PROGRAMS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
WITHOUT NOTICE
“Natsuzora,” Thursday, premiers Tuesday, June 4 at 7:15 p.m.
The 100th Drama Serial revolves around the heroine, Natsu, who grows up in the great outdoors of Hokkaido, northern Japan and later pursues a career in animated films during its formative years. After her parents passed away, Natsu is raised by a father’s old friend Takeo Shibata in Tokachi, Hokkaido. At first Natsu does not get recognized as a member of the Shibata family, but gradually gains their trust. Later, Natsu goes to Tokyo to look for her missing brother. Fully subtitled in English.
“Hajimete Koi o Shita Hi ni Yomu Hanashi (A Story to Read When You First Fall in Love),” premiers Friday, June 21 at 7:35 p.m.
Junko Harumi finds herself in her early thirties having failed at love, college entrance exams and good employment. She now works at a cram school as a tutor bereft of hope and motivation. Then one day, Kyohei, a delinquent teen, appears before her. “I want you to get me into the University of Tokyo,” he says. Having herself failed to get into the country’s most prestigious university, Junko refuses, but then is overpowered by Kyohei’s strong will and desire, and finally relents. In the process, she is surprised when her handsome cousin, Masashi, an elite trade company man, returns from working overseas and suddenly proposes marriage to her. With her life suddenly taking a turn for the better, can Junko get Kyohei into the University of Tokyo? And will she find the love to set her life on a new path? Fully subtitled in English.
“Mystery Hour: Iryu Sosa SP 2019,” premiers Tuesday, June 25 at 7:35 p.m.
The quirky detective Itomura with Special Crime Management and Control Office at the Kyoto Police, this time solves a mystery at a classic concert. Can Itomura again investigate in his own way focusing on things that the victims carried in order to solve the case and bring closure to the family of victims? Fully subtitled in English.
”Kitaguni Travelers (Northern Japan Travelers),” Thursday, June 27 at 8:35 p.m.
Female travelers explore northern Japan to find hidden charms. Can they show you something new and special in food and culture in Hokkaido and Tohoku area?! Fully subtitled in English.
Movie of the Month
“Futatsu no Kino to Boku no Mirai (Two Pasts Towards Tomorrow),” 2018, drama,1 hour and 38 minutes.
Directed by Kenichi Omori.
Kaito was a marathon runner and hoped to compete in the Olympics. He gave up those dreams after an injury. Kaito now works in city hall and just drifts through his days, and his girlfriend Marino leaves him. One day, he goes to the mountain as a tourist guide. Heavy rain passes over the area. He finds a mysterious mine and enters the mine to stay dry, but Kaito suddenly finds himself outside of the mine. The rain is gone and his world is different now. Kaito has won a gold medal in the Olympics and he is still with Marino.
Movies in Alphabetical Order
“36.8°C (Slight Fever),” 2017 drama, 2 hours and 4 minutes.
Directed by Mana Yasuda. Starring Mayu Hotta and Haruna Kishimoto.
Wakana is a 17-year-old high school student who loves to cook. She enjoys peaceful days with her family and friends, but sometimes she senses delicate changes among people around her. Wakana meets office worker Mizuho through social media where she can talk about her worries, but Mizuho turns out to be a person Wakana never expected to be.
“Chokosoku! Sankin Kotai Returns (Samurai Hustle Returns!),” 2016 jidaigeki, 2 hours.
Directed by Katsuhide Motoki. Starring Kuranosuke Sasaki and Kyoko Fukada.
In the Edo period, there was a system called “Sankin-Kotai” under which feudal lords in the Edo period were required to spend every other year in residence in Edo. Masaatsu Naito, who is a head of the small and poor clan, ordered to come to Edo in just four days with his staff. However, his mission has not been completed yet since some opposing leaders are planning another conspiracy to his clan. Now he has to return to his clan as soon as possible in order to save his castle which was over taken by another clan.
“Gokudo no Onnatachi Akai Kizuna (Yakuza Ladies Blood Ties),” 1995 drama, 1 hour and 54 minutes.
Starring Shima Iwashita and Aki Yashiro.
Turbulent life of Kiwa, the successor of the most prominent yakuza in Osaka, the Domoto Clan.
“Gonkuro Tabi Nikki (Travels of Gonkuro),” 1961 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 29 minutes.
Directed by Eiichi Kudo. Starring Utaemon Ichikawa and Hiroko Sakuramachi.
Ronin Gonkuro extends a helping hand to those in need while traveling.
“Hana to Yato no Mure (The Bandits),” 1962 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 29 minutes.
Directed by Shigehiro Ozawa. Starring Hiroki Matsukata and Chiezo Kataoka.
Friendship between an ambitious young thief and an artist during the Warring States period.
“Hanshichi Torimonocho Mittsu no Nazo (Cases of Hanshichi),” 1960 jigaigeki, 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Directed by Yasushi Sasaki. Starring Chiezo Kataoka, Chiyonosuke Azuma, Koji Tsuruta and Shinobu Chihara.
Detective Hanshichi solves three mysterious murder cases.
“Hibari Ohako Ojo Kichiza (Hibari’s Favorite 2),” 1960 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 18 minutes.
Directed by Yasushi Sasaki. Starring Hibari Misora and Tomizaburo Wakayama.
Young girl Kichiza searches for her missing brother and the person responsible for the death of her parents.
“Hibotan Bakuto Nidaime Shumei (The Valiant Red Peony 4),” 1969 drama, 1 hour and 26 minutes.
Directed by Shigehiro Ozawa. Starring Junko Fuji and Ken Takakura.
Oryu, a gambler in training, fights to protect her family’s construction business in Kumamoto.
