Top 10 drama ratings for 2012 (single episode basis) - Oricon

Note that this takes into consideration the highest rating for a single episode of a drama series or the rating for an once-off drama SP so it will be different from the usual ratings ranking we see which is based on averages. Dates in brackets indicate the date when the episode or SP was shown:

1) Carnation (28 Jan 2012) - 25.0%

2) Ume-chan Sensei (11 Aug 2012) - 24.9%

3) Doctor X (13 Dec 2012 - Last episode) - 24.4%

4) 24 Jikan Terebi Drama SP Kuruma Isu de Boku wa Sora wo Tobu (25 Aug 2012) - 23.8%

5) Odoru Daisousasen THE LAST TV Salaryman Keiji to Saigo no Nanjiken (1 Sep 2012) - 21.3%

6) Aibou (21 Mar 2012 - Last episode) - 20.5%

7) PRICELESS (10 Dec 2012) - 20.1%

8) ATARU (15 Apr 2012) - 19.9%

9) Jun to Ai (1 Oct 2012) - 19.8%

10) Atsui Kuuki (22 Dec 2012) - 18.6%

Source: Oricon

Press conference of drama SP "Kuruma Isu de Boku wa Sora wo Tobu"

The production press conference of NTV drama SP "Kuruma Isu de Boku wa Sora wo Tobu" was held on 19 August in Chiba Prefecture which was attended by main cast members including Arashi's Ninomiya Kazunari and Ueto Aya. The drama SP will be shown during NTV's 24-jikan Terebi charity event held next weekend. Ninomiya plays the lead character Hasebe Yasuyuki who has to move around in a wheelchair and later snaps out of wallowing in self-pity before becoming a counsellor. Besides Ninomiya and Ueto, other cast members include Yasushimaru Hiroko, Iseya Yuusuke and Suzuki Fuku.

Ninomiya and Ueto had last worked together 12 years ago and she openly expressed that she really admired his acting all these years. At the same time, Ueto also "complained" that Ninomiya kept treating her like an obasan (old woman) because she kept asking him questions regarding acting during their filming breaks. When asked about meeting Ueto again, Ninomiya said that they last met when she was still a junior high student so he remarked that she is now prettier than before and is better at being a leader at the filming scene. Having to dye his hair blond for the first time in 10 years, Ninomiya said that the hair colour doesn't suit his current age at all but it was a refreshing change for him after all. He also had to go through rigorous training in order to be able to use the wheelchair during filming.

Source: Oricon

Ninomiya Kazunari in drama SP "Kuruma Isu de Boku wa Sora wo Tobu"

ARASHI's Ninomiya Kazunari will be starring in the NTV drama SP "Kuruma Isu de Boku wa Sora wo Tobu" to be shown during the TV's station annual charity programme "24 Jikan Terebi 35" between 25th and 26th August. Ninomiya plays a man who used to be a delinquent since junior high and became paralysed after a clash with a gangster. The story depicts his struggle to be independent despite having to cope with being confined to a wheelchair. Ninomiya will also dye his hair for the first time in 10 years for this role.

Source: Sanspo