Drama Season: Summer 2021
Better title: Trash Season.
Kanojo wa Kirei datta
Preview
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 6 July 2021
Station: Fuji TV
Scriptwriters: Shimizu Yukako (Watashi Teiji de Kaerimasu, Poison Daughter Holy Mother, Reverse), Miura Kisa (Guilty, Watashi Danna Share Shiteta, Shiyakusho)
Cast: Nakajima Kento, Koshiba Fuka, Akaso Eiji, Sakuma Yui, Takahashi Yuto, Uzaki Misato, Sogawa Ayana, Murase Sae, Yamada Momoko, LiLiCo, Kimura Yuichi, Sugawara Daikichi, Honda Chikara, Katase Nana
Synopsis: Handsome Hasebe Sosuke (Nakajima Kento) looks nothing like the ugly and fat boy who was bullied when he was a child. He is now the creative director and deputy editor of the Japanese-language edition of The Most, a fashion magazine which is sold in 30 countries. Although he is capable, he often arouses resentment for being harsh to editorial department staff. Sosuke transfers from the magazine’s New York headquarters and makes a date with his first love Sato Ai (Koshiba Fuka) after returning to Japan for the first time in 16 years. Ai was a pretty A-student who became his first friend but her looks changed as she grew up and she lost confidence. She has been unemployed after the company she worked for went bankrupt and gets hired by a publishing company’s general affairs department. Sosuke and Ai are unexpectedly reunited at The Most, when she ends up being assigned to work at its editorial department for three months. However, he does not realise that Ai is his first love and she keeps her identity from him.
It's the remake of a very well loved Korean drama, so I'm expecting a lot of dynamics I don't like (baby boy was ugly when he was little just because he ws fat, poor girl who doesn't curate her appearance and so is considered ugly, rich and handsome guy who falls for her because she's OH SO SPECIAL AND CLUMSY AND SWEET, love triangle between said girl, rich and douche guy, and Good Guy), but I still hope they will somewhat adapt the drama to Japanese standards.
At the same time, I have the feeling I could like it? I'm not making any sense, I know.
And the little promotion videos Kenty and Eiji are doing are making me DYING, I like their interactions.
Boku no Satsui ga Koi o Shita
Preview
Date: From 10.30 p.m., Sundays, 4 July 2021
Station: NTV
Scriptwriters: Tokunaga Yuichi (Lupin no Musume Series, Keiji Zero, Good Doctor), Miura Kisa (Guilty, Watashi Danna o Share Shiteta, Shiyakusho)
Cast: Nakagawa Taishi, Araki Yuko, Suzuki Nobuyuki, Tanaka Minami, Nakao Akira, Mizuno Miki, Fujiki Naohito
Synopsis: Onotora Shu (Nakagawa Taishi) does not know that his foster father Joichiro (Fujiki Naohito) is a legendary professional killer. However, his daily life dramatically changes after Joichiro’s death, which was treated as an accident, is determined to be murder. Shu decides to take over the family business and become a hitman in order to avenge his foster father. He is well prepared when he approaches the mysterious and immensely popular manga writer Narumiya Mitsuki (Araki Yuko) who is his assassination target. She does not yet know that she actually has a “big secret” that will later cause huge ripples and shake the other characters. Despite his physical abilities as a hitman, Shu is not able to kill Mitsuki because of his terrible timing, no matter how he tries. On the contrary, he ends up protecting her as danger approaches. Mitsuki is gradually attracted to Shu because of his protection. The two of them who should not fall in love, have an unlikely romance.
This one has the word "trash" written all over it, I'm honestly excited.
A dumbass hitman? I like it.
Hakozume Tatakau! Kouban Joshi
Preview
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Wednesdays, 7 July 2021
Station: NTV
Scriptwriter: Nemoto Nonji (Kansatsui Asagao Series, Fruits Takuhaibin, Oh My Jump!)
Cast: Toda Erika, Nagano Mei, Miura Shohei, Yamada Yuki, Nishino Nanase, Hirayama Yusuke, Chihara Seiji, Muro Tsuyoshi
Synopsis: 20-year-old rookie police officer Kawai Mai (Nagano Mei) works hard at a police box and feels both physically and mentally drained. She has never felt appreciated even though she supposedly works for the sake of the area’s residents. In addition, she does not find working at a police box rewarding. Mai is about to hand in her resignation when she meets 30-year-old Fuji Seiko (Toda Erika), the former ace detective of the Criminal Investigations Division. Seiko is said to have been forced to transfer to the police box for harassing a subordinate at work but … … This encounter between Mai and Seiko will significantly change their lives as they are suddenly paired up. This odd pair struggle to help and support each other in cases, routine duties and romance?! And Seiko’s true reason for coming to the police box is revealed.
I only care about Muro Tsuyoshi and the fact that is going to be reunited with his fictional wife and daughter.
Promise Cinderella
Preview
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 13 July 2021
Station: TBS
Genre: Love comedy
Original Work: Promise Cinderella by Tachibana Oreko
Scriptwriter: Furuya Kazunao (Gyoretsu no Megumi, Innocence Enzai Bengoshi, Sumika Sumire)
Directors: Murakami Shosuke, Tsuzuchi Junichi
Cast: Nikaido Fumi, Maeda Gordon, Matsui Rena, Inowaki Kai, Matsumura Sayuri, Sakai Koharu, Takahashi Katsumi, Tomochika, Moriya Kanna, Kaneko Nobuaki, Mita Yoshiko (guest star), Iwata Takanori
Synopsis: Katsuragi Hayame (Nikaido Fumi), an ordinary housewife around 30, is suddenly told by her husband Masahiro (Inowaki Kai) that he wants a divorce because he has another woman. Reeling from this news, she impulsively storms out of the house. But she gets pickpocketed and ends up penniless and virtually homeless. Then a handsome and rich male high school student Kataoka Issei (Maeda Gordon) that Hayame met by chance, proposes to give her a place to sleep if she plays a game. She is forced to participate in a reality game to pay debt that she has been saddled with. Hayame has an aversion to relying on people but she stays at a mansion as she devotes herself to games such as humiliating the main character at a party for the wealthy to earn 200,000 yen. Hayame’s first love Seigo (Iwata Takanori), who is Issei’s older brother and the young fifth-generation owner of the high-end traditional Japanese inn Katoka, also shows up.
More trash, but it could be fun.
Are we going to see another romance beween an adult and a, high schooler? Probably, but I sure hope not.
Oshi no Oujisama
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Thursdays, 15 July 2021
Network: Fuji TV
Scriptwriters: Aso Kumiko (Lunch Gokon Tantei, Gosaigyo, Yami no Banshosha Series), Date-san (Ojisama to Neko, 40-man km Kanata no Koi, Toki o Kakeru Band)
Cast: Higa Manami, Watanabe Keisuke, Dean Fujioka, Shiraishi Sei, Tokunaga Eri, Seto Toshiki, Sano Hinako, Tani Kyosuke, Fujiwara Taiyu, Funakoshi Eiichiro
Synopsis: 36-year-old Hidaka Izumi (Higa Manami) is the CEO of Pegasus Inc, a startup which creates dating games for females. While working at an insurance company, Izumi was addicted to such games and moved to work for a game company. After that, she started Pegasus Inc. Its first game called Love My Pegasus became an unprecedented huge hit when it was released and she was hailed as an up-and-coming businesswoman. In this game, players fall in love with the character Kent-sama who was created based on Izumi’s ideals. In her private life, Izumi has not been in a relationship for years. Since the success of Love My Pegasus, she has been racking her brain for the production of the next game. One night, a weary Izumi is walking home after having one too many drinks when a man literally falls from the sky all of a sudden. Although she is taken aback, she gets a bigger surprise after taking a look at his face. This man is a dead-ringer for Kent-sama in Love My Pegasus. He is 23-year-old Igarashi Wataru (Watanabe Keisuke) who seems like a prince who had swooped down to earth when he had actually been running away from debt collectors. Only his looks match her ideals. Wataru is rude, uncultured and lethargic. Despite her disappointment, Izumi decides to change his life and develop him into the ideal guy as a result of an unexpected turn of events
I haven't seen any preview, but somehow it's giving me nice vibes (it's seems trashy, of course).
Given
Date: 17 July 2021
Station: Fuji TV
Scriptwriters: Miki Koichiro (Yowamushi Pedal, Tokyo Sentimental, Tokyo Love Story)
Cast: Suzuki Jin, Sanari, Inowaki Kai, Yanagi Shuntaro, Yagi Arisa, Okuno So, Onodera Akira, Inaba Yu
Synopsis: Tightly clutching his Gibson guitar, Mafuyu Satou steps out of his dark apartment to begin another day of his high school life. While taking a nap in a quiet spot on the gymnasium staircase, he has a chance encounter with fellow student Ritsuka Uenoyama, who berates him for letting his guitar's strings rust and break. Noticing Uenoyama's knowledge of the instrument, Satou pleads for him to fix it and to teach him how to play. Uenoyama eventually agrees and invites him to sit in on a jam session with his two band mates: bassist Haruki Nakayama and drummer Akihiko Kaji.
Satou's voice is strikingly beautiful, filling Uenoyama with the determination to make Satou the lead singer of the band. Though reticent at first, Satou takes the offer after an emotional meeting with an old friend. With the support of his new friends, Satou must not only learn how to play guitar, but also come to terms with the mysterious circumstances that led him to be its owner.
I am terrified, because I ADORE Given, and I'm 100% sure they won't do it justice.
First of all because it's going to have 6 episodes and they're not enough to cover even the anime arc.
Then, I can't with the actor they choose for Akihiko and Haruki I JUST CAN'T I'M SORRY.
Anyway, my expectations are zero.
Probably it's not even going to get subbed and MAYBE IT'S BETTER THAT WAY.
#Kazoku Boshuu Shimasu
Preview
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Fridays, 9 July 2021
Station: TBS
Scriptwriter: Magy (Mukai no Bazuru Kazoku, Kanna-san, Rinshou Hanzai Gakusha Himura Hideo no Suiri Series)
Cast: Shigeoka Daiki, Kimura Fumino, Nakano Taiga, Kishii Yukino, Sato Haruto, Miyazaki Ririsa, Miura Kira
Synopsis: Akagi Shunpei (Shigeoka Daiki) just became a single father three months ago due to some circumstances. While struggling to bring up his 5-year-old son Haru (Sato Haruto), he happens to meet his childhood friend Osanai Sosuke (Nakano Taiga) again. Shunpei gets tangled up in an offbeat invitation with the hashtag #lookingforfamily that Sosuke posts on social media. Sosuke had been thinking about earning rental income in order to rebuild Nijiya, the old okonomiyaki shop where he works, by turning the empty second floor into a communal living space. Shunpei does not believe anyone will respond to this invitation. However, as a result of this #lookingforfamily social media post, he meets single mother Momota Rei (Kimura Fumino) who is an elementary school teacher and singer-songwriter Yokose Meiku (Kishii Yukino) who has a son (Miura Kira). The four adults and three children start living under the same roof.
May be cute, may be boring, who knows.
Kanojo wa Kirei datta
Preview
Date: From 9.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 6 July 2021
Station: Fuji TV
Scriptwriters: Shimizu Yukako (Watashi Teiji de Kaerimasu, Poison Daughter Holy Mother, Reverse), Miura Kisa (Guilty, Watashi Danna Share Shiteta, Shiyakusho)
Cast: Nakajima Kento, Koshiba Fuka, Akaso Eiji, Sakuma Yui, Takahashi Yuto, Uzaki Misato, Sogawa Ayana, Murase Sae, Yamada Momoko, LiLiCo, Kimura Yuichi, Sugawara Daikichi, Honda Chikara, Katase Nana
Synopsis: Handsome Hasebe Sosuke (Nakajima Kento) looks nothing like the ugly and fat boy who was bullied when he was a child. He is now the creative director and deputy editor of the Japanese-language edition of The Most, a fashion magazine which is sold in 30 countries. Although he is capable, he often arouses resentment for being harsh to editorial department staff. Sosuke transfers from the magazine’s New York headquarters and makes a date with his first love Sato Ai (Koshiba Fuka) after returning to Japan for the first time in 16 years. Ai was a pretty A-student who became his first friend but her looks changed as she grew up and she lost confidence. She has been unemployed after the company she worked for went bankrupt and gets hired by a publishing company’s general affairs department. Sosuke and Ai are unexpectedly reunited at The Most, when she ends up being assigned to work at its editorial department for three months. However, he does not realise that Ai is his first love and she keeps her identity from him.
It's the remake of a very well loved Korean drama, so I'm expecting a lot of dynamics I don't like (baby boy was ugly when he was little just because he ws fat, poor girl who doesn't curate her appearance and so is considered ugly, rich and handsome guy who falls for her because she's OH SO SPECIAL AND CLUMSY AND SWEET, love triangle between said girl, rich and douche guy, and Good Guy), but I still hope they will somewhat adapt the drama to Japanese standards.
At the same time, I have the feeling I could like it? I'm not making any sense, I know.
And the little promotion videos Kenty and Eiji are doing are making me DYING, I like their interactions.
Boku no Satsui ga Koi o Shita
Preview
Date: From 10.30 p.m., Sundays, 4 July 2021
Station: NTV
Scriptwriters: Tokunaga Yuichi (Lupin no Musume Series, Keiji Zero, Good Doctor), Miura Kisa (Guilty, Watashi Danna o Share Shiteta, Shiyakusho)
Cast: Nakagawa Taishi, Araki Yuko, Suzuki Nobuyuki, Tanaka Minami, Nakao Akira, Mizuno Miki, Fujiki Naohito
Synopsis: Onotora Shu (Nakagawa Taishi) does not know that his foster father Joichiro (Fujiki Naohito) is a legendary professional killer. However, his daily life dramatically changes after Joichiro’s death, which was treated as an accident, is determined to be murder. Shu decides to take over the family business and become a hitman in order to avenge his foster father. He is well prepared when he approaches the mysterious and immensely popular manga writer Narumiya Mitsuki (Araki Yuko) who is his assassination target. She does not yet know that she actually has a “big secret” that will later cause huge ripples and shake the other characters. Despite his physical abilities as a hitman, Shu is not able to kill Mitsuki because of his terrible timing, no matter how he tries. On the contrary, he ends up protecting her as danger approaches. Mitsuki is gradually attracted to Shu because of his protection. The two of them who should not fall in love, have an unlikely romance.
This one has the word "trash" written all over it, I'm honestly excited.
A dumbass hitman? I like it.
Hakozume Tatakau! Kouban Joshi
Preview
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Wednesdays, 7 July 2021
Station: NTV
Scriptwriter: Nemoto Nonji (Kansatsui Asagao Series, Fruits Takuhaibin, Oh My Jump!)
Cast: Toda Erika, Nagano Mei, Miura Shohei, Yamada Yuki, Nishino Nanase, Hirayama Yusuke, Chihara Seiji, Muro Tsuyoshi
Synopsis: 20-year-old rookie police officer Kawai Mai (Nagano Mei) works hard at a police box and feels both physically and mentally drained. She has never felt appreciated even though she supposedly works for the sake of the area’s residents. In addition, she does not find working at a police box rewarding. Mai is about to hand in her resignation when she meets 30-year-old Fuji Seiko (Toda Erika), the former ace detective of the Criminal Investigations Division. Seiko is said to have been forced to transfer to the police box for harassing a subordinate at work but … … This encounter between Mai and Seiko will significantly change their lives as they are suddenly paired up. This odd pair struggle to help and support each other in cases, routine duties and romance?! And Seiko’s true reason for coming to the police box is revealed.
I only care about Muro Tsuyoshi and the fact that is going to be reunited with his fictional wife and daughter.
Promise Cinderella
Preview
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Tuesdays, 13 July 2021
Station: TBS
Genre: Love comedy
Original Work: Promise Cinderella by Tachibana Oreko
Scriptwriter: Furuya Kazunao (Gyoretsu no Megumi, Innocence Enzai Bengoshi, Sumika Sumire)
Directors: Murakami Shosuke, Tsuzuchi Junichi
Cast: Nikaido Fumi, Maeda Gordon, Matsui Rena, Inowaki Kai, Matsumura Sayuri, Sakai Koharu, Takahashi Katsumi, Tomochika, Moriya Kanna, Kaneko Nobuaki, Mita Yoshiko (guest star), Iwata Takanori
Synopsis: Katsuragi Hayame (Nikaido Fumi), an ordinary housewife around 30, is suddenly told by her husband Masahiro (Inowaki Kai) that he wants a divorce because he has another woman. Reeling from this news, she impulsively storms out of the house. But she gets pickpocketed and ends up penniless and virtually homeless. Then a handsome and rich male high school student Kataoka Issei (Maeda Gordon) that Hayame met by chance, proposes to give her a place to sleep if she plays a game. She is forced to participate in a reality game to pay debt that she has been saddled with. Hayame has an aversion to relying on people but she stays at a mansion as she devotes herself to games such as humiliating the main character at a party for the wealthy to earn 200,000 yen. Hayame’s first love Seigo (Iwata Takanori), who is Issei’s older brother and the young fifth-generation owner of the high-end traditional Japanese inn Katoka, also shows up.
More trash, but it could be fun.
Are we going to see another romance beween an adult and a, high schooler? Probably, but I sure hope not.
Oshi no Oujisama
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Thursdays, 15 July 2021
Network: Fuji TV
Scriptwriters: Aso Kumiko (Lunch Gokon Tantei, Gosaigyo, Yami no Banshosha Series), Date-san (Ojisama to Neko, 40-man km Kanata no Koi, Toki o Kakeru Band)
Cast: Higa Manami, Watanabe Keisuke, Dean Fujioka, Shiraishi Sei, Tokunaga Eri, Seto Toshiki, Sano Hinako, Tani Kyosuke, Fujiwara Taiyu, Funakoshi Eiichiro
Synopsis: 36-year-old Hidaka Izumi (Higa Manami) is the CEO of Pegasus Inc, a startup which creates dating games for females. While working at an insurance company, Izumi was addicted to such games and moved to work for a game company. After that, she started Pegasus Inc. Its first game called Love My Pegasus became an unprecedented huge hit when it was released and she was hailed as an up-and-coming businesswoman. In this game, players fall in love with the character Kent-sama who was created based on Izumi’s ideals. In her private life, Izumi has not been in a relationship for years. Since the success of Love My Pegasus, she has been racking her brain for the production of the next game. One night, a weary Izumi is walking home after having one too many drinks when a man literally falls from the sky all of a sudden. Although she is taken aback, she gets a bigger surprise after taking a look at his face. This man is a dead-ringer for Kent-sama in Love My Pegasus. He is 23-year-old Igarashi Wataru (Watanabe Keisuke) who seems like a prince who had swooped down to earth when he had actually been running away from debt collectors. Only his looks match her ideals. Wataru is rude, uncultured and lethargic. Despite her disappointment, Izumi decides to change his life and develop him into the ideal guy as a result of an unexpected turn of events
I haven't seen any preview, but somehow it's giving me nice vibes (it's seems trashy, of course).
Given
Date: 17 July 2021
Station: Fuji TV
Scriptwriters: Miki Koichiro (Yowamushi Pedal, Tokyo Sentimental, Tokyo Love Story)
Cast: Suzuki Jin, Sanari, Inowaki Kai, Yanagi Shuntaro, Yagi Arisa, Okuno So, Onodera Akira, Inaba Yu
Synopsis: Tightly clutching his Gibson guitar, Mafuyu Satou steps out of his dark apartment to begin another day of his high school life. While taking a nap in a quiet spot on the gymnasium staircase, he has a chance encounter with fellow student Ritsuka Uenoyama, who berates him for letting his guitar's strings rust and break. Noticing Uenoyama's knowledge of the instrument, Satou pleads for him to fix it and to teach him how to play. Uenoyama eventually agrees and invites him to sit in on a jam session with his two band mates: bassist Haruki Nakayama and drummer Akihiko Kaji.
Satou's voice is strikingly beautiful, filling Uenoyama with the determination to make Satou the lead singer of the band. Though reticent at first, Satou takes the offer after an emotional meeting with an old friend. With the support of his new friends, Satou must not only learn how to play guitar, but also come to terms with the mysterious circumstances that led him to be its owner.
I am terrified, because I ADORE Given, and I'm 100% sure they won't do it justice.
First of all because it's going to have 6 episodes and they're not enough to cover even the anime arc.
Then, I can't with the actor they choose for Akihiko and Haruki I JUST CAN'T I'M SORRY.
Anyway, my expectations are zero.
Probably it's not even going to get subbed and MAYBE IT'S BETTER THAT WAY.
#Kazoku Boshuu Shimasu
Preview
Date: From 10.00 p.m., Fridays, 9 July 2021
Station: TBS
Scriptwriter: Magy (Mukai no Bazuru Kazoku, Kanna-san, Rinshou Hanzai Gakusha Himura Hideo no Suiri Series)
Cast: Shigeoka Daiki, Kimura Fumino, Nakano Taiga, Kishii Yukino, Sato Haruto, Miyazaki Ririsa, Miura Kira
Synopsis: Akagi Shunpei (Shigeoka Daiki) just became a single father three months ago due to some circumstances. While struggling to bring up his 5-year-old son Haru (Sato Haruto), he happens to meet his childhood friend Osanai Sosuke (Nakano Taiga) again. Shunpei gets tangled up in an offbeat invitation with the hashtag #lookingforfamily that Sosuke posts on social media. Sosuke had been thinking about earning rental income in order to rebuild Nijiya, the old okonomiyaki shop where he works, by turning the empty second floor into a communal living space. Shunpei does not believe anyone will respond to this invitation. However, as a result of this #lookingforfamily social media post, he meets single mother Momota Rei (Kimura Fumino) who is an elementary school teacher and singer-songwriter Yokose Meiku (Kishii Yukino) who has a son (Miura Kira). The four adults and three children start living under the same roof.
May be cute, may be boring, who knows.