Programs are subject to change, without notice. For updated information, call 847-2021)
“Prison Princesses (TBS),” premieres on Sunday, July 1, at 9 p.m. and Monday, July 2 at 1 p.m.
Attempted murder, fraud and embezzlement, illicit drugs, tax evasion and even murder? Five women convicted of various crimes, and a crime-loathing female warden, put aside their differences to hatch a grand plot of revenge against a handsome but crooked company CEO. But the revenge plan keeps hitting snags. All of these mature women with interesting background stories meet in a female penitentiary and band together to clear each other of unjust sentences.
July 4: “Meikyu Sousa,” Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Detective Yoichiro arrives at a crime scene involving the brutal murder of three family members and finds a young 5-year-old boy hiding in the closet. The discovery of the young boy takes Detective Yoichiro back to his own tragic childhood when his parents were killed in a fire. Without any real clues, the murder investigation continues unsolved. That is, until another murder takes place one year later, this time with a mother and son as the victims. And evidence found at the scene links the killer to the murder that took place a year ago.
July 11, 18, 25: “Mystery Trilogy Special (TBS),” Wednesday at 7 p.m.
This mystery special consists of three thrilling stories by three notable writers.
One. A large real estate company’s social gathering is held aboard the luxury cruise ship Poseiden as it cruises around Tokyo Bay. Sometime during the cruise, company president Kudo is fatally stabbed. The ship was cruising the entire time, so the murderer must still be on board. Detective Kyoko Hagami investigates the crime and starts by interviewing all the employees to learn the truth and solve the murder.
Two. When Ryuzo Takano, a young genius scientist, dies mysteriously at home, the cause of death is determined to be a heart attack. However insurance agent Masahiko Tomonaga suspects otherwise. Tomonaga suspects that Takano’s wife, Kuriko, a research scientist also investigating Takano’s death, is guilty. But can he prove it?
Three. After their mother dies, sisters Chiaki, Haruna and Natsui gather at the home where they were born and raised. As they reminisce about their mom, they begin to recall a younger brother, Toru, who disappeared from their lives when they were children. Slowly, the sisters piece together their memories, and what starts to emerge is the story of their father’s betrayal and their mother’s secret. Who was Toru and where did he go?
July 29 (Part 1): “Wild 9,” Sunday at 8 p.m.
Nine people with various skills and talents are dropped off on a deserted island and must find a way to survive together for one week. Each person is allowed to bring along three tools relating to their skill to help them survive. Are the talents of a musician, an artist, and a professional baseball player useful in a survivalist situation?
“When You Were Mine,” Saturday at 5 p.m.
Nick and Vanessa are engaged to be married, but tragedy strikes when Nick is in a helicopter crash that causes him to lose his memory.
The authorities, unable to find Nick, declare him dead, leaving Vanessa in a deep depression. Nick resurfaces, but with no recollection of Vanessa or his past life, introduces himself as Darwin. As Darwin, he meets and falls in love with a beautiful artist named Jessa.
They marry and have a son. But faith intervenes again as Darwin gets involved in another accident, which causes him to regain the memory of his life as Nick and forget his new life as Darwin.
Who has the right to a future with Nick now? His first love Vanessa? Or the family he created with Jessa and their son?
“The Poor Heiress,” Sunday at 6 p.m.
“The Poor Heiress” tells the story of two rival families in a Filipino-
Chinese community: the Wongs and Sy clans.
The families clash over differences in culture and traditions. But hidden beneath those differences may be relationships that tie the families together in ways they don’t realize.
“Brass Dreams,” Sunday at 8 p.m.
A touching drama based on a true story about Koichi Hikuma, a former musician who walked away from the world of music after being involved in an accident.
One day, Koichi is approached and asked to become the advisor of a small brass band at a run down high school. The band includes a group of unruly students who reject authority and who have forgotten what it’s like to have dreams.
Using the universal language of music, Koichi reaches out to the students, and tries to teach them about never giving up and the wonder of once again having dreams.
“Rikuoh (TBS),” Sunday at 9 p.m.
Miyazawa Koichi runs a small, but longstanding company which makes tabi (traditional Japanese socks). He is the CEO of the fourth generation company with about 20 employees. Due to a decrease in demand for tabi, the company is struggling to keep afloat. In order to save the company, Koichi devises a plan to launch a new product line. With the use of the company’s accumulated knowledge for making tabi, they work to develop running shoes.
“Kuru Kuru Japan,” Monday through Friday at 6:30 p.m.
Delicious foods of Japan. Cultured salmon in Tottori, bonito cuisine in Kagoshima and more!
“Soko ga Japan,” Monday through Friday at 7 p.m.
This series, which replaces “Soko ga Shiritai,” takes viewers on a journey throughout Japan, highlighting foods and places that define the country that is Japan.
“Border,” Monday at 8.p.m.
Detective Ango Ishikawa (Shun Oguri) miraculously survives a near fatal gunshot wound to his head while at a crime scene. Since then, he discovers he has the ability to see and communicate with the dead, which enables him to solve cases in a mysterious way.
“Segodon,” (NHK) Tuesday at 8 p.m.; repeats on Sunday at 7 p.m.
This is the newest Taiga drama from NHK. Segodon follows the life of historical figure Takamori Saigo, who was born the first son of a lower-class samurai. He was exiled two times and went through three marriages. He became the central figure of the Meiji Restoration, but he fights against the government’s army. Based on the novel “Segodon” by Mariko Hayashi.
“Mystery Theatre,” Wednesday from 7-9 p.m.
KIKU-TV brings you the best in murder, mystery and intrigue every Wednesday night, driving this program’s popularity and growth. Episode titles are hand picked from both Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) and TV Asahi.
“Partners 13,” Thursday at 8 p.m.
The thirteenth season of this popular detective series.
Detective, Ukyo Sugishita, has great insight and cunning skills. His partner, Toru Kai, is strong-minded and rough. And he is excellent in the powers of observation. Together they solve many mysterious crimes.
“Lone Wolf with a Cub,” Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 7 p.m.
This series chronicles the story of Ogami Ittö, the Shogun’s executioner who uses a Dötanuki battle sword. Disgraced by false accusations from the Yagyü clan, he is forced to take the path of an assassin along with his 3-year-old son, Daigoro. Together they seek revenge on the Yagyü clan and are known as “Lone Wolf and Cub.”
“My Destiny,” Saturday at 6 p.m.; Sunday at 5 p.m.
Lucas Matthew is told by a fortune teller that he will meet his true love at the age of 21. Meanwhile, a young girl named Grace is told the same thing by another fortune teller. Neither Lucas Matthew nor Grace takes the predictions seriously until years later when they are both 21.
One day, Grace’s sister Joy dares her to be spontaneous and kiss a stranger. The man Grace kisses turns out to be Lucas Matthew, and they eventually begin a romance.
Tragically, Joy is diagnosed with leukemia, and while undergoing treatment at the hospital, begins to fall in love with a young intern. The intern turns out to be the same stranger her sister Grace has fallen for — Lucas Matthew.
What will happen when the sisters discover they are in love with the same man?
“Behind the Noren 3,” Saturday at 8 p.m.
The family drama “behind the curtain” continues from season two. It has been four years since Naoko started training to become the head proprietress of her husband’s family inn. She has persevered in earning the respect and acceptance of the current head proprietress, who happens to be her mother-in-law, Shino. The announcement of Naoko being named the new head proprietress finally nears, until Shino unexpectedly presents Naoko with an assignment.
