TOKYO DRAMA AWARD

2020

Sanako's motto: life should be lived like a balance sheet. Things should be even, relationships should be even. As the bottom-rung employee of the account department at a soap manufacturer, Sanako applies her life credo to her work with gusto. No dodgy receipts or invoices escapes her notice, and though they don't reveal any wrongdoing on the level of a corporate scandal, her quest for “getting things even” pits her against some of the most clever and crafty employees in the company! And when the dust settles, she has unwittingly won over a surprising number of her colleagues. A hit comedy based on a popular manga.

An exchange murder mystery series starring Tomoyo Harada and Kei Tanaka, original concept by Yasushi Akimoto.
A newlywed couple are convinced that a happy life is about to begin. Suddenly, people in their apartment start dying, one after another. It turns out that a certain game is leading to the mysterious deaths.
Thirteen neighbors had each written the name of the person they want to kill. Thinking it was a game, they all took it lightly, randomly drawing lots and setting the swap murder game in motion. But then, a death threat arrives, kicking off a chain of senseless murders: "It's your turn." There is no going back and, a cycle of motiveless murders begins. Is the neighbor a murderer? When will it be my turn? An overwhelming fear and a creeping sense of doubt arises… The naïve, newlywed couple tries to solve this complicated serial murder mystery.
This series ran for six-months consecutively, and shocking developments including the death of the protagonist and the investigation into the mastermind behind the crime by the TV viewers became a social phenomenon, recording the highest viewership rating of 19.4% and scored the Twitter world trend for 5 times.

Our main character dropped out of college and started a company. After it failed, he went on to spend six years as a NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training). Bumming around the coffee shop his mother runs, he quibbles his way to make excuses for his shortcomings. Little by little, things begin to change when he has to live temporarily under the same roof as his older sister and her husband. It's a rollercoaster dealing with him, but through it all, their family bond begins to deepen. What should a family resemble in Japan's current Reiwa era anyway? What does it mean to have a bond? A fresh concept that presents two back-to-back 30-minute episodes each week, this home-based drama paints a picture of new breed of Japanese families.

Nagi Oshima (Haru Kuroki), a 28-year-old woman with sleek strait hair, works for a manufacturer of household electronics in Tokyo. She has kept a peaceful mind by always going with the flow and harmonizing with others. However, her colleagues tease and criticize (in somewhat positive ways) Nagi who lacks confidence, and she ends up in dealing unreasonable tasks every day.
One day Nagi has an argument with her boyfriend Shinji Gamon (Issei Takahashi). Being heartbroken by a word of Shinji, Nagi decides to reset her life.
She quits the company and moves out from an apartment, leaving boyfriend, friends, SNS and a smartphone. Nagi's new home is a 6-tatami-mat shabby apartment located in suburban Tokyo. She stops a daily routine using hair iron to straighten her curly hair which she used to dislike, and lives as she is. Now her life is free without any disturbance, but she still inadvertently cares too much about what others think about her. A story of resetting life unfolds surrounded by Shinji who chased Nagi, a next-door neighbor Gon (Tomoya Nakamura), and new friends.

A 23-year-old rookie nurse falls hard for a doctor she's long admired while experiencing the triumphs and tragedy of working on the front line of emergency medical care in a story offering hope for tomorrow. As a high school student, Nanase Sakura witnessed the miracle of Doctor Tendo saving a life, and has been enamored with him ever since. Inspired to become a nurse in hopes of meeting Tendo, she finally fulfills her dream only to learn that he is nicknamed “the Devil” and is super sadistic. Nevertheless, Nanase relentlessly expresses honest feelings toward him, which eventually begin to melt his iron-encased heart in this heartwarming, romantic comedy.

An unconventional medical drama featuring Kotaro Koizumi with a focus on hospital management is based on a real story of Aizawa Hospital in Nagano prefecture; a hospital that became famous as a place where a gold medalist of the PyeongChang Olympics speed skating, Nao Koide is employed as a staff. The hospital overcame a large debt and became an excellent role model for hospitals all over Japan. A research doctor Shuhei Arihara takes over the position of a hospital director after the sudden death of his father. The exhilarating and realistic story depicts Arihara's free inspirations and boldness overturning the old-fashioned stereotype while confronting the "resisting forces" such as doctors and staff, banks and governments who have high pride and can not get out of the conventional ideas. Masanobu Takashima plays an impressive role as a secretary-general who was seconded from a bank. The now-common hospital reformations such as "community medical network" and "discharge support" which are depicted in the episodes also began in Aizawa Hospital.

One hundred years ago, Japanese novelist Ryunosuke Akutagawa visited the Chinese city of Shanghai during a period of turmoil after the downfall of the Qing Dynasty. It was the first trip overseas for the 29-year-old writer, who had already gained renown in Japan for his novel Rashomon–which was later made into a film by Akira Kurosawa. At the time Shanghai saw an unprecedentedly rampant mixture of Orientalism and Occidentalism. He'd grown up reading classic Chinese literature but the real China he encountered was quite different from the utopian place that he'd long dreamed of. Lost between hope and despair, the novelist spent his days feeling himself out of place, but the locals he met there such as revolutionaries and prostitutes affected him in unexpected ways...
The drama was filmed in Shanghai and shot in 8K, which can well express the lights and shadows of the city that captivated Akutagawa. It won Best of Festival for Entertainment Drama in the 2020 US International Film and Video Festival, and was nominated for Best Foreign TV Drama in 2020 Shanghai TV Festival Magnolia Award.

Madoka (Takako Matsu) is a lawyer, and Nao (Sadawo Abe), her ex-boyfriend of 7 years works at the Yokohama District Public Prosecutors' office. Even after the breakup, they remain inseparable and bound up with each other for 13 years. One day, Nao hosts a dinner to introduce his culinary expert girlfriend Aki (Anne Nakamura) to Madoka and her urban boyfriend Takashi (Hidekazu Mashima). After dinner, both Nao and Madoka end up being proposed by their partners. Meanwhile, a dangerous serial case handled by Nao suddenly progresses, and a death victim came to pass. A man named Ohki is voluntarily interrogated and confesses his commitment. In addition, the police found fibers of the victim's clothes on Ohki's gloves, and eager to claim for an arrest warrant. However, Nao, an experienced prosecutor, doubted the sufficiency of this evidence. By chance, Madoka is asked to defend Ohki by Natsumi (Atsuko Takahata), the director of the office. Prosecutor and lawyer, the two must pursue the truth of the case from their respective standpoints. When the shocking reality behind the case is revealed, it's time for Nao and Madoka to make their choice of life. The first drama script written by Yuji Sakamoto for TV Asahi.

2020 marks the 75th anniversary of the end of World WarⅡ in Japan. To commemorate this milestone year, TV Tokyo Corporation made "TV TOKYO 55th Anniversary Special Project", a special drama program featuring a story of a former prime minister Shigeru Yoshida who played a key role for establishing the foundation of post-war Japan. Starring Tsurube Shōfukutei, a comedian who is popular among all ages, the story focuses on Yoshida's insights and decisions during the allied occupation of Japan which was an era of extreme turmoil. The drama is directed by Setsuro Wakamatsu who has a reputation in both television and film for producing dramas dealing social issues, namely "FUKSHIMA 50" and "The Never-setting Sun". Yoshida, who is known for dissolving the Diet with a swearing word, believed in "independence" and "demilitarization". Utilizing strong confidence in his belief as driving force, Yoshida devoted his career to retrieving the growth of Japan with a team of passionate colleagues. Yoshida's team includes Jiro Shirasu who was said to be the most reliable advisor, and the students of Yoshida School (also the later prime ministers) Hayato Ikeda, Eisaku Sato, Kakuei Tanaka.
Now that the world is changing rapidly and getting more turbulent due to the super-powered countries such as the United States and China, the story revisits the light and shadow of the Yoshida's era, which became a foundation of post-war Japan. After the broadcast, the drama inspired people of all ages including young generations who are not familiar with Yoshida to think about politics and society.

It's May 2020 in Tokyo. Yukiko (Yoh Yoshida) works for a big supermarket chain and is responsible for the sales of those shops in the centre of Tokyo. She is a divorcee and single now. Motoo (Yo Oizumi) works for a middle-sized design company as a sales representative. As remote-working is implemented, he is struggling with working at home. Like Yukiko, he's also a divorcee and single now. In fact, these two were a married couple and got divorced about 4 years ago. They haven't been in contact with each other since then but Motoo somehow telephoned Yukiko completely by accident. Yukiko hesitated but then reluctantly picked up the call and…

Featuring two central characters, this short drama was made remotely. The project stems from Yoshida's desire to cheer up Japan and send out positive messages. The idea was presented during the period she was unable to work because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Oizumi, who acted as her husband before, went along with the idea together with Yoshikazu Okada, the playwright, and Daishi Matsunaga, the director. The series is a heartfelt gift of entertainment from WOWOW to those who have been enduring lifestyles affected by the COVID-19 and who are fighting against the virus in every corner of society.

Tatsuya Sawaki (Kanta Sato) is a fledgling photographer. He returns to his hometown Fukuoka to take care of his sick father Hideo (Ken Mitsuishi), but Hideo rejects his offer and tells Tatsuya to go back to Tokyo. Being irritated, Tatsuya runs into a group of young Nepalese and gets into a fight. He gets saved by Yuichi (Toru Nomaguchi) and Yui (Azusa Ohara), who work as the mediator between Japan and Nepal. Tatsuya eventually joins the Nepalese community through them and meets with three exciting people. Janak, a Nepalese student who somehow gets interested in Tatsuya. Ganesh, a shy and tough-looking boss. Shino, a Korean Japanese who serves as “the mother of the community”. Tatsuya helps the community search for Sapana, who has gone missing for three years. While Tatsuya's world expand through this mission, he faces many difficulties to live with foreign people in Japan.
NHK Fukuoka Station has been broadcasting local dramas for 16 years. For the first time, we produced a drama with the theme of foreigners living in Japan. Shot in the town where many Nepalese actually live, this drama casted authentic Nepalese as actors.
TThe title “Masala” means mixed spice in Nepalese, which metaphors the diversified society.

This is a super local comedy full of Miyazaki standards based on the legendary comic "Himawari: Kenichi Legend" written by Akiko Higashimura, a native of Miyazaki! Sadly, it's almost a non-fiction!
After graduating from art college, Akiko (Yuna Taira) returns to her hometown of Miyazaki to work with her father, Kenichi, at a company called "Minami-Kyushu Telephone". Kenichi is a cheerful and happy man who is very popular at the company. However, he is an unpredictable man who gets angry and laughs all of a sudden. He also has a number of unique co-workers at the company, including Kurumi Ebihara (Mai Oshima), a former delinquent youth with a sharp tongue, and Deputy Chief Saruwatari (Mayumi Sato), the most eccentric person in the company. Akiko pursues her dream of becoming a manga artist while being surrounded by Kenichi and unique people of Miyazaki.
Another pivot point in the story is the romance between Akiko and Kenichi Korogi (Yuki Inoue). Kenichi Korogi, also called "Kenichi No.2", works at "Nangoku Green Service", a contractor of the company Akiko works for. Kenichi No.2 has a deep love for plants and a nice face, but he is awkward when it comes to love. He tries to express his feelings for Akiko, but she doesn't even notice it. What will be the future of their love? And will Akiko's dream come true?

An epic historical drama set in China's Northern Song Dynasty. It depicts the reign of Zhao Zhen, the fourth Northern Song emperor, and his conflicts as a human being, as well as the tragic love of his beloved daughter Zhao Huirou.
At imperial court, the old type of the policy officials were diametrically opposed to the new policy officials of QingLi and the truggle was surging. Zhao Zhen devoted himself to the country. He governed the country with the theme of fair and weighed the power of all parties.
Zhao Zhen learned that the Empress dowager Liu E who raised him was not his biological mother. And his biological mother was Li Lanhui, the queen's maidservant, he felt deeply guilty. To repay the Li family, Zhao Zhen married his beloved daughter Hui Rou to Li Wei, the nephew of the Li Lanhui.
Hui Rou and her close servant HuaiJi, who grew up with her, have established a deep relationship. She rejected Li Wei who was discordant and mediocre, and finally argued with the Li family. Then she went back the palace.
This is not only a serious crime that violates social norms, but also a major disturbance that destabilizes national politics.
How the state power will be since in face of the sudden emergency and what kind of fate is waiting for Hui Rou？
It draws the glamorous world of the Northern Sung Dynasty with scripts, excellent shooting techniques, delicate and rich sets and glittering costumes which will bring viewers to ancient China.

After a paragliding mishap, Korean heiress to a conglomerate Yoon Se-ri, falls in North Korea. There she meets and falls dangerously in love with North Korean Army Officer Ri Jeong-hyuk.
The South Korean passport can get you anywhere. With the passport, one will be able to visit 187 countries without a visa. However, there is one country very close from home where you cannot go with it. Although we share the language, skin complexion and deep roots, it is a curious country we cannot meet. A strange and intimidating country. Therefore, we are even more curious – about their everyday lives and the people.
Son of a high official in North Korea, Ri Jeong-hyuk is a rigid, principled army officer. Although he seems to have a personality of an army officer since he was young, he was in fact a pianist who studied abroad in Switzerland. However, when his brother passed away, Ri had to become a soldier in his place. One day living as a soldier he meets Yoon Se-ri who literally falls from the sky. His life changes when she enters his life.
Yoon Se-ri, is the youngest daughter of a Korean conglomerate (chaebol). When her elder brothers fought for their lives to be the heir of their fathers’ company, Se-ri was more interested in launching her own fashion line “Seri’s Choice” which turned out to be a her success. Stocks skyrocketed, and sales soared. Se-ri never experienced a downfall: all until she took the paraglide that led her to fall in North Korea.

Filled with love, greed, revenge, and power struggles, this Thai period drama follows the domineering mother Yoi and her four sons. Yoi believes that her family's success and happiness can only be achieved by planning and controlling their lives. However, her plans to marry her first son Patom to the educated Pilai go awry when he returns home from military service with Renu, his pregnant wife whom he met at a night club. Enraged, Yoi casts the couple aside to live in a rundown house, instead forcing her second son Prasong, despite being ordained as a monk, to marry Pilai to preserve his mother's reputation. Yoi and Pilai continue to hate Renu, however, leading her to turn to dark spells for help.
As Yoi's younger sons become involved in the conflict, jealousy and greed cause the situation to worsen, creating a vicious cycle in which no one is spared. Marriages are cancelled, suicides are attempted, and Renu's dark spells seem to be taking effect. To break this cycle, they must confront the truth and choose compassion over hate. But who will make that choice? And what repercussion will the family have to face?

An epic historical drama set in China's Northern Song Dynasty. It depicts the reign of Zhao Zhen, the fourth Northern Song emperor, and his conflicts as a human being, as well as the tragic love of his beloved daughter Zhao Huirou.
At imperial court, the old type of the policy officials were diametrically opposed to the new policy officials of QingLi and the truggle was surging. Zhao Zhen devoted himself to the country. He governed the country with the theme of fair and weighed the power of all parties.
Zhao Zhen learned that the Empress dowager Liu E who raised him was not his biological mother. And his biological mother was Li Lanhui, the queen's maidservant, he felt deeply guilty. To repay the Li family, Zhao Zhen married his beloved daughter Hui Rou to Li Wei, the nephew of the Li Lanhui.
Hui Rou and her close servant HuaiJi, who grew up with her, have established a deep relationship. She rejected Li Wei who was discordant and mediocre, and finally argued with the Li family. Then she went back the palace.
This is not only a serious crime that violates social norms, but also a major disturbance that destabilizes national politics.
How the state power will be since in face of the sudden emergency and what kind of fate is waiting for Hui Rou？
It draws the glamorous world of the Northern Sung Dynasty with scripts, excellent shooting techniques, delicate and rich sets and glittering costumes which will bring viewers to ancient China.

After a paragliding mishap, Korean heiress to a conglomerate Yoon Se-ri, falls in North Korea. There she meets and falls dangerously in love with North Korean Army Officer Ri Jeong-hyuk.
The South Korean passport can get you anywhere. With the passport, one will be able to visit 187 countries without a visa. However, there is one country very close from home where you cannot go with it. Although we share the language, skin complexion and deep roots, it is a curious country we cannot meet. A strange and intimidating country. Therefore, we are even more curious – about their everyday lives and the people.
Son of a high official in North Korea, Ri Jeong-hyuk is a rigid, principled army officer. Although he seems to have a personality of an army officer since he was young, he was in fact a pianist who studied abroad in Switzerland. However, when his brother passed away, Ri had to become a soldier in his place. One day living as a soldier he meets Yoon Se-ri who literally falls from the sky. His life changes when she enters his life.
Yoon Se-ri, is the youngest daughter of a Korean conglomerate (chaebol). When her elder brothers fought for their lives to be the heir of their fathers’ company, Se-ri was more interested in launching her own fashion line “Seri’s Choice” which turned out to be a her success. Stocks skyrocketed, and sales soared. Se-ri never experienced a downfall: all until she took the paraglide that led her to fall in North Korea.

Filled with love, greed, revenge, and power struggles, this Thai period drama follows the domineering mother Yoi and her four sons. Yoi believes that her family's success and happiness can only be achieved by planning and controlling their lives. However, her plans to marry her first son Patom to the educated Pilai go awry when he returns home from military service with Renu, his pregnant wife whom he met at a night club. Enraged, Yoi casts the couple aside to live in a rundown house, instead forcing her second son Prasong, despite being ordained as a monk, to marry Pilai to preserve his mother's reputation. Yoi and Pilai continue to hate Renu, however, leading her to turn to dark spells for help.
As Yoi's younger sons become involved in the conflict, jealousy and greed cause the situation to worsen, creating a vicious cycle in which no one is spared. Marriages are cancelled, suicides are attempted, and Renu's dark spells seem to be taking effect. To break this cycle, they must confront the truth and choose compassion over hate. But who will make that choice? And what repercussion will the family have to face?