WEDNESDAY, NOV. 1

Midnight – Two Young Lions

1:30 a.m. – Succession

3:30 a.m. – G-Men in the Pacific

5 a.m. – One-Eyed Ninja

6:30 a.m. – Young Spears

8 a.m. – Okoma the Orphan Gambler

9:40 a.m. – Monument of Star Lillies

11:50 a.m. – The Third Contest

1:20 p.m. – Samurai Hawks

2:50 p.m. – Gale of Tokaido

4:20 p.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry

5:50 p.m. – Ghost Ship, Part 2

7:20 p.m. – Wind, Woman, and    Road

9 p.m. – While Traveling

10:30 p.m. – Succession

THURSDAY, NOV. 2

12:30 a.m. – Seven Knights, Part 3

1:30 a.m. – Samurai Vagabonds

2:50 a.m. – Tengu Priest

4:30 a.m. – High School Super Heroines 2

6:10 a.m. – Two Young Lions

7:40 a.m. – Case of Umon: Nanbanzame Murders

9:10 a.m. – G-Men in the Pacific

10:40 a.m. – The Third Contest

12:10 p.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry

1:40 p.m. – Okoma the Orphan Gambler

3:20 p.m. – Samurai Hawks

4:50 p.m. – Tengu Priest

6:30 p.m. – Wind, Woman, and Road

8:10 p.m. – One-Eyed Ninja

9:40 p.m. – HIBI Rock: Puke Afro and the Pop Star

11:30 p.m. – Seven Knights, Part 3

FRIDAY, NOV. 3

12:30 a.m. – Monument of Star Lillies

2:40 a.m. – Ghost Ship, Part 2

4:10 a.m. – Samurai Vagabonds

5:30 a.m. – Gale of Tokaido

7 a.m. – High School Super Heroines 2

8:40 a.m. – While Traveling

10:10 a.m. – Case of Umon: Nanbanzame Murders

11:40 a.m. – HIBI Rock: Puke Afro and the Pop Star

1:30 p.m. – Young Spears

3 p.m. – G-Men in the Pacific

4:30 p.m. – One-Eyed Ninja

6 p.m. – Monument of Star Lillies

8:10 p.m. – The Third Contest

9:40 p.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry

11:10 p.m. – Ghost Ship, Part 2

SATURDAY, NOV. 4

12:40 a.m. – Succession

2:40 a.m. – Seven Knights Part 3

3:40 a.m. – High School Super Heroines 2

5:20 a.m. – Two Young Lions

6:50 a.m. – Okoma the Orphan Gambler

8:30 a.m. – Samurai Hawks

10 a.m. – Seven Knights, Part 3

11 a.m. – Monument of Star Lillies

1:10 p.m. – Two Young Lions

2:40 p.m. – Succession

4:40 p.m. – Tengu Priest

6:20 p.m. – Wind, Woman, and Road

8 p.m. – The Pearls of the Stone Man

10:10 p.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry

11:40 p.m. – One-Eyed Ninja

SUNDAY, NOV. 5

1:10 a.m. – Young    Spears

2:40 a.m. – Samurai    Hawks

4:10 a.m. – Gale of    Tokaido

5:40 a.m. – Samurai Vagabonds

7 a.m. – Tengu Priest

8:40 a.m. – Case of Umon: Nanbanzame Murders

10:10 a.m. – G-Men in the Pacific

11:40 a.m. – Ghost Ship, Part 2

1:10 p.m. – Samurai Vagabonds

2:30 p.m. – Succession

4:30 p.m. – The Pearls of the Stone Man

6:40 p.m. – While Traveling

8:10 p.m. – Case of Umon: Nanbanzame Murders

9:40 p.m. – Young Spears

11:10 p.m. – Okoma the Orphan Gambler

MONDAY, NOV. 6

12:50 a.m. – Wind, Woman, and Road

2:30 a.m. – While Traveling

4 a.m. – The Third Contest

5:30 a.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry

7 a.m. – Gale of Tokaido

8:30 a.m. – High School Super Heroines 2

10:10 a.m. – Two Young Lions

11:40 a.m. – Succession

1:40 p.m. – Samurai Hawks

3:10 p.m. – Gale of Tokaido

4:40 p.m. – Samurai Vagabonds

6 p.m. – Tengu Priest

7:40 p.m. – The Emperor in August

10 p.m. – Wind, Woman, and Road

11:40 p.m. – The Third Contest

TUESDAY, NOV. 7

1:10 a.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry

2:40 a.m. – Ghost Ship, Part 2

4:10 a.m. – Samurai Vagabonds

5:30 a.m. – G-Men in the Pacific

7 a.m. – One-Eyed Ninja

8:30 a.m. – Tengu Priest

10:10 a.m. – The Emperor in August

12:30 p.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry

2 p.m. – Ghost Ship, Part 2

3:30 p.m. – High School Super Heroines 2

5:10 p.m. – Two Young Lions

6:40 p.m. – Okoma the Orphan Gambler

8:20 p.m. – Samurai Hawks

9:50 p.m. – Gale of Tokaido

11:20 p.m. – High School Super Heroines 2

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 8

1 a.m. – Young Spears

2:30 a.m. – Okoma the Orphan Gambler

4:10 a.m. – Wind, Woman, and Road

5:50 a.m. – While Traveling

7:20 a.m. – Case of Umon: Nanbanzame Murders

8:50 a.m. – G-Men in the Pacific

10:20 a.m. – While Traveling

11:50 a.m. – Case of Umon: Nanbanzame Murders

1:20 p.m. – Monument of Star Lillies

3:30 p.m. – The Third Contest

5 p.m. – Succession

7 p.m. – Seven Knights Part 3

8 p.m. – One-Eyed Ninja

9:30 p.m. – Young Spears

11 p.m. – Seven Knights, Part 3

THURSDAY, NOV. 9

Midnight – Monument of Star Lillies

2:10 a.m. – While Traveling

3:40 a.m. – Case of Umon: Nanbanzame Murders

5:10 a.m. – Gale of Tokaido

6:40 a.m. – High School Super Heroines 2

8:20 a.m. – Ghost Ship, Part 2

9:50 a.m. – Samurai Vagabonds

11:10 a.m. – Seven Knights, Part 3

12:10 p.m. – Monument of Star Lillies

2:20 p.m. – Okoma the Orphan Gambler

4 p.m. – Samurai Hawks

5:30 p.m. – The Third Contest

7 p.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry

8:30 p.m. – Tengu Priest

10:10 p.m. – The Emperor in August

FRIDAY, NOV. 10

12:30 a.m. – Two Young Lions

2 a.m. – Succession

4 a.m. – Case of Umon: Nanbanzame Murders

5:30 a.m. – G-Men in the Pacific

7 a.m. – High School Super Heroines 2

8:40 a.m. – Two Young Lions

10:10 a.m. – The Emperor in August

12:30 p.m. – Wind, Woman, and Road

2:10 p.m. – Samurai Vagabonds

3:30 p.m. – Tengu Priest

5:10 p.m. – Succession

7:10 p.m. – Seven Knights, Part 3

8:10 p.m. – Wind, Woman, and Road

9:50 p.m. – While Traveling

11:20 p.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry

SATURDAY, NOV. 11

12:50 a.m. – Ghost Ship, Part 2

2:20 a.m. – Samurai Hawks

3:50 a.m. – Gale of Tokaido

5:20 a.m. – Monument of Star Lillies

7:30 a.m. – The Third Contest

9 a.m. – Young Spears

10:30 a.m. – Okoma the Orphan Gambler

12:10 p.m. – Two Young Lions

1:40 p.m. – Succession

3:40 p.m. – Ghost Ship, Part 2

5:10 p.m. – Samurai Vagabonds

6:30 p.m. – One-Eyed Ninja

8 p.m. – HIBI Rock: Puke Afro and the Pop Star

9:50 p.m. – G-Men in the Pacific

11:20 p.m. –  One-Eyed Ninja

SUNDAY, NOV. 12

12:50 a.m. – While Traveling

2:20 a.m. – Case of Umon:  Nanbanzame Murders

3:50 a.m. – Seven Knights, Part 3

4:50 a.m. – Monument of Star Lillies

7 a.m. – The Third Contest

8:30 a.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry

10 a.m. – HIBI Rock: Puke Afro and the Pop Star

11:50 a.m. – Young Spears

1:20 p.m. – High School Super Heroines 2

3 p.m. – Two Young Lions

4:30 p.m. – Monument of Star Lillies

6:40 p.m. – The Third Contest

8:10 p.m. – The Pearls of the Stone Man

10:20 p.m. – While Traveling

11:50 p.m. – Gale of Tokaido

MONDAY, NOV. 13

1:20 a.m. – High School Super Heroines 2

3 a.m. – Tengu Priest

4:40 a.m. – Wind, Woman, and Road

6:20 a.m. – One-Eyed Ninja

7:50 a.m. – Young Spears

9:20 a.m. – Succession

11:20 a.m. – The Pearls of the Stone Man

1:30 p.m. – Samurai Vagabonds

2:50 p.m. – Tengu Priest

4:30 p.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry

6 p.m. – Ghost Ship, Part 2

7:30 p.m. – Young Spears

9 p.m. – Okoma the Orphan Gambler

10:40 p.m. – Wind, Woman, and Road

TUESDAY, NOV. 14

12:20 a.m. – While Traveling

1:50 a.m. – Okoma the Orphan Gambler

3:30 a.m. – Samurai Hawks

5 a.m. – Case of Umon: Nanbanzame Murders

6:30 a.m. – G-Men in the Pacific

8 a.m. – Succession

10 a.m. – Seven Knights, Part 3

11 a.m. – Samurai Hawks

12:30 p.m. – Gale of Tokaido

2 p.m. – G-Men in the Pacific

3:30 p.m. – One-Eyed Ninja

5 p.m. – Two Young Lions

6:30 p.m. – Succession

8:30 p.m. – G-Men in the Pacific

10 p.m. – One-Eyed Ninja

11:30 p.m. – Young Spears

Channel 4 (Spectrum) and 6 (Hawaiian Telcom) (Subject to change, without notice. For updated information, call 521-8066)

“Breezy Love,” Sunday at 6:30 p.m.; re-airs Monday at 1 p.m.

Mi Poong is a North Korean girl who studies dancing. She is bright and easygoing despite the situation in her country. One day, she has to defect to Seoul. She then meets Jang Go, a honest South Korean lawyer. Both of them get entangled in family inheritance problem.

Starring Ho Joon Son, Ji Yun Im, Ji Eun Oh, Soo Hyang Im, Joo Wan Han, Bo Ra Hwang and Se Hyun Jang.

“Sweet Enemy,” Monday-Friday at 9:20 p.m.;
re-airs Monday-Friday at 12:20 p.m.

When Dal Nim Oh (Eun Hye Park) is falsely accused of murder, she decides to take revenge on those responsible for her misery.

Starring Park Eun Hye Park, Gun Yoo, Jae Woo Lee and Tae In Park.

“Love Temperature,” Monday and Tuesday at 7:45 p.m.; re-airs on Tuesday and Wednesday at 2:15 p.m.

Hyun-Soo is an aspiring drama series writer. She uses “Jane” as her username and begins chatting with username “Chakhan Seupeu” (‘Good Soup’) online. “Chakhan Seupeu” is actually Jung-Sun. He dreams of becoming a French food chef. They meet in real life.

Starring Hyun-Jin Seo and Se-Jong Yang.

“Wonderful Days,” Monday and Tuesday at 10 p.m.; re-airs on Tuesday and Wednesday at 1 p.m.

Dong-Suk grew up as a smart young boy, but came from a poor family background. He is now a successful prosecutor and comes back to his hometown for the first time in 14 years. There, he happens to meet his first love Hae-Won and falls in love with her all over again.

Starring Seo-Jin Lee, Hee-Seon Kim and Taecyeon Ok.

“Judge vs. Judge,” Wednesday and Thursday at 7:45 p.m.; re-airs on Thursday and Friday at 2:15 p.m.

Judge Jung-Joo Lee presides at the Seoul District Court. She sometimes swears at shameless defendants with unspeakable words. Judge Ui-Hyun Sa is assigned to the judgement bench with Judge Jung-Joo Lee. Ui-Hyun Sa is well known for his excellent use of the law and his conscience to reach verdicts. Jung-Joo Lee fights against a huge power who framed her older brother for murder and killed him

Starring Woo-Jin Yeon, Eun-Bin Park, Seung Bum Hong and Jung Woo Choi.

“Five Enough,” Wednesday and Thursday at 10 p.m.; re-airs on Thursday and Friday at 1 p.m.

Sang-Tae is left with his two children after his wife passes away. Since that time, he lives with his two kids and parents-in-law. He works as a marketing team leader for a fashion brand.

Mi-Jung works as an assistant manager at the same fashion company. Three years ago, her husband had an affair with her friend and left her. She couldn’t tell her kids the truth about their father and lied that their father went to work in America. To this day, the children still believe that their father is in America.

Sang-Tae and Mi-Jung never thought about falling in love again, but they fall in love with each other.

Starring Jae-Wook Ahn and Yu-Jin So.

“Bravo My Life,” Friday and Saturday at 7:45 p.m.; re-airs on Saturday and Sunday at noon.

Set in the world of television drama production, this drama revolves around three main characters: a haughty drama production director, an assistant director who’s still waiting to catch her big break, and a frustrated actor who still hasn’t debuted after seven years in the industry.

Starring Jung Yoo Mi Jung, Jung Hoon Yun, Woo Hyun and Ji Sub Kang.

“Secrets of Women,” Saturday-Sunday at 9:20 p.m.; re-airs Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m.

Ji-yoo Kang is a ballerina, the girlfriend of Kang-woo Yoo, heir of Moseong Group. After a traffic accident, Ji-yoo lost all of her memories, her family using up all their money to pay five years’ worth of hospital treatments. To pay for her huge debt, she entered the Yoo family (with no idea about Kang-woo’s identity or their past due to her amnesia) to be the nurse and guardian of Moseong Group’s chairman Man-ho Yoo (Kang-woo’s father). Seo-rin Chae was Ji-yoo’s best friend during high school, but was then raped on the orders of Il-goo Byeon. She was then forced to work with him to become the biggest stockholder of Moseong Group, becoming Ji-yoo’s enemy in the process.

Starring Yi-Hyun So, Min-Suk Oh, Yoon-Seo Kim and Jung-Hun Kim.

Channel 9 (Spectrum) and 20 (Hawaiian Telcom) Programs are subject to change, without notice. For updated information, call 847-2021)

“Homicide Team 9 – Season 6” (TV Asahi), premieres Saturday, Dec. 9,
at 8 p.m.

Homicide Team 9, which is composed by the few elites, is the most unusual team in criminal investigation divisions of the Metropolitan Police Department. They are always at the top of the criminal arrest rate. They try to solve criminal cases with struggling and cooperating each other.

“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.

Dec. 13: “Professor Eiko.” The body of a professor is discovered at a university lecture hall suspended from the ceiling of the stage, with a series of mysterious numbers written on the curtains nearby.

Professor Eiko, a law professor at the university well versed in criminology, is asked to assist police in the investigation, and he uncovers clues that point to him as a suspect.

Why is he being set up? As he and his assistant work to decipher the code left on the curtains, another professor at the university is murdered. And yet another mysterious code is left at the scene of the crime.

Dec. 20: “Gold Woman.” Tamaki Yoshizawa is an up-and-coming female executive of Teito Bank tasked with restructuring an underperforming division, which will result in layoffs and the forced retirement of many long-time employees. In the process of carrying out her unpleasant responsibility, Tamaki learns she was set up by her immediate supervisor, Mai Yajima, to carry out the dirty work.  In an environment where women have difficulty enough succeeding in a man’s world, is there any camaraderie amongst women?

Dec. 27; “Kuroha.” The bodies of 14 men and women are found frozen to death in containers in the harbor district of Kanagawa. Detective Kuroha is the first person to make the discovery, and is assigned to the task force investigating the crime. A suicide note is found at the scene, leading the task force to believe it was a mass suicide. But Detective Kuroha has a different hypothesis. She believes there was a 15th person . . . someone who has not committed suicide yet.

“When You Were Mine,” Sunday at 6 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 in 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?

“Temporary Boyfriend,” Sunday at 8 p.m.

Horizon is a mail order company with more than 100 million items in their catalogue. Horizon’s staff has no problem fulfilling their customers’ every desire with the click of a mouse, but when it comes to fulfilling their own happiness, they fall short. Relationships are more difficult to obtain for the young Horizon staff.

“I Could Marry If I Wanted To (TBS),” Sunday at 9 p.m.

Miyabi Tachibana is 39 years old and she hasn’t had a boyfriend in five years. A beautiful and successful doctor, she enjoys her life as a single woman. Miyabi is pretty and confident, but at her school reunion, she finds herself being pitied by others for still being single. After the school reunion, she attends a gourmet meeting at a restaurant. There, she talks about her school reunion. At that time, Seiji, the owner of the restaurant, makes a biting remark that she isn’t the type popular with men. She becomes upset by the remarks and declares, “Get married?  I can get married if I set my heart on it.  I’ll show you!”

“Nobunaga’s Chef 2,” (TV Asahi), Monday at 8 p.m.

Based on the manga of the same name, this drama is about time travel.

A young chef named Ken is mysteriously transported to the Sengoku period and he also loses most of his memories. He is thrown in the midst of a battle between soldiers, and, as both sides think he is a spy, they hunt him down. During his escape, Ken meets Natsu, a young blacksmith girl. Because of his cooking abilities, Ken is soon recruited as personal chef of Oda Nobunaga.

“Brass Dreams,” Monday 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.

“Naotora: The Lady Warlord,” (NHK) Tuesday, at 8 p.m.; repeats on Sunday at 7 p.m.

During the Sengoku period, the Ii family governs the Totomi region. Due to many past wars, there are no more male successors left to become a lord. Naotora Ii, the only daughter of the lord, is next in line. Although she will face a difficult period, the constant love from her fiancé, whom she became engaged with at a young age, helps her to keep moving forward.

Starring Ko Shibasaki, Haruma Miura, Issei Takahashi, Tetta Sugimoto, Naomi Zaizen, Gin Maeda, Tsuyoshi Ukaji, Shihori Kajiya, Mitsuru Fukikoshi and Shota Shunputei.

“Partners 12,” Thursday at 8 p.m.

The twelfth 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.

“Dotchi” (YTV), Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 7 p.m.

This popular exciting cooking show returns!!

Which dish??? Hiroshi Sekiguchi and Yuji Miyake hosts an exciting cooking contest between expert chefs, cooking two popular dishes using the best ingredients possible. When the chefs have completed their dishes, a celebrity panel is presented with a choice of which dish they wish to eat. The choice that receives the majority of the votes, “wins” and the panelists get to eat that dish.

“The Imposter,” Saturday at 5 p.m.

Lara and Sara were conjoined twins who, after being separated, are adopted by two different aunts. Aunty Betty takes Lara, so her mean daughter Vanessa will have a playmate. But living in their cruel household forces Lara to run away, and she eventually finds a kind Samaritan who takes her in. Meanwhile, Sara is adopted by another aunt, whose abusive husband disfigures her face. After plastic surgery to restore her face, Sara realizes the surgeon has made her look exactly like her cousin Vanessa. Only then does she learn that the surgeon and Vanessa are lovers, and the surgery was a plot to create Vanessa’s body double, freeing the couple to travel abroad and spend money stolen from Vanessa’s husband.

“Handful of Tears,” Saturday at 6 p.m.; repeats Sunday at 5 p.m.

A heart-rending story of a mother who struggles to keep her children from being taken away from her.

After a whirlwind romance, Amelia ends up marrying Mario. They are rich in love but don’t have much money, so to help make ends meet, they live with Mario’s stepmother, who is cruel to Amelia.

To support his family, Mario moves to the city for a job. There, he meets a wealthy heiress named Veronica. Veronica falls in love with Mario and, with the help of Mario’s stepmother, destroys the once happy family.

Amelia’s life becomes a living hell as one by one, her children are taken away from her. Will she have the courage and strength to rebuild her life?

“Shitsuren Chocolatier,” Saturday at 7 p.m.

A culinary student’s one-sided love for his once high school sweetheart is a story of bittersweet unrequited love that will surely melt your heart.  His love for her and her love for chocolate lead him on a quest to creating the perfect chocolate in order to capture her heart.

“Homicide Team 9 – Season 6” (TV Asahi), Saturday at 8 p.m.

Homicide Team 9, which is composed by the few elites, is the most unusual team in criminal investigation divisions of the Metropolitan Police Department. They are always at the top of the criminal arrest rate. They try to solve criminal cases with struggling and cooperating each other.

“Gekido no 1750-nichi (1,750 Days of Turbulence),” 1990, 1 hour and 55 minutes.

Directed by Sadao Nakajima. Starring Kiichi Nakai, and Masaya Kato.

The depiction of a 1,750-day long gang war.

“Gokuchu no Kaoyaku (Prison Boss),” 1968 action film, 1 hour and 30
minutes.

Directed by Yasuo Huruhata. Starring Ken Takakura and Junko Fuji.

Rival gangs fight over ownership of bicycle race track.

“Gozonji Kaiketsu Kurozukin Dai-niwa Shinsengumi Tsuigeki (The Black Hooded Man 2),” 1955 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 23 minutes.

Directed by Koukichi Uchida. Starring Ryurato Otomo and Shinobu Chihara.

The mysterious black hooded man, Kurozukin, helps transport funds raised to fight against the government.

“Hatamoto Taikutsu Otoko Nazo no Nanairo Goten (The Cape of the Vampire Bats),” 1970 samurai film, 1 hour and 26 minutes.

Directed by Yasushi Sasaki. Starring Utaemon Ichikawa and Shingo Yamashiro.

Mondonosuke finds out a secret regarding the Tokugawa family.

“Hibari Chiemi no Yajikita Douchu (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 Ohako Benten Kozo (Hibari’s Favorite),” 1960 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 14 minutes.

Directed by Yasushi Sasaki. Starring Hibari Misora, Kotaro Satomi and Tomisaburo Wakayama.

Kikunosuke, a young temple servant, turns to his mother, Ofuji, for protection after being wrongly accused of murder. However Ofuji decides to turn her son into the police to collect a monetary reward. Devastated by this betrayal, Kikunosuke escapes to Edo in hopes of starting over. Once there, he takes on the name, “Benten Kozo” and soon joins a gang led by Nihon Daemon which will later be known as Shiranami Goninotoko.

“Hokuriku Dairi Senso (The Shadow War of the Yakuza),” 1977 action film, 1 hour and 38 minutes.

Directed by Kinji Fukasaku. Starring Hiroki Matsukata and Sonny Chiba.

The fight between a small local gang and the biggest yakuza family. In the setting of the Hokuriku region, where the snow and cold winds rage, battles among yakuza, who value land over tradition are shown. Noboru Kawada uses any measure for survival, disregarding parents, brothers, and tradition.

“Kagurame,” 2015 drama, 1 hour and 53 minutes.

Directed by Yasuo Okuaki. Starring Rina Takada and Ren Osugi.

Akine lost her mother at a very young age. On the day that her mother had passed, her father was nowhere to be seen, but rather out practicing the “Shishi Kagura,” a traditional Japanese dance. Since then, Akine has held a grudge against her father. As soon as she graduated from high school, Akine left her hometown. Five years later, Akine returns to her hometown on the 13th anniversary of her mother’s death. Her father is getting ready for a festival, which happens once every 60 years, to perform his last dance, but something goes wrong.

“Kakekomi Onna to Kekedashi Otoko (KAKEKOMI),” 2015 jidaigeki drama, 2 hours and 23 minutes.

Directed by Masato Harada. Starring Yo Oizumi and Erika Toda.

Set in the Edo period during a time when the divorce rate was actually much higher than the present day.

A thrift ordinance has been announced by the government and the lives of common people get worse. During this time, a nunnery called Tökei-ji in Kamakura becomes known for offering refuge to women while they’re in the process of divorcing their husbands or are otherwise trapped in bad situations. Many are being abused by their husbands. Shinjiro is a doctor and wants to be a literary writer. He stays at a Kashiwaya Inn located at Tökei-ji to get ideas for a book he plans to write about various situations and tactics involved in divorce arbitration. While there, he attempts to offer friendly advice to several of the women regarding their new lives, but winds up getting dragged into their troubles in the process.

“Ma no Toki (Moment of Demon),” 1985 drama, 1 hour and 51 minutes.

Directed by Yasuo Furuhata. Starring Shima Iwashita, and Shinobu Sakagami.

A mother who loves her son too much commits incest.

“Nihon Jokyoden Ketto Midarebana (Bloodiest Flower),” 1971 drama,
1 hour and 47 minutes.

Directed by Kosaku Yamashita. Starring Junko Fuji, Ken Takakura and Masahiko Tsugawa.

The story of Tei, a female coal mine operator, who risks her life to protect the business that was passed on by late husband.

“Osome Hisamatsu Soyokaze Higasa,” 1959 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 32
minutes.

Directed by Tadashi Sawashima. Starring Hibari Misora and Kotaro Satomi.

Young feisty woman Osome searches for her true love in the midst of a family crisis.

“Shingo Juban Shobu Dai Ichibu/Dai Nibu (Shingo’s Original Challenge, Parts 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?

“Shiranui Kozo Hyobanki Naruto Hikyaku (The Envoy),” 1958 jidaigeki,
1 hour and 27 minutes.

Directed by Kinnosuke Fukada. Starring Hashizo Okawa and Hiromi Hanazono.

Nifty Shiranui Kozo’s racy travel journal on Tokaido.

“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, Yokoyama, the vice president of Taiyo Real Estate, 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.

“Toyama no Kinsan Hayabusa Bugyo,” 1957 samurai film, 1 hour and 33 minutes.

Directed by Kinnosuke Fukada. Starring Chiezo Kataoka, Hashizo Okawa and Shinobu Chihara.

Toyama Kinshiro, a commissioner from northern Edo, goes undercover to unravel the mystery behind a series of murders. Kinshiro, played by Kataoka Chiezo, is most famous for the cherry blossom tattoos on his shoulder, which he reveals at the moment of judgment.

“Wakakihino Jirocho Tokaiichi no Wakaoyabun (Young Master of Tokai),” 1961 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 34 minutes.

Directed by Masahiro Makino. Starring Kinnosuke Nakamura and Michitaro Mizushima.

Jirocho’s plan to settle down with Ocho and live a quiet life is short lived as he steps in to prevent an illegal prostitution business from being introduced on his turf.

NGN — Spectrum Ch. 677/HD 1677 (For updated information, call 538-1966)

PROGRAMS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
WITHOUT NOTICE

“Warotenka,” premieres on Saturday, Dec. 2, at 7:15 p.m.

The 97th NHK Asadora is about Ten, a cheerful girl born in Kyoto in the late Meiji period, who finds great joy in a life filled with laughter. After getting married, she and her husband launch a storytellers’ hall management in Osaka, leading her to become the first woman to bring comedy into business in Japan. Fully subtitled in English.

“Esprit Japon,” premieres on Sunday, Dec. 17, at 7:15 p.m.

Esprit Japon is a show that travels all over Japan in search of objects or craft techniques that make it famous throughout the world in the spirit of “Cool Japan.” One section presents various creators or craftsmen and in another section you can discover various Japanese craft specialties, while the “Travel” section takes you on the trail of famous travelers from around the world to unveil a Japan never seen before ! The show is presented by the charming Yua Shinkawa, a model/actress with growing popularity. Sit back and enjoy the trip! Fully subtitled in English.

“Demo Kekkon Shitai! (But, I Want to Get Married!),” airs on Monday, Dec. 25 and Wednesday, Dec. 27, at 7:35 p.m.

Soon to be 34-year-old Haruko is a manga artist who draws BL (Boys’ Love) manga. She realizes that she has lived a life engrossed in her work without any thought of the future. Encouraged by her assistant, she begins going to marriage parties in hopes of finding someone. But her past of being rejected by previous boyfriends due to her career choice and interest leaves her shy and unable to speak out. Will she find love and get married?! Fully subtitled in English.

“Otoko wa Tsuraiyo Shibamata Bojo (Tora-san 9),” airs on Saturday, Dec. 30, at 7:35 p.m.

Tora-san meets three women on vacation when he travels to Fukui. One of the women meets him at his home, and he believes she has fallen in love with him, unaware that she hopes to marry a potter in the countryside. Starring Sayuri Yoshinaga. Fully subtitled in English.

“Tora-san of Goto,” airs on Sunday, Dec. 31, at 7:15 p.m.

The documentary follows for 22 years a nine-member family involved in the manufacturing of udon in the Goto Islands, Nagasaki Prefecture. The head of the family, Torao Inuzuka, called by Tora-san’s, makes famous “Goto Udon” and natural salt on the island on which this depopulation is progressing. Seven children get up at 5 o’clock every morning, helping to make udon, then go to school. Children’s help is recorded on the time card to earn some pocket money. This documentary movie showcases the various events that unfold in the family, and provides an in-depth look into the unique bonds of the family, prevailing over generations.  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 538-1966 for inquiries or to request an e-mail of NGN 3 programming information. All movies are in Japanese language with full English subtitles.

Movie of the Month

Dec. 2: “Yoko-zakura (Yoko the Cherry Blossom),” 2015 drama, 1 hour and 54 minutes.

Directed by Gen Takahashi. Starring Takashi Sasano and Yuki Kazamatsuri.

Based on an inspiring true story, “Yoko the Cherry Blossom” chronicles the life of Masaaki Takaoka, a high school teacher in rural Japan. He creates the very first artificially pollinated hybrid cherry blossom, to fulfill a promise he made to his beloved students before they were sent off to the battlefields to fight in World War II. Masaaki becomes obsessed with his lifelong project to create a new type of cherry blossom tree that can blossom anywhere, in any climate, so that the spirits of his students would have a place to meet, just like he promised.

After more than 30 years, a stubborn Masaaki does the impossible, successfully creating YOKO, the first-ever artificially created cherry blossom. He donates the beautiful trees to anyone who wants them, eventually giving away more than 30,000 cherry trees as a symbol of world peace and harmony. His beautiful YOKO Cherry Blossoms now bloom in over 20 countries around the world.

Movies in Alphabetical Order

“Akojo Danzetsu (Swords of Vengeance),” 1978 samurai film, 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Directed by Kinji Fukasaku. Starring Kinnosuke Yorozuya, Sinichi Chiba (Sonny Chiba) and Hiroki Matsukata.

A presentation of the classic tale of the 47 ronin. After the unjust execution of their lord, 47 loyal retainers plot their revenge. Their story exemplifies the true meaning of loyalty.

“Bakuchiuchi Inochifuda (Fate Deals the Card of Death),” 1971 action film, 1 hour and 46 minutes.

Directed by Kosaku Yamashita. Starring Koji Tsuruta and Tomisaburo Wakayama.

Seijiro and Shizue meet in Niigata and fall in love. Seijiro has to go back to Tokyo soon after, and they promise each other to meet again a year later. However, Seijiro gets jailed for five years. Unable to find him, Shizue gets married to a yakuza boss who can help her family business.

“Chiyari Muso (Blooded Spear),” 1959 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Directed by Yasushi Sasaki. Starring Chiezo Kataoka, Hashizo Okawa and Hiromi Hanazono.

While waiting for an opportunity for revenge on his late master’s death, Ako soldier Sugino meets a skilled spear fighter Tawaraboshi Genban who trains him on mastering the art of spear fighting.

“Daininjutsu Eiga Watari (Watari, the Ninja Boy),” 1966 ninja/action/samurai film, 1 hour and 27 minutes.

Directed by Sadao Funadoko. Starring Yoshinobu Kaneko, Ryutaro Otomo, Chiyoko Honma and Fuyukichi Maki.

Historic rivals, the Momochi and Fujibayashi ninja clans are governed by the strict code of the ninja, where disobedience is punishable by death.

A skilled ninja, Watari is befriended by a fellow young ninja, Kazura. Upon learning of Kazura’s sister’s death during a mission for the clan, Watari and Kazura set out to go after those who took her life. However, Watari and Kazura soon find their own lives at risk as they uncover the shocking details of lies and conspiracy among the heads of the Momochi and Fujibayashi clans in their efforts to maintain power and control.

“Edo no Akutaro (Evil Taro of Edo),” 1959 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 31 minutes.

Directed by Masahiro Makino. Starring Ryutaro Otomo and Keiko Okawa.

Sanshiro, a kindhearted swordsman, rescues poor villagers from evil and greedy Vassal Akiyama.

4:20 p.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge

6:10 p.m. – Moment of Demon

8:10 p.m. – KAKEKOMI

10:40 p.m. – Lifetime Insecurity

SUNDAY, DEC. 17

12:30 a.m. – Gentle Breeze

2:10 a.m. – The Black Hooded Man 2

3:40 a.m. – Fate Deals the Card of Death

5:30 a.m. – Falcon Magistrate

7:10 a.m. – Bloodied Spear

8:50 a.m. – KAKEKOMI

11:20 a.m. – Cape of the Vampire Bats

12:50 p.m. – Bloodied Flower

2:40 p.m. – Travels of Hibari and Chiemi

4:10 p.m. – Swords of Vengeance

6:50 p.m. – Young Master of Tokai

8:30 p.m. – Watari the Ninja Boy

10 p.m. – Lifetime Insecurity

11:50 p.m. – Hibari’s Favorite

MONDAY, DEC. 18

1:10 a.m. – The Envoy

2:40 a.m. – 1,750 Days of Turbulence

4:40 a.m. – Moment of Demon

6:40 a.m. – Bloodied Spear

8:20 a.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge

10:10 a.m. – Moment of Demon

12:10 p.m. – The Shadow War of the Yakuza

1:50 p.m. – The Envoy

3:20 p.m. – Bloodied Spear

5 p.m. – Lifetime Insecurity

6:50 p.m. – Hibari’s Favorite

8:10 p.m. – Prison Boss

9:40 p.m. – 1,750 Days of Turbulence

11:40 p.m. – Evil Taro of Edo

TUESDAY, DEC. 19

1:20 a.m. – Watari the Ninja Boy

2:50 a.m. – Gentle Breeze

4:30 a.m. – Swords of Vengeance

7:10 a.m. – Young Master of Tokai

8:50 a.m. – Falcon Magistrate

10:30 a.m. – Cape of the Vampire Bats

Noon – Bloodied Flower

1:50 p.m. – Travels of Hibari and Chiemi

3:20 p.m. – Kagurame

5:20 p.m. – The Shadow War of the Yakuza

7 p.m. – The Black Hooded Man 2

8:30 p.m. – Fate Deals the Card of Death

10:20 p.m. – Prison Boss

11:50 p.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 20

1:40 a.m. – Fate Deals the Card of Death

3:30 a.m. – Falcon Magistrate

5:10 a.m. – Lifetime Insecurity

7 a.m. – Hibari’s Favorite

8:20 a.m. – Evil Taro of Edo

10 a.m. – Kagurame

Noon – Prison Boss

1:30 p.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge

3:20 p.m. – Swords of Vengeance

6 p.m. – Young Master of Tokai

7:40 p.m. – Bloodied Spear

9:20 p.m. – Lifetime Insecurity

11:10 p.m. – Cape of the Vampire Bats

THURSDAY, DEC. 21

12:40 a.m. – Bloodied Flower

2:30 a.m. – The Envoy

4 a.m. – 1,750 Days of Turbulence

6 a.m. – The Black Hooded Man 2

7:30 a.m. – Fate Deals the Card of Death

9:20 a.m. – Watari the Ninja Boy

10:50 a.m. – Gentle Breeze

12:30 p.m. – The Shadow War of the Yakuza

2:10 p.m. – The Envoy

3:40 p.m. – KAKEKOMI

6:10 p.m. – Lifetime Insecurity

8 p.m. – Travels of Hibari and Chiemi

9:30 p.m. – Swords of Vengeance

FRIDAY, DEC. 22

12:10 a.m. – Moment of Demon

2:10 a.m. – Bloodied Spear

3:50 a.m. – Bloodied Flower

5:40 a.m. – Travels of Hibari and Chiemi

7:10 a.m. – Bloodied Spear

8:50 a.m. – KAKEKOMI

11:20 a.m. – 1,750 Days of Turbulence

1:20 p.m. – Evil Taro of Edo

3 p.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge

4:50 p.m. – Moment of Demon

6:50 p.m. – Gentle Breeze

8:30 p.m. – The Black Hooded Man 2

10 p.m. – Young Master of Tokai

11:40 p.m. – Watari the Ninja Boy

SATURDAY, DEC. 23

1:10 a.m. – Evil Taro of Edo

2:50 a.m. – The Shadow War of the Yakuza

4:30 a.m. – Falcon Magistrate

6:10 a.m. – Cape of the Vampire Bats

7:40 a.m. – Hibari’s Favorite

9 a.m. – Prison Boss

10:30 a.m. – Evil Taro of Edo

12:10 p.m. – The Shadow War of the Yakuza

1:50 p.m. – Moment of Demon

3:50 p.m. – Bloodied Spear

5:30 p.m. – The Envoy

7 p.m. – 1,750 Days of Turbulence

9 p.m. – Lifetime Insecurity

10:50 p.m. – Hibari’s Favorite

SUNDAY, DEC. 24

12:10 a.m. – Young Master of Tokai

1:50 a.m. – Watari the Ninja Boy

3:20 a.m. – Travels of Hibari and Chiemi

4:50 a.m. – Swords of Vengeance

7:30 a.m. – Cape of the Vampire Bats

9 a.m. – Bloodied Flower

10:50 a.m. – Fate Deals the Card of Death

12:40 p.m. – Falcon Magistrate

2:20 p.m. – Gentle Breeze

4 p.m. – The Black Hooded Man 2

5:30 p.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge

7:20 p.m. – Moment of Demon

9:20 p.m. – Yoko the Cherry Blossom

11:20 p.m. – Travels of Hibari and Chiemi

MONDAY, DEC. 25

12:50 a.m. – Prison Boss

2:20 a.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge

4:10 a.m. – The Shadow War of the Yakuza

5:50 a.m. – The Envoy

7:20 a.m. – The Black Hooded Man 2

8:50 a.m. – Fate Deals the Card of Death

10:40 a.m. – Yoko the Cherry Blossom

12:40 p.m. – Hibari’s Favorite

2:10 p.m. – Bloodied Flower

4 p.m. – Travels of Hibari and Chiemi

5:30 p.m. – Bloodied Spear

7:10 p.m. – KAKEKOMI

9:40 p.m. – 1,750 Days of Turbulence

11:40 p.m. – Evil Taro of Edo

TUESDAY, DEC. 26

1:20 a.m. – Falcon Magistrate

3 a.m. – Cape of the Vampire Bats

4:30 a.m. – Hibari’s Favorite

5:50 a.m. – Prison Boss

7:20 a.m. – KAKEKOMI

9:50 a.m. – Lifetime Insecurity

11:40 a.m. – Swords of Vengeance

2:20 p.m. – Young Master of Tokai

4 p.m. – Watari the Ninja Boy

5:30 p.m. – Gentle Breeze

7:10 p.m. – Evil Taro of Edo

8:50 p.m. – The Shadow War of the Yakuza

10:30 p.m. – Gentle Breeze

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 27

12:10 a.m. – The Black Hooded Man 2

1:40 a.m. – Moment of Demon

3:40 a.m. – Bloodied Spear

5:20 a.m. – Fate Deals the Card of Death

7:10 a.m. – Falcon Magistrate

8:50 a.m. – The Envoy

10:20 a.m. – 1,750 Days of Turbulence

12:20 p.m. – Cape of the Vampire Bats

1:50 p.m. – Bloodied Flower

3:40 p.m. – Lifetime Insecurity

5:30 p.m. – Hibari’s Favorite

6:50 p.m. – Travels of Hibari and Chiemi

8:20 p.m. – Swords of Vengeance

11 p.m. – Young Master of Tokai

THURSDAY, DEC. 28

12:40 a.m. – Watari the Ninja Boy

2:10 a.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge

4 a.m. – Moment of Demon

6 a.m. – 1,750 Days of Turbulence

8 a.m. – Evil Taro of Edo

9:40 a.m. – Bloodied Flower

11:30 a.m. – Travels of Hibari and Chiemi

1 p.m. – Moment of Demon

3 p.m. – Bloodied Spear

4:40 p.m. – Lifetime Insecurity

6:30 p.m. – Hibari’s Favorite

7:50 p.m. – Fate    Deals the Card of Death

9:40 p.m. – Falcon Magistrate

11:20 p.m. – The Shadow War of the Yakuza

FRIDAY, DEC. 29

1 a.m. – The Envoy

2:30 a.m. – Watari the Ninja Boy

4 a.m. – Gentle Breeze

5:40 a.m. – The Black Hooded Man 2

7:10 a.m. – Fate Deals the Card of Death

9 a.m. – The Envoy

10:30 a.m. – 1,750 Days of Turbulence

12:30 p.m. – Cape of the Vampire Bats

2 p.m. – Bloodied Flower

3:50 p.m. – Bloodied Spear

5:30 p.m. – Lifetime Insecurity

7:20 p.m. – Swords of Vengeance

10 p.m. – Young Master of Tokai

11:40 p.m. – Kagurame

SATURDAY, DEC. 30

1:40 a.m. – The Shadow War of the Yakuza

3:20 a.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge

5:10 a.m. – Moment of Demon

7:10 a.m. – Hibari’s Favorite

8:30 a.m. – Prison Boss

10 a.m. – Evil Taro of Edo

11:40 a.m. – Kagurame

1:40 p.m. – Gentle Breeze

3:20 p.m. – The Black Hooded Man 2

4:50 p.m. – Hibari’s Favorite

6:10 p.m. – Prison Boss

7:40 p.m. – Falcon Magistrate

9:20 p.m. – Cape of the Vampire Bats

10:50 p.m. – Yoko the Cherry Blossom

SUNDAY, DEC. 31

12:50 a.m. – Hibari’s Favorite

2:20 a.m. – The Shadow War of the Yakuza

4 a.m. – The Envoy

5:30 a.m. – Prison Boss

7 a.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge

8:50 a.m. – 1,750 Days of Turbulence

10:50 a.m. – Evil Taro of Edo

12:30 p.m. – Young Master of Tokai

2:10 p.m. – Watari the Ninja Boy

3:40 p.m. – The Black Hooded Man 2

5:10 p.m. – Fate Deals the Card of Death

7 p.m. – Yoko the Cherry Blossom

9 p.m. – Travels of Hibari and Chiemi

10:30 p.m. – Prison Boss

FRIDAY, DEC. 1

Midnight – Shingo’s Original Challenge

1:50 a.m. – Moment of Demon

3:50 a.m. – The Shadow War of the Yakuza

5:30 a.m. – The Envoy

7 a.m. – Bloodied Spear

8:40 a.m. – Lifetime Insecurity

10:30 a.m. – Hibari’s Favorite

11:50 a.m. – Prison Boss

1:20 p.m. – 1,750 Days of Turbulence

3:20 p.m. – Evil Taro of Edo

5 p.m. – Watari the Ninja Boy

6:30 p.m. – Gentle Breeze

8:10 p.m. – Falcon Magistrate

9:50 p.m. – Cape of the Vampire Bats

11:20 p.m. – Bloodied Flower

SATURDAY, DEC. 2

1:10 a.m. – Travels of Hibari and Chiemi

2:40 a.m. – The Black Hooded Man 2

4:10 a.m. – Fate Deals the Card of Death

6 a.m. – Prison Boss

7:30 a.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge

9:20 a.m. – Moment of Demon

11:20 a.m. – Bloodied Spear

1 p.m. – The Envoy

2:30 p.m. – 1,750 Days of Turbulence

4:30 p.m. – Fate Deals the Card of Death

6:20 p.m. – Falcon Magistrate

8 p.m. – Yoko the Cherry Blossom

10 p.m. – Travels of Hibari and Chiemi

11:30 p.m. – Swords of Vengeance

SUNDAY, DEC. 3

2:10 a.m. – Young Master of Tokai

3:50 a.m. – Evil Taro of Edo

5:30 a.m. – The Shadow War of the Yakuza

7:10 a.m. – Lifetime Insecurity

9 a.m. – Hibari’s Favorite

10:20 a.m. – Young Master of Tokai

Noon – Watari the Ninja Boy

1:30 p.m. – Gentle Breeze

3:10 p.m. – The Black Hooded Man 2

4:40 p.m. – Yoko the Cherry Blossom

6:40 p.m. – Hibari’s Favorite

8:10 p.m. – Travels of Hibari and Chiemi

9:40 p.m. – Swords of Vengeance

MONDAY, DEC. 4

12:20 a.m. – Cape of the Vampire Bats

1:50 a.m. – Bloodied Flower

3:40 a.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge

5:30 a.m. – Moment of Demon

7:30 a.m. – 1,750 Days of Turbulence

9:30 a.m. – Evil Taro of Edo

11:10 a.m. – Swords of Vengeance

1:50 p.m. – Young Master of Tokai

3:30 p.m. – Bloodied Flower

5:20 p.m. – Travels of Hibari and Chiemi

6:50 p.m. – Kagurame

8:50 p.m. – The Shadow War of the Yakuza

10:30 p.m. – Prison Boss

TUESDAY, DEC. 5

Midnight – Shingo’s Original Challenge

1:50 a.m. – Moment of Demon

3:50 a.m. – Bloodied Spear

5:30 a.m. – Lifetime Insecurity

7:20 a.m. – Hibari’s Favorite

8:40 a.m. – Evil Taro of Edo

10:20 a.m. – Kagurame

12:20 p.m. – Travels of Hibari and Chiemi

1:50 p.m. – Swords of Vengeance

4:30 p.m. – Fate Deals the Card of Death

6:20 p.m. – Falcon Magistrate

8 p.m. – The Shadow War of the Yakuza

9:40 p.m. – The Envoy

11:10 p.m. – Hibari’s Favorite

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 6

12:30 a.m. – Prison Boss

2 a.m. – Watari the Ninja Boy

3:30 a.m. – Gentle Breeze

5:10 a.m. – Falcon Magistrate

6:50 a.m. – Cape of the Vampire Bats

8:20 a.m. – The Black Hooded Man 2

9:50 a.m. – Fate Deals the Card of Death

11:40 a.m. – The Envoy

1:10 p.m. – 1,750 Days of Turbulence

3:10 p.m. – Young Master of Tokai

4:50 p.m. – Watari the Ninja Boy

6:20 p.m. – Bloodied Spear

8 p.m.– KAKEKOMI

10:30 p.m. – Cape of the Vampire Bats

THURSDAY, DEC. 7

Midnight – Bloodied Flower

1:50 a.m. – Gentle Breeze

3:30 a.m. – The Black Hooded Man 2

5 a.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge

6:50 a.m. – Moment of Demon

8:50 a.m. – Watari the Ninja Boy

10:20 a.m. – Gentle Breeze

Noon – KAKEKOMI

2:30 p.m. – Lifetime Insecurity

4:20 p.m. – Prison Boss

5:50 p.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge

7:40 p.m. – Swords of Vengeance

10:20 p.m. – Yoko the Cherry Blossom

FRIDAY, DEC. 8

12:20 a.m. – Young Master of Tokai

2 a.m. – Watari the Ninja Boy

3:30 a.m. – Bloodied Spear

5:10 a.m. – Lifetime Insecurity

7 a.m. – Falcon Magistrate

8:40 a.m. – Cape of the Vampire Bats

10:10 a.m. – Yoko the Cherry Blossom

12:10 p.m. – Hibari’s Favorite

1:40 p.m. – Moment of Demon

3:40 p.m. – Bloodied Spear

5:20 p.m. – Cape of the Vampire Bats

6:50 p.m. – Bloodied Flower

8:40 p.m. – Hibari’s Favorite

10 p.m. – Prison Boss

11:30 p.m. – Bloodied Flower

SATURDAY, DEC. 9

1:20 a.m. – Travels of Hibari and Chiemi

2:50 a.m. – The Envoy

4:20 a.m. – 1,750 Days of Turbulence

6:20 a.m. – Fate Deals the Card of Death

8:10 a.m. – Falcon Magistrate

9:50 a.m. – 1,750 Days of Turbulence

11:50 a.m. – Evil Taro of Edo

1:30 p.m. – The Black Hooded Man 2

3 p.m. – Fate Deals the Card of Death

4:50 p.m. – Lifetime Insecurity

6:40 p.m. – Hibari’s Favorite

8 p.m. – Kagurame

10 p.m. – The Shadow War of the Yakuza

11:40 p.m. – Gentle Breeze

SUNDAY, DEC. 10

1:20 a.m. – The Black Hooded Man 2

2:50 a.m. – The Shadow War of the Yakuza

4:30 a.m. – The Envoy

6 a.m. – Swords of Vengeance

8:40 a.m. – Young Master of Tokai

10:20 a.m. – Evil Taro of Edo

Noon – Kagurame

2 p.m. – Travels of Hibari and Chiemi

3:30 p.m. – Swords of Vengeance

6:10 p.m. – Bloodied Spear

7:50 p.m. – Lifetime Insecurity

9:40 p.m. – Watari the Ninja Boy

11:10 p.m. – Gentle Breeze

MONDAY, DEC. 11

12:50 a.m. – Bloodied Flower

2:40 a.m. – Travels of Hibari and Chiemi

4:10 a.m. – Evil Taro of Edo

5:50 a.m. – The Shadow War of the Yakuza

7:30 a.m. – Lifetime Insecurity

9:20 a.m. – Hibari’s Favorite

10:40 a.m. – Cape of the Vampire Bats

12:10 p.m. – Bloodied Flower

2 p.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge

3:50 p.m. – Moment of Demon

5:50 p.m. – Hibari’s Favorite

7:10 p.m. – Prison Boss

8:40 p.m. – Swords of Vengeance

11:20 p.m. – Young Master of Tokai

TUESDAY, DEC. 12

1 a.m. – The Black Hooded Man 2

2:30 a.m. – Fate Deals the Card of Death

4:20 a.m. – Moment of Demon

6:20 a.m. – Bloodied Spear

8 a.m. – Young Master of Tokai

9:40 a.m. – Watari the Ninja Boy

11:10 a.m. – Fate Deals the Card of Death

1 p.m. – Falcon Magistrate

2:40 p.m. – The Shadow War of the Yakuza

4:20 p.m. – The Envoy

5:50 p.m. – 1,750 Days of Turbulence

7:50 p.m. – Evil Taro of Edo

9:30 p.m. – Yoko the Cherry Blossom

11:30 p.m. – Travels of Hibari and Chiemi

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 13

1 a.m. – Falcon Magistrate

2:40 a.m. – Cape of the Vampire Bats

4:10 a.m. – Prison Boss

5:40 a.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge

7:30 a.m. – The Envoy

9 a.m. – 1,750 Days of Turbulence

11 a.m. – Swords of Vengeance

1:40 p.m. – Yoko the Cherry Blossom

3:40 p.m. – Travels of Hibari and Chiemi

5:10 p.m. – Swords of Vengeance

7:50 p.m. – Gentle Breeze

9:30 p.m. – The Black Hooded Man 2

11 p.m. – The Shadow War of the Yakuza

THURSDAY, DEC. 14

12:40 a.m. – The Envoy

2:10 a.m. – Hibari’s Favorite

3:30 a.m. – Prison Boss

5 a.m. – Watari the Ninja Boy

6:30 a.m. – Gentle Breeze

8:10 a.m. – Falcon Magistrate

9:50 a.m. – Cape of the Vampire Bats

11:20 a.m. – The Black Hooded Man 2

12:50 p.m. – Fate Deals the Card of Death

2:40 p.m. – The Envoy

4:10 p.m. – 1,750 Days of Turbulence

6:10 p.m. – Evil Taro of Edo

7:50 p.m. – Kagurame

9:50 p.m. – Young Master of Tokai

11:30 p.m. – Watari the Ninja Boy

FRIDAY, DEC. 15

1 a.m. – Cape of the Vampire Bats

2:30 a.m. – Bloodied Flower

4:20 a.m. – Gentle Breeze

6 a.m. – The Black Hooded Man 2

7:30 a.m. – Fate Deals the Card of Death

9:20 a.m. – Falcon Magistrate

11 a.m. – Kagurame

1 p.m. – The Shadow War of the Yakuza

2:40 p.m. – Travels of Hibari and Chiemi

4:10 p.m. – Swords of Vengeance

6:50 p.m. – Lifetime Insecurity

8:40 p.m. – Hibari’s Favorite

10 p.m. – Moment of Demon

SATURDAY, DEC. 16

Midnight – Bloodied Spear

1:40 a.m. – Prison Boss

3:10 a.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge

5 a.m. – Bloodied Flower

6:50 a.m. – Travels of Hibari and Chiemi

8:20 a.m. – Swords of Vengeance

11 a.m. – Young Master of Tokai

12:40 p.m. – 1,750 Days of Turbulence

2:40 p.m. – Evil Taro of Edo

 Channel 4 (Spectrum) and 6 (Hawaiian Telcom) (Subject to change, without notice. For updated information, call 521-8066)

“Rebel,” Sunday at 6:30 p.m.; re-airs Monday at 1 p.m.

“Sweet Enemy,” Monday-Friday at 9:20 p.m.;
re-airs Monday-Friday at 12:20 p.m.

When Dal Nim Oh (Eun Hye Park) is falsely accused of murder, she decides to take revenge on those responsible for her misery.

Starring Park Eun Hye Park, Gun Yoo, Jae Woo Lee and Tae In Park.

“Love Temperature,” Monday and Tuesday at 7:45 p.m.; re-airs on Tuesday and Wednesday at 2:15 p.m.

Hyun-Soo is an aspiring drama series writer. She uses “Jane” as her username and begins chatting with username “Chakhan Seupeu” (‘Good Soup’) online. “Chakhan Seupeu” is actually Jung-Sun. He dreams of becoming a French food chef. They meet in real life.

Starring Hyun-Jin Seo and Se-Jong Yang.

“Wonderful Days,” Monday and Tuesday at 10 p.m.; re-airs on Tuesday and Wednesday at 1 p.m.

Dong-Suk grew up as a smart young boy, but came from a poor family background. He is now a successful prosecutor and comes back to his hometown for the first time in 14 years. There, he happens to meet his first love Hae-Won and falls in love with her all over again.

Starring Seo-Jin Lee, Hee-Seon Kim and Taecyeon Ok.

“Judge vs. Judge,” Wednesday and Thursday at 7:45 p.m.; re-airs on Thursday and Friday at 2:15 p.m.

Judge Jung-Joo Lee presides at the Seoul District Court. She sometimes swears at shameless defendants with unspeakable words. Judge Ui-Hyun Sa is assigned to the judgement bench with Judge Jung-Joo Lee. Ui-Hyun Sa is well known for his excellent use of the law and his conscience to reach verdicts. Jung-Joo Lee fights against a huge power who framed her older brother for murder and killed him

Starring Woo-Jin Yeon, Eun-Bin Park, Seung Bum Hong and Jung Woo Choi.

“Five Enough,” Wednesday and Thursday at 10 p.m.; re-airs on Thursday and Friday at 1 p.m.

Sang-Tae is left with his two children after his wife passes away. Since that time, he lives with his two kids and parents-in-law. He works as a marketing team leader for a fashion brand.

Mi-Jung works as an assistant manager at the same fashion company. Three years ago, her husband had an affair with her friend and left her. She couldn’t tell her kids the truth about their father and lied that their father went to work in America. To this day, the children still believe that their father is in America.

Sang-Tae and Mi-Jung never thought about falling in love again, but they fall in love with each other.

Starring Jae-Wook Ahn and Yu-Jin So.

“Bravo My Life,” Friday and Saturday at 7:45 p.m.; re-airs on Saturday and Sunday at noon.

Set in the world of television drama production, this drama revolves around three main characters: a haughty drama production director, an assistant director who’s still waiting to catch her big break, and a frustrated actor who still hasn’t debuted after seven years in the industry.

Starring Jung Yoo Mi Jung, Jung Hoon Yun, Woo Hyun and Ji Sub Kang.

“Secrets of Women,” Saturday-Sunday at 9:20 p.m.; re-airs Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m.

Ji-yoo Kang is a ballerina, the girlfriend of Kang-woo Yoo, heir of Moseong Group. After a traffic accident, Ji-yoo lost all of her memories, her family using up all their money to pay five years’ worth of hospital treatments. To pay for her huge debt, she entered the Yoo family (with no idea about Kang-woo’s identity or their past due to her amnesia) to be the nurse and guardian of Moseong Group’s chairman Man-ho Yoo (Kang-woo’s father). Seo-rin Chae was Ji-yoo’s best friend during high school, but was then raped on the orders of Il-goo Byeon. She was then forced to work with him to become the biggest stockholder of Moseong Group, becoming Ji-yoo’s enemy in the process.

Starring Yi-Hyun So, Min-Suk Oh, Yoon-Seo Kim and Jung-Hun Kim.

Channel 9 (Spectrum) and 20 (Hawaiian Telcom) Programs are subject to change, without notice. For updated information, call 847-2021)

KIKU-TV 2018 New Year’s Special Programs

“The 68th Annual Red and White Song Contest,” Monday, Jan. 1, from 5-10 p.m.

Kohaku Uta Gassen, more commonly known simply as Kohaku, is an annual music show produced by Japanese broadcaster NHK. The “Red and White Song Contest” is a program that divides the most popular music artists of the year into competing teams of red and white. The red team is composed of all female artists (or groups with female vocals), while the white team is all male (or groups with male vocals). A performance on Kohaku is said to be the highlight of a singer’s career because of the show’s large reach and status.

Kohaku airs in Japan on New Year’s Eve, with the announcement of the winning team taking place at midnight. In Hawaii, Kohaku has become a television viewing tradition on New Year’s night. 2018 marks the 68th year since the program’s inception.

“Making It Through 2017 Special,” Tuesday, Jan. 2, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 7, at 8 p.m.

Over the 20-year history of the “Making It Through” series, we watched the show’s characters literally grow up in front of us. Daikichi and his five daughters tackled tough subjects such as death, sibling rivalry, bullying, divorce, and other life experiences. In this special, the children of the five sisters are now also facing life’s complex issues. Shin has become a father and must figure out how to maintain a balance between his work and parenting.

“Naotora, The Lady Warlord,” Tuesday, Jan. 2, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 7, at 7 p.m.

This is the true-life story about Naotora Ii, a woman given a male name, who succeeded as the head of the Ii family during the Sengoku (Warring States) period. With her wisdom, courage and affection for her family and loved ones, Naotora lived through turbulent times and paved an honorable life path for those around her.

“TBS Mystery Special,” Wednesday, Jan. 3, 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?

“Doctor X Special,” Thursday, Jan. 4, at 7 p.m.

A special based on KIKU-TV’s popular “Doctor X” series, following the exploits and trials of Dr. Michiko Daimon, a freelance doctor with excellent surgical skills, but terrible people skills.  In this special, Dr. Daimon is asked to perform major surgery on a champion figure skater scheduled to compete in an upcoming world competition.

“Memories of Mom,” Friday, Jan. 5, at 7 p.m.

After years of trying, Kyoko and her husband Takehiro are finally pregnant. But their joy at the prospect of becoming parents ends suddenly when they learn Kyoko has stage four cancer. They now must face agonizing decisions that force them to choose between the life of Kyoko or the health of their baby. Adapted from a true story.

“Generations” Saturday, Jan. 6, at 7 p.m.

Seven young members of the musical group Generations compete against professional and student athletes in a nationwide competition involving unique challenges. Who will become the Generations champion?

“Makeover Mom,” Saturday, Jan. 6, at 8:30 p.m.

Mothers lead busy lives caring for their families and home, often putting their own needs and welfare last.  In this special, attention is focused on moms, and support is provided to help her lose weight, get fit, and feel beautiful. Can she do it?

“Homicide Team 9 – Season 6” (TV Asahi), Saturday at 8 p.m.

Homicide Team 9, which is composed by the few elites, is the most unusual team in criminal investigation divisions of the Metropolitan Police Department. They are always at the top of the criminal arrest rate. They try to solve criminal cases with struggling and cooperating each other.

“Big Guys with One Dish Tour #2,” airs Monday, Jan. 1, at noon.

The Fat Detective is at it again! This time, Ishizuka-san is accompanied by sumo wrestler Oyakata as they explore Japan, tasting the specialty foods of each area.

“Doctor X 4,” premieres Monday, Jan. 8, at 8 p.m.

Surgeon Michiko Daimon (Ryoko Yonekura) is sent to Totei University Hospital in this popular series’ fourth season.

Although it reigns as the top university hospital in the country, its reputation has suffered greatly from various cover-ups, medical malpractice and fighting factions. Furthermore, the person who has snatched the seat of the new hospital director with the plan of reestablishing the hospital’s brand and gaining great power, is none other than the strategist, Shigekatsu Hiruma (Toshiyuki Nishida), who has a longstanding grudge against Michiko. Only doctors who have powerful brands are kept to run the hospital, which has transformed it into a mere business organization.

“Crime Scene Investigators (CSI), premieres on Saturday, Jan. 13, at 7 p.m.

Satoshi Itomura is an assistant police investigator who belongs to the Metropolitan Police Department’s Scientific Investigation Team. His team collects scientific evidence and pieces together fragments of information in order to help build a story. Itomura often does not care about the scientific approach and instead pays a great deal of attention to the things the victims always carried with them or treasured, like the toys from their childhood.  He focuses on these things because they usually carry the victim’s last message.

“The Poor Heiress,” premieres Sunday, Jan. 14, at 6 p.m.

“The Poor Heiress” tells the story of two rival families in a Filipino-Chinese community: the Wong 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.

“Dr. Storks 2,” premieres Sunday, Jan. 14, at 8 p.m.

Set 2 years after season 1 of “Dr. Storks,” this drama series follows the growth and conflicts of Sakura Konotori (Gou Ayano). He works as a doctor delivering babies and also performs as a concert pianist under the nickname of “Baby.”

“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.

“I Could Marry If I Wanted To (TBS),” Sunday at 9 p.m.

Miyabi Tachibana is 39 years old and she hasn’t had a boyfriend in five years. A beautiful and successful doctor, she enjoys her life as a single woman. Miyabi is pretty and confident, but at her school reunion, she finds herself being pitied by others for still being single. After the school reunion, she attends a gourmet meeting at a restaurant. There, she talks about her school reunion. At that time, Seiji, the owner of the restaurant, makes a biting remark that she isn’t the type popular with men. She becomes upset by the remarks and declares, “Get married?  I can get married if I set my heart on it.  I’ll show you!”

“Naotora: The Lady Warlord,” (NHK) Tuesday, at 8 p.m.; repeats on Sunday at 7 p.m.

During the Sengoku period, the Ii family governs the Totomi region. Due to many past wars, there are no more male successors left to become a lord. Naotora Ii, the only daughter of the lord, is next in line. Although she will face a difficult period, the constant love from her fiancé, whom she became engaged with at a young age, helps her to keep moving forward.

Starring Ko Shibasaki, Haruma Miura, Issei Takahashi, Tetta Sugimoto, Naomi Zaizen, Gin Maeda, Tsuyoshi Ukaji, Shihori Kajiya, Mitsuru Fukikoshi and Shota Shunputei.

“Partners 12,” Thursday at 8 p.m.

The twelfth 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.

“Dotchi” (YTV), Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 7 p.m.

This popular exciting cooking show returns!!

Which dish??? Hiroshi Sekiguchi and Yuji Miyake hosts an exciting cooking contest between expert chefs, cooking two popular dishes using the best ingredients possible. When the chefs have completed their dishes, a celebrity panel is presented with a choice of which dish they wish to eat. The choice that receives the majority of the votes, “wins” and the panelists get to eat that dish.

“Mogitate TV,” airs Tuesday, Jan. 2, at 8:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Jan. 3, at 9:35 a.m.

“Mogitate TV,” is one of the longest-running local TV talk shows from Nankai Hoso, RNB. The show introduces a wide range of local fnds and experiences including hole-in-the-wall eateries, unique events and traditions. Experience the everyday life of people in Ehime, a sister state of Hawaii, through “Mogitate TV.”

“Anaba Traveler (The Pass Less Taken),” premieres Tuesday, Jan. 2, at 9:20 p.m.

In “The Pass Less Taken,” Yosuke Tagawa, Haruhi Ryoga, and Shoko Haida each travel alone in different towns. They not only go to the popular sightseeing spots of the Chugoku region including Hirosahima, but they also visit some hidden spots as well. Fully subtitled in English.

“Minshu no Teki (Public Enemy),” premieres Wednesday, Jan. 3, at 7:35 p.m.

Tomoko leads an ordinary life with her husband and a young child. When she gets fired she learns about the huge pay and high winning rate for city council members and quickly decides to run for the city council, even though she has no educational background. This is a story about a woman who simply wants “happiness” therefore opens the way to a new chapter in her life. Fully subtitled in English.

“Omukae Desu! (Good-Bye Ghosts!),” premieres Friday, Jan. 26, at 7:35 p.m.

It was at an old friend’s funeral that Madoka began to see ghosts. Death, wearing a bunny rabbit suit and acting quite shallow, eventually coerces him to work as a guide to bring spirits to the other world. It turns out that Sachi, who really despises him, is already working there! What’s this bizarre part-time job? Helping spirits cross over to the other side. 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 538-1966 for inquiries or to request an e-mail of NGN 3 programming information. All movies are in Japanese language with full English subtitles.

** NOTICE TO OUR SUBSCRIBERS: Due to special New Year’s programming, only movie synopses for special programs will be published this month. The movie schedule can be found on pages 4 and 5.

Community Favorites

Jan. 1 at 6 p.m.: “Otoko wa Tsuraiyo Shibamata Bojo (Tora-san’s Dear Old Home),” 1972 comedy/drama, 1 hour and 48 minutes.

Directed by Yoji Yamada. Starring Kiyoshi Atsumi and Sayuri Yoshinaga.

Tora-san meets three women on vacation in the historic, charming city of Kanazawa. Shy but pretty Utako particularly catches Tora-san’s eye. A few weeks later, Utako visits Tora-san in Shimabata, and Tora-san believes she has fallen in love with him, unaware that she hopes to marry a potter in the countryside.

Jan. 6 at 8 p.m.: “Tsuri Baka Nisshi 9 (Free and Easy 9),” 1997 comedy/drama, 1 hour and 55 minutes.

Directed by Tomio Kuriyama. Starring Toshiyuki Nishida and Ren Mikuni.

Hama-chan’s sales department gets a new supervisor, a hard-working taskmaster that’s the very opposite of carefree, irresponsible Hama-chan. The veteran employee decides to find his boss, a divorced father, a new wife. The supervisor loves a bar hostess “mama-san,” but is unable to confess his true feelings until Hama-chan comes to his rescue.

NEW YEAR’S SPECIAL MOVIES

Dec 31: “Hibari Ohako Benten Kozo (Hibari’s Favorite,” 1960 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 14 minutes.

Kikunosuke, a young temple servant, turns to his mother, Ofuji, for protection after being wrongly accused of murder. However Ofuji decides to turn her son into the police to collect a monetary reward. Devastated by this betrayal, Kikunosuke escapes to Edo in hopes of starting over. Once there, he takes on the name, “Benten Kozo” and soon joins a gang led by Nihon Daemon which will later becomes known as the Shiranami Goninotoko.

Jan. 1: “Chushingura Dai-ichibu Ouka no Maki (Forty Seven Masterless Samurai, Part 1),” 1959 samurai film, 1 hour and 39 minutes.

Directed by Sadatsugu Matsuda. Starring Chiezo Kataoka, Ryutaro Otomo, Chiyonosuke Azuma, Hashizo Okawa, Hibari Misora and Utaemon Ichikawa.

A famous story of 47 loyal vassals of the Ako clan, that takes revenge on their enemy. A must-see all star cast version.

Jan. 1: “Gajimaru Shokudo no Koi (Love at Gajimaru Diner),” 2014 drama, 1 hour and 38 minutes.

Directed by Kentaro Otani. Starring Haru and Yu Koyanagi.

Mizuho recently took over an eatery in Nago, Okinawa, which was left behind by her grandmother. She single-handedly runs “Gajimaru Diner” named after the large, deeply rooted gajimaru (banyan) tree in the area. Eventually, circumstances lead to her being brought together with an unknown traveler named Hayato, her ex-boyfriend Shota who had lived in Tokyo for the past seven years, and a beautiful woman named Riko.

Jan. 2: “Chushingura Dai-nibu Kikka no Maki (Forty Seven Masterless Samurai, Part 2),” 1959 samurai film, 1 hour and 23 minutes.

Directed by Sadatsugu Matsuda. Starring Chiezo Kataoka, Ryutaro Otomo, Chiyonosuke Azuma, Hashizo Okawa, Hibari Misora and Utaemon Ichikawa.

Conclusion to the story of the famous 47 loyal vassals of the Ako clan.

Jan. 2: “Okinawa Junen Senso (The Okinawa War of Ten Years),” 1978 drama, 1 hour and 41 minutes.

Directed by Akinori Matsuo. Starring Hiroki Matsukata and Shinichi Chiba.

After WWII, when Okinawa was under control of the U.S., 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.

PROGRAMS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
WITHOUT NOTICE

NGN NEW YEAR’S PROGRAMMING and FREEVIEW SPECIALS from Dec. 30 to Jan. 4

“Otoko wa Tsuraiyo Shibamata Bojo, Movie (Tora-san 9: Tora-san’s Dear Old Home),” airs Saturday, Dec. 30 at 7:35 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 31, at 8:40 a.m.

“Tora-san’s Dear Old Home” is the ninth entry in the popular, long-running “Otoko wa Tsuraiyo” series. Tora-san meets three women on vacation in the historic, charming city of Kanazawa. Shy but pretty Utako (Sayuri Yoshinaga) particularly catches Tora-san’s eye. A few weeks later, Utako visits Tora-san in Shimabata, and Tora-san believes she has fallen in love with him, unaware that she hopes to marry a potter in the countryside.

“Goto no Tora-san, Documentary Movie (Tora-san of Goto),” airs Saturday, Dec. 30, at 7:35 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 31, at 8:40 a.m.

For 22 years, this documentary follows nine family members involved in the manufacturing of udon in the Goto Islands of Nagasaki Prefecture. Toru Inuzuka, whose nickname is Tora-san, makes the famous “Goto Udon” and natural salt on an island where depopulation is progressing. Seven children get up at 5 o’clock every morning to help him make udon before going to school. All seven kids learn and grow, paving their own route including the rebellious one who leaves the house and  the one that stays locally to work in the local fshery. This is a moving documentary that explores family values and other themes like aging parents, parent-child conficts, sorrow and joy.

“A Door to Hokkaido Still Unseen,” airs on Sunday, Dec. 31, at 9:20 p.m. and Monday, Jan. 1, at 10:35 p.m.

A travel segment from “Dosanko Wide,” Sapporo TV’s popular program. A magnifcent view of the “sea fog” in Muroran and the migratory bird magan (greater white-fronted goose) in Bibai are featured. Local specialties and popular spots are also introduced. Let’s go see Hokkaido that is still unseen!

“Mentai Wide,” airs Monday, Jan. 1 at 8:30 p.m. and Tuesday, Jan. 2, at 9:35 a.m.

The “Ikinari Shokudo” team drops by the best places to eat around Fukuoka in the popular Fukuoka Broadcasting System (FBS) show, “Mentai Wide.” Watch as the intrepid reporters try to get permission to flm inside restaurants and present Fukuoka’s tastiest cheap eats.

“10-JIN ACTOR,” airs Monday, Jan. 1, at 9 p.m. and Tuesday, Jan. 2, at 10 a.m.

“10-JIN ACTOR” is a boy group featuring 10 winners from a reality talent show aired on FBS in 2014. Follow these 10 good looking, unique and multi-talented local Fukuoka boys do anything to become national idols!

“Hakken Rakuchaku,” airs Monday, Jan. 1 at 9:25 p.m. and Tuesday, Jan. 2 at 10:30 a.m.

“We’ll make your dream come true!“ In this popular variety program in Fukuoka from FBS, people from the Fukuoka Prefecture ask FBS to help their wishes come true. The team examines each person’s wish and comes up with the best way to make it happen.

“Okonomiyaki Kiko” (In Search of Okonomiyaki),” airs Tuesday, Jan. 2, at 9:45 p.m. and Wednesday, Jan. 3, at 10:55 a.m.

“Okonomiyaki Kiko”  is a show from HTV in Hiroshima Prefecture. The soul food of Hiroshima is Okonomiyaki. There are more than 1,800 Okonomiyaki restaurants in the Hiroshima Prefecture, and in this show some of the most popular ones are visited. It’s a gourmet adventure that will thrill and move you.

“Fun & Learn Hokkaido!” airs on Wednesday, Jan. 3 at 8:30 p.m. and Thursday, Jan. 4, at 9:35 p.m.

Shin-Chitose Airport, a gateway to Hokkaido, is used by more than 20 million people every year. Within the airport, there are many restaurants where you can taste the specialties of Hokkaido and delicious seasonal meals. Furthermore, there are also movie theaters and hot springs to relax in. It is called the “staying airport” because you can enjoy it all day. People even wait for one hour  wanting to buy special souvenirs. Let’s enjoy Hokkaido until the last minute before your departure.

“The Land of Dreams: Hokkaido,” airs Wednesday, Jan. 3, at 9 p.m. and Thurday, Jan. 4, at 10 a.m.

Watching this program will make you feel as if you are experiencing a luxury tour of Hokkaido. Riding on a canoe, going to an island of nature, and salmon fishing… This program focuses on a specifc local area that shows you all four seasons of Hokkaido.

“Keiji Yugami (Detective Yugami),” premieres Monday, Jan. 1, at 7:35 p.m.

In a society in which justice is awfully subjective, and the possibility of finding the truth is so complicated, detective Yugami (Tadanobu Asano) simply chases after the facts of various cases. To assist him, he has a sidekick called Torao Hanyu, who’s a serious detective with a completely different personality. Two detectives with absolutely nothing in common somehow try to combine their skills, in order to combat the enemies of society. Fully subtitled in English.

“Akashatsu no Gekishu (Revenge of the Red Shirt),” airs Tuesday, Jan. 2, at 7:35 p.m., 10:30 p.m. and  Wednesday, Jan. 3, at 8:40 a.m.

Soseki Natsume’s “Botchan” was set in Matsuyama, Ehime. In the novel, the mean spirited “red shirt” was modeled after Ishitaro Yokochi. However, Yokochi was a decent and honest man. For more than 100 years, he and his descendants have been stigmatized. Yokochi comes back from the grave to protect the pride of his family. “Red shirt” tries to prove his innocence in court today. Now begins the revenge of the red shirt! Fully subtitled in English.

5:20 p.m. – Mansion of Intrigue

7 p.m. – The Valiant Red Peony: You Are Dead

8:40 p.m. – Free and Easy 9

10:40 p.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge, Part 3

THURSDAY, JAN. 18

12:10 a.m. – The Valiant Red Peony: You Are Dead

1:50 a.m. – Cold Rice, Osan, Chan

4:50 a.m. – Yakuza vs. Gang Leader

6:30 a.m. – Sasaki Kojiro, Part 1

8 a.m. – Hibari’s Tale of Pathos

9:30 a.m. – Free and Easy 9

11:30 a.m. – Cold Rice, Osan, Chan

2:30 p.m. – The Okinawa War of Ten Years

4:20 p.m. – Patience Has an End

6:10 p.m. – Love at Gajimaru Diner

7:50 p.m.– A Spectacular Showdown

9:50 p.m. – Tetsu the White Tiger

11:20 p.m. – The Okinawa War of Ten Years

FRIDAY, JAN. 19

1:10 a.m. – Epic Crash

2:50 a.m. – Sasaki Kojiro, Part 1

4:20 a.m.A Yakuza Goes Home

6 a.m. – Epic Crash

7:40 a.m. – Meridian in the Mist

9:30 a.m. – Love at Gajimaru Diner

11:10 a.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge, Part 3

12:40 p.m. – Meridian in the Mist

2:30 p.m. – Tange Sazen and the Princess

4 p.m. – A Yakuza Goes Home

5:40 p.m. – Seventeen Ninja

7:20 p.m. – Tetsu the White Tiger

8:50 p.m. – Edo Girl Detective

10:20 p.m. – Pieta in the Toilet

SATURDAY, JAN. 20

12:20 a.m. – Mansion of Intrigue

2 a.m. – Hibari’s Tale of Pathos

3:30 a.m. – Drenched Swallow Gonpachi

5:10 a.m. – Seventeen Ninja

6:50 a.m. – The Samurai Markets

8:20 a.m. – Edo Girl Detective

9:50 a.m.– Pieta in the Toilet

11:50 a.m. – Patience Has an End

1:40 p.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge, Part 3

3:10 p.m. – Mansion of Intrigue

4:50 p.m. – The Valiant Red Peony: You Are Dead

6:30 p.m. – The Samurai Markets

8 p.m. – Hibari’s Tale of Pathos

9:30 p.m. – The Book Peddler

11:20 p.m. – Tetsu the White Tiger

SUNDAY, JAN. 21

12:50 a.m. – Tange Sazen and the Princess

2:20 a.m.– Patience Has an End

4:10 a.m. – Drenched Swallow Gonpachi

5:50 a.m. – Yakuza vs. Gang Leader

7:30 a.m. – A Spectacular Showdown

9:30 a.m. – The Book Peddler

11:20 a.m. – The Valiant Red Peony: You Are Dead

1 p.m. – Cold Rice, Osan, Chan

4 p.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge, Part 3

5:30 p.m. – A Spectacular Showdown

7:30 p.m. – Free and Easy 9

9:30 p.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge, Part 3

11 p.m. – The Okinawa War of Ten Years

MONDAY, JAN. 22

12:50 a.m. – Epic Crash

2:30 a.m. – Sasaki Kojiro, Part 1

4 a.m. – A Yakuza Goes Home

5:40 a.m. – Meridian in the Mist

7:30 a.m. – Tange Sazen and the Princess

9 a.m. – Hibari’s Tale of Pathos

10:30 a.m. – Free and Easy 9

12:30 p.m. – Seventeen Ninja

2:10 p.m. – The Samurai Markets

3:40 p.m. – Tetsu the White Tiger

5:10 p.m. – Edo Girl Detective

6:40 p.m. – Hibari’s Tale of Pathos

8:10 p.m. – Drenched Swallow Gonpachi

9:50 p.m. – Patience Has an End

11:40 p.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge, Part 3

TUESDAY, JAN. 23

1:10 a.m. – Mansion of Intrigue

2:50 a.m. – The Valiant Red Peony: You Are Dead

4:30 a.m. – Yakuza vs. Gang Leader

6:10 a.m. – Sasaki Kojiro, Part 1

7:40 a.m. – Cold Rice, Osan, Chan

10:40 a.m. – The Okinawa War of Ten Years

12:30 p.m.– Epic Crash

2:10 p.m. – Meridian in the Mist

4 p.m. – A Spectacular Showdown

6 p.m. – Tetsu the White Tiger

7:30 p.m. – Meridian in the Mist

9:20 p.m. – Tora-san’s Dear Old Home

11:20 p.m. – A Yakuza Goes Home

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 24

1 a.m. – Seventeen Ninja

2:40 a.m. – Tange Sazen and the Princess

4:10 a.m. – Patience Has an End

6 a.m. – Edo Girl Detective

7:30 a.m. – Mansion of Intrigue

9:10 a.m. – Tora-san’s Dear Old Home

11:10 a.m. – Tange Sazen and the Princess

12:40 p.m. – Pieta in the Toilet

2:40 p.m. – Mansion of Intrigue

4:20 p.m. – The Samurai Markets

5:50 p.m. – Hibari’s Tale of Pathos

7:20 p.m. – Mansion of Intrigue

9 p.m. – The Valiant Red Peony: You Are Dead

10:40 p.m. – Patience Has an End

THURSDAY, JAN. 25

12:30 a.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge Part 3

2 a.m. – Yakuza vs. Gang Leader

3:40 a.m. – Sasaki Kojiro, Part 1

5:10 a.m. – Hibari’s Tale of Pathos

6:40 a.m. – Drenched Swallow Gonpachi

8:20 a.m. – Edo Girl Detective

9:50 a.m. – Pieta in the Toilet

11:50 a.m. – Cold Rice, Osan, Chan

2:50 p.m. – The Okinawa War of Ten Years

4:40 p.m. – Tetsu the White Tiger

6:10 p.m. – Edo Girl Detective

7:40 p.m. – Sasaki Kojiro, Part 1

9:10 p.m. – Mother

10:40 p.m. – Epic Crash

FRIDAY, JAN. 26

12:20 a.m. – Meridian in the Mist

2:10 a.m. – Seventeen Ninja

3:50 a.m. – The Samurai Markets

5:20 a.m. – A Spectacular Showdown

7:20 a.m. – Tetsu the White Tiger

8:50 a.m. – Mother

10:20 a.m.  A Yakuza Goes Home

Noon – Tange Sazen and the Princess

1:30 p.m. – Patience Has an End

3:20 p.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge, Part 3

4:50 p.m. – A Spectacular Showdown

6:50 p.m. – Hibari’s Tale of Pathos

8:20 p.m. – Free and Easy 9

10:20 p.m. – A Yakuza Goes Home

SATURDAY, JAN. 27

Midnight – Seventeen Ninja

1:40 a.m. – The Okinawa War of Ten Years

3:30 a.m. – Epic Crash

5:10 a.m. – Edo Girl Detective

6:40 a.m. – Mansion of Intrigue

8:20 a.m.  – Free and Easy 9

10:20 a.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge, Part 3

11:50 a.m. – The Valiant Red Peony: You Are Dead

1:30 p.m. – Cold Rice, Osan, Chan

4:30 p.m. – The Samurai Markets

6 p.m. – Hibari’s Tale of Pathos

7:30 p.m. – Love at Gajimaru Diner

9:10 p.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge, Part 3

10:40 p.m. – Drenched Swallow Gonpachi

SUNDAY, JAN. 28

12:20 a.m. – Yakuza vs. Gang Leader

2 a.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge, Part 3

3:30 a.m. – A Spectacular Showdown

5:30 a.m. – The Samurai Markets

7 a.m. – Hibari’s Tale of Pathos

8:30 a.m. – Patience Has an End

10:20 a.m. – Love at Gajimaru Diner

Midnight – Tange Sazen and the Princess

1:30 p.m. – Patience Has an End

3:20 p.m. – Cold Rice, Osan, Chan

6:20 p.m. – The Okinawa War of Ten Years

8:10 p.m. – Tora-san’s Dear Old Home

10:10 p.m. – Tange Sazen and the Princess

11:40 p.m. – Mansion of Intrigue

MONDAY, JAN. 29

1:20 a.m. – The Valiant Red Peony: You Are Dead

3 a.m. – Hibari’s Tale of Pathos

4:30 a.m. – Drenched Swallow Gonpachi

6:10 a.m. – Seventeen Ninja

7:50 a.m. – The Samurai Markets

9:20 a.m. – Meridian in the Mist

11:10 a.m. – Tora-san’s Dear Old Home

1:10 p.m. – Edo Girl Detective

2:40 p.m. – Mansion of Intrigue

4:20 p.m. – Drenched Swallow Gonpachi

6 p.m. – Yakuza vs. Gang Leader

7:40 p.m. – A Spectacular Showdown

9:40 p.m. – The Book Peddler

11:30 p.m. – A Yakuza Goes Home

TUESDAY, JAN. 30

1:10 a.m. – Seventeen Ninja

2:50 a.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge, Part 3

4:20 a.m. – A Spectacular Showdown

6:20 a.m. – Epic Crash

8 a.m. – Meridian in the Mist

9:50 a.m. – The Book Peddler

11:40 a.m. – Tetsu the White Tiger

1:10 p.m. – The Okinawa War of Ten Years

3 p.m. – Epic Crash

4:40 p.m. – Tetsu the White Tiger

6:10 p.m. – Edo Girl Detective

7:40 p.m. – Yakuza vs. Gang Leader

9:20 p.m. – Sasaki Kojiro ,Part 1

10:50 p.m. – Mother

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 31

12:20 a.m. – A Yakuza Goes Home

2 a.m. – Drenched Swallow Gonpachi

3:40 a.m. – Yakuza vs. Gang Leader

5:20 a.m. – Sasaki Kojiro, Part 1

6:50 a.m. – Mother

8:20 a.m. – Cold Rice, Osan, Chan

11:20 a.m. – The Okinawa War of Ten Years

1:10 p.m. – Sasaki Kojiro, Part 1

2:40 p.m. – A Yakuza Goes Home

4:20 p.m. – Seventeen Ninja

6 p.m. – The Samurai Markets

7:30 p.m. – Tetsu the White Tiger

9 p.m. ­­– Edo Girl Detective

MONDAY, JAN. 1

Midnight – Drenched Swallow Gonpachi

1:40 a.m. – Yakuza vs. Gang Leader

3:20 a.m. – Sasaki Kojiro, Part 1

4:50 a.m. – A Yakuza Goes Home

6:30 a.m. – Seventeen Ninja

8:10 a.m. – The Samurai Markets

9:40 a.m. – Hibari’s Tale of Pathos

11:10 a.m. – Drenched Swallow Gonpachi

12:50 p.m. – Mansion of Intrigue

2:30 p.m. – The Valiant Red Peony: You Are Dead

4:10 p.m. – Meridian in the Mist

6 p.m. – Tora-san’s Dear Old Home

8 p.m. – Forty-seven Masterless Samurai, Part 1

9:50 p.m. – Love at Gajimaru Diner

11:30 p.m. – A Spectacular Showdown

TUESDAY, JAN. 2

1:30 a.m. – Tetsu the White Tiger

3 a.m. – Tange Sazen and the Princess

4:30 a.m. – Patience Has an End

6:20 a.m. – Epic Crash

8 a.m. – Meridian in the Mist

9:50 a.m. – Tora-san’s Dear Old Home

11:50 a.m. – Tange Sazen and the Princess

1:20 p.m.  Forty-seven Masterless Samurai, Part 1

3:10 p.m. – Love at Gajimaru Diner

4:50 p.m. – Edo Girl Detective

6:20 p.m. – Mansion of Intrigue

8 p.m. – Forty-seven Masterless Samurai Part 2

9:30 p.m. – The Okinawa War of Ten Years

11:20 p.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge, Part 3

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 3

12:50 a.m. – A Spectacular Showdown

2:50 a.m. – Cold Rice, Osan, Chan

5:50 a.m. – The Okinawa War of Ten Years

7:40 a.m. – The Samurai Markets

9:10 a.m. – Hibari’s Tale of Pathos

10:40 a.m. – Forty-seven Masterless Samurai, Part 2

12:10 p.m. – The Okinawa War of Ten Years

2 p.m. – The Valiant Red Peony: You Are Dead

3:40 p.m. – Cold Rice, Osan, Chan

6:40 p.m. – Edo Girl Detective

8:10 p.m. – Pieta in the Toilet

10:10 p.m. – Mother

11:40 p.m. – A Yakuza Goes Home

THURSDAY, JAN. 4

1:20 a.m. – The Okinawa War of Ten Years

3:10 a.m. – Epic Crash

4:50 a.m. – A Yakuza Goes Home

6:30 a.m. – Seventeen Ninja

8:10 a.m. – Pieta in the Toilet

10:10 a.m.– Mansion of Intrigue

11:50 a.m. – Sasaki Kojiro, Part 1

1:20 p.m. – Mother

2:50 p.m. – Tetsu the White Tiger

4:20 p.m. – Edo Girl Detective

5:50 p.m. – Patience Has an End

7:40 p.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge, Part 3

9:10 p.m. – Yakuza vs. Gang Leader

10:50 p.m. – Sasaki Kojiro, Part 1

FRIDAY, JAN. 5

12:20 a.m. – Drenched Swallow Gonpachi

2 a.m. – Yakuza vs. Gang Leader

3:40 a.m. – The Valiant Red Peony: You Are Dead

5:20 a.m. – Cold Rice, Osan, Chan

8:20 a.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge, Part 3

9:50 a.m. – A Spectacular Showdown

11:50 a.m. – The Okinawa War of Ten Years

1:40 p.m. – Epic Crash

3:20 p.m. – Seventeen Ninja

5 p.m. – The Samurai Markets

6:30 p.m. – Hibari’s Tale of Pathos

8 p.m. – Drenched Swallow Gonpachi

9:40 p.m. – The Book Peddler

11:30 p.m. – Tetsu the White Tiger

SATURDAY, JAN. 6

1 a.m. – Mansion of Intrigue

2:40 a.m. – The Valiant Red Peony: You Are Dead

4:20 a.m. – A Spectacular Showdown

6:20 a.m. – Tetsu the White Tiger

7:50 a.m. – Cold Rice, Osan, Chan

10:50 a.m. – The Okinawa War of Ten Years

12:40 p.m. – A Spectacular Showdown

2:40 p.m. – The Book Peddler

4:30 p.m. – Okinawa War of Ten Years

6:20 p.m. – Epic Crash

8 p.m. – Free and Easy 9

10 p.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge, Part 3

11:30 p.m. – Meridian in the Mist

SUNDAY, JAN. 7

1:20 a.m. – Tange Sazen and the Princess

2:50 a.m. – Yakuza vs. Gang Leader

4:30 a.m. – Sasaki Kojiro, Part 1

6 a.m. – Epic Crash

7:40 a.m. – Meridian in the Mist

9:30 a.m. – A Yakuza Goes Home

11:10 a.m. – Seventeen Ninja

12:50 p.m. – Tange Sazen and the Princess

2:20 p.m. – Patience Has an End

4:10 p.m. – Free and Easy 9

6:10 p.m. – Tora-san’s Dear Old Home

8:10 p.m. – Tetsu the White Tiger

9:40 p.m. – Edo Girl Detective

11:10 p.m. – The Samurai Markets

MONDAY, JAN. 8

12:40 a.m. – Hibari’s Tale of Pathos

2:10 a.m. – Drenched Swallow Gonpachi

3:50 a.m. – Yakuza vs. Gang Leader

5:30 a.m. – Seventeen Ninja

7:10 a.m. – The Samurai Markets

8:40 a.m. – Meridian in the Mist

10:30 a.m. – Tora-san’s Dear Old Home

12:30 p.m. – Patience Has an End

2:20 p.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge, Part 3

3:50 p.m. – Cold Rice, Osan, Chan

6:50 p.m. – The Okinawa War of Ten Years

8:40 p.m. – Edo Girl Detective

10:10 p.m. – Pieta in the Toilet

TUESDAY, JAN. 9

12:10 a.m. – A Yakuza Goes Home

1:50 a.m. – Seventeen Ninja

3:30 a.m.– The Samurai Markets

5 a.m. – Hibari’s Tale of Pathos

6:30 a.m. – The Valiant Red Peony: You Are Dead

8:10 a.m. – Cold Rice, Osan, Chan

11:10 a.m.– Pieta in the Toilet

1:10 p.m. – Mansion of Intrigue

2:50 p.m. – Sasaki Kojiro, Part 1

4:20 p.m. – A Yakuza Goes Home

6 p.m. – Tetsu the White Tiger

7:30 p.m. – Edo Girl Detective

9 p.m. – Love at Gajimaru Diner

10:40 p.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge, Part 3

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 10

12:10 a.m. – Mansion of Intrigue

1:50 a.m. – The Valiant Red Peony: You Are Dead

3:30 a.m. – Epic Crash

5:10 a.m. – Meridian in the Mist

7 a.m. – Patience Has an End

8:50 a.m. – Love at Gajimaru Diner

10:30 a.m. – Tange Sazen and the Princess

Noon – Patience Has an End

1:50 p.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge, Part 3

3:20 p.m. – A Spectacular  Showdown

5:20 p.m. – Meridian in the Mist

7:10 p.m. – Tange Sazen and the Princess

8:40 p.m. – A Spectacular Showdown

10:40 p.m. – The Book Peddler

THURSDAY, JAN. 11

12:30 a.m. – Hibari’s Tale of Pathos

2 a.m. – Drenched Swallow Gonpachi

3:40 a.m. – Yakuza vs. Gang Leader

5:20 a.m. – Sasaki Kojiro, Part 1

6:50 a.m. – Edo Girl Detective

8:20 a.m. – Mansion of Intrigue

10 a.m. – The Book Peddler

11:50 a.m. – Tetsu the White Tiger

1:20 p.m. – Drenched Swallow Gonpachi

3 p.m. – Yakuza vs. Gang Leader

4:40 p.m. – Hibari’s Tale of Pathos

6:10 p.m. – Free and Easy 9

8:10 p.m. – The Valiant Red Peony: You Are Dead

9:50 p.m. – Cold Rice, Osan, Chan

FRIDAY, JAN. 12

12:50 a.m.– The Okinawa War of Ten Years

2:40 a.m. – Epic Crash

4:20 a.m. – Tetsu the White Tiger

5:50 a.m. – Edo Girl Detective

7:20 a.m. – Yakuza vs. Gang Leader

9 a.m. – Sasaki Kojiro, Part 1

10:30 a.m. – Free and Easy 9

12:30 p.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge, Part 3

2 p.m. – Epic Crash

3:40 p.m. – Meridian in the Mist

5:30 p.m. – A Yakuza Goes Home

7:10 p.m. – Seventeen Ninja

8:50 p.m. – Sasaki Kojiro, Part 1

10:20 p.m. – Mother

11:50 p.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge, Part 3

SATURDAY, JAN. 13

1:20 a.m. – A Spectacular Showdown

3:20 a.m. – Seventeen Ninja

5 a.m. – The Samurai Markets

6:30 a.m. – Hibari’s Tale of Pathos

8 a.m. – Drenched Swallow Gonpachi

9:40 a.m. – Mother

11:10 a.m. – A Yakuza Goes Home

12:50 p.m. – Mansion of Intrigue

2:30 p.m. – The Valiant Red Peony: You Are Dead

4:10 p.m. – Cold Rice, Osan, Chan

7:10 p.m. – The Okinawa War of Ten Years

9 p.m. – Pieta in the Toilet

11 p.m. – Mansion of Intrigue

SUNDAY, JAN. 14

12:40 a.m. – Tange Sazen and the Princess

2:10 a.m. – Patience Has an End

4 a.m. – The Samurai Markets

5:30 a.m. – Hibari’s Tale of Pathos

7 a.m. – Edo Girl Detective

8:30 a.m. – Pieta in the Toilet

10:30 a.m. – Patience Has an End

12:20 p.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge, Part 3

1:50 p.m. – Hibari’s Tale of Pathos

3:20 p.m. – Drenched Swallow Gonpachi

5 p.m. – Tetsu the White Tiger

6:30 p.m. – Edo Girl Detective

8 p.m. – Seventeen Ninja

9:40 p.m. – The Samurai Markets

11:10 p.m. – Meridian in the Mist

MONDAY, JAN. 15

1 a.m. – Tange Sazen and the Princess

2:30 a.m. – Sasaki Kojiro, Part 1

4 a.m. – A Yakuza Goes Home

5:40 a.m. – The Okinawa War of Ten Years

7:30 a.m. – Epic Crash

9:10 a.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge, Part 3

10:40 a.m. – A Spectacular Showdown

12:40 p.m. – The Valiant Red Peony: You Are Dead

2:20 p.m. – Cold Rice, Osan, Chan

5:20 p.m. – Drenched Swallow Gonpachi

7 p.m. – Yakuza vs. Gang Leader

8:40 p.m. – Tora-san’s Dear Old    Home

10:40 p.m. – Tange Sazen and the Princess

TUESDAY, JAN. 16

12:10 a.m. – The Samurai Markets

1:40 a.m. – Hibari’s Tale of Pathos

3:10 a.m. – Edo Girl Detective

4:40 a.m. – Mansion of Intrigue

6:20 a.m. – Tange Sazen and the Princess

7:50 a.m. – Patience Has an End

9:40 a.m. – Meridian in the Mist

11:30 a.m. – Tora-san’s Dear Old Home

1:30 p.m. – A Yakuza Goes Home

3:10 p.m. – Seventeen Ninja

4:50 p.m. – A Spectacular Showdown

6:50 p.m. – Tetsu the White Tiger

8:20 p.m. – Sasaki Kojiro, Part 1

9:50 p.m. – Mother

11:20 p.m. – Epic Crash

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 17

1 a.m. – Meridian in the Mist

2:50 a.m. – Cold Rice, Osan, Chan

5:50 a.m. – The Okinawa War of Ten Years

7:40 a.m. – Mother

9:10 a.m. – A Yakuza Goes Home

10:50 a.m. – Yakuza vs. Gang Leader

12:30 p.m. – Sasaki Kojiro, Part 1

2 p.m. – Drenched Swallow Gonpachi

3:40 p.m. – Yakuza vs. Gang Leader

Channel 4 (Spectrum) and 6 (Hawaiian Telcom) (Subject to change, without notice. For updated information, call 521-8066)

“Rebel,” Sunday at 6:30 p.m.; re-airs Monday at 1 p.m.

Gil Dong Hong is the son of servant Ah Mo Gae Hong, which gives Gil Dong no legal standing in Joseon society. With no opportunities to do any legitimate work despite his brilliance, Gil Dong becomes the leader of a band of smugglers who steals from the rich to give to the poor. Gil Dong’s contemporary, Yung Yi, becomes the tyrannical King Yeonsangun who oppresses the lives of the common people. Gil Dong saves the life of Ga Ryeong Song, who becomes a young widow after her husband is killed by the king. Ga Ryeong dreams of getting revenge against the king at all costs. The king’s faithful consort is Nok Soo Jang, who secretly can’t forget her first love, Gil Dong. Can Gil Dong champion the rights of the common people on his path to becoming Joseon’s first revolutionary activist?

Starring Kyun-sang Yoon, Ji-seok Kim, Soo-bin Chae and Ha-nui Lee.

“Sweet Enemy,” Monday-Friday at 9:20 p.m.;
re-airs Monday-Friday at 12:20 p.m.

When Dal Nim Oh (Eun Hye Park) is falsely accused of murder, she decides to take revenge on those responsible for her misery.

Starring Park Eun Hye Park, Gun Yoo, Jae Woo Lee and Tae In Park.

“Oh, The Mysterious,” Monday and Tuesday at 7:45 p.m.; re-airs on Tuesday and Wednesday at 2:15 p.m.

A framed escapee turned fake police detective takes down bad criminals and learns to uncover his true identity.

Starring Kyun-sang Yoon and Hye-sung Jung.

“Wonderful Days,” Monday and Tuesday at 10 p.m.; re-airs on Tuesday and Wednesday at 1 p.m.

Dong-Suk grew up as a smart young boy, but came from a poor family background. He is now a successful prosecutor and comes back to his hometown for the first time in 14 years. There, he happens to meet his first love Hae-Won and falls in love with her all over again.

Starring Seo-Jin Lee, Hee-Seon Kim and Taecyeon Ok.

“Judge vs. Judge,” Wednesday and Thursday at 7:45 p.m.; re-airs on Thursday and Friday at 2:15 p.m.

Judge Jung-Joo Lee presides at the Seoul District Court. She sometimes swears at shameless defendants with unspeakable words. Judge Ui-Hyun Sa is assigned to the judgement bench with Judge Jung-Joo Lee. Ui-Hyun Sa is well known for his excellent use of the law and his conscience to reach verdicts. Jung-Joo Lee fights against a huge power who framed her older brother for murder and killed him

Starring Woo-Jin Yeon, Eun-Bin Park, Seung Bum Hong and Jung Woo Choi.

“Five Enough,” Wednesday and Thursday at 10 p.m.; re-airs on Thursday and Friday at 1 p.m.

Sang-Tae is left with his two children after his wife passes away. Since that time, he lives with his two kids and parents-in-law. He works as a marketing team leader for a fashion brand.

Mi-Jung works as an assistant manager at the same fashion company. Three years ago, her husband had an affair with her friend and left her. She couldn’t tell her kids the truth about their father and lied that their father went to work in America. To this day, the children still believe that their father is in America.

Sang-Tae and Mi-Jung never thought about falling in love again, but they fall in love with each other.

Starring Jae-Wook Ahn and Yu-Jin So.

“Bravo My Life,” Friday and Saturday at 7:45 p.m.; re-airs on Saturday and Sunday at noon.

Set in the world of television drama production, this drama revolves around three main characters: a haughty drama production director, an assistant director who’s still waiting to catch her big break, and a frustrated actor who still hasn’t debuted after seven years in the industry.

Starring Jung Yoo Mi Jung, Jung Hoon Yun, Woo Hyun and Ji Sub Kang.

“Secrets of Women,” Saturday-Sunday at 9:20 p.m.; re-airs Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m.

Ji-yoo Kang is a ballerina, the girlfriend of Kang-woo Yoo, heir of Moseong Group. After a traffic accident, Ji-yoo lost all of her memories, her family using up all their money to pay five years’ worth of hospital treatments. To pay for her huge debt, she entered the Yoo family (with no idea about Kang-woo’s identity or their past due to her amnesia) to be the nurse and guardian of Moseong Group’s chairman Man-ho Yoo (Kang-woo’s father). Seo-rin Chae was Ji-yoo’s best friend during high school, but was then raped on the orders of Il-goo Byeon. She was then forced to work with him to become the biggest stockholder of Moseong Group, becoming Ji-yoo’s enemy in the process.

Starring Yi-Hyun So, Min-Suk Oh, Yoon-Seo Kim and Jung-Hun Kim.

Channel 9 (Spectrum) and 20 (Hawaiian Telcom) Programs are subject to change, without notice. For updated information, call 847-2021)

“Happy Retirement (Parts 1 and 2),” Tuesday, Feb. 6 and 13, at 8 p.m.

Shintaro Higuchi has worked in the government financial services division for 33 years and is looking forward to retiring in five years. But a bribery scandal suddenly comes to light within his division, and his supervisor assigns blame to Shintaro. Suddenly, Shintaro’s life is turned upside down. Instead of the happy retirement he was looking forward to, Shintaro is forced to retire under negative circumstances. Shintaro is faced with a decision. Should he finish out his remaining work years silently, without complaint for the injustice done him? Or, should he get revenge? Which would make for a happier retirement?

“Doctors 2015 Special (TV Asahi),” Sunday, Feb. 11 and 18, at 7 p.m.

A two hour special based on the popular Doctors series about Kousuke Sagara, a highly skilled surgeon working at a corrupt hospital. There is a kind side to Kousuke that is evident in his dealings with his patients, but behind his skill and kindness lies a mysterious dark side.

“Lone Wolf with a Cub,” premieres Friday, Feb. 23, at 8 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.”

“Segodon (NHK),” premieres Tuesday, Feb. 20, at 8 p.m.; repeats 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.

“The Poor Heiress,,” Sunday at 6 p.m.

“The Poor Heiress” tells the story of two rival families in a Filipino-
Chinese community: the Wong 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.

“Dr. Storks 2,” Sunday at 8 p.m.

Set two years after season 1 of “Dr. Storks,” this drama series follows the growth and conflicts of Sakura Konotori (Gou Ayano). He works as a doctor delivering babies and also performs as a concert pianist under the nickname of “Baby.”

“Please Love Me (TBS),” Sunday at 9 p.m.

Thirty-year-old Michio loses her job after her employer declares bankruptcy. To make matters worse, she drains her savings supporting her younger boyfriend. Just on the brink of poverty, she runs into a former boss, Ayumu, who is now running a café. Michio had always feared Ayumu, but when he offers her a job at the café, she accepts out of desperation. Michio struggles in the new job, but unexpectedly discovers a different side of Ayumu.

“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.

“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.

“Doctor X 4,” Monday at 8 p.m.

Surgeon Michiko Daimon (Ryoko Yonekura) is sent to Totei University Hospital in this popular series’ fourth season.

Although it reigns as the top university hospital in the country, its reputation has suffered greatly from various cover-ups, medical malpractice and fighting factions. Furthermore, the person who has snatched the seat of the new hospital director with the plan of reestablishing the hospital’s brand and gaining great power, is none other than the strategist, Shigekatsu Hiruma (Toshiyuki Nishida), who has a longstanding grudge against Michiko.  Only doctors who have powerful brands are kept to run the hospital, which has transformed it into a mere business organization.

“Naotora: The Lady Warlord,” (NHK) Tuesday, at 8 p.m.; repeats on Sunday at 7 p.m.

During the Sengoku period, the Ii family governs the Totomi region. Due to many past wars, there are no more male successors left to become a lord. Naotora Ii, the only daughter of the lord, is next in line. Although she will face a difficult period, the constant love from her fiancé, whom she became engaged with at a young age, helps her to keep moving forward.

Starring Ko Shibasaki, Haruma Miura, Issei Takahashi, Tetta Sugimoto, Naomi Zaizen, Gin Maeda, Tsuyoshi Ukaji, Shihori Kajiya, Mitsuru Fukikoshi and Shota Shunputei.

“Partners 12,” Thursday at 8 p.m.

The twelfth 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.

“Dotchi” (YTV), Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 7 p.m.

This popular exciting cooking show returns!!

Which dish??? Hiroshi Sekiguchi and Yuji Miyake hosts an exciting cooking contest between expert chefs, cooking two popular dishes using the best ingredients possible. When the chefs have completed their dishes, a celebrity panel is presented with a choice of which dish they wish to eat. The choice that receives the majority of the votes, “wins” and the panelists get to eat that dish.

“The Imposter,” Saturday at 5 p.m.

Lara and Sara were conjoined twins who, after being separated, are adopted by two different aunts. Aunty Betty takes Lara, so her mean daughter Vanessa will have a playmate. But living in their cruel household forces Lara to run away, and she eventually finds a kind Samaritan who takes her in. Meanwhile, Sara is adopted by another aunt, whose abusive husband disfigures her face. After plastic surgery to restore her face, Sara realizes the surgeon has made her look exactly like her cousin Vanessa. Only then does she learn that the surgeon and Vanessa are lovers, and the surgery was a plot to create Vanessa’s body double, freeing the couple to travel abroad and spend money stolen from Vanessa’s husband.

“Handful of Tears,” Saturday at 6 p.m.; repeats Sunday at 5 p.m.

A heart-rending story of a mother who struggles to keep her children from being taken away from her.

After a whirlwind romance, Amelia ends up marrying Mario. They are rich in love but don’t have much money, so to help make ends meet, they live with Mario’s stepmother, who is cruel to Amelia.

To support his family, Mario moves to the city for a job. There, he meets a wealthy heiress named Veronica. Veronica falls in love with Mario and, with the help of Mario’s stepmother, destroys the once happy family.

Amelia’s life becomes a living hell as one by one, her children are taken away from her. Will she have the courage and strength to rebuild her life?

“Crime Scene Investigators 2 (CSI),” Saturday at 7 p.m.

Satoshi Itomura is an assistant police investigator who belongs to the Metropolitan Police Department’s Scientific Investigation Team. His team collects scientific evidence and pieces together fragments of information in order to help build a story. Itomura often does not care about the scientific approach and instead pays a great deal of attention to the things the victims always carried with them or treasured, like the toys from their childhood.  He focuses on these things because they usually carry the victim’s last message

“Homicide Team 9 – Season 6” (TV Asahi), Saturday at 8 p.m.

Homicide Team 9, which is composed by the few elites, is the most unusual team in criminal investigation divisions of the Metropolitan Police Department. They are always at the top of the criminal arrest rate. They try to solve criminal cases with struggling and cooperating each other.

Hibari Misora and Koji Tsuruta.

A young girl, Okimi, falls in love with Kiritaro, a handsome thief disguised as a wealthy young master.

“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. A story about the love triangle between a lustful priest, his second wife and his son Masao.

“Hatamoto Yakuza (Yakuza Vassal),” 1966 samurai film, 1 hour and 29 minutes.

Directed by Sadao Nakajima. Starring Hashizo Okawa and Junko Fuji.

A young samurai warrior helps dispel townsfolk from evil forces.

“Hibi Rock (HIBI ROCK: Puke Afro and the Pop Star),” 2014 drama, 1 hour and 50 minutes.

Directed by Yu Irie. Starring Shuhei Nomura and Fumi Nikaido.

Takuro is a senior in high school. He has no talent for sports or aptitude for studying throughout high school and has never had a girlfriend. However, he found his true calling when he began playing rock music. Takuro plays his guitar and sings at the club “Hibi Rock,” but there are only a few people when he performs. When Takuro gets really excited during his performance, he takes off his clothes. After graduation, Takuro heads out to Tokyo with his band members. He begins to perform at a legendary live club. Takuro meets Saki who is a world-renowned idol singer. Takuro’s fate changes when she asks him to write her a song.

“Isshin Tasuke Tenka no Ichidaiji (Isshin Tasuke: A World In Danger),” 1958 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 31 minutes.

Directed by Tadashi Sawashima. Starring Kinnosuke Nakamura, Ryunosuke Tsukigata, and Isao Yamagata.

A simple fishmonger, Tasuke, takes it upon himself to expose corrupt officials.

“Jirocho Sangokushi Dai-sanbu (The Kingdom of Jirocho 3),” 1964 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 34 minutes.

Directed by Masahiro Makino. Starring Koji Tsuruta and Shingo Yamashiro.

The third part of the story about feudal boss Jirocho and his underlings.

“Kami no Tsuki (Pale Moon),” 2014 drama, 2 hours and 6 minutes.

Directed by Daihachi Yoshida. Starring Rie Miyazawa and Sosuke Ikematsu.

Rika, an ordinary housewife, works as a contract employee for a bank. She receives favorable evaluations from her clients and boss because of her attentive work. Nevertheless, she feels a sense of emptiness from her husband who doesn’t seem interested in her. One day, she meets a university student Kota and falls into an extramarital affair with him. The more she spends with him, the more she is tempted to dip into her clients’ money. As she splurges on expensive goods and consecutive nights in luxury hotel suites, her attitudes to money and her daily life become distorted, and it becomes a full-blown embezzlement.

“Kigeki Kyuko Ressha (Express Train),” 1967 comedy/drama, 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Directed by Masaharu Segawa. Starring Kiyoshi Atsumi and Yoshiko Sakuma.

Atsumi Kiyoshi, famous for his role in Torasan, stars as Aoki Goichi, a veteran train conductor who dedicates himself in providing quality service to his passengers. With his many years of experience, he never fails to find solutions for any troubles that occur along the way. A comedic drama revolving around the lives of those who ride the express train.

“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.

“Minyo no Tabi Akita Obako (Cosmetic Sales Competition),” 1963 drama, 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Directed by Kunio Watanabe. Starring Hibari Misora, Junichiro Yamashita, Hitomi Nakahara, and Komadori Shimai.

Sakura-do cosmetic’s top sales person Yukiko falls in love with Joji, an executive of her rival company Swan.

“Noren Ichidai Jokyo (The Protector),” 1966 drama, 1 hour and 31 minutes.

Directed by Tadashi Sawashima. Starring Hibari Misora and Koichi Oose.

Mine, the only daughter of Kiyagen, is faced with running the family’s timber business when her father falls ill. Under a great deal of pressure to continue the five- generation long run of the business, Mine is put to the ultimate test when a former gangster sets his sights on closing her down.

“Ronin Hakkei (Eight Views of Samurai),” 1958 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 35 minutes.

Directed by Tai Kato. Starring Utaemon Ichikawa an Kotaro Satomi.

A masterless samurai saves a noble court from crisis.

“Sasaki Kojiro Kohen (Sasaki Kojiro, Part 2),” 1957 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 34 minutes.

Directed by Kiyoshi Sasaki. Starring Chiyonosuke Azuma, Shinobu Chihara and Chiezo Kataoka.

The conclusion to the story of famed swordsman, Sasaki Kojiro. After surviving a series of daring adventures, Kojiro seems to have finally discovered the ultimate happiness in life when he is reunited with Tone, the love of his life. However, his days of happiness are overshadowed by an upcoming duel with his fateful enemy Miyamoto Musashi.

“Satomi Hakkenden Dai-ichibu (Sorcerer’s Orb),” 1954 samurai film, 55 minutes.

Directed by Toshikazu Kono. Starring Chiyonosuke Azuma, Kinnosuke Nakamura and Ryunosuke Tsukigata.

The fate of the Satomi Clan lies in the hands of eight warriors of prophecy, each of whom were born with a crystal orb. The monk Daisuke embarks on a journey to find these warriors and reunite the eight orbs they carry so that they may fulfill their destiny.

“Shingo Juban Shobu Kanketsu-hen (Shingo’s Original Challenge, Part 4),” 1960 samurai film, 1 hour and 27 minutes.

Directed by Sadatsugu Matsuda. Starring Hashizo Okawa, Yumiko Hasegawa, Ryutaro Otomo, Ryunosuke Tsukigata and Satomi Oka.

Aoi Shingo, a son of the Shogun, continues his travels seeking to further his mastery of the sword.  In this final episode of the popular “Shingo’s Original Challenge” series, Shingo confronts his master’s killer in the ultimate test of his skill.

“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.

“Yagyu Bugeicho Dokugan Ittoryu (The Yagyu Military Art: One Eyed Swordsman),” 1964 samurai film, 1 hour and 27 minutes.

Directed by Shoji Matsumura. Starring Jushiro Konoe, Hiroki Matsukata, Chiyonosuke Azuma and Isao Yamagata.

Yagyu Jubei fights to protect the Yagyu family’s secret scroll from enemy ninjas.

“Yureijima no Okite (Law in Ghost Island),” 1961 action/samurai drama, 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.

“Mystery Hour – Iryu Sosa 3,” premieres on Tuesday, Feb. 6, at 7:35 p.m.

“Iryu Sosa” depicts the work of a group of detectives who solve murder cases by looking for clues in the articles left by victims. Satoshi Itomura often does not care about the scientific approach and instead pays a great deal of attention to the things that the victims always carried with them or treasured. He focuses on these things because they usually carry the victim’s dying wishes. Understanding that last message not only helps solve the cases but also brings closure to the family of victims. Fully subtitled in English.

“Wafu Sohonke,” premieres Thursday, Feb. 8, at 8:30 p.m.

“Wafu Sohonke,” which introduces traditional Japanese food, crafts, tools and techniques highlighting Japanese cultural trivia, is back again! You will see what makes Japan and its culture so great. Find out everything there is to know about Japanese tradition, from food to culture to objects and arts, and the people who are continuing it today. 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 538-1966 for inquiries or to request an e-mail of NGN 3 programming information. All movies are in Japanese language with full English subtitles.

Movie of the Month

Feb. 3: “Iyana Onna (Desperate Sunflowers),” 2016 drama, 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Directed by Hitomi Kuroki. Starring Yo Yoshida and Yoshino Kimura.

Tetsuko is straight as an arrow and is a career-driven attorney, while her more free-spirited cousin, Natsuko, is a schemer who can con the best of them. Tetsuko has had a bugaboo about Natsuko since they were kids. Tetsuko marries, but her dry personality leads to a divorce and a life of work only. One day, the cousin tracks her down because she needs a legal defense against a romantic interest she tried to hustle. Tetsuko reluctantly takes the case, but after she wins, the irresponsible client disappears without paying for legal fees.

Natsuko shows up again to enlist her cousin’s help on another suspect legal problem, but the reunion does not go well. However, Tetsuko soon learns some life lessons from her free-spirited, swindling cousin, and is amazed that she has a Midas touch on everyone she meets, even her former victims. Natsuko the swindler also learns from her cold cousin, and they both realize they have more in common than they may think.

Movies in Alphabetical Order

“Ai wo Tsumu Hito (The Pearls of the Stone Man),” 2015 drama, 2 hours and 5 minutes.

Directed by Yuzo Asahara. Starring Koichi Sato and Keiko Kitagawa.

Set in the beautiful hills in Hokkaido, this is a moving story of a widower whose world begins to expand with the guides his late wife left in her letters for him.

Atsushi and Ryoko move to Hokkaido after retirement. Yet, Atsushi who’s worked all his life doesn’t know how to kill time. Concerned, Ryoko asks him to build her, long-dreamt stone walls around their home. Ryoko suddenly collapses from a terminal heart disease and hides this from Atsushi so as not to upset him. After her death, Atsushi finds letters from Ryoko. Following the instructions in the letters, he begins to interact with others.

“Asama no Abarenbo (Free Spirit of Asama),” 1959 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 24 minutes.

Directed by Toshikazu Kono. Starring Kinnosuke Nakamura and Satomi Oka.

A wanderer, Itaro, saves the lives of those who are in need of protection while traveling across the country.

“Beranme Geisha (The Prickly Mouthed Geisha),” 1969 comedy/drama, 1 hour and 26 minutes.

Directed by Eiichi Koishi. Starring Hibari Misora and Shinji Ebara.

Koharu, a young geisha, is in love with Kenichi, an apprentice carpenter to her father Seigoro. Their love life comes to a sudden halt after an argument between their two fathers. Can their love survive in spite of the bitterness between their two families?

“Fudatsuki Bakuto (A Wad of Notes),” 1970 action film, 1 hour and 33 minutes.

Directed by Shigehiro Ozawa. Starring Koji Tsuruta and Minoru Oki.

A lone gambler tries to keep a yakuza family from taking over a festival in Kitakyushu. After away from his hometown for 13 years, Ryuji comes back and saves the town that is becoming run-down from yakuza’s ill deeds.

“Haikarasan ga Toru (There Goes Benio, The Smart Girl),” 1987 drama, 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Directed by Masamichi Sato. Starring Yoko Minamino and Hiroshi Abe.

Benio, a peppy tomboy, is surprised to learn that her grandfather has secretly betrothed her to a young officer named Shinobu Ijuin. Because of his family’s noble status, Benio must first undergo rigorous training to learn how to be a proper bride and wife before she can marry. However, because of her vivacious personality, this proves more challenging than anyone imagined.

“Hakubajo no Hanayome (Bride of White Castle),” 1961 samurai film, 1 hour and 25 minutes.

Directed by Tadashi Sawashima. Starring