PROGRAMS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
NEW PROGRAMMING
“The Murakami Kaizoku of Shimanami Kaido,” premiering Tuesday,
Feb. 1 at 8:35 p.m.; repeats on Wednesday, Feb. 16 at 9:40 a.m., and Saturday, Feb. 26 at 1:20 and 6:20 p.m.
The Shimanami Kaido is a tourist destination famous for the beauty of its many islands, where cyclists from all over the world gather. About 500 years ago, a group called the Murakami Kaizoku, the largest band of pirates in Japan, ruled this area of fast and complex currents. “Kaizoku” is usually translated as “pirates,” but missionaries from Europe denied that the Murakami were pirates. Why was that? This show introduces the truth of the Murakami Kaizoku in a TV drama that transcends time.
TV PROGRAMS
“Seiten o Tsuke (Reach Beyond the Blue Sky),” Sunday at 7:35 p.m.; repeats Monday at 8:45 a.m. and Saturday at 2:15 p.m.
The tumultuous life of the “Father of Japanese capitalism,” at a time when the country sheds its feudal samurai system to ring in the age of modernization. Though born into the farmer class, Eiichi Shibusawa grows up into a talkative, bright youth with an interest in commerce. As Eiichi finds himself on the side of the shogunate, his position yields him the chance to be on the delegation sent to the International Exposition of 1867 in Paris, opening his eyes to a world where the private sector thrives with its banks. Upon his return, he is called by the new Meiji government to build its tax, railway, and monetary systems. Fully subtitled in English.
“Umechan Sensei (Doctor Ume),” Mondays through Saturdays at 7:15 p.m.; repeats Sundays and Tuesdays through Fridays at 8:20 a.m. and 5:05 p.m.
It’s August 1945, and Japan has just surrendered, ending World War II in the Pacific. Umeko is the youngest of three in war-torn Tokyo. All three have worked hard to support the war effort, but it seems that Umeko makes a mess of whatever she tries. After seeing her father, a doctor, save a war orphan, she makes the unexpected decision to become a doctor herself. After much effort, she manages to become a doctor, and eventually chooses to serve her community as a local physician. Unfortunately, patients do not abound, and Doctor Ume is left wondering where she went wrong until she gets some surprising news one day. Fully subtitled in English.
“Radiation House II,” Monday at 7:35 p.m.; repeats at 10:30 p.m. and Tuesday at 8:45 a.m.
The hit series starring Masataka Kubota makes a return for a second season! Iori Igarashi is a medical radiographer, also known as a “hero behind the scenes,” who uses unconventional methods and breaks the mold of academia to find the cause of illnesses and diagnose “invisible diseases” with X-rays and CT. Joining Iori once again, is Dr. An Amakasu, the daughter of the former director of Amakasu General Hospital, who secretly has feelings for Iori. Fully subtitled in English.
“Super Rich,” Wednesday at 7:35 p.m.; repeats at 10:30 p.m. and Thursday at 8:45 a.m.
Mamoru Hyoga is the CEO of “Three Star Books,” a venture company involved with e-books. Born into a wealthy family, she has never had problems related to money in her life. With the belief that “money can solve anything,” she works hard each day to make more profit. She has even been awarded the “Platinum Woman of the Year” award, which is given to the leading female entrepreneur of the year. However, as Mamoru struggles to make the company bigger and better, she is faced with a series of crises that threaten to shake up the company’s management. Fully subtitled in English.
“Choshichiro Edo Nikki,” Thursday at 7:35 p.m.; repeats at 10:30 p.m. and Friday at 8:45 a.m.
Choshichiro Edo Nikki is back! Choshichiro Nagayori Matsudaira is the son of Tadanaga Tokugawa, which makes him a nephew of the Shogun. Tadanaga died because of an alleged plot to overthrow his elder brother, the third shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu. Because of Choshichiro’s complicated background, he lives among the commoners in the shogunal capital city of Edo, punishing evil when he sees wrongdoings and injustice. Fully subtitled in English. Fully subtitled in English.
NGN 3 MOVIE CHANNEL (Spectrum Digital Ch. 679/HD 1679)
Premiere titles air on Friday. “Movie of the Month” premieres on the first Saturday. Movies are shown at various times. Check your digital on–screen guide for movie schedules, using either the GUIDE or INFO buttons (up to one week ahead). Or call NGN, Mon. – Fri. from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at (808) 538–1966 for inquiries or to request an e–mail of NGN 3 programming information. All movies are in the Japanese language with full English subtitles.
MOVIE OF THE MONTH
“Watashi ga Motete Dousunda (Kiss Him, Not Me!),” 2020 drama, 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Directed by Norihisa Hiranuma. Starring Hokuto Yoshino and Fuju Kamio.
Kae Serinuma is a geeky girl who prefers love stories about two princes rather than a prince and a princess. One day Kae gets devastated when her favorite anime character dies. Unable to eat for a week from the shock, she loses a lot of weight and deals with the struggles of new formed relationships based upon her new look.
MOVIES IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER
“Aa Yokaren (Young Eagles of the Kamikaze),” 1968 drama, 1 hour and 50 minutes.
Directed by Shinji Murayama. Starring Koji Tsuruta and Shinichi Chiba.
Young boys dream about becoming pilots and apply to flight schools. However, they were forced to become suicide bombers and give their lives for their homeland. The film is dedicated to the souls of flight school graduates killed in World War II.
“Hakujasho (White Snake Enchantment),” 1983 drama, 1 hour and 58 minutes.
Directed by Shunya Ito. Starring Rumiko Koyanagi and Tomisaburo Wakayama.
Uta married a priest who saved her when she tried to commit suicide at a waterfall. The love triangle between a lustful priest, his second wife and his son Masao.
“Hibari Chiemi no Yajikita Dochu (Travels of Hibari and Chiemi),” 1962 drama, 1 hour and 26 minutes.
Directed by Tadashi Sawashima. Starring Hibari Misora, Chemi Eri and Chiyonosuke Azuma.
Playhouse employees Okimi and Otoshi become involved in an undercover officer’s investigation of a gang when they accidentally walk in on a drug deal taking place at their theater.
“Hibari no Sado Jouwa (Hibari’s Tale of Pathos),” 1962 drama, 1 hour and 27 minutes.
Directed by Kunio Watanabe. Starring Hibari Misora, Akitake Kono and Kyosuke Machida.
While visiting a site in Sado for a prospective project, Akiyama, a young developer, falls in love with Kimie, a local entertainer and tour guide. But their happiness is threatened by the gangster, Ono, who has his own plans for Kimie.
“Kantsubaki (A Midwinter Camellia),” 1992 drama, 1 hour and 54 minutes.
Directed by Yasuo Furuhata. Starring Nishida Toshiyuki, Minamino Yoko, Takashima Masahiro and Katase Rino.
A bittersweet love story between Iwago, a yakuza, and a beautiful young geisha named Botan. In 1932, Botan was forced to become a geisha at a young age. Amid the abuse by mobsters and her father, she encounters many heartaches that leads her down a path of spiraling path of despair.
“Kimitachi ga Ite Boku ga Ita (Here Because of You),” 1964 drama, 1 hour and 27 minutes.
Directed by Ryuichi Takamori. Starring Kazuo Funaki, Shinichi Chiba (Sonny Chiba) and Chiyoko Honma.
An uplifting drama about the bond between a group of high school seniors and their kind-hearted teacher, Mr. Yabuki. Faced with the rigors of growing up in modern times, students often look to Mr. Yabuki for advice and guidance. But when Mr. Yabuki’s career is threatened as a result of a false accusation from the school’s PTA, the students band together to stand up for their beloved teacher and help him to save his reputation and job.
“Kiokuya -Anata wo Wasurenai (The Memory Eraser),” 2020 drama, 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Directed by Yuichiro Hirakawa. Starring Ryosuke Yamada and Kyoko Yoshine.
University student Ryoichi’s happy life is shattered when his girlfriend Kyoko loses memory of Ryoichi. Ryoichi is incredulous but then hears of an urban legend about a “Memory Eraser” and decides to seek help from an alumnus who is now a famous attorney. They explore the reason why Kyoko has lost her memory. Soon, they find themselves encroaching on sensitive territory: people’s memories and even deeper, closely guarded emotions. At the end of their pursuit lies a truth that will change their lives forever.
“Koibitotachi (Three Stories of Love),” 2015 drama, 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Directed by Ryosuke Hashiguchi. Starring Atsushi Shinohara and Toko Narushima.
Three people are suffering because of love: Atsushi, a gifted bridge inspector, is broken after his wife is murdered in a random attack; Toko, a housewife, is trapped in a loveless marriage with her indifferent husband; Ryo, a successful gay lawyer, is experiencing unrequited love and fails to be as successful in his love. As change comes to their existences, they gradually become aware of the preciousness within everyday life. The three separate stories tread a thread of hope, love, rejection and abandonment.
“Kunisada Chuji (On National Authority),” 1958 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 36 minutes.
Directed by Shigehiro Ozawa. Starring Chiezo Kataoka, Kotaro Satomi, Kunio Kaga and Ryunosuke Tsukigata.
Kunisada Chuji is a common folk hero who looks out for poor people in the country who are at the mercy of corrupt officials. Intent on fulfilling a dying wish from one of his henchmen Asataro, to find a decent home for his young nephew, Chuji descends from his hide out in the mountain, and heads to the city in spite of numerous dangers that await him there.
“Okinawa Junen Senso (The Okinawa War of Ten Years),” 1978 drama, action film, 1 hour and 41 minutes.
Directed by Akinori Matsuo. Starring Hiroki Matsukata and Shinichi Chiba.
After World War II, when Okinawa was under control of the US, the local yakuza prospered. But when Okinawa is returned to Japan, the mainland yakuza tries to take over; the local yakuza tries to compete. Now sides are drawn among the local yakuza guys who used to be best friends since their childhood, and brother fights brother. It results in the biggest yakuza war in Okinawa.
“Okon no Hatsukoi Shichihenge (First Love of Okon),” 1958 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Directed by Kunio Watanabe. Starring Hibari Misora and Michiko Hoshi.
A fox in disguise, Okon, returns the favor to a man who rescued her from a fatal trap.
“Parallel World Love Story (Parallel World Love Story),” 2019 drama, 1 hour and 49 minutes.
Directed by Yoshitaka Mori. Starring Yuta Tamamori and Riho Yoshioka.
The story depicts the romantic threads between two men and a woman who come and go between two different worlds. Takashi (Tamamori Yuta) and his friend since his middle-school years, Tomohiko, work at a corporation conducting cutting-edge research. One day, Takashi is astonished when he sees Mayuko, whom Tomohiko introduces as his girlfriend. Then one morning, Takashi wakes up in a world where he and Mayuko are living together as a couple.
“Satomi Hakkenden 3 Hakkenshi no Gaika (Eight Brave Brothers Part 3),” 1958 jidaigeki, 58 minutes.
Directed by Kokichi Uchidate. Starring Kotaro Satomi and Sentaro Fushimi.
The final episode of the popular adventure epic. The eight sacred warriors face their enemy to complete their mission.
“Shingo Juban Shobu Dai Ichibu/Dai Nibu (Shingo’s Original Challenge Part 1 & 2)” 1959 samurai film, 1 hour and 44 minutes.
Directed by Sadatsugu Matsuda. Starring Hashizo Okawa, Ryutaro Otomo and Ryunosuke Tsukigata.
The first episode of the popular series “Shino’s Challenge.” A young samurai, Aoi Shingo, learns that he is, in fact, the illegitimate son of the Shogun. Hoping to reunite with is birth father, Lord Yoshimune, he heads to the castle. However, the reunion never takes place as Shingo finds himself the target of a conspiracy. Will he ever be able to meet his father?
“Shudan Sasen (Lifetime Insecurity),” 1994 drama, 1 hour and 43 minutes.
Directed by Shunichi Kajima. Starring Kyohei Shibata, Atsuo Nakamura and Reiko Takashima.
In the midst of a bad economy the Vice President of Taiyo Real Estate, Yokoyama, launches a plan to cut back on his labor force. Fifty employees are segregated into a special assignment division and given an ultimatum: meet a sales goal of 1.5 billion yen within three months or be fired. Spiteful of their unjust treatment, two men, Shinoda and Takigawa, take up the battle against the ruthless Yokoyama.
“Shura no Densetsu (A Legend of Turmoil),” 1992 action film, 1 hour and 50 minutes.
Directed by Seiji Izumi. Starring Akira Kobayashi and Takanori Jinnai.
A story about the development of a bright and strong yakuza. Otaki is an old-fashioned respectful yakuza who tries to protect his small yakuza family. When his boss gets shot, he decides to go after the plotters.
“Tange Sazen Ketteiban* (Secret of the Golden Spell),” 1958 samurai film, 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Directed by Sadatsugu Matsuda. Starring Ryutaro Otomo, Hibari Misora and Hashizo Okawa.
One of Japan’s most popular folklore characters, Tange Sazen, the one-eyed and one-armed swordsman, must rescue the yagyu clan from the treachery of a master plotting to take control over a sword fighting school.
“Umon Torimonocho Janomegasa no Onna (Woman Under the Umbrella),” 1963 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 23 minutes.
Directed by Toshikazu Kono. Starring Ryutaro Otomo and Eitaro Shindo.
A mysterious woman with an umbrella interferes with Umon’s pursuit of Tomokichi, a fugitive known to have hidden stolen treasures.
“Utamatsuri Kanzashi Matoi (Girl with Fire Banner),” 1958 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 17 minutes.
Directed by Kinnosuke Fukada. Starring Hibari Misora and Chiyonosuke Azuma.
Fearless girl firefighter Oharu and skilled firefighter Shintaro battle against their evil rivals who threaten to take over Oharu’s family’s turf.
“Yagyu Bugeicho Katame Suigetsu no Ken (The Yagyu Military Art: Yagyu List),” 1963 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 24 minutes.
Directed by Yasuto Hasegawa. Starring Jushiro Kone and Hiroki Matsukata.
Jubei must stop evil plot of Lord Hayatonosho who secretly plans to overthrow the Shogunate.
“Yureijima no Okite (Law in Ghost Island),” 1961 drama, action, samurai film, 1 hour and 34 minutes.
Directed by Yasushi Sasaki. Starring Hashizo Okawa, Hibari Misora, Chiyonosuke Azuma and Kinya Kitaoji.
Upon his arrival to Dragon Island, ronin Yagi Hazhiso, is propositioned by various shady individuals representing rival gangs to lend his services to them. Branded an enemy for his refusal to become involved with either side, he soon finds himself caught up in an intrigue extending beyond petty gang rivalries, involving a plot by Daimyo in Kyoto to overthrow the government.
“Yureisen Zenpen (Ghost Ship Part 1),” 1957 samurai film, 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Directed by Sadatsugu Matsuda. Starring Kinnosuke Nakamura, Ryutaro Otomo, Yumiko Hasegawa.
After his father’s ship the Kannonmaru sinks, Jiromaru decides not to take over his father’s occupation and goes to Kyoto to become a samurai. However Jiromaru quickly realizes that being a samurai is not everything he had hoped it would be. He then hears rumors of the Kannonmaru appearing at various locations and tries to find out about this mysterious ship.
