Maruyama Tomomi, Kajihara Zen, Sakurai Yuki, Inowaki Kai, Imai Eiji, Kurihara Hideo, Eguchi Yosuke, Sato Koichi
Synopsis: At midnight on Christmas eve, Suguroji Seiji (Ninomiya Kazunari) wakes up in a corner of Yamashita wharf in Yokohama to find a dead man lying right in front of him with a gunshot to the head. But he cannot recall what happened and only faintly remembers that he had an appointment with an important person. Seiji comes under suspicion and turns into a fugitive wanted by the police. Following his hazy memories, he tries to find clues about the murder. At the same time, the stubborn and aloof chef Tachiaoi Tokio (Osawa Takao) is busy with dinner preparations. His much-loved restaurant in Yokohama’s Kannai neighbourhood is fully booked. Many fans come from far away for the secret sauce that has been passed down from the first generation some 80 years ago. After his wife died, he believed he would never love anyone again. But he fell in love for a moment. On Christmas eve, a male stranger suddenly breaks into his restaurant. At that moment, TV Yokohama newscaster Kurauchi Kikyo (Nakatani Miki) goes straight to the crime scene. She had been hosting her own news programme for 10 years and pursuing her ideals in reporting, but is unexpectedly informed about the programme’s cancellation and her transfer to a cooking show. Kikyo cannot bring herself to accept this cold dose of reality after sacrificing everything and goes after this final case. The lives of these three people who are seemingly unconnected start to intersect...
I don't know if it's me, but Nino has started appearing in dramas with no notice. Like, who knew he was going to be on Vivant before he appeared on screen? And this one too, the news was so sudden? Maybe it's just me.
Anyway, I'm not sure I care but... Neen. Given that I started watching Vivant for him and ended up loving it, let's hope for an encore.
Toki o Kakeruna, Koibitotachi
Preview
Date: From 11.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 10 October 2023
Station: Fuji TV
Scriptwriter: Ueda Makoto (Maho no Rinobe, Grappler Baki wa BL dewa nai ka to Kangaetsuzuketa Otome no Kiroku, Urayasu Tekkin Kazoku)
Director: Yamagishi Santa
Cast: Yoshioka Riho, Nagayama Eita, Ito Marika, Nishigaki Sho, Tanaka Makoto, Natsuko, Ishida Gota, Jiro
Synopsis: Tokiwa Megu (Yoshioka Riho), an art director working at an advertising agency, lives in the Reiwa era. She is well-liked by her juniors and is very good at making sense at work. However, when it comes to romance, she always cannot bring herself to cross the line. Megu meets Iura Kakeru (Nagayama Eita), a time patrol member, who has travelled here from the future, and receives a special mission to clamp down on time travellers together. Illegal time travel is a huge offence as the danger is that it can change history. Even so, Megu is moved by lovers who try to live for love. In fact, Megu and Kakeru were once lovers. He came from the 23rd century on a time patrol and met Megu who was in university. But theirs was a forbidden romance. Her memories were erased according to the rules governing time travel. Kakeru’s feelings have grown and now he has come back to see Megu who does not remember him at all. Having always put her own romance on the back burner, Megu decides to fiercely fight to make her own love come true this time.
This could be the weirdest and the best thing of the year at the same time. Once again, I have a nice feeling about this, I think it's going to be heartwarming.
Ichiban Sukina Hana
Preview
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Thursdays, 12 October 2023
Station: Fuji TV
Scriptwriter: Ubukata Miku (silent)
Director: Takano Mai
Cast: Tabe Mikako, Matsushita Kohei, Kamio Fuju, Imada Mio, Saito Asuka, Shiratori Tamaki, Kurokawa Soya, Tanabe Momoko, Izumisawa Yuki, Usuda Asami, Nakano Taiga
Synopsis: Ushio Yukue (Tabe Mikako) came to Tokyo from Niigata Prefecture. She lives with her younger sister Konomi (Saito Asuka) and has been working as a teacher at a cram school. Since her childhood, she worked hard in everything - studies, sports and personal relationships - but she learned that she is disliked for putting in effort. She has not been able to voice her true feelings to female friends due to the uncomfortable experiences she has had. Yukue had just one friend. A a boy from her school day whom she could candidly say anything to. It never developed into a romantic relationship but he was the only person with whom she did not have to try too hard. Then one day, he told her that they could no longer meet and their friendship came to an abrupt end. Yukue unexpectedly meets Haruki Tsubaki (Matsushita Kohei), Sato Momiji (Kamio Fuju) and Miyuki Yoyo (Imada Mio) who are not only of different ages but also have very different circumstances and mindsets.
I have to confess that I have the most mindblowing crush on Matsushita Kohei. I REALLY like him a lot. Anyway. Strangers with different lives/backgrounds/etc meeting, becoming friends, falling in love etc etc? Yes.
My Second Aoharu
Preview
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 17 October 2023
Station: TBS
Scriptwriter: Kitagawa Ayako (Tokyo Love Story (2020), Watashi ni XX Shinasai!, Onna Kudoki Meshi Series)
Directors: Aoyama Takahiro, Yamamoto Takeyoshi, Izumi Masahide
Cast: Hirose Alice, Michieda Shunsuke, Ihara Rikka, Iinuma Ai, Mizusawa Rintaro, Yanai Yumena, Hamao Noritaka, Imoto Ayaka, Ando Masanobu
Synopsis: Shiratama Sayako (Alice Hirose) has never had much good luck. She lacks academic credentials and money. Wanting to study architecture, she tried to take the university entrance exam but failed. Since then, she has had the mentality that life should not be like this. At the point she wonders if she should brace herself to continue scraping by in life, she is already a 30-year-old at rock bottom more than she had imagined. One day, Sayako happens to meet a university student Ogasawara Taku (Michieda Shunsuke). When she pours her heart out to him that her life could have been different had she gone to university at that time, he declares that it is not too late to be a university student now. Motivated by his words, Sayako decides to go after the architectural designer dream that she had once given up on and enter the university that she wanted to go to. After studying very hard, she passes the exam and meets Taku who is now her senior in the same faculty. Now that they have met again, will their relationship stop at friendship or progress to romance?
Oooh this has the potential to be so cute and fun. I like the "older" person starting over by enrolling in college narrative, it could be nice!
Fermat no Ryori
Preview
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Fridays, 20 October 2023
Station: TBS
Scriptwriters: Watanabe Yusuke (Dr Chocolate, Shinigami-san Series, Talio), Miura Kisa (Ikukyu Deka, Kanojo wa Kirei datta, Guilty)
Directors: Ishii Yasuharu, Hirano Shunichi, Ouchi Maiko
Cast: Takahashi Fumiya, Shison Jun, Koshiba Fuka, Itagaki Rihito, Shiraishi Sei, Kubota Sayu, Asai Daichi, Igashira Manami, Kida Keisuke, Jua, Oikawa Mitsuhiro, Miyazawa Ema, Yagi Alissa, Hosoda Yoshihiko, Ukaji Takashi, Takahashi Mitsuomi, Nakamura Toru
Synopsis: Kitada Gaku (Takahashi Fumiya) was fascinated by mathematics from a young age. Although he excelled in his studies, particularly mathematics, and aspired to become a mathematician, he faced setbacks. That is also when Gaku meets a mysterious and charismatic chef Asakura Kai (Shison Jun) who discovers his culinary talent. The owner of the two star restaurant K in Tokyo, Asakura is youngest chef to ever receive such recognition. Gaku soon joins Asakura’s restaurant where he works hard with talented chefs from all around the world and applies mathematical concepts to the challenge of cooking. Asakura guides him in the culinary world and he develops at amazing speed. He seems to have a scheme to make use of Gaku to accomplish what he wants...
Ok. I don't think I care, but the main cast is very good looking so I'm going to try it.
Kyou Kara Hitman
Preview
Date: From 11.15 p.m., Fridays, 27 October 2023
Station: TV Asahi
Scriptwriters: Okura (Sumu Sumu Series), Yamaura Masahiro (Hotel Next Door, Two Weeks, Miss Devil)
Directors: Kimura Hisashi, Nakamae Yuji, Katayama Osamu
Cast: Aiba Masaaki, Yamamoto Maika, Motokariya Yuika, Honda Chikara, Kakei Toshio, Katsumura Masanobu
Synopsis: Inaba Tokichi (Aiba Masaaki), an ordinary officer worker at a food manufacturer, is no match for his wife. One day, he happens to meet a remarkable hitman called Nichou who suddenly orders Inaba to kill his target and save his woman. And if Inaba fails to do so, he says he will kill Inaba and his family. As a result, Inaba has to lead a double life in order to protect his wife and children.
Cat out of the bag, this is probably going to be BAD but I don't care because I miss Aiba terribly.
Gekokujo Kyuji
Preview
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Sundays, 15 October 2023
Station: TBS
Scriptwriter: Okudera Satoko (Saiai, Kawa no Hotori de, Watashi Teiji de Kaerimasu)
Directors: Tsukahara Ayuko, Yamamura Daisuke, Hamano Daiki
Cast: Suzuki Ryohei, Kuroki Haru, Igawa Haruka, Namase Katsuhisa, Asumi Rio, Yamashita Mizuki, Kyon, Matsudaira Ken, Koizumi Kotaro, Kohinata Fumiyo
Synopsis: Nagumo Shuji (Suzuki Ryohei) is in his third year as a social studies teacher at Etsuzan High School in Mie Prefecture. He had played baseball all the way through university but had to stop after he sustained an injury. After dropping out of university, he worked as a sports trainer but he could not give up his dream of being a teacher. Nagumo went back to university at the age of 32, and became a teacher. When the grandson of a local landowner joins in Etsuzan High School, Nagumo is put in charge of the weak baseball club that is on the verge of being closed and his daily life completely changes.
I'm a ROOKIES fangirl (now I want to rewatch it) and I can only pray this is going to be as good. Or just... good. That would be enough. I'm really interested in this one and even with my defective radar I have a good feeling about it!
One Day ~ Seiya no kara Sawagi
Preview
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Mondays, 9 October 2023
Station: Fuji TV
Scriptwriter: Tokunaga Yuichi (Keibuho Daimajin, Lupin no Musume Series, Good Doctor)
Director: Suzuki Masayuki
Cast: Nakatani Miki, Ninomiya Kazunari, Osawa Takao, Nakagawa Taishi, Matsumoto Wakana, Nakamura Anne, Fukumoto Riko, Kote Shinya, Kato Ryo, Omizu Yosuke, Maruyama Tomomi, Kajihara Zen, Sakurai Yuki, Inowaki Kai, Imai Eiji, Kurihara Hideo, Eguchi Yosuke, Sato Koichi
Synopsis: At midnight on Christmas eve, Suguroji Seiji (Ninomiya Kazunari) wakes up in a corner of Yamashita wharf in Yokohama to find a dead man lying right in front of him with a gunshot to the head. But he cannot recall what happened and only faintly remembers that he had an appointment with an important person. Seiji comes under suspicion and turns into a fugitive wanted by the police. Following his hazy memories, he tries to find clues about the murder. At the same time, the stubborn and aloof chef Tachiaoi Tokio (Osawa Takao) is busy with dinner preparations. His much-loved restaurant in Yokohama’s Kannai neighbourhood is fully booked. Many fans come from far away for the secret sauce that has been passed down from the first generation some 80 years ago. After his wife died, he believed he would never love anyone again. But he fell in love for a moment. On Christmas eve, a male stranger suddenly breaks into his restaurant. At that moment, TV Yokohama newscaster Kurauchi Kikyo (Nakatani Miki) goes straight to the crime scene. She had been hosting her own news programme for 10 years and pursuing her ideals in reporting, but is unexpectedly informed about the programme’s cancellation and her transfer to a cooking show. Kikyo cannot bring herself to accept this cold dose of reality after sacrificing everything and goes after this final case. The lives of these three people who are seemingly unconnected start to intersect...
I don't know if it's me, but Nino has started appearing in dramas with no notice. Like, who knew he was going to be on Vivant before he appeared on screen? And this one too, the news was so sudden? Maybe it's just me.
Anyway, I'm not sure I care but... Neen. Given that I started watching Vivant for him and ended up loving it, let's hope for an encore.
Toki o Kakeruna, Koibitotachi
Preview
Date: From 11.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 10 October 2023
Station: Fuji TV
Scriptwriter: Ueda Makoto (Maho no Rinobe, Grappler Baki wa BL dewa nai ka to Kangaetsuzuketa Otome no Kiroku, Urayasu Tekkin Kazoku)
Director: Yamagishi Santa
Cast: Yoshioka Riho, Nagayama Eita, Ito Marika, Nishigaki Sho, Tanaka Makoto, Natsuko, Ishida Gota, Jiro
Synopsis: Tokiwa Megu (Yoshioka Riho), an art director working at an advertising agency, lives in the Reiwa era. She is well-liked by her juniors and is very good at making sense at work. However, when it comes to romance, she always cannot bring herself to cross the line. Megu meets Iura Kakeru (Nagayama Eita), a time patrol member, who has travelled here from the future, and receives a special mission to clamp down on time travellers together. Illegal time travel is a huge offence as the danger is that it can change history. Even so, Megu is moved by lovers who try to live for love. In fact, Megu and Kakeru were once lovers. He came from the 23rd century on a time patrol and met Megu who was in university. But theirs was a forbidden romance. Her memories were erased according to the rules governing time travel. Kakeru’s feelings have grown and now he has come back to see Megu who does not remember him at all. Having always put her own romance on the back burner, Megu decides to fiercely fight to make her own love come true this time.
This could be the weirdest and the best thing of the year at the same time. Once again, I have a nice feeling about this, I think it's going to be heartwarming.
Ichiban Sukina Hana
Preview
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Thursdays, 12 October 2023
Station: Fuji TV
Scriptwriter: Ubukata Miku (silent)
Director: Takano Mai
Cast: Tabe Mikako, Matsushita Kohei, Kamio Fuju, Imada Mio, Saito Asuka, Shiratori Tamaki, Kurokawa Soya, Tanabe Momoko, Izumisawa Yuki, Usuda Asami, Nakano Taiga
Synopsis: Ushio Yukue (Tabe Mikako) came to Tokyo from Niigata Prefecture. She lives with her younger sister Konomi (Saito Asuka) and has been working as a teacher at a cram school. Since her childhood, she worked hard in everything - studies, sports and personal relationships - but she learned that she is disliked for putting in effort. She has not been able to voice her true feelings to female friends due to the uncomfortable experiences she has had. Yukue had just one friend. A a boy from her school day whom she could candidly say anything to. It never developed into a romantic relationship but he was the only person with whom she did not have to try too hard. Then one day, he told her that they could no longer meet and their friendship came to an abrupt end. Yukue unexpectedly meets Haruki Tsubaki (Matsushita Kohei), Sato Momiji (Kamio Fuju) and Miyuki Yoyo (Imada Mio) who are not only of different ages but also have very different circumstances and mindsets.
I have to confess that I have the most mindblowing crush on Matsushita Kohei. I REALLY like him a lot. Anyway. Strangers with different lives/backgrounds/etc meeting, becoming friends, falling in love etc etc? Yes.
My Second Aoharu
Preview
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 17 October 2023
Station: TBS
Scriptwriter: Kitagawa Ayako (Tokyo Love Story (2020), Watashi ni XX Shinasai!, Onna Kudoki Meshi Series)
Directors: Aoyama Takahiro, Yamamoto Takeyoshi, Izumi Masahide
Cast: Hirose Alice, Michieda Shunsuke, Ihara Rikka, Iinuma Ai, Mizusawa Rintaro, Yanai Yumena, Hamao Noritaka, Imoto Ayaka, Ando Masanobu
Synopsis: Shiratama Sayako (Alice Hirose) has never had much good luck. She lacks academic credentials and money. Wanting to study architecture, she tried to take the university entrance exam but failed. Since then, she has had the mentality that life should not be like this. At the point she wonders if she should brace herself to continue scraping by in life, she is already a 30-year-old at rock bottom more than she had imagined. One day, Sayako happens to meet a university student Ogasawara Taku (Michieda Shunsuke). When she pours her heart out to him that her life could have been different had she gone to university at that time, he declares that it is not too late to be a university student now. Motivated by his words, Sayako decides to go after the architectural designer dream that she had once given up on and enter the university that she wanted to go to. After studying very hard, she passes the exam and meets Taku who is now her senior in the same faculty. Now that they have met again, will their relationship stop at friendship or progress to romance?
Oooh this has the potential to be so cute and fun. I like the "older" person starting over by enrolling in college narrative, it could be nice!
Fermat no Ryori
Preview
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Fridays, 20 October 2023
Station: TBS
Scriptwriters: Watanabe Yusuke (Dr Chocolate, Shinigami-san Series, Talio), Miura Kisa (Ikukyu Deka, Kanojo wa Kirei datta, Guilty)
Directors: Ishii Yasuharu, Hirano Shunichi, Ouchi Maiko
Cast: Takahashi Fumiya, Shison Jun, Koshiba Fuka, Itagaki Rihito, Shiraishi Sei, Kubota Sayu, Asai Daichi, Igashira Manami, Kida Keisuke, Jua, Oikawa Mitsuhiro, Miyazawa Ema, Yagi Alissa, Hosoda Yoshihiko, Ukaji Takashi, Takahashi Mitsuomi, Nakamura Toru
Synopsis: Kitada Gaku (Takahashi Fumiya) was fascinated by mathematics from a young age. Although he excelled in his studies, particularly mathematics, and aspired to become a mathematician, he faced setbacks. That is also when Gaku meets a mysterious and charismatic chef Asakura Kai (Shison Jun) who discovers his culinary talent. The owner of the two star restaurant K in Tokyo, Asakura is youngest chef to ever receive such recognition. Gaku soon joins Asakura’s restaurant where he works hard with talented chefs from all around the world and applies mathematical concepts to the challenge of cooking. Asakura guides him in the culinary world and he develops at amazing speed. He seems to have a scheme to make use of Gaku to accomplish what he wants...
Ok. I don't think I care, but the main cast is very good looking so I'm going to try it.