Winter 2015 Season Preview

Wow it is already 2015! I recently started watching drama again after a busy 2 years. I am really exited about the new dramas! Let's take a look at each of them :D

This season, I feel it will be difficult to watch subbed episodes with the loss of d-addicts :( I think I will try my best to search around the net to find where we can find subbed episodes. 

Anything seems good this season? Have you started watching any of those? If so, please let me know what you thought of them ^^

Monday 

8pm

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Keibuho Shintarou

Main Cast:

• Tanihara Shousuke
• Kaname Jun

Synopsis:

Assistant Inspector Sugiyama Shintaro is a compassionate detective who works for Kichijoji Police Precinct. The cases he has solved are too many to count. Once he comes back home, he is a father to the three children, Miharu, Kaito (Suda Eito) and Gaku (Matsuura Rihito), he has with his beloved wife Kaori. However, he cannot deny that he has sacrificed his family because he has been busy at work. At that very moment, Kaori is fighting against an illness in hospital and his mother-in-law (Takahashi Keiko) is not pleased with him. Sugiyama has focused on the family ever since his wife fell sick. He has even considered a move away from the frontline and Kichijoji Police Precinct’s arrest rate has consequently declined. Then, a murder occurs within the precinct’s jurisdiction. Sugiyama strives to juggle child raising, housework and the investigation. However, he can hardly do so as he ends up late for a meeting because he has to send his children to nursery school. Unable to just watch without doing anything, his mother-in-law declares that she will take custody of the children. Sugiyama makes the decision to quit being a detective, but...

Thoughts :

Some kind of police drama with the lead struggling to be father of a family. Sounds like a drama to watch with your family.

Trailer

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9pm

Date

Main Cast:

• Anne
• Hasegawa Hiroki

Synopsis:

An plays the role of Yabushita Yoriko, a 29-year-old economics expert who holds a Masters degree from University of Tokyo and works in the field of macroeconomics research. She is rigid and refuses to pander to others. As she aims to get married by 30, she registers at a marriage agency in order to find a partner. On the other hand, Hasegawa plays a jobless man named Taniguchi Takumi who depends on his mother for a living while being absorbed in the world of literature, arts, music and entertainment. He regards himself as a high-class nomad and decides to register at the same marriage agency as Yoriko in order to find a rich woman who he can depend on for a living if his mother is no longer around. The two of them who are said to be unable to love and unsuitable for love get paired up together and through a number of dates, become closer to each other while viewing the topic of marriage as a mere contract rather than the union of two people who are in love with each other.

Thoughts:

ah this is this seasons Getsuku (monday 9) drama! A romance between 2 people apparently unable to find love. I am a romance drama sucker so I might like it.

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12am

Taiko Mochi no Tatsujin

Late night drama

 Main Cast:

• Tezuka Tohru

Thoughts:

Some kind of army/police special force drama. Looks ridiculous, not interested.

Trailer
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1am

Majisuka Gakuen 4

AKB drama

Main Cast:

• AKB48

Synopsis:

This story takes place after the second season. A transfer student came from Kagoshima to female private school Majisuka Gakuen, aka Majijo. She is aiming the top, but in order to take it she will have to fight against Majijo's actual top, Rappappa.

Thoughts :

Seems to be the 4rth installation in the Majisuka Gakuen series. It's all AKB48 and it's about yankees. not interested.

Trailer

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Tuesday

9pm

Ghost Writer

Main Cast:

• Nakatani Miki
• Mizukawa Asami

Synopsis :

Tono Risa is a bestselling author in her thirties who is regarded as extremely gifted in her creativity and ability to write. Although she has already achieved the fame and status in her career, the overwhelming feeling of being stuck resides deep down inside her and she feels surrounded by fear. On the other hand, Kawahara Yuki, a girl in her twenties, has left her hometown and moved to Tokyo to pursue her dream of becoming a writer someday. Although Yuki has amazing talent with limitless potential, she hasn't been able to make her writing debut just yet. She was about to finally give up on her dream and get married to her boyfriend back home. By chance, one day Yuki gets offered a position as an assistant to Risa. After wavering, Yuki accepts the job offer. This decision brings about a major turning point in the lives of these two female writers.

Thoughts:

A ghost writer is someone who write under the name of someone else. While it could be interesting, I wonder how they can make a ~10 episode drama worth to watch. 

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10pm

Zenryouku Rikon Soudan

Main Cast:

• Maya Miki
• Tachi Hiroshi
• Kamiji Yusuke 

Synopsis:

Takeuchi Miharu is a capable lawyer with a law firm in Nagoya. One day, she is assigned a divorce case of a client company by Mizuno Toyohiko, the head of the law firm. Gohara Naoki (Yoshizawa Hisashi), the president of the company, wants to divorce his wife Nobue (Kone Hana) who left their 5-year-old son behind and moved out. However, Nobue cries that she will not hand over their son. In fact, Miharu has had experience with divorce too. She was deprived of custody because of her own mistake and has not seen her daughter Kanae in 10 years. She reluctantly starts to grapple with this case but gradually gets absorbed in it. While she is the husband’s attorney, the solution she offers reflects Nobue’s feelings. This offends the client company and the law firm’s advisory contract is terminated. Mizuno, who likes Miharu, desperately dissuades her from resigning. But she takes responsibility and quits the firm. That night, a dejected Miharu drowns her sorrows in drink at ‘Ankake Spaghetti’ which is located directly beneath her residence. She finds herself grumbling to the owner Mitsuya Tetsu whom she is on friendly terms with. “In the end, I lost both my job and man at the same time" Then Nobue arrives with twin sisters who are distressed by their parents’ impending divorce. She believes they can count on Miharu who identified with her own divorce issues. Miharu does all in her power to try to pull the twins’ broken family together. Seeing Miharu like this, Tetsu and Nobue encourage her to start a divorce counselling centre. On the day of the opening of ‘Takeuchi Harumi Divorce Counselling Centre’, a young lady stares at the signboard of the centre with a surly expression. She is Miharu’s daughter, Kanae, who is now an adult.

Thoughts:

This is about a divorce consultation service center. Kinda boring for me.

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Masshiro

Main Cast:

• Horikita Maki
• Yagira Yuya
• Shida Mirai
• Takanashi Rin

Synopsis:

25-year-old Arimura Akari graduated from the local nursing school in Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture and works for the hospital's geriatric ward. When she became a nurse, she wanted to be of help to others and appreciated by those people she helped. But in the course of slaving away for a meager salary over the past four years, Akari would rather quit and get married quickly. Then she gets the chance for a fresh start with a makeover as a well-off young lady. She slips into the very exclusive Toh Hospital which draws a stream of politicians, entertainers and intellectuals despite the expensive medical care. However, it is a hospital with novice doctors, adulterous nurses and spoiled patients. Among them is the head nurse, who is called the overall director of the "White Inner Palace", is tough on Akari and many difficulties are in store for her every day. Moreover, the policy to keep things that happen in the hospital under wraps is certainly like the inner palace.

Thoughts:

Finally an interesting drama! ok, so I work in the health industry and this seems to be really ridiculous and unrealistic. Anyways, it still has potential. It has been so long since I have seen something with Horikita Maki. She seems to be pretty energetic in this.

Trailer

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Zeni no Sensou

Based on Korean drama

Main Cast:

• Kusanagi Tsuyoshi
• Oshima Yuko
• Kimura Fumino

Synopsis:

Shiraishi Tomio graduated from Tokyo University and works for a foreign securities firm. He has a beautiful fiancee, Aoike Kozue, and life has been smooth sailing. However, one day, his father Takao commits suicide, leaving behind a lot of debts. As the joint guarantor, all of Tomio's savings are spent on paying off the debts. In addition, he is pursued by moneylenders. He loses everything. His money, job and fiancee … and becomes homeless. The path he chooses is that of the moneylenders who drove him to the very bottom. He ends up going to work for Akamatsu Daisuke who runs Akamatsu Finance. Akamatsu Finance looks like a normal company on the outside, but lends money at high interest rates behind the scenes. Tomio wants to regain everything that he and his father lost in their lives because of money, with money. Deciding that he will endure any kind of hardship for the sake of money, Tomio goes to great lengths to do whatever it takes to achieve his aims, even the illegal. He meets Konno Mio, the daughter of his debt-ridden high school teacher. She makes him realise before he is aware of it, that he has been obsessed with money, and special feelings start to blossom between the two of them. Furthermore, Tomio's former girlfriend, Kozue, who has complicated love-hate feelings for him shows up again. The three soon develop a complex romantic relationship. Faced with the truth of his father's death, Tomio plots a heroic revenge. But will he be able to regain all that he has lost? 

Thoughts:

Drama about a man who loose everything due to debt. It reminds me of Priceless with Kimura Takuya. It has been a while since Oshima Yuko acted in a drama. Isn't she a bit too young for Kusanagi Tsuyoshi haha.

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Wednesday

9pm

Aibou Season 13

Main Cast:

• Mizutani Yutaka
• Narimiya Hiroki

Thoughts :

I have never watch Aibou. I know it's popular, wow, there is 13 seasons! It's not really a subbed series as far as I know.This one already started airing in October.

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10pm

Marumaru Tsuma

Main Cast:

• Shibasaki Kou
• Higashiyama Noriyuki
• Kuroki Hitomi

Synopsis:

Hikari will perform household chores to perfection for the sake of her husband, Kubota Masazumi. Her own life is only to support him. Kubota, a newscaster, takes pride in his popularity because of his outspoken remarks despite the conventions of sponsors and the television network. His behaviour mobilises public opinion and he wishes that he can change society with his words. Kubota owes his position as main newscaster on the news programme ‘News Life’ to the support of his wife of six years too. But why does Hikari devote herself completely to him? The certain characteristic that Kubota's wife possesses is an enigma, and a shocking development awaits him...

Thoughts:

The synopsis doesn't really tell much and that picture of Shibasaki Kou looks like she is getting married. It seems married life is an important theme. It could be good.

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Zannen na Otto

Main Cast:

• Tamaki Hiroshi
• Kurashina Kana

Synopsis:

Smart, good-looking guy with an appealing personality, Haruno Yoichi thought himself as "perfect husband." However, ever since he and his wife had their first baby, he feels that his wife gives him less and less attention, but he can't figure out why or how to solve the problem. Soon the status of his existence at home has fallen to the level of good-for-nothing, "disappointing husband." His wife Chisato was polite, good-natured and always cheerful – a type of woman that anyone would view as "ideal Japanese wife." Then everything changed after the baby arrived. Now she easily gets irritated by Yoichi’s words and actions and often goes hysterical. Yoichi thinks Chisato somehow has turned into a "monster wife," so to speak. As Yoichi and Chisato face the "Postpartum Crisis" putting their marriage in jeopardy, how will they overcome their conflicts and save their relationship? Will they be able to grow together as husband and wife, as well as father and mother?

Thoughts:

Wow Tamaki Hiroshi! He looks really funny in that picture. He's old enough to do father roles now :(. This story is about a couple who faces difficulty after having  a child. I feel like they will put lots of random comedy in this and make it lighthearted. Since I am a fan of Tamaki Hiroshi, this gets on my watch list.
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11pm

Bittare!!!

Drama based on a manga

Main Cast:

• Tanaka Kei

Synopsis:

Tsutomu Ibu works at a judicial scrivener’s office. Normally, he is a nice guy, sometimes to the point that he appears a bit stupid, but when he sees weak people being taken advantage of by greedy people he becomes a totally different person. As a judicial scrivener he takes down those greedy persons.
The title of the drama series "Bittare!!!" means timid person in the local dialect of Hiroshima.

Thoughts:

I watched the trailer but I cannot really grasp what is going on. Seems like a standard japanese drama.

Trailer
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Thursday

8pm

Kaze no Toge

Main Cast:

• Nakamura Masatoshi
• Shibata Kyouhei

Synopsis:

Kusakabe Gengo, of the Tsukigase domain in Western Japan, is handed an order to execute the chief retainer, Matsuura Shogen. Kusakabe and Matsuura are childhood friends and also went to the same kendo training school. They were once bound by a firm friendship, but took different paths and fell out as a result of some incident. The rumours are that Shogen has incurred displeasure because he is hindering the rise of the lord of the domain. However, he is known to the public as an artist so it would look bad if he were publicly executed. Gengo, who has been ordered to handle it as a fight due to a personal grudge, searches for the place for Shogen to die. He decides to visit Shogen for the first time in 20 years. When the paths of the two men cross again as they approach old age, fate starts moving again.

Thoughts:

I love Jidai Geki dramas, but this doesn't seem to have actors that I know. I don't think this will get subbed :(. 

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Deiri Kinshi no Onna ~ Jiken Kisha Kurogane

Main Cast:

• Mizuki Alisa
• Zaizen Naomi
• Kobayashi Nenji

Synopsis : 

Kurogane Shinobu is a roving reporter for the Local News Section of the Kyoto Times. During her time at the Kyoto Shinpo, she wrote numerous hardline exposes and even won awards. Although many reporters have left the Kyoto Times because they hated the change in policy, she stayed. Because Shinobu is tenacious and fearless in interviews, she is not scared of any interview subject and would make a beeline for the person without a thought for the inconvenience she might cause. This is the reason why she is banned from going in and out of many places.

Thoughts:

Drama about a journalist. Well, I can say that I have never watch one like that. I don't know the cast though. I am not super exited for this one.

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9pm

Doctors Season 3 ~ Saikyouu no Meii 

Main Cast:

Sawamura Ikki Takashima Masanobu Higa Manami

Synospsis:

Dogami Tamaki, the director of Dogami General Hospital, entrusts her nephew and successor, the surgeon Moriyama Suguru, with the role of acting director and sets off to travel around the world on a luxury liner. Unaccustomed to the work of a hospital director, Moriyama flounders. And yet he gets increasingly carried away and behaves outrageously within the hospital. Meanwhile, a hospital patient, Hirabayashi Fumie, has been complaining about a sluggishness of her whole body and pain in the right shoulder. The results of a thorough examination indicate that she has developed angiosarcoma of the liver, a type of malignant tumour. If nothing is done, she will live for an average of six months. The surgeon Sagara Kosuke decides that immediate surgery is necessary, but determines that it will be difficult to pull off the surgery on his own. He asks Moriyama to authorise the surgery and for support from all surgeons. However, Moriyama dismisses his request because the risk is high. Sagara gives encouragement to an anxious Fumie. At the same time, he gets Shibuya Shoko, a medical representative of drug company SI, to obtain the contact of Tanabe, a former House of Representative member of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. What is Sagara’s scheme?

Thoughts :

Well, this is the 3rd season of a medical drama. I am not into starting a drama like that since I haven't watched the other series. It seems popular though.

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Utsukushiki Wana

Main Cast:

Tanaka Rena  Wakamura Mayumi  Aoyagi Sho

Synopsis:

34-year-old Nishida Rika is about to put an end to a three-year affair and move towards marriage. The man she had been having an affair with is the handsome, desirable Kashiwagi Sota. 20 years her senior, the ambitious Kashiwagi is the managing director of a large corporation. He has a beautiful wife, Mitsuko, and a daughter who is a high school student, Miu. Because her mother died when she was 17, Rika has been attached to her father. She sought a father figure and fell in love with Kashiwagi. Although she realises that their affair has no future, her love for him is deep. However, she is betrayed and dumped by Kashiwagi. Furthermore, Mitsuko orchestrated it. The moment Rika learns about this, the flames of vengeance flare up within her. Even so, she is not able to completely become the wicked woman. She brought it upon herself, but is devastated by the continuous onslaught of evil around her. Then she finds out that Mitsuko is emotionally reliant on businessman Ochiai Keiichi who is the younger brother of Kashiwagi’s good friend. Rika decides to steal his heart and starts to date him with a view to marriage.

Thoughts:

Wow, with an image like that I REALLY want to watch, hahaha. This drama is totally geared towards women, it's all about affairs, marriage and revenge. I am looking forward to it!

Trailer

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10pm

Mondai no Aru Restaurant

Main Cast:

• Maki Yoko 
• Higashide Masahiro 
• Nikaido Fumi

Synopsis :

Tanaka Tamako had been working for a male-dominated restaurant business but was betrayed by her boyfriend who was hired as the chef. In addition, she is taken to the police as a result of an incident she caused because her friend Morimura Kyoko was subjected to sexual harassment. Tamako resigns from her unreasonable company and starts a bistro selling homemade pot-au-feu on a rooftop in an alley in Jingumae, Tokyo. This is the story of females who are labelled "write-offs" and the restaurant they have established in order for them to get out from life's abyss. They battle difficulties and search for ways to change their lives as they experience the joys of work. This is a problem restaurant because they are all females with problems, but it is certainly not lousy. The women who have a common enemy – men, and the restaurant unites them in a fight to the death.

Thoughts:

Some kind of females who has problem with society and men drama. I think it wants to illustrate some social issues in Japan. Nowadays, women are able to work. The problem is that equality is not there yet, and that in Japan, you are not supposed to change jobs. Jobs even has an age limit and if you are over 30, you will have trouble finding a new job. I am interested in this drama because I want to know more about this. However the whole Female vs Male thing is not so interesting to me.

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Friday

8pm

Kumogiri Nizaemon 2

Main Cast:

• Nakai Kiichi

Thoughts:

Do you know about this drama? There is almost no information!
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Hoiku Tantei 25-ji ~Hanasaki Shinichiro wa nemurenai!! 

Main Cast:

• Yamaguchi Tomomitsu
• Kurotani Tomoka

Thoughts:

Appears to me like a family drama.  Not too exited.

Trailer
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10pm

Ouroboros

drama based on a manga

Main Cast:

• Ikuta Toma 
• Oguri Shun 
• Ueno Juri

Synopsis:

"Ouroboros" is an ancient symbol that depicts a snake eating its own tail - meaning infinity. Based on a popular comic, a clumsy detective and a cool gang stand up to true evil. Ikuo and Tatsuya grew up in a children's orphanage together. When their favorite teacher, Yuiko, is murdered, a policeman wearing a gold watch covers up the incident. Ikuo and Tatsuya promise each other to avenge their teacher someday. Twenty years later, Ikuo is a detective in Shinjuku second police station investigating various cases with elite detective - Mizuki, while smart and handsome Tatsuya has become one of the top members of a gang group. 

Thoughts:

I can`t contain my excitement for this. Really, my most anticipated drama for this season. I am an intense Ueno Juri fan, and the story line is right along the kind of things I like. Reminds me a bit of ryuusei no kizuna. Must watch!
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11:15pm

Second Love

Main Cast:

• Kamenashi Kazuya 
• Fukada Kyoko

Synopsis:

Contemporary dancer Taira Kei's talent emerged at a young age and he went to study in Germany in his teens. Called the "young genius", he even won an international championship. But Kei did not fulfill his ambition. His dream suffered setbacks. Kei has now returned to Tokyo and has been working part-time order to take another shot at his dream. He takes great pride in dancing and will never accept half measures. That is why he earns a living by manual labour. Although he used to be full of ambition, he has been frustrated with himself for seemingly wasting away ever since he returned to Japan. At that moment, he falls in love with Nishihara Yui, an older teacher at a prestigious girls high school. He easily clears numerous hurdles with his youth and a boldness which is uncharacteristic for a Japanese, and starts to sway Yui's sense of values.

Thoughts:

Hum, well a romance drama with Kamenashi Kazuya. Haven't seen him act for a while. I do have fond memories of Nobuta wo produce, but I am kinda not a fan of him. He said this drama will be quite erotic. I might start to watch 1 episode when I am in the mood for that ;) 
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12:12am

Kaiki Renai Sakusen

Late night drama

Main Cast:

• Aso Kumiko 
• Sakai Maki 
• Ogawa Tamaki 
• Nakamura Toru

Synopsis:

"Kaiki Renai Sakusen" follows three women and depicts their persona lives, work lives and their fight against a monster.
Natsumi (Kumiko Aso) is 36-years-old. She dreamed of becoming a cafe owner and saved money to achieve her dream, but she was swindled out of her money. She now works at the cafe where she dreamed of becoming the owner. Akiko (Maki Sakai) is 39-years-old. She works as a music teacher and awaits for the perfect man. Fuyu (Tamaki Ogawa) is 38-years-old. She thinks of herself as an actress.

Thoughts:

From the pictures I have seen it seems quite silly and fun. 

Trailer

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Saturday

9pm

Genkai Shuraku Kabushikigaisha

Main Cast:

• Sorimachi Takahsi
• Tanihara Shousuke

Synopsis:

In a small village in the Kanto regioin, which is surrounded by mountains, residents and a management consultant (Shosuke Tanihara) struggle to rebuild the village through its only industry, farming.
When Masato (Takashi Sorimachi) was in his 20's, he failed with an organic farming business and accrued heavy debt. Ultimately, Masato ran away to Tokyo, leaving his parents and daughter Miho behind.
13 years later, Masato's father dies. Miho (Mayu Matsuoka) decides to inherit a field from her grandfather and his farm. To help Miho and his mother Yayoi, Masato goes back to his hometown village.

Thoughts:

Not much information even though it's an 9pm drama with Sorimachi. It kinda reminds me of Osozaki no Himawari and if so, it could be kinda nice. But I doubt this will get subbed. 
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Gakkou no Kaidan 

Main Cast:

• Hirose Suzu 
• Kamiki Ryunosuke

Synopsis:

Haruna Tsubame, an inconspicuous high school girl, is always sensitive to people’s moods and keeps the peace in school. One day, she gets pushed to become the president of the student council by the people around her. Tsubame's encounter with a man who is a genius speechwriter, leads to a revolution in school. She struggles to change a school full of irrationality and dissatisfaction with the power of words.

Thoughts:

School drama with young actors. I am never going to get bored of those. It looks promising and I think it might be one of the most popular series this season.
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10pm

Shokuzai no Sonata

Main Cast:

• Mikami Hiroshi
• Sometani Shota

Synopsis:

Mikoshiba Reiji is an invincible lawyer who is described as one who would certainly fight to win a suspended sentence no matter what the charges are. As a result, his fees are also exorbitant. Because the clientele that comes to him are also unscrupulous, he is even shunned by those around him for being a crass lawyer. Mikoshiba volunteers to be the court-appointed defence lawyer in the trial of a murder for insurance money. The cards are overwhelmingly stacked against the defendant, Mitsuko. In the midst of this, a drowned body is discovered in a riverbed within Saitama Prefecture and Watase of the prefectural police embarks on the investigation. Then he discovers that the victim, a freelance journalist, had been snooping around Mikoshiba just before death. As the investigation progresses, Watase gets to Mikoshiba’s past. He is the real culprit in the murder of a little girl. Why did a murderer become a lawyer? What is his objective?

Thoughts:

Looks like a serious drama and it's only 4 episodes. It's short and it is my kind of story. I am interested.
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Iron Grandmas

Main Cast:

• Ootake Shinobu
• Muroi Shigeru

Thoughts:

Weird drama title. Might be funny?
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Garasu no Ashi

Main Cast:

• Aibu Saki

Synopsis:

Setsuko Koda is married to Kiichiro who runs a hotel. There is a large age difference between them. Her hobby is to write poems and she published her own collection "Garasu no Ashi" upon her husband's suggestion. One afternoon, Setsuko Koda is lying in bed with Masahiro Sawaki. They are having an affair. The police then contacts her and informs her that her husband was in a car accident. At the hospital, the doctor informs her that Kiichiro has severe brain damage and he won't live much longer. At this time, Ritsuko Fujishima arrives at the hospital. Setsuko hates Ritsuko, her mother that used to abuse her as a child and who also was involved back then in a romantic relationship with Kiichiro.

Thoughts:

Is it really Aibu Saki in the picture??? I don't think so.. Wow All I know is that she plays in this. From the poster it will start in February, maybe that is why there isn't much information yet. 
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12:50am

Oniichan Gacha 

Main Cast:

• Suzuki Rio
• Kishi Yuta

Synopsis:

Elementary school student Miko was born to a poor family. Made responsible for all the housework by her mother and siblings, she hopes to escape from the harsh reality. One day, Miko inserts a coin to play with ‘Oni-chan Gacha’, a vending machine which dispenses toys in plastic capsules. She turns the handle as she wishes for a kind brother. Her world undergoes a drastic change from that day on. Older brothers who are like fantasies, appear before her one after another. The older brother who always smiles, the handsome older brother, the older brother who looks a wee bit scary but always protects her … Which brother will Miko choose?

Thoughts:

This seems really cute. It just surprise me that such a cute kid story is playing at 1 am! Apparently lots of Jonhny's jr will be in this. 

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Sunday

8pm

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Hana Moyu

NHK 2015 Taiga drama 

Main Cast:

• Inoue Mao
• Osawa Takao

Synopsis:

It was the year 14 of the Tempo era (1843), a little girl was born into the Sugi family. Named Fumi, she is the 4th daughter in the family. She went on to marry Katori Motohiko, becoming his second wife after her elder sister, Ju.

Thoughts:

This is the new taiga drama featuring Inoue Mao. I love Taiga dramas so much, but this one at first glance seems to be the standard one with the female lead marrying someone important in history. The cast is interesting though.

Trailer

9pm

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Ryusei Wagon

Drama from a novel

Main Cast:

• Nishijima Hidetoshi
• Kagawa Teruyuki
• Igawa Haruka

Synopsis:

The story depicts a man's magical experience travelling back in time to redo his life and rebuild broken relations with his family. Nagata Kazuo visits his ageing father, Tadao, at the hospital but he was unable to fix their turbulent relationship. Upon returning home, he finds a divorce paper from his wife, Miyoko and also his son, Hiroki, behaving violently. As Kazuo always wanted to be a good father unlike his father, he thinks of committing suicide. One day, however, a wagon stops right next to Kazuo. The driver is Hashimoto and his son Kenta who allegedly died in an accident. Even though he didn't understand the situation, Kazuo gets on board and then mysteriously, he was joined by his father who looks like the same age as Kazuo. The drive to change Kazuo's regretful life begins!

Thoughts:

I don't know any of those actors, they might be famous but they just aren't my generation. This is a time travel in the past to fix problems kind of drama and it comes from a novel, so it could be good but it isn't something that I am exited about. It seems to be geared for older adults.

Trailer

10pm

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Dakara Kouya

Drama from a novel

Main Cast:

• Suzuki Kyoka
• YOU
• Denden
• Sugimoto Tetta

Synopsis:

Morimura Tomomi (Suzuki Kyouka) is a housewife scorned by her husband (Sugimoto Tetta) and two sons (Hamada Tatsuomi, Maeda Goki), and yet she continues to protect the family. On her 46th birthday, she leaves home in disgust and embarks on a 1,200 km journey. It is Tomomi’s first time driving onto the highway and she speeds along to the west. On the road, she encounters a series of traumatising episodes. She detects her husband’s affair, is faced with a truck driver who mistakes her for a prostitute housewife, and finally her car gets stolen. While Tomomi is at a loss, a good-looking young man and an elderly person give her a ride, and she arrives in Nagasaki. As she meets various people in this town which was once transformed into a wasteland because of the atomic bomb, she becomes aware of a “wilderness” within her and starts to explore the path to rebirth …

Thoughts :

A more mature drama about a mother with a problematic family who embarks on a trip which I assume will change her life. Not my type of story, but Takahashi Issei is in it, yum :).

Trailer

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Kageri Yuku Natsu

Main Cast:

• Watabe Atsurou
• Kadowaki Mugi
• Iwamatsu Ryou
• Tokitou Saburou

Synopsis:

A major newspaper has informally decided to employ a female university student. However, shock ripples within the newspaper because of a weekly magazine’s scoop that she is the daughter of the criminal in a serious case. This was the kidnapping of a newborn baby at a big hospital 20 years ago. The criminal demanded a ransom from the director of the hospital instead of the parents. But after the criminal had the large sum of money in hand, he died in an accident while being pursued by the police. The baby was never found. Kaji Hidekazu, a former hotshot journalist who has become deadwood in the wake of an incident, is ordered by the newspaper to re-investigate the kidnapping case. He finds out the shocking, tragic truth which had been kept under wraps.

Thoughts:

There isn't much information on this one, all I know is that it comes from a novel. I usually really like the sundays wowow drama in that time slot. Hope it gets attention.

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Tenshi no Knife

Drama from a novel

Main Cast:

• Koide Keisuke
• Kurashina Kana

Synopsis:

Takashi Hiyama works as a cafe manager. He has lived alone with his 4-year-old daughter since the death of his wife Shoko. Shoko was killed by three 13-year-old boys 4 years ago. The three boys were protected by the Juvenile Act, but Takashi and Shoko's mother were hounded by the media and their lives exposed.
Now, even though Shoko's friend (Kana Kurashina) and cafe employee (Yudai Chiba) try to dissuade Takashi, he begins to search secretly for the three boys. Someone then makes an attempt on the boys' lives one by one. Detectives suspect Takshi as he made threats in the media 4 years ago that he would seek out revenge if the boys were not prosecuted. Meanwhile, Takashi tries to find the truth about the three boys.

Thoughts:

This one will start in February, so I assume after Kageri Yuku Natsu as WOWOW sundays drama are short. This one is more promising to me with more known actors.
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Special Dramas

(will update as I find information)

January 2nd

Oedo Sousamou

Main Cast:

• Takahashi Katsunori
• Emoto Tokio
• Fujiwara Norika
• Matsuoka Masahiro

Synopsis:

A special New Year edition of the highly popular period drama series “Oedo Sosamo”. This year’s installment is called “Onmitsu Doshin Aku o Kiru!,” which roughly translates as “Secret agents cut down evil!” It tells the story of onmitsu doshin, or a team of secret agents during the Edo period (1603-1867). They usually use their cover identities, such as a playboy or geisha, but in emergencies, they risk their lives to protect the people of Edo, the old name for Tokyo.

Thoughts:

Some kind of new year special. Looks funny.

January 3rd

Taishi Kakka no Ryourinin

 Main Cast:

• Sakurai Sho
• Gouriki Ayame

Synopsis: 

In 2013, Ko Osawa works as sous-chef at a first-class hotel, cooking French cuisine. His job requires him to cook for hundreds of customers, but he prefers to cook for a single customer. One day, he happens to see a pamphlet inquiring about a chef available to work at a diplomat office. Ko ends up taking the job and quits his job at the hotel.
2 years later, Ko now works as the chef at the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam. Ko then takes part in a cook-off against the chef at the French Embassy.

Thoughts:

It's a cooking drama, which isn't my type. 

January 4

Doctors : Saikyou no Meii 2015

Main Cast:

• Sawamura Ikki 
• Higa Manami 

Synopsis:

18 months after the successful joint operation between Donoue General Hospital and Saito Teaching Hospital. Kosuke Sagara (Ikki Sawamura) works as an instructor at Saito Teaching Hospital, at the request of Hospital Dean Yoshio Matsuda (Fumiyo Kohinata), as well as his regular job at Donoue General Hospital. His relationship with Yoshio Matsuda is good, but some of the doctors at Saito Teaching Hospital are not happy that he is an instructor there. Meanwhile, Suguru Moriyama (Masanobu Takashima) becomes well known as a doctor for celebrities. He makes appearances on TV. Due to his rising popularity, Suguru Moriyama spends less time on treating patients. Kosuke Sagara then implements a trick to have Suguru Moriyama work as a temporary instructor at Saito Teaching Hospital.

Thoughts:

Didn`t watch the previous seasons. But wow this is getting 3 seasons and a special. It must be good.

Wagaya 

Main Cast:

• Mukai Osamu
• Nagatsuka Kyozo 
• Yuko Tanaka 
• Murakawa Eri

Synopsis:

The theme of the drama is "ie ni kaerou. isshoni kaerou" which means "Let's return home together" and talks about the members in the Sakuragi family who live apart but have reunited at their family home near the beach. Sakuragi Ippo works at a human resource rental company i.e. one which allows customers to rent people to pose as their friends, lovers or family members. He bears a deep hatred for his father Takeshi who walked out on the family. One day, Ippo has to return to his hometown where his mother Taiko is still staying at as his younger sister Honoka is getting married soon. However, he is shocked to see his father who had not been in touch with them for 20 years showing up unannounced at their family home.

Thoughts:

A special about home and family.  Not particularly interested but it could be touching.

January 9

Onihei Hankachou Special : Mikkoku 

Thoughts:

Onihei Hankachou is a long time airing series, dating back to 1989. There was 9 series in total, and since 2001, there has been a number of specials. This one is actually the 11th special! This is totally aimed for long time fans of the series and as I have never heard of it before, it is not really popular with the western community thus I don't think we will see this one getting any subs. 

January 11, 12

Orient Kyuukou Satsujin Jiken

Main Cast:

• Nomura Mansai

Synopsis:

A TV drama adaptation of Agatha Christie’s world famous mystery novel “Murder on the Orient Express”, filled with thrilling plot twists. The story setting has been changed to the early Showa era. “Murder on the Orient Express” is about a murder that occurred while on a luxury sleeper train called Orient Express. The first night of the drama will be faithful to the original. The second night will reconstruct the story based from the point of view of the criminal.

Thoughts:

This is a mystery drama special based on the famous novel by Agatha Christie. Actually I have already watched the first part of this and I am already making my review. I am awaiting the second episode of this impatiently, so expect my review after the second episode is released.  I am a mystery fan and if you are too you should watch this. 

January 12

Shin Minami no Teiou : Bijin Sagishi no Wana 

Thoughts:

Never heard of this one before, apparently based on a 2010 series. I don't even know why I know it aired a special. If I understand well, it is playing on Kansai Terebi, so maybe something like a Kansai region channel. It explains why so little is known.

January 16

Jouryuu Kaikyuu : Fukumaru Hyakkaten Gaishoubu

January 17

Hatachi to Ippiki

Kobe Zaijuu

January 18

Kasouken no Onna 2015

January 19

Orange

January 24

Saigo no Shounin

Shin Naniwa Kinyuumichi

February 7

Fukushuu Houtei

February 11, 14, 15

Eien no 0

February 21, 28

Rugged!

March 21

Kouhaku ga Umareta Hi