Preview of "Shimobee" - Winter 2022

Title: Shimobee しもべえ

Official website: here

O.A. Start Date: 7 Jan 2022

Timeslot: Fridays at 10pm

Broadcast by: NHK

Total number of episodes: 8

Original manga by: Murata Hiroyuki

Cast: Yasuda Ken, Shiraishi Sei, Kaneko Daichi, Yahagi Honoka, Naitou Shuuichiro, Ikema Natsumi & Yada Akiko

QuickReview #04: Kingyozuma 金魚妻 (Netflix drama)

Title: Kingyozuma 金魚妻

Season: Winter 2022

Broadcast by: Netflix

Rating: 6 / 10

Recommended for: those who like stories about extramarital affairs peppered with lots of explicit intimate scenes

Liked:

- The visuals - be it the artistic direction of the scenes, the set, the scenery in outdoor scenes or the good-looking cast members - are a sight to behold

Disliked: 

- This being based on a R-rated manga, there are bound to be lots of "adult scenes" but to have these scenes being "prolonged" on screen can be a real pain to sit through. I found myself wondering at times just when the scenes would end especially since the time could have been devoted to making the story better. Granted that the physical relationship element is integral to the wives featured in this drama, the level of "detail" was still excessive. I feel especially bad for the actresses here though - did they really have to go to that extent and show that much nudity for these scenes?

- Much as the story tries to "justify" why these wives had to look for comfort in men other than their husbands, not every story was convincing enough. If there was more time for each story, it would have strengthened the argument for these wives rather than leave an ambiguous aftertaste.

- The lead couple's ending is rather illogical - it wasn't as if the wife was going back to her ex-husband so why was there a need for her to part with her younger lover? For the sake of regaining her independence with relying on her lover? Maybe the intention is to show that they could be together again when their circumstances improve after some time but it could have been presented in a more convincing manner.

Preview of "Atai no Elegance" - Spring 2022

Title: Atai no Elegance 私のエレガンス (My Elegance)

Official website: here

Official Twitter: here

O.A. Start Date: 2 Apr 2022

Timeslot: Saturdays at 9pm

Broadcast by: TV Tokyo

Total number of episodes: 6

Theme Song: "Open the Door" by First Summer Uika

Cast: First Summer Uika, Kusakari Tamiyo & Yoshizawa Hisashi

QuickReview #03: Sekai ichi muzukashii koi 世界一難しい恋 (Spring 2016)

Title: Sekai ichi muzukashii koi 世界一難しい恋

Season: Spring 2016

Broadcast by: NTV

Rating: 7.5 / 10

Recommended for: those who like light office romance comedies where the lead couple is fumbling their way through to love

Liked:

- The quirky and hilarious journey of how Samejima Reiji (Ohno Satoshi) tries to win the heart of his subordinate while being held back by his clumsiness and awkwardness. 

- Engaging and interesting supporting characters who stand out in their own ways especially Muraoki Maiko (Koike Eiko) - the motherly figure who teaches Reiji how to woo the woman he loves - and Wada Hideo (Kitamura Kazuki) - the rival-turned-mentor for Reiji who can be quite obnoxious at times but knows what he is talking about

- Yokohama. I like the city a lot and to see that the hotel featured as Reiji's hotel was where I stayed at before and to see so many familiar sights of Yokohama in the drama bring back a lot of fond memories.

- And of course, seeing Ohno in a love comedy (his first & only) which coincidentally happened to be his last drama series before going on hiatus.

Disliked: 

- Haru is a good actress. However, when it comes to romance stories like this, I always have this feeling that she's emotionally detached from or should I say, not involved in the character. Maybe it's her cool image getting into the way at times but when the lead couple didn't look like they were in love, I found it difficult for me to root for them and get more invested emotionally in this drama.

- The pacing of the drama was generally fine but when it got to the emotional conflict towards the end, I found it too draggy. And the conclusion was...hmm...hard to say that it was bad but it certainly wasn't that impressive either.

Preview of "Meitantei Stay Homes" (Drama SP)

Title: Meitantei Stay Homes 名探偵ステイホームズ (Famous Detective Stay Homes)

Official website: here

O.A. Dates: 3 Apr & 10 Apr 2022 at 10.30pm

Broadcast by: NTV

Cast: Kitamura Takumi, Matsumoto Marika, Morikawa Aoi, Kuroba Mario, Oohara Yuno, Owada Nana, Komiya Arisa, Goto Takenori, Katsuya, Tanihara Shosuke & Suzuki Honami

QuickReview #02: Sakura no you na boku no koibito 桜のような僕の恋人 (Netflix movie)

Title: Sakura no you na boku no koibito 桜のような僕の恋人

Broadcast by: Netflix

Rating: 7.5 / 10

Recommended for: 

- Those who like bittersweet love stories and don't mind the cliched plot of a lover having a terminal illness and leaves/breaks up for the sake of not burdening his/her other half

- Fans of Nakajima Kento & Matsumoto Honoka 

Liked:

- The beautiful scenery featured as the seasons changed in the story

- The better-than-expected good acting - it was especially refreshing to see Nakajima Kento play a shy and awkward but earnest guy as compared to his usual "Sexy Thank you" act-cool style and Matsumoto Honoka shine in a cute role brimming with youth and positivity before the twist in the middle. However, I must say that Nagayama Kento and Sakurai Yuki were the ones who really stood out so much despite being the second leads.

- Not showing the heroine's physical changes to the viewers until the end - it was a smart move to accentuate the impact and shock felt by the male lead since he wasn't able to see the heroine after quite some time later.

Disliked: 

- The storyline is cliched and predictable - you need to be really patient to sit through 2 hours of something when you can already foresee the developments and ending

- Waste of talent - there were quite a few notable names in the supporting cast lineup but their fleeting appearances hardly left an impact since there was nothing much for them to do anyway.

Preview of "Shizu-chan to Papa" - Winter 2022

Title: Shizu-chan to Papa しずかちゃんとパパ (Shizu-chan and Papa)

Official website: here

O.A. Start Date: 13 Mar 2022

Timeslot: Sundays 10pm

Broadcast by: NHK

Ending theme song: "You are so beautiful" by Ueda Masaki

Cast: Yoshioka Riho, Nakajima Yuuto, Inaba Yu, Fujii Mina, Hagio Midori, Toda Keiko, Kimura Tae & Shofukutei Tsurube

QuickReview #01: Buchou to shachiku no koi wa modokashii 部長と社畜の恋はもどかしい (Winter 2022)

Title: Buchou to shachiku no koi wa modokashii 部長と社畜の恋はもどかしい

Season: Winter 2022

Broadcast by: TV Tokyo

Rating: 6 / 10

Recommended for: those who like office romance stories with a unconventional beginning

Liked:

- The first two episodes - the lead couple got off to a sizzling start right from the first episode and the second episode's intimate scene was as good, if not better than the one in the first episode.

- Each episode is only 30 minutes so it's easy to get through the story.

Disliked: 

- True to its title, the modokashii element (annoying, irritated, impatient) element dominated the rest of the story which was a huge contrast to its speedy start. If not for the fact that each episode was only 30 minutes, I would not have been able to sit through this.

- The chemistry between the leads was also somewhat lacking - this was especially obvious when the story started to show more of the emotional development in their relationship.

Introducing QuickReviews - a speedier way to share reviews of Japanese dramas and movies

One problem I constantly encounter when I want to write reviews for Japanese dramas and movies is the time factor or rather, the lack of it. Often, I try to go into great detail (sometimes too much) so this means that I have to write and rewrite the review multiple times to the extent that there have been too many occasions when I end up with half-done reviews.

As such, to overcome this problem and to avoid having to write long reviews for dramas/movies which I may not have so much to comment about, I've decided to start doing QuickReviews.

Essentially, what this means is that a QuickReview will have 4 key sections only and in relatively short sentences:

- Rating based on a scale of 10

- Recommended for i.e. the target audience or who might like this drama/movie

- Liked i.e. what I liked about this

- Disliked i.e. what I disliked about this

It doesn't mean that doing a QuickReview for a drama/movie is due to me not liking the title as much. The main purpose of doing this is that I want to get the review out as soon as possible and may not want to go into great detail for a particular title. However, if you have any questions or want me to elaborate on what I wrote in such a QuickReview, you can always leave a comment on the blog post or reply to the thread on the Twitter or Facebook post. 

This also does not mean that I will stop writing the detailed reviews - just that I will be able to focus more on a select few and can afford to spend more time on them.

And perhaps the most important point is, reviews are subjective by nature so please do not get upset if it turns out that our views differ.

So without ado, I will be posting the first QuickReview soon. Do keep a lookout for it and let me know what you think!

Preview of "Ending Cut" (Drama SP)

Title: Ending Cut エンディングカット

Official website: here

O.A. Date: 19 Mar 2022 at 9pm

Broadcast by: NHK

Original novel by: Arai Masami

Cast: Ashida Mana, Sato Ryuta, Hirosue Ryoko, Maiko, Ikezu Shoko, Tabata Shima, Tamaoki Reo, Suzuki Soutaro & Tsurumi Shingo

Preview of "Shukatsu Time Capsule" (Drama SP)

Title: Shukatsu Time Capsule 就活タイムカプセル 

Official website: here

O.A. Start Date: 27 March 2022 at 2pm

Broadcast by: TBS

Cast: Sano Hayato, Tanabe Momoko, Takatsuki Sara, Ijima Ku, Izumi Tomochika & Kawai Aoba

Preview of "Damasenai Otoko" (Drama SP)

Title: Damasenai Otoko ダマせない男 (The man who can't deceive)

Official website: here

Official Twitter: here

O.A. Date: 26 Mar 2022 at 9pm

Broadcast by: NTV

Cast: Sakai Masato, Kadowaki Mugi, Murakawa Eri, Minagawa Sarutoki, Kote Shinya, Okabe Takashi, Tooyama Toshiya, Mitsuishi Ken, Hirosue Ryoko & Namase Katsuhisa

Preview of "Kaze yo arashi yo" (Drama SP)

Title: Kaze yo arashi yo 風よあらしよ

Official website: here

O.A. Date: 31 Mar 2022 at 7pm

Broadcast by: NHK (BS8K)

Original novel by: Murayama Yuka

Cast: Yoshitaka Yuriko, Nagayama Eita, Matsushita Nao, Minami, Tamaoki Reo, Asaka Mayumi, Yamashita Yorie, Yamada Maho, Kurita Momoko, Otoo Takuma, Ishibashi Renji & Inagaki Goro

Preview of "Yukiguni" (Drama SP)

Title: Yukiguni 雪国 (Snow Country)

Official website: here

O.A. Date: 28 Mar 2022 at 10pm (BS4K) and 16 Apr 2022 at 9pm (BS Premium)

Broadcast by: NHK

Original novel by: Kawabata Yasunari

Cast: Takahashi Issei, Nao, Morita Misato, Koura Kengo & Yuki Saori

Preview of "Aono-kun ni sawaritai kara shinitai" - Winter 2022

Title: Aono-kun ni sawaritai kara shinitai / 青野くんに触りたいから死にたい (I Want to Hold Aono-kun so Badly I Could Die)

Official website: here

O.A. Start Date: 18 Mar 2022

Timeslot: Fridays 11.30pm

Broadcast by: WOWOW

Total number of episodes: 10

Original manga by: Shiina Umi

Cast: Sato Shouri, Takahashi Hikaru, Kamio Fuuju & Ririka

Preview of "Matsuo Suzuki to 30-pun no joyuu 2" - Winter 2022

Title: Matsuo Suzuki to 30-pun no joyuu 2 松尾スズキと30分の女優2 (Matsuo Suzuki and 30-minute actresses 2)

Official website: here

O.A. Start Date: 13 Mar 2022

Timeslot: Sundays 11pm

Broadcast by: WOWOW

Total number of episodes: 4

Cast: Matsuo Suzuki, Ikuta Erika, Matsumoto Honoka, Matsuyuki Yasuko & Amami Yuki

Preview of "Shoutai" - Winter 2022

Title: Shoutai 正体 (True identity)

Official website: here

O.A. Start Date: 12 Mar 2022

Timeslot: Saturdays at 10pm

Broadcast by: WOWOW

Total number of episodes: 4

Original novel by: Somei Tamehito

Cast: Kamenashi Kazuya, Kuroki Hitomi, Ichihara Hayato, Kanjiya Shihori, Hotta Mayu, Kamikawa Takaya, Hamada Takahiro, Otoo Takuma, Wakamura Mayumi, Takahata Atsuko, Okunuki Kaoru, Fujiyoshi Kumiko, Nomaguchi Tooru & Nukumizu Yoichi

Preview of "Hiru" - Winter 2022

Title: Hiru ヒル

Official website: here

O.A. Start Date: 4 Mar 2022

Timeslot: Fridays 11pm

Broadcast by: WOWOW

Total number of episodes: 12

Original manga by: Imai Daisuke

Cast: Akaso Eiji, Yoshikawa Ai, Iitoyo Marie, Yanagi Shuntaro, Itagaki Mizuki, Sakuma Yui, Tanaka Kotaro, Matsuzawa Takumi, Iwanaga Hiroaki, Kusano Ini, Wakabayashi Jiei, Shuhama Harumi, Miura Masaki, Rijuu Go, Ohnishi Takeshi, Itao Itsuji, Konishi Manami & Sakaguchi Kentaro

Preview of "Jashin no tenbin Kouan bunsekihan" - Winter 2022

Title: Jashin no tenbin Kouan bunsekihan 邪神の天秤　公安分析班 (The scales of the evil god Public Security Analysis Section)

Official website: here

O.A. Start Date: 13 February 2022

Timeslot: Sundays 10pm

Broadcast by: WOWOW

Total number of episodes: 10

Original novel by: Asami Kazushi

Cast: Aoki Munetaka, Matsuyuki Yasuko, Tokushige Satoshi, Koichi Mantaro, Fukuyama Shota, Tsutsui Michitaka, Watanabe Ikkei & Danta Yasunori

Preview of "Ame no hi" (Drama SP)

Title: Ame no hi 雨の日 (Rainy Day)

Official website: here

O.A. Date: 9 Mar 2022 at 1.59am

Broadcast by: NHK

Cast: KOM_I, Kudo Haruka, Muroi Shigeru, Mashima Hidekazu, Narumi Riko, Goto Takenori & Yokozawa Natsuko

The 110th Drama Academy Awards (Autumn 2021) - Best Drama

Overall Ranking Top 3

1) Saiai
2) Kieta Hatsukoi
3) Seiten wo tsuke

Voters Ranking Top 5

1) Kieta Hatsukoi

2) Saiai

3) SUPER RICH

4) Seiten wo tsuke

5) Rinko-san wa shitemitai

TV Reporters Ranking Top 5
1) Saiai
2) Seiten wo tsuke
3) Nihon Chinbotsu - Kibou no hito -
4) Kieta Hatsukoi

5) Koi desu! ~ Yankii-kun to hakujou garu ~

Judges Ranking Top 5

1) Saiai

2) Seiten wo tsuke

3) Doctor X 7 ~ Gekai Daimon Michiko ~

4) Okaeri Mone

Komi-san wa, komyusho desu.

Koi desu! ~ Yankii-kun to hakujou garu ~

Wadake no otokotachi

Source: The Television

The 110th Drama Academy Awards (Autumn 2021) - Best Leading Actor

Overall Ranking Top 3

1) Yoshizawa Ryo - Seiten wo tsuke

2) Michieda Shunsuke - Kieta Hatsukoi
3) Oguri Shun - Nihon Chinbotsu - Kibou no hito -

Voters Ranking Top 5
1) Michieda Shunsuke - Kieta Hatsukoi
2) Meguro Ren - Kieta Hatsukoi
3) Yoshizawa Ryo - Seiten wo tsuke
4) Totsuka Shota - Rinko-san wa shitemitai
5) Ayano Go - Avalanche

TV Reporters Ranking Top 5
1) Yoshizawa Ryo - Seiten wo tsuke
2) Michieda Shunsuke - Kieta Hatsukoi
3) Oguri Shun - Nihon Chinbotsu - Kibou no hito -
4) Ayano Go - Avalanche

5) Meguro Ren - Kieta Hatsukoi

Judges Ranking Top 5
1) Yoshizawa Ryo - Seiten wo tsuke
2) Ayano Go - Avalanche

3) Masuda Takahisa - Komi-san wa, komyusho desu. /

Yagira Yuuya - Nigatsu no shousha Zettai goukaku no kyoushitsu
5) Aiba Masaki - Wadake no otokotachi / 

Kubota Masataka - Radiation House II ~ Houshasenka no shindan report ~

Source: The Television

The 110th Drama Academy Awards (Autumn 2021) - Best Leading Actress

Overall Ranking Top 3

1) Yoshitaka Yuriko - Saiai
2) Sugisaki Hana - Koi desu! ~ Yankii-kun to hakujou garu ~
3) Kiyohara Kaya - Okaeri Mone

Voters Ranking Top 5
1) Yoshitaka Yuriko - Saiai
2) Eguchi Noriko - SUPER RICH
3) Sugisaki Hana - Koi desu! ~ Yankii-kun to hakujou garu ~
4) Kiyohara Kaya - Okaeri Mone

5) Yonekura Ryoko - Doctor X 7 ~ Gekai Daimon Michiko ~

TV Reporters Ranking Top 5
1) Yoshitaka Yuriko - Saiai
2) Kiyohara Kaya - Okaeri Mone
3) Sugisaki Hana - Koi desu! ~ Yankii-kun to hakujou garu ~

4) Eguchi Noriko - SUPER RICH

5) Kimura Tae - Asagaya shimai no nohohon futarigurashi

Judges Ranking Top 5
1) Yoshitaka Yuriko - Saiai

2) Sugisaki Hana - Koi desu! ~ Yankii-kun to hakujou garu ~

3) Yonekura Ryoko - Doctor X 7 ~ Gekai Daimon Michiko ~

Eguchi Noriko - SUPER RICH

5) Shim Eun-kyung - Gunjou Ryouiki 

Source: The Television

The 110th Drama Academy Awards (Autumn 2021) - Best Supporting Actor

Overall Ranking Top 3

1) Kusanagi Tsuyoshi - Seiten wo tsuke

2) Akaso Eiji - SUPER RICH

3) Matsushita Kouhei - Saiai

Voters Ranking Top 5
1) Akaso Eiji - SUPER RICH
2) Suzuki Jin - Kieta Hatsukoi
3) Nagase Ren - Okaeri Mone
4) Matsushita Kouhei - Saiai
5) Tanabe Seiichi - Konin todoke ni han wo oshitadake desuga

TV Reporters Ranking Top 5
1) Matsushita Kouhei - Saiai
2) Kusanagi Tsuyoshi - Seiten wo tsuke
Nagase Ren - Okaeri Mone
4) Sakaguchi Kentaro - Konin todoke ni han wo oshitadake desuga
5) Akaso Eiji - SUPER RICH

Judges Ranking Top 5
1) Kusanagi Tsuyoshi - Seiten wo tsuke
2) Tsutsumi Shinichi - Seiten wo tsuke
3) Nomura Mansai - Doctor X 7 ~ Gekai Daimon Michiko ~

Sasaki Kuranosuke - Wadake no otokotachi

Danta Yasunori - Wadake no otokotachi

Matsushita Kouhei - Saiai

Source: The Television

The 110th Drama Academy Awards (Autumn 2021) - Best Supporting Actress

Overall Ranking Top 3

1) Fukumoto Riko - Kieta Hatsukoi

2) Hashimoto Ai - Seiten wo tsuke
3) Tanaka Minami - Saiai

Voters Ranking Top 5
1) Fukumoto Riko - Kieta Hatsukoi
2) Hashimoto Ai - Seiten wo tsuke
3) Matsushima Nanako - SUPER RICH
4) Yakushimaru Hiroko - Saiai
5) Sakuma Yui - Saiai

TV Reporters Ranking Top 5
1) Makita Aju - Okaeri Mone
2) Fukumoto Riko - Kieta Hatsukoi
3) An - Nihon Chinbotsu - Kibou no hito -
4) Tanaka Minami - Saiai
5) Kurashina Kana - Konin todoke ni han wo oshita dake desuga

Judges Ranking Top 5
1) Hashimoto Ai - Seiten wo tsuke
2) Tanaka Minami - Saiai

3) An - Nihon Chinbotsu - Kibou no hito -

4) Fukumoto Riko - Kieta Hatsukoi

5) Wakui Emi - Seiten wo tsuke

Natsuki Mari - Okaeri Mone

Inoue Mao - Nigatsu no shousha - zettai goukaku no kyoushitsu -

Akita Shiori - Tokyo Seimenjo

Kurashina Kana - Konin todoke ni han wo oshita dake desuga

Kudo Ayano - Tokyo hochi shokudou

Kanjiya Shihori - Kaodake Sensei

Source: The Television

The 110th Drama Academy Awards (Autumn 2021) - Best Theme Song

Overall Ranking Top 3

1) Uburabu by Naniwa Danshi (Kieta Hatsukoi)

2) Secret Touch by Snow Man (Kieta Hatsukoi)

3) Nanairo by BUMP OF CHICKEN (Okaeri Mone)

Voters Ranking Top 5
1) Uburabu by Naniwa Danshi (Kieta Hatsukoi)
2) Secret Touch by Snow Man (Kieta Hatsukoi)
3) Betelgeuse by Yuuri (SUPER RICH)
4) Hanabi Addiction by A.B.C-Z (Rinko-san wa shitemitai)
5) Nanairo by BUMP OF CHICKEN (Okaeri Mone)

TV Reporters Ranking Top 5
1) Kimi ni muchuu by Utada Hikaru (Saiai)

2) Uburabu by Naniwa Danshi (Kieta Hatsukoi)

3) Nanairo by BUMP OF CHICKEN (Okaeri Mone)
4) Betelgeuse by Yuuri (SUPER RICH)
5) Secret Touch by Snow Man (Kieta Hatsukoi)

Judges Ranking Top 5
1) Kimi ni muchuu by Utada Hikaru (Saiai)
2) Nanairo by BUMP OF CHICKEN (Okaeri Mone)

3) Last Scene by Suda Masaki (Nihon Chinbotsu - Kibou no hito)

4) Neighborhood Story by Asagaya Shimai (Asagaya Shimai no nohohon futarigurashi)

5) Mirai e by NEWS (Nigatsu no shousha - Zettai goukaku no kyoushitsu -)

Source: The Television

Top 32 Japanese movies in 2021 with box office takings above JPY 1 billion

Please take note of the following:

- titles with a * are still showing in cinemas so the box office takings figures quoted here are not final

- numbers in the brackets are the box office takings

- as the top 3 movies are all animation films, No.4's "ARASHI Anniversary Tour 5×20 FILM “Record of Memories”" is the top real-life action film in 2021

1) Shin Evangelion Gekijouban (10.28 bn)

2) Meitantei Conan Hiiro no dangan (7.65 bn)

3) Ryu to sobakasu no hime (6.6 bn)

4) ARASHI Anniversary Tour 5×20 FILM “Record of Memories” (4.55 bn) *

5) Tokyo Revengers (4.5 bn)

6) Rurouni Kenshin Saishusho The Final (4.35 bn)

7) Shin Kaishaku Sangokushi (4.03 bn)

8) Hanataba mitai na koi wo shita (3.81 bn)

9) Masquerade Night (3.81 bn)

10) Boku no Hero Academy THE MOVIE World Heroes Mission (3.39 bn) *

11) STAND BY ME Doraemon 2 (2.78 bn) 

12) Eiga Entotsu machi no Poupelle (2.7 bn)

13) Rurouni Kenshin Saishusho The Beginning (2.5 bn)

14) Kido Senshi Gundam Senkou no Hathaway (2.23 bn)

15) Takizawa Kabuki ZERO 2020 The Movie (2.14 bn)

16) Yakusoku no Neverland (2.03 bn)

17) Gekijouban Pocket Monster Koko (2.02 bn)

18) Gintama THE FINAL (1.9 bn)

19) Eiga Crayon Shin-chan Nazo meki! Hana no Tenkasu Gakuen (1.77 bn)

20) Soshite, baton wa watasareta (1.72 bn) *

21) Character (1.6 bn)

22) Gekijouban Sword Art Online Progressive Hoshinaki yoru no Aria (1.43 bn)

23) The Fable Korosanai koroshiya (1.42 bn)

24) Gekijouban Kinou nani tabeta (1.39 bn) *

25) Eiga Sumikkogurashi Aoi tsukiyo no hohou no ko (1.26 bn) *

26) Meitantei Conan Hiiro no fuzai shoumei (1.24 bn)

27) Rougo no shikin ga arimasen! (1.24 bn) *

28) Okusama wa, toriatsukai chuui (1.19 bn)

29) Moeyo Ken (1.18 bn)

30) Inochi no teishaba (1.12 bn)

31) Kaguyasama wa kokurasetai ~ Tensaitachi no renai zunousen ~ Final (1.06 bn)

32) Honey Lemon Soda (1 bn)

Source: Natalie

Winners of the 76th Mainichi Film Awards (2021)

Grand Prix - Japanese Film: Drive My Car

Excellence Award: Subarashiki Sekai

Best Foreign Movie: Nomadland

Best Leading Actor: Sato Takeru - Mamorarenakatta monotachi e

Best Leading Actress: Ono Machiko - Akaneiro ni yakareru

Best Supporting Actor: Nakano Taiga - Subarashiki Sekai

Best Supporting Actress: Mamorarenakatta monotachi e

Sponichi Grand Prix - Male Newcomer: Wada Iori - Akaneiro ni yakareru

Sponichi Grand Prix - Female Newcomer: Katayama Yuki - Akaneiro ni yakareru

Best Director: Hamaguchi Ryusuke - Drive My Car

Best Scriptwriter: Yoshida Keisuke - Kuuhaku

Best Cinematography: Kasamatsu Norimichi - Subarashiki Sekai

Best Art: Harada Tetsuo - Moeyo Ken

Best Music: Hayashi Masaki - Subarashiki Sekai

Best Sound: Urata Tomoharu - Korou no Chi LEVEL 2

TSUTAYA Movie Fan Award - Japanese Film: Rurouni Kenshin Saishusho The Final

TSUTAYA Movie Fan Award - Foreign Film: 007 No Time To Die

Source: Natalie

Preview of "Dakara korosenakatta" - Winter 2022

Title: Dakara korosenakatta だから殺せなかった (That's why I couldn't kill)

Official website: here

O.A. Start Date: 9 January 2022

Timeslot: Sundays 10pm

Broadcast by: WOWOW

Total number of episodes: 5

Original novel by: Ippongi Tooru

Cast: Tamaki Hiroshi, Matsuda Genta, Hagiwara Masato, Furuta Arata, Takaoka Saki, Watabe Atsuro, Komoto Masahiro, Hasegawa Tomoharu, Takahashi Tsutomu, Kanai Yuta, Yuki Moe, Yasoda Yuichi, Shiraishi Shunya, Ando Yuko, Matsumoto Wakana & Sakou Yoshi

Preview of "Shijuu kara" - Winter 2022

Title: Shijuu kara シジュウカラ (From 40 years old onwards)

Official website: here

Official Twitter: here

O.A. Start Date: 7 January 2022

Timeslot: Fridays at 12.12am

Broadcast by: TV Tokyo

Original manga by: Sakai Eri

Cast: Yamaguchi Sayaka, Itagaki Rihito, Miyazaki Tomu, Ikeuchi Hiroyuki, Sakai Wakana, Iriyama Noriko & Wada Misa

Preview of "Buchou to shachiku no koi wa modokashii" - Winter 2022

Title: Buchou to shachiku no koi wa modokashii / 部長と社畜の恋はもどかしい 

Official website: here

Official Instagram: here

Official Twitter: here

O.A. Start Date: 5 January 2022

Timeslot: Wednesdays 12.30am

Broadcast by: TV Tokyo

Original manga by: Shimo

Opening theme song: "What's Your Favourite" by ONE N' ONLY

Theme song: "Filter" by mrsrz

Cast: Nakamura Yurika, Takezai Terunosuke, Ono Rina, Nagata Takato, Sano Gaku & Maruyama Tomomi

Preview of "Tonari no Chikara" - Winter 2022

Title: Tonari no Chikara となりのチカラ (Next Door's Chikara)

Official website: here

Official Instagram: here

Official Twitter: here

O.A. Start Date: 20 January 2022

Timeslot: Thursdays at 9pm

Broadcast by: TV Asahi

Cast: Matsumoto Jun, Ueto Aya, Ozawa Yukiyoshi, Emi Kurara, Sonin, Shimizu Hiroya, Nagao Kento, Katsuji Ryo, Shukugawa Atomu, Asano Kazuyuki, Fubuki Jun & Matsushima Nanako

Preview of "Moshimo, ikemen dake no koukou ga attara" - Winter 2022

Title: Moshimo, ikemen dake no koukou ga attara / もしも。イケメンだけの高校があったら (If there was a senior high school with only handsome guys)

Official website: here

Official Instagram: here

Official TikTok: here

Official Twitter: here

O.A. Start Date: 15 January 2022

Timeslot: Saturdays at 11pm

Broadcast by: TV Asahi

Theme Song: "Be yourself" by Kawasaki Takaya

Cast: Hosoda Kanata, Miyase Ryubi, Fujiwara Taiyu, Endo Sakura, Mizusawa Rintaro, Naito Shuichiro, Fujieda Yoshiki, Minagawa Sarutoki, Saito Nagisa, Hasegawa Momoka, Akiyama Natsuko & Hayami Mokomichi

Preview of "Itoshii uso ~ Yasashii yami ~" - Winter 2022

Title: Itoshii uso ~ Yasashii yami ~ / 愛しい嘘～優しい闇～ (A lovely lie ~ A gentle darkness)

Official website: here

Official Instagram: here

Official Twitter: here

O.A. Start Date: 14 January 2022

Timeslot: Fridays 11.15pm

Broadcast by: TV Asahi

Original manga by: Aimoto Mizuho

Theme Song: "Illegal Game" by Kami wa saikoro wo furanai

Insert Song: "Anata dake" by Kami wa saikoro wo furanai

Cast: Haru, Hayashi Kento, Mizobata Junpei, Motokariya Yuika, Shinkawa Yua, Kurokawa Tomoka, Tokushige Satoshi, Matsumura Sayuri & Nishio Mari

Preview of "Rokuhoudou Yotsuiro Biyori" - Winter 2022

Title: Rokuhoudou Yotsuiro Biyori / 鹿楓堂よついろ日和

Official website: here

Official Instagram: here

Official TikTok: here

Official Twitter: here

O.A. Start Date: 15 January 2022

Timeslot: Saturdays 11.30pm

Broadcast by: TV Asahi

Original manga by: Shimizu Yu

Theme Song: "Reimei" by Johnny's WEST

Cast: Kotaki Nozomu, Hayama Shono, Ohnishi Ryuusei, Saeki Daichi & Shirasu Jin

Preview of "Touboui F" - Winter 2022

Title: Touboui F / 逃亡医F (Fugitive Doctor F)

Official website: here

Official Instagram: here

Official LINE: here

Official TikTok: here

Official Twitter: here

O.A. Start Date: 15 January 2022

Timeslot: 10pm on Saturdays

Broadcast by: NTV

Original manga by: Izuki Keigo & Sato Makoto

Theme Song: "Taiyo ga miteiru" by Okuda Tamio

Cast: Narita Ryo, Mori Nana, Kiriyama Akito, Sakuraba Nanami, Sakai Koharu, Furuya Robin, Wada Soukou, Sakou Yoshi, Maeda Atsuko, Yasuda Ken & Matsuoka Masahiro

Preview of "KEI x YAKU" - Winter 2022

Title: KEI x YAKU / ケイ x ヤク

Official website: here

Official Instagram: here

Official LINE: here

Official Twitter: here

Official YouTube: here

O.A. Start Date: 13 January 2022

Timeslot: Thursdays 11.59pm

Broadcast by: YTV

Original manga by: Kaoruhara Yoshie

Theme Songs: "IT’S A BOP" & "Be with you" by OCTPATH

Cast: Suzuki Nobuyuki, Inukai Atsuhiro, Tokui Yoshimi, Hagiwara Minori, Matsumoto Toshio, Yoshimura Kaito, Kuriyama Chiaki & Itao Itsuji

Preview of "Koisenu Futari" - Winter 2022

Title: Koisenu Futari 恋せぬふたり (The two who are not falling in love)

Official website: here

O.A. Start Date: 10 January 2022

Timeslot: Mondays 10.45pm

Broadcast by: NHK

Total number of episodes: 8

Theme Song: "Marugoto" by CHAI

Cast: Kishii Yukino, Takahashi Issei, Hama Shogo, Kojima Fujiko, Kikuchi Akiko, Kita Kana, Abera Hidenobu, Nishida Naomi & Koichi Mantaro

Preview of "Muchaburi! Watashi ga shachou ni naru nante" - Winter 2022

Title: Muchaburi! Watashi ga shachou ni naru nante / ムチャブリ！ わたしが社長になるなんて

Official website: here

Official Instagram: here

Official LINE: here

Official TikTok: here

Official Twitter: here

O.A. Start Date: 12 January 2022

Timeslot: 10pm on Wednesdays

Broadcast by: NTV

Theme Song: "Always" by ENHYPEN

Cast: Takahata Mitsuki, Shison Jun, Kaho, Kasamatsu Sho, Yamada Maho, Oshinari Shugo, Katayama Yuki, Sakamoto Keisuke, Matsuoka Koudai, Yuka, Tsubokura Yoshiyuki, Jinbo Satoshi, Arakawa Yoshiyoshi & Matsuda Shota

Preview of "Tsuma, shogakusei ni naru" - Winter 2022

Title: Tsuma, shogakusei ni naru 妻、小学生になる。 (My wife has become an elementary school student)

Official website: here

Official Twitter: here

O.A. Start Date: 21 January 2022

Timeslot: Fridays 10pm

Broadcast by: TBS

Original manga by: Murata Yayu

Cast: Tsutsumi Shinichi, Ishida Yuriko, Makita Aju, Morita Misato, Maida Nono, Yanagiya Kyotaro, Iizuka Satoshi, Baba Toru, Tanaka Shunsuke, Mizutani Kaho, Hagiwara Riku, Ogura Rio, Touma Ami & Yoshida Yo

Preview of "DCU" - Winter 2022

Title: DCU (Deep Crime Unit)

Official website: here

Official Instagram: here

Official Twitter: here

O.A. Start Date: 16 January 2022

Timeslot: Sundays 9pm

Broadcast by: TBS

Cast: Abe Hiroshi, Yokohama Ryuusei, Nakamura An, Yamazaki Ikusaburo, Shuri, Takahashi Mitsuomi, Okazaki Taiiku, Yuki, Tsukuda Norihiko, Shunputei Shota & Ichikawa Mikako

Preview of "Kamakura dono no 13 nin" - NHK 2022 Taiga

Title: Kamakura dono no 13 nin / 鎌倉殿の13人 (The 13 Lords of the Shogun)

Official website: here

Official Instagram: here

Official Twitter: here

O.A. Start Date: 9 January 2022

Timeslot: Sundays 8pm

Broadcast by: NHK

Scriptwriter: Mitani Koki

Narrator: Nagasawa Masami

Cast: Oguri Shun, Aragaki Yui, Bando Yajuro, Miyazawa Rie, Kataoka Ainosuke, Koike Eiko, Miyazawa Ema, Ooizumi Yo, Kaneko Daichi, Minami Sara, Suda Masaki, Sakota Takaya, Niiro Shinya, Sugimoto Tetta, Eguchi Noriko, Aoki Munetaka, Akimoto Sayaka, Ichikawa Somegoro, Yashima Norito, Asano Kazuyuki, Kajihara Zen, Takezai Terunosuke, Sato Jiro, Horiuchi Keiko, Kusabue Mitsuko, Nakagawa Taishi, Nakamura Shido, Yamamoto Koji, Kunimura Jun, Sato Koichi, Nishida Toshiyuki, Suzuki Kyoka, Matsudaira Ken, Koizumi Kotaro, Tanaka Min, Ichikawa Ennosuke etc.

Preview of "Fight Song" - Winter 2022

Title: Fight Song ファイトソング

Official website: here

Official Instagram: here

Official TikTok: here

Official Twitter: here

O.A. Start Date: 11 Jan 2022

Timeslot: Tuesdays 10pm

Broadcast by: TBS

Cast: Kiyohara Kaya, Mamiya Shotaro, Kikuchi Fuuma, Higashi Keisuke, Fujiwara Sakura, Wakabayashi Jiei, Kubozuka Airu, Riko, Kuriyama Chiaki, Hashimoto Jun, Totsugi Shigeyuki & Inamori Izumi

Preview of "Dr. White" - Winter 2022

Title: Dr. White ドクターホワイト

Official website: here

Official Instagram: here

Official Twitter: here

Official YouTube: here

O.A. Start Date: 17 Jan 2022

Timeslot: Mondays 10pm

Original novel by: Kibayashi Shin

Cast: Hamabe Minami, Emoto Tasuku, Takimoto Miori, Okazaki Sae, Katagiri Jin, Takahashi Tsutomu, Takahashi Fumiya, Katsuji Ryo, Miyata Toshiya, Maiguma Katsuya, Kote Shinya & Ishizaka Koji

Preview of "Mystery to iu nakare" - Winter 2022

Title: Mystery to iu nakare ミステリと言う勿れ (Don't call it mystery)

Official website: here

Official Instagram: here

Official Twitter: here

O.A. Start Date: 10 Jan 2022

Timeslot: Mondays 9pm

Broadcast by: FujiTV

Original manga by: Tamura Yumi

Cast: Suda Masaki, Ito Sairi, Onoe Matsuya, Kadowaki Mugi, Shiraishi Mai, Suzuki Kosuke, Tsutsui Michitaka & Endo Kenichi

Preview of "Oi Handsome!!" - Winter 2022

Title: Oi Handsome!! / おいハンサム!! (Hey Handsome!!)

Official website: here

O.A. Start Date: 8 Jan 2022

Timeslot: 11.40pm on Saturdays

Broadcast by: Tokai TV

Original manga by: Ito Risa

Cast: Yoshida Kotaro, Kinami Haruka, Sakuma Yui, Takeda Rena, Sudo Ren, Kubota Yuki, Okuno Sou, Ota Rina, Kiriyama Ren, Yamanaka So, Nonami Maho, Takasugi Mahiro, MEGUMI & Hamano Kenta

Preview of "Gossip#Kanojo ga shiritai hontou no ○○" - Winter 2022

Title: Gossip#Kanojo ga shiritai hontou no ○○ / ゴシップ#彼女が知りたい本当の○○ (Gossip #What she really wants to know)

Official website: here

Official Twitter: here

O.A. Start Date: 6 Jan 2022

Timeslot: Thursdays 10pm

Broadcast by: FujiTV

Cast: Kuroki Haru, Mizobata Junpei, Nomura Shuhei, Nomaguchi Tooru, Ishii Anna, Kanichiro, Ichinose Hayate, Takahashi Nao, Ugaki Misato, Ohtsuru Gitan, Ryou, Ando Masanobu & Namase Katsuhisa

Winners of the 46th Hochi Movie Awards (2021)

Best Japanese Movie: Mamorarenakatta monotachi e

Best Foreign Movie: 007 No Time To Die

Best Animation Movie: Gyokou no Nikuko-san

Best Leading Actor: Kimura Takuya (Masquerade Night)

Best Leading Actress: Nagano Mei (Jigoku no Hanazono / Soshite, baton wa watasareta)

Best Supporting Actor: Suzuki Ryohei (Korou no chi LEVEL 2)

Best Supporting Actress: Terajima Shinobu (Yakuza to kazoku The Family / Kinema no Kamisama / Kuuhaku)

Best Director: Maeda Tetsu (Soshite, baton wa watasareta / Rougo no shikin ga arimasen!)

Newcomer Award:

Katayama Yuki (Akaneiro ni yakareru)

Fukase (Character)

Hori Takahide (JUNK HEAD)

Source: Natalie

The 109th Drama Academy Awards (Summer 2021) - Best Drama

Overall Ranking Top 3

1) TOKYO MER ~ Hashiru kinkyuu kyuumeishitsu ~
2) Hakozume ~ Tatakau! Kouban Joshi ~
3) Kanojo wa kirei datta

Voters Ranking Top 5

1) Kanojo wa kirei datta

2) Promise Cinderella
3) Hakozume ~ Tatakau! Kouban Joshi ~
4) # Kazoku boshu shimasu
5) TOKYO MER ~ Hashiru kinkyuu kyuumeishitsu ~

TV Reporters Ranking Top 5
1) TOKYO MER ~ Hashiru kinkyuu kyuumeishitsu ~
2) Hakozume ~ Tatakau! Kouban Joshi ~
3) Kanojo wa kirei datta
4) Tada rikon shitenai dake

5) Kodoku no Gurume Season 9

Judges Ranking Top 5
1) Hakozume ~ Tatakau! Kouban Joshi ~
2) TOKYO MER ~ Hashiru kinkyuu kyuumeishitsu ~
3) Bushi Stand Aisaka-kun / Hyouchakusha / # Kazoku boshu shimasu

Source: The Television

The 109th Drama Academy Awards (Summer 2021) - Best Leading Actor

Overall Ranking Top 3

1) Suzuki Ryohei - TOKYO MER ~ Hashiru kinkyuu kyuumeishitsu ~

2) Nakajima Kento - Kanojo wa kirei datta
3) Shigeoka Daiki - #Kazoku boshu shimasu

Voters Ranking Top 5
1) Nakajima Kento - Kanojo wa kirei datta
2) Suzuki Ryohei - TOKYO MER ~ Hashiru kinkyuu kyuumeishitsu ~
3) Shigeoka Daiki - #Kazoku boshu shimasu
4) Inoo Kei - Junkyouju Takatsuki Akira no suisatsu Season 1
5) Karasawa Toshiaki - Voice II 110 Kinkyuu Shireishitsu

TV Reporters Ranking Top 5
1) Suzuki Ryohei - TOKYO MER ~ Hashiru kinkyuu kyuumeishitsu ~
2) Nakajima Kento - Kanojo wa kirei datta
3) Shigeoka Daiki - #Kazoku boshu shimasu
4) Matsushige Yutaka - Kodoku no Gurume Season 9

5) Kitayama Hiromitsu - Tada rikon shitenai dake

Judges Ranking Top 5
1) Suzuki Ryohei - TOKYO MER ~ Hashiru kinkyuu kyuumeishitsu ~
2) Saito Takumi - Hyouchakusha

3) Shigeoka Daiki - #Kazoku boshu shimasu
4) Hamada Takahiro - Bushi stand Aisaka-kun! /

Inoo Kei - Junkyouju Takatsuki Akira no suisatsu Season 1

Source: The Television