Japanese Dramas Fall 2019

Ore no Hanashi wa Nagai

Drama: If Talking Paid (English title) / My Story is Long (literal title)
Romaji: Ore no Hanashi wa Nagai
Japanese: 俺の話は長い
Director: Satoru Nakajima
Writer: Shigeki Kaneko
Network: NTV
Actors: Ikuta Toma, Yasuda Ken, Kaya Kiyohara, Koike Eiko, Harada Mieko, Sugino Yosuke

Synopsis:
Mitsuru Kishibe (Toma Ikuta) is a 31-year-old single guy. After he graduated from university, he became absorbed with coffee and opened up a business related to coffee. His company failed. Since then, Mitsuru Kishibe has been unemployed, and he hasn't even tried to find a new job. He lives with his mother, who runs a cafe.

Mitsuru Kishibe's happy days suddenly changes, because of his older sister and her family. His older sister's home is undergoing renovation, and she moves her family into their mother's house temporarily. Mitsuru Kishibe's older sister insists that he is avoiding reality with his current way of life. She also blames her mother for allowing Mitsuru Kishibe to live in his current state. She pushes him to become independent.

Thoughts:
This one seems to be interesting like it might become a slice of life/inspirational like Nagi no Oitoma, but when I check the past works of the scriptwriter, it seems it will be ordinary Jdrama comedy vibe. It has solid cast though. Ikuta Toma is a great actor plus you have Kaya Kiyohara.

Doki No Sakura

Drama: Our Dearest Sakura (English title) / Colleagues' Sakura (literal title)
Romaji: Doki no Sakura
Japanese: 同期のサクラ
Director: Hiroto Akashi, Seiichi Nagumo
Writer: Kazuhiko Yukawa
Network: NTV
Actors: Takahata Mitsuki, Hashimoto Ai, Mackenyu

Synopsis:
Sakura (Mitsuki Takahata) grew up on a remote island. She has a dream, which is to build a bridge on her island. In the spring of 2009, Sakura joins a big construction company. She does not hesitate to tell her colleagues about her dream to build a bridge. Sakura's determination to accomplish her dream affects the colleagues at her company.

Thoughts:
I'm pretty excited about this one. Just look at the cast, Takahata Mitsuki and Ai Hashimoto two of the best younger Japanese actress around. I watched the trailer, and it seem it will be a drama like Kahogo no Kahoko and that drama is one of my favorites, so I definitely will watch this one.

Jikou Keisatsu 2019

Drama: Time Limit Investigator 2019 (working title)
Romaji: Jiko Keisatsu 2019
Japanese: 時効警察2019
Director: Satoshi Miki
Writer: Satoshi Miki
Network: TV Asahi
Actors: Odagiri Joe, Kumiko Aso, Riho Yoshioka

Synopsis:
Shuichiro Kiriyama (Joe Odagiri) returns to Japan after spending 12 years at the F.B.I. in America. He works again in the Statute of Limitation Management Department. Since the statute of limitation for serious crimes like murder were abolished in April 2010, the Limitation Management Department has become a sinecure job. As a hobby, Shuichiro Kiriyama begins to investigate the unsolved cases which are about to be abandoned. Shizuka Mikazuki (Kumiko Aso) joins him again.

Thoughts:
The third season for iconic Japanese drama and the last season was 12 years ago lol. Honestly, this was one of my most anticipated Jdramas this year since I was a big fan of this series. To give you an idea of how good it was, it has probably the best chemistry I've seen in a police mystery drama. It has great actors too, Odagiri joe and Aso Kumiko.

Kekkon Dekinai Otoko Season 2

Drama: Kekkon Dekinai Otoko Season 2
Japanese: 結婚できない男 続編
Also Known As: The Man Who Can't Get Married
Screenwriters: Ozaki Masaya
Directors: Miyake Yoshishige, Komatsu Takashi, Ueda Hisashi
Network: Fuji TV
Actors: Abe Hiroshi, Yoshida You

Synopsis:
Kuwano Shinsuke, a successful architect, is well-to-do, knowledgeable, and good-looking. He is now 53, still lives alone in the same apartment, which has the latest gadgets, and enjoys the single life. Although he fell for Hayasaka Natsumi, the doctor who treated him and changed his perspective toward marriage, and even dated, they later broke up. So Kuwano's heart is shut firmly to love again. He is even more eccentric now and feels a little anxious when he thinks about the future. One day, the wheels of fate start to move all of a sudden after a chance encounter with some women.

Thoughts:
Another legendary drama that will get another season, the last was 13 years ago. Will this be a new trend for jdramas to have another season for old dramas? I hope so since there are great dramas that I wish will have another season. I was a bit sad though that only Abe Hiroshi remained in the cast because I like all the characters in season one. They are unique in their own crazy way.

Grand Maison Tokyo

Drama: Grand Maison Tokyo
Romaji: Guranmezon Tokyo
Japanese: グランメゾン東京
Director: Ayuko Tsukahara
Writer: Tsutomu Kuroiwa
Network: TBS
Actors: Takuya Kimura, Kyoka Suzuki, Yuta Tamamori

Synopsis:
Natsuki Obana (Takuya Kimura) is a chef, specializing in French cuisine. He runs a restaurant in Paris that has earned two stars from Michelin Guide. Natsuki Obana is confident, but he suffers from pressure trying to attain three stars. An unexpected case takes place. Due to that, he loses his restaurant and colleagues. Under a tough situation, he meets female chef Rinko Hayami (Kyoka Suzuki). They decide to start a restaurant together and struggle to make the restaurant three stars.

Thoughts:
Hands down this drama will be the biggest this season. Takuya Kimura will always be the king of Jdramas because he's not only the most well known Japanese Idol but also one heck of an actor. It also looks like a high budget production compared to most Japanese dramas.

Doctor X 6

Drama: Doctor-X
Romaji: Dokuta-X: Gekai Daimon Michiko
Japanese: ドクターX　～外科医・大門未知子～
Director: Naomi Tamura, Hidetomo Matsuda
Writer: Miho Nakazono, Makoto Hayashi
Network: TV Asahi
Actors: Ryoko Yonekura, Kenichi Endo, Yuki Uchida

Synopsis:
Totei University Hospital has built a massive deficit. Investor Nicholas Tange, whose nickname is Vulture, comes up with a turnaround plan for the hospital. His plan implements restructuring and cost-cutting. By Nicholas Tange's request, Michiko Daimon begins to work at the Totei University Hospital again.

Thoughts:
One of the most badass female characters in jdramaland is back for another season. Daimon Michiko is one character who you will never get tired of watching. I'm happy that we get another season, I thought season 5 is the last.

Nippon Noir: Detective Y's Rebellion

Drama: Nippon Noir
Romaji: Nippon Nowaru: Keiji Y no Hanran
Japanese: ニッポンノワール ―刑事Yの反乱―
Director: Ryuichi Inomata
Writer: Shogo Muto
Network: NTV
Actors: Kento Kaku

Synopsis:
When Detective Kiyoharu Yusa (Kento Kaku) wakes up in the middle of a forest, he realizes that he can't remember the past several months. Detective Kiyoharu Yusa learns that he is the prime suspect in the murder of a female detective. His own colleagues chase him. Kiyoharu Yusa tries to figure out what is going on. He senses that his case is connected to a one billion yen robbery case that was never solved.

Thoughts:
Intriguing plot plus Muto Shogo as the scriptwriter, that alone is enough for me to watch this show. If you are not familiar with the name Muto Shogo, he is the one responsible for dramas such as Kazoku Game, Wakamono Tachi, Mr. Hiiragi's Homeroom and dozens of Kamen rider drama. I find his writing very compelling, which he balances it sometimes with humor. He can also surprise you with an epic twist that you will never see coming at all.

4-punkan no Marigold

Drama: Marigold in 4 Minutes
Romaji: 4 Bunkan no Marigorudo
Japanese: 4分間のマリーゴールド
Director: Keita Kono
Writer: Kirie (manga), Tsuyoshi Sakurai
Network: TBS
Actors: Sota Fukushi, Nanao, Kenta Kiritani, Ryusei Yokohama

Synopsis:
Mikoto is a 25-year-old man and has worked as an emergency medical technician for the past three years. Mikoto also has a unique ability. When he touches a person with his hand, he can see the last moment of that person's life.

Mikoto's family consist of his stepmother and three stepsiblings. He lives with his three stepsiblings, including older stepsister Sara. She is 27-years-old. Even though Sara is Mikoto's stepsister, he loves her. With Mikoto's unique ability, he learns that Sara only has one year left to live. Mikoto vows that he will do his best to make her happy.

Thoughts:
Great cast and seems to be another reverse harem drama, which is not my cup of tea. The trailer didn't captivate me as well, so maybe no.

Motokare Mania

Drama: Ex-Boyfriend Mania (literal title)
Romaji: Motokare Mania
Japanese: モトカレマニア
Director: Michiko Namiki
Writer: Yukari Takinami (manga), Fumi Tsubota
Network: Fuji TV
Actors: Yuko Araki, Kengo Kora, Kenta Hamano

Synopsis:
Nanba Yurika is 27-years-old and single. She has an attractive appearance, and she is not bad in communicating with others, but she is not good when it comes to having romantic relationships. This is primarily due to her inability to get over her ex-boyfriend Saito Makoto. They broke up five years ago. After their breakup, Saito Makoto disappeared from her life. Now, Nanba Yurika meets Saito Makoto again at the real estate company where she begins to work. Her ex-boyfriend, who is still now 30-years-old and is still single, is her co-worker.

Thoughts:
Kengo Kora is the perfect leading man. He got the looks, charisma and acting chops. I also like the pairing with Araki Yuki; both of them have great screen presence. This drama seems to be a fun comedy with life lessons.

Oishi Kyushoku

Drama: School Meals Time , Oishii Kyushoku
Romaji: Oishi Kyushoku
Japanese: おいしい給食
Network: Tokyo MX
Actors: Ichihara Hayato, Rena Takeda
 
Synopsis:
A school gourmet comedy set in the 1980s. In one junior high school, teachers and students continued a quiet battle. That is, who will eat the school lunch?

Thoughts:
I like feel-good comedy, and this one seems to be right up my alley, and it has Rena Takeda, so that's a huge plus.

You and I on the G-String

  
Drama: You and I on the G string
Romaji: G Senjou no Anata to Watashi
Japanese: G線上のあなたと私
Director: Fuminori Kaneko, Kentaro Takemura, Ryosuke Fukuda
Writer: Ryo Ikuemi (manga), Naoko Adachi
Network: TBS
Actors: Haru, Taishi Nakagawa, Yuki Matsushita

Synopsis:
The story centers on Yaeko Kogure, a woman who resigned from her company due to plans for marriage, only to have her fiancé break up with her on her last day. Confused and angry, she passes by a store that is playing Johann Sebastian Bach's iconic "Air" piece. Moved by the piece, she begins taking violin lessons for adults in the hopes of being able to play it.

Thoughts:
Haru and Nakagawa Taishi seems to be a nice pair plus you have Sakurai Yuki as a supporting role which is an excellent and very underrated actress. The plot is very Jdrama-ish it's like how they come up with this idea, and Japan likes classical music.

Cheat

Drama: Cheat
Romaji: Chito: Sagishi no Minasan, Gochui Kudasai
Japanese: チート～詐欺師の皆さん、ご注意ください～
Director: Noriko Yuasa, Goro Yasumi
Writer: Miyako Matsumoto, Subaru Yamashita
Network: NTV, YTV
Actors: Honda Tsubasa, Daichi Kaneko, Shuhei Uesugi, Haruka fukuhara, Miu Tomita, Shunsuke Kazama

Synopsis:
Saki Hoshino (Tsubasa Honda) is 25-years-old and a member of the Cheat team. The Cheat team are a group of swindlers who target other swindlers that stole from people. The Cheat team was created by Detective Kazuki Anzai (Shunsuke Kazama) and consists of Police Officer Yuto Kamo (Daichi Kaneko), ex-private detective Shun Negishi (Shuhei Uesugi), genius hacker Mizuki Maruyama (Haruka Fukuhara) and Saki Hoshino.

Meanwhile, Saki Hoshino has a secret. She is also a member of an unpopular idol group.

Thoughts:
Honda Tsubasa as an idol? How can this tsundere actress play that role? The reason alone is enough for me to watch this show.

Sherlock

Drama: Sherlock
Romaji: Sharokku
Japanese: シャーロック
Director: Hiroshi Nishitani
Writer: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (novel), Yumiko Inoue
Network: Fuji TV
Actors: Dean Fujioka, Takanori Iwata

Synopsis:
Set in present-day Tokyo, Sherlock (Dean Fujioka) works as a freelance crime consultant. From an early age, Sherlock has been fascinated with how people become criminals and in original sin. He is a genius, but he also has an impulse to commit crimes. Sherlock works on cases which interests him among police or customer requests.

Meanwhile, Watson (Takanori Iwata) is a psychiatrist. He is smart and cool-headed. Due to a case, Watson gets involved with Sherlock. At first, Watson thinks Sherlock is ignorant and arrogant, but, as they work together, Watson gets comfortable with Sherlock.

Thoughts:
I don't know what to feel with this one. I love adaptations and remakes, but once it's from a different culture, it tends to suck. I'm a big fan of sherlock though, and I like Fujoka dean as an actor, so maybe I'll watch one episode and see how it goes.

Shinmai Shimai no Futari Gohan

Drama: Let's Have A Meal Together / New Sisters, Eating Together
Romaji: Shinmai Shimai no Futari Gohan
Japanese: 新米姉妹のふたりごはん
Director: Kentaro Moriya, Hiroaki Yuasa, Kenji Kuwajima
Writer: Yutaka Hiiragi (manga), Erika Seki, Yuko Imanishi
Network: TV Tokyo
Actors: Anna Yamada, Karen Otomo

Synopsis:
Sachi (Anna Yamada) and Ayari (Karen Otomo) suddenly become sisters after their parents remarry. Right after their marriage, the parents go on a trip overseas. Sachi and Ayari begin to live together. They are the same age and attended different high schools. Sachi is extroverted and loves eating delicious food. Ayari is introverted and enjoys cooking delicious food. At first, the two girls feel awkward being around each other, but, through food, they get to know each other and develop a bond.

Thoughts:
Anna Yamada is one heck of a young actress. She's probably the best in her age group, but this time it's different from her usual roles. Her roles usually are bully-victims or characters you will feel pity for. I was a bit worried that she will get typecasted like what happened with Tanimura Mitsuki before, so this drama is good news. I also love how Japan does its food genre dramas. They are so good at making the food very appealing.

Hidarikiki no Eren

Drama: Eren the Southpaw (literal title)
Romaji: Hidarikiki no Eren
Japanese: 左ききのエレン
Director: Yuko Goto
Writer: Kappy (webcomic), Nonji Nemoto
Network: TBS, MBS
Actors: Fuju Kamio, Elaiza Ikeda

Synopsis:
Koichi Asakura (Fuju Kamio) works as a designer at an advertising agency. Even though he works very hard, he does not receive recognition at his job. He is frustrated by his circumstance. He decides to visit a place from his school days, involving Eren Yamagishi (Elaiza Ikeda).

Meanwhile, Eren Yamagishi has the nickname of "The Southpaw" ("Hidarikiki") and is a painter in New York. She is gifted as painter, but, due to her genius like talent, she suffers.

Thoughts:
Elaiza Ikeda is one of the younger actresses that I like, and Kamio Fuju has excellent potential based on what I've seen in his performance in Love and Fortuna and Mr. Hiiragi's Homeroom. Both of them have an eccentric vibe which fits what seems to be the strange vibe of this drama.

Ai Naki Mori de Sakebi

Drama: The Forest of Love
Romaji: Shout in the Loveless Forest , ai naki mori de sakebe
Japanese: 愛なき森で叫べ
Director: Sono Sion
Writer: Sono Sion
Actors: Shiina Kippei, Mitsushima Shinnosuke, Denden, Hinami Kyoko, Matobu Sei

Synopsis:
Murata Jo (Shiina Kippei) is a ruthless criminal. On the surface, he is cheerful and lively. But he emotionally controls other people, milks them for money and makes them commit brutal crimes.

Thoughts:
Sion Sono? Netflix? count me in. Based on what I've seen on the trailer, it might be as edgy as Naked Director, but only more blood and violence. Netflix didn't put a limit on what Naked Director can show, and if they apply the same treatment to this drama, this might be a classic cult type of show.

Chou no Rikigaku

Drama: Butterfly's Mechanics: Murder Analysis Squad (literal title)
Romaji: Chou no Rikigaku: Satsujin Bunsekihan
Japanese: 蝶の力学 殺人分析班
Director: Akira Uchikata
Writer: Kazushi Asami (novel), Ichiro Anabuki
Network: WOWOW
Actors: Fumino Kimura, Munetaka Aoki

Synopsis:
Kisaragi Toko is a detective in the Investigation 1 Section 11 of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. Her senior, Detective Hideaki Takano, has decided to move to the Public Security Bureau. Hideaki Takano's transfer will be carried out in 1 week. During this time, a murder takes place. A wealthy man is found dead in his home. His throat has been cut and a blue flower placed within the wound. Also, the victim's wife, Mayumi, is missing. A newspaper then receives an email from Kurasuta 16, professing themselves as the murderer. The email also implies the location of Mayumi. Since Detective Hideaki Takano is soon to transfer to the Public Security Bureau, Toko Kisaragi feels more pressure and responsibility to solve the crime.

Thoughts:
This drama is a direct sequel to Suisho no Kodo and Ishi no Mayu, which few of the police dramas that I enjoyed in recent years. The appeal of this drama for me is not the mindboggling twist but the great chemistry between Kimura Fumino and Aoki Munetaka. I will definitely watch this one.

Yuganda Hamon

Drama: Distorted Ripples
Also Known As: Yuganda Hamon
Japanese: 歪んだ波紋
Network: NHK
Actors: Matsuda Ryuhei, Matsuyama Kenichi, Koshiba Fuka, Yamaguchi Sayaka

Synopsis:
Sawamura Masahiko (Matsuda Ryuhei) is a reporter with a local newspaper, Shin Kanagawa Nippo. One day, he gets a scoop on a hit-and-run case. The grieving wife, Morimoto Atsuko (Koshiba Fuka) of the man who died, is reportedly the culprit. Masahiko is excited by this scoop which is the first he has had in a long while. However, it is false information planted by his colleague Kirino (Tsutsui Michitaka). Masahiko's university schoolmate Mitazono (Matsuyama Kenichi), who is now the chief editor of online news, points this out. Masahiko pursues Kirino who has disappeared. Meanwhile, Oga Masakazu (Nagatsuka Kyozo), a former journalist of a national newspaper and an old friend of Sawamura's father, visits Masahiko. Oga has started investigating whether the suicide of a former colleague Kakiuchi Tomonari (Issey Ogata) was due to an incorrect story that Kakiuchi published 15 years ago.

Thoughts:
This drama is my kind of plot, fresh, unconventional, fascinating, and a bit of social commentary. It also has Ryuhei Matsuda and Kenichi Matsuyama, two of the best subtle actors in Japan. I hope this one gets English subs though.