There are a whole bunch of what seem to be fun and interesting detective dramas coming out of Japan at the same time this year.  Though I’m not a huge fan of this genre of Asian drama, I still felt the need to put a video together about it.  And, after the chips had fallen I really enjoyed writing, shooting and editing this one!

Let’s see how the following 5 dramas stack up against each other:

5. Datarame Hero – でたらめヒーロー(仮)

This drama premiers on April 4^th, 2013.  It stars Sato Ryuta, a 33 year old Japanese man as the character Kenta.  He doesn’t seem over energetic or ambitious, but discovers some magic candy that gives him super powers.  Sato has been starring in dramas and movies in Japan since at least the year 2000, and has an impressive resume of dramas, most of which I am unfamiliar with.  Apparently, mainland Japanese are very familiar with his work, as he keeps getting rehired to act in more movies and dramas.

4. Otenki Oneesan – お天気お姉さん

This drama is set to be released on Japanese television sometime in April, 2013.  This one stars Emi Takei, a 19 year old Japanese actress who plays the character of a genius meteorologist.  Do to the relative uniqueness of this scenario, I’m thinking this one is going to be a hit!  Emi also starred in the Japanese version Liar Game 2 as the character Kuriko Tachibana in 2009 and has been working on her career ever since.  I would say she’s doing extremely well at only the age of 19 if she is now headlining dramas.  I can’t wait to see if this drama is, in fact, entertaining.

3. Keishicho Sousa 3 Ka – 確証～警視庁捜査3課

This drama is set to air on Japanese television April 15^th, 2013.  This one stars long time actor Takahashi Katsumi as the main detective presiding over cases in the 3^rd division of the police department.  He is partnered with Eikura, an actractive Japanese actress who has been working in the industry since 2004 on both TV dramas and Japanese movies.  She is 26 years younger than he is in this one, so not sure how this is going to play out.  It will be interesting to see if there is any chemistry between the main characters in this story, or if other love interests are set to be included as well.

2. Meshibana Keiji Tachibana – めしばな刑事タチバナ

This drama is set to begin airing on Japanese TV in April, 2013.  This was originally a manga written by Sahee Sakado and illustrated by Tori Tabii, and is now being adapted by live action.  That’s exciting because that’s what seems to happen in many cases when anime and manga are successful.  This one stars Jiro Sato who has been in this game since 1999 on both movies in television.  He has starred in such famous dramas as ‘Real Clothes’ and ‘Gokusen 3’.  His character Meshibana loves to eat, and because of his extensive knowledge of food and places where food is served and enjoyed, helps him solve cases involving food, restaurants and the like.  I’m thinking this one is going to be a good one for those interesting in the Japanese food culture.  Any sushi fans out there?!? 😉

1. Sennyuu Tantei Tokage – 潜入探偵トカゲ

This drama is set to begin airing on Japanese TV in April, 2013.  This one looks the best to me because I’m such a big fan of Matsuda Shota.  I know I’m not alone here.  He plays a talented loner of a detective who solved many great cases before making one huge mistake which cost him the death of his partner.  He decided to quit the force due to this, and began working instead at a private detective firm.  It’s very safe to say I’ll be watching this one for the main actor alone.

Happy Drama Watching!