"Drama 1 Week" brings you the latest drama news from the past week. This week (October 25th-31st) featured news on Go Nagai's popular manga "Cutie Honey" being adapted into a short vertical drama starring Natsuki Abe, and the appearance of a "mysterious young man" played by Snow Man's Ren Meguro in the fourth episode of TBS's Sunday Theatre "The Royal Family" (Sundays at 9pm). The two-part series will cover these topics.
On October 26th, the 41st episode of the NHK Taiga drama " UNBOUND (Berabou) " (General TV, Sunday 8:00 PM and other channels), starring actor Ryusei Yokohama Yokohama, aired, with entertainer Hideyuki Nakayama making his debut as Kato Chikage. Kato is a calligrapher and a scholar of Japanese culture. When Tsutaju Totei (played by AI Hashimoto ) told him that he was "everyone's idol," Nakayama responded with "Impression? No, I'm embarrassed," and there was even a scene where he delivered his lines in a deep voice. This was Nakayama's first appearance in a Taiga drama. Viewers reacted on social media with comments like, "Is this Nakayama Hideyuki? His aura has changed," and "He looks like a scholar of Japanese culture who's used to hanging out in the streets." His deep voice also drew praise, with some saying, "Hide-chan has a great voice."
On the same day, it was revealed that a "mysterious young man" played by Snow Man's Ren Meguro will appear in the fourth episode of the TBS Sunday Theatre drama "The Royal Family" (Sundays at 9 PM), starring Satoshi Tsumabuki , airing on November 2nd. A shot was also released of Tsumabuki's Kurisu and the "mysterious young man" passing each other in what appears to be a hospital. Until now, the "mysterious young man" only appeared in a photo at the end of the first episode. Since Meguro also serves as the narrator, it was assumed that the narration was a monologue by the "mysterious young man." As for his true identity, viewers have suggested he could be the "grown-up version of Shohei," the son of Wakana Matsumoto Kanako, played by Matsumoto Wakana; the son of Hayashida Junji, the owner of Hayashida Ranch, who died nine years ago; or Kurisu's son.
Also airing that day, the third episode of "The Royal Family" began with a narration by Ren Meguro explaining the Hidaka region. "From the Meiji era to the Reiwa era, it has produced countless racehorses. It is one of Japan's leading breeding areas," the narrator said, introducing "Emperor" Symboli Rudolf; Tokai Teio, who won the G1 Arima Kinen in his first race in a year; TM Opera O, who has won seven G1 races; and Matsurida Gogh, who won the Arima Kinen in 2007. Social media users commented, "I never thought I'd see father and son Rudolf and Teio," "Rudolf and Teio suddenly appeared and I was in tears," "It's cool that they mentioned Matsurida Gogh," and "The horses featured in episode 3 are all so impressive, lol."
On the same day, the 21st episode of the NHK Asadora drama "Bakebake " (Monday-Saturday, 8:00 AM and other times), starring Akari Takaishi , aired. The full appearance of Lefkada Heaven ( Tommy Bastow), who would later become Toki's (Takaishi) husband, attracted the attention of viewers. When Heaven's ship arrived to take up her new post as an English teacher in Matsue, Toki (Takaishi) was overjoyed to see her, exclaiming, "It's a Tengu!" Heaven smiled and waved to the crowd, but briefly showed a worried expression. Social media users responded with comments such as, "Heaven's finally in Matsue!", "This is where the real story begins," and "Toki is thrilled to see a real-life Tengu." Some also expressed concern over Heaven's fleeting expression, saying, "She looked a bit suspicious. I wonder what's going on."
Also, in the 21st episode of "Bakebake," the owners of the Hanada Ryokan, Hanada Heita (played by Namase Katsuhisa) and his wife Tsuru (played by Ikeya Nobue), made their first appearance. The couple discussed the arrival of Heaven, a foreign English teacher, in Matsue, and when Heita said, "No matter how great they are, Westerners are scary. They're all about high noses, red faces, and the ability to fly," Toki (played by Takaishi) chimed in with, "That's a Tengu, isn't it?" Tsuru continued, "I've heard they have green bodies and plates on their heads," to which Toki replied, "That's a Kappa, isn't it?" On social media, people were saying things like, "The Hanada Ryokan couple's comedy act, lol," and "I want to keep watching Heita and Tsuru's banter. They're so hilarious and in sync."
On the same day, it was announced that Ryohei Suzuki will star in the January 2026 TBS Sunday Theatre drama "Reboot" (Sundays at 9:00 PM). Suzuki will take on the dual role of a man who alternates between good and evil. This will be Suzuki's third Sunday Theatre production, following "TOKYO MER: Running Emergency Room" (2021) and "Gekokujo Baseball Player" (2023). Suzuki plays the first protagonist, Hayase Riku, a pastry chef who runs a Western-style pastry shop. However, when his missing wife's body is discovered, he is framed for her murder based on evidence he did not possess and is arrested. The other protagonist is Gido Ayumu, a detective in the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department's First Investigative Division with ties to underworld organizations. Determined to prove his innocence, Hayase "reboots" himself, assuming the persona of Gido. Additionally, Erika Toda, making her Sunday Theatre debut, will play the mysterious certified public accountant who assists the protagonist.
On the same day, it was announced that Go Nagai's popular manga "Cutie Honey" will be adapted into a live-action drama and streamed on the short drama streaming service "DMM Short." Titled "Cutie Honey: Beloved Enemy," the 15-episode series will be available exclusively from November 25th. The lead role will be played by model Natsuki Abe, who has been dubbed the "Reiwa Fujiko Mine" for her outstanding figure. The protagonist, Honey Kisaragi, is known for transforming into a professional of any profession with the cry of "Honey Flash!", and Honey's transformations in this work are one of the highlights. She appears in a variety of costumes, from a serious office worker in a suit to a top professional wrestler and a charismatic host. Images of Honey's signature bright red short hair and shiny, tight suit were also released, preserving the series' tradition while updating it for the Reiwa era.
