“Modern Farmer,” Sunday at 6:30 p.m./re-airs
Monday at 1:45 p.m.
There is a rock band called “Excellent Souls.” The band consists of Min-Ki Lee, Hyeok Kang, Han-
Cheol Yoo and Ki-Joon Han. The band decides to move to the countryside. There, the drama series follows their dreams, loves and friendships.
Starring Hong-Ki Lee, Min-Woo Park, Si-Un Lee and Dong-Yeon Kwak.

“Secret Door,” Monday and Tuesday at 7:45 p.m./re-airs on Tuesday and Wednesday at 2:45 p.m.
This drama series follows the conflict between King Yeongjo and Crown Prince Sado. King Yeongjo pursues strong royal authority, while Crown Prince Sado insists on equality for all.
Starring Suk-Kyu Han and Je-Hoon Lee.

“Only Love,” Monday-Thursday at 10:25 p.m.; re-airs Tuesday-Friday at 12:20 p.m.
Tae-yang Kim is a physician and Yoo-ri Choi is a broadcasting producer. Jae-min Choi is a dandy-ish executive at a clothing company and Saet-byul Kim is an unwed mother. Woo-joo Kim is much younger than Mi-rae Hong.
As these three couples fall in love, they explore issues of age difference, blood ties and adoption, and wealth and poverty.
Starring: Ha-joon Seo, Se-mi Im, Bo-ra Nam, Jong-hoon Yoon and Ye-won Kim.

“My Lovely Girl,” Wednesday and Thursday at 7:45 p.m./re-airs on Thursday and Friday at 2:45 p.m.
Hyun-wook (Rain) is the composer and producer of an entertainment company (ANA). After losing his girlfriend in an accident, he then meets and falls in love with his girlfriend’s younger sister, Se-na, who dreams of becoming a music producer.
Starring Ji-hoon Jung, Krystal Jung and Ye-ryun Cha.

“Gu Family Book,” Wednesday and Thursday at
9:25 p.m./re-airs on Thursday and Friday at 1 p.m.
A melodrama epic about the great deal of trouble Kang Chi Choi, born as a half-human-half-mythical-creature (or human werefox half-breed), who goes through in order to become human and a story of Kang Chi’s journey of struggling in order to live more like a human than anyone else despite not being able to become human.
Kang Chi Choi is the son of Wol Ryung Gu, the guardian spirit (werefox) of Jiri Mountain, and Seo Hwa Yoon, his human mother. He was raised by the Park family after having been picked up from the river. Due to customary restrictions of the era he is adopted by manager Choi instead, however Moo Sol Park takes on the role of being Kang Chi’s main father figure. Kang Chi is an outspoken character who’s full of curiosity. He realizes that he’s a half-human-half-beast through a certain incident and starts living his second life.
Yeo Wool Dam is a master of martial arts and archery. Yeo Wool is an upright character who really values the Three Bonds and Five Relationships in Confucianism, and becomes an instructor at a martial arts center at a young age.
Starring Seung Ki Lee, Suzy Bae, Yun Suk Yoo, Yoo Bi Lee, Joon Sung, Sung Jae Lee, and Sung Ha Jo.

“Endless Love,” Friday and Saturday at 7:45 p.m./re-airs on Saturday and Sunday at noon.
A period drama about Korean politics and financial situation in the 1970-1990s, as seen through the life of a woman.
After a traumatic past of witnessing her mother’s death, In Ae Seo grows up as ambitious, and sharp-minded woman who knows how to grab people’s hearts, while still holding hope to one day avenge her mother. Since childhood, her life has been entangled with two opposite-personalities brothers from poor fisherman family, Kwang Hoon Han and Kwang Chul Han.
Starring Jung Eum Hwang, Soo Young Ryu and Kyung Ho Jung.

“Scandal,” Friday-Sunday at 9:25 p.m./ re-airs Saturday and Sunday at 1:15 p.m. and Monday at 12:20 p.m.
A man loses his son when a building collapses. He finds out who killed his son and kidnaps the son of this man. When the son grows up, he learns that the man he believed to be his father was in fact a kidnapper. This is a story of revenge, and the life after with wound and restoration.
Starring Jae-Won Kim, Yoon-Hee Jo, Jae-Hyun Jo, Sang-Min Park, Eun-Kyung Shin, Tae-Young Ki, Hye-Ri Kim and Kyu-Ri Kim.

“Broken Vow (Filipino drama),” Sunday at 5 p.m.
Roberto Sebastian falls in love with a country girl, Melissa Santiago. On their wedding day, Roberto learns Melissa was raped and is now pregnant. He cannot live with this, so he abandons her. With her perfect world shattered, Melissa attempts to take her own life only to be saved by Felix Castro. Their love blooms and Felix vows to win Melissa’s trust. But Roberto contemplates reuniting with Melissa. Will she give him a second chance?

“Losing Heaven” (Filipino drama w/ English subtitles), ends Sunday, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m.
Ellery and Bridgitte have been best friends since childhood. The best friends become sisters when Bridgitte’s parents die and she is adopted by Ellery’s dad. Their lives and relationship as best friends/sisters continue until Jonas enters their lives.
Starring Carla Abellana, Michelle Madrigal and Mike Tan.

“Strategist Kanbe,” Sunday at 7 p.m.; Tuesday at 8 p.m.
The 2014 Taiga drama, “Strategist Kanbe,” is about the life story of Yoshitaka Kuroda, otherwise known as Kanbei Kuroda, who was the chief strategist for Hideyoshi Toyotomi. Yoshitaka was born on Dec. 22, 1546, and was a daimyo (lord) during the late Sengoku through early Edo periods. (The Sengoku period is often referred to as the warring period and was a time of great social, political and military upheaval.) Kanbe was a brilliant military strategist and faithful to Toyotomi.
Starring Junichi Okada, Miki Nakatani, Kyoheo Shibata, Nao Toda and Raita Ryu.

“Fat Detective 2,” Sunday at 8 p.m.
Season 2! Taro Hanazawa has been on the police force for 20 years, but while all of the other recruits in his class have been promoted, Taro still works at the neighborhood koban (community police station). It’s not because he’s a bad cop; on the contrary, Taro is an excellent police officer. But Taro weighs nearly 250 pounds, which makes it difficult for him to chase down criminals, and even harder for his superiors to take him seriously. That is . . . until Chief of Investigation First Division Reiko Nishikori observes Taro’s keen police skills in action and taps him to join her squad. Will Taro be able to keep up with the other detectives? Or will his investigative skills leave the other detectives chasing after him?

“Doctors,” Sunday at 9 p.m.
A story about a surgeon who is very kind to his patients but has controversial ways of punishing his co-workers when they do not act responsibly.

“Mysteries of Asia,” starts on Sunday, Dec. 28, at 9 p.m.
Asia is a mix of ancient cultures and fast-growing technology. This program explores cities across Asia, visiting famous landmarks and the hot new nightspots.

“Doko ga TV,” Monday through Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
Pali Ka‘aihue and Sachiko Uchida bring their popular show about all things Japan to KIKU. This family-fun show showcases the best of Japan‘s history, food, lifestyle, people, attractions and pop culture that so many people in Hawai‘i and on the U.S. mainland find interesting.

“Soko ga Shiritai,” Monday through Friday at 7 p.m.
The wildly popular docu-tainment/info-logue that takes you all over Japan seeking out everything from customs, to food and all things interesting. Satisfy your need to know!

“Otome-san,” Monday at 8 p.m.
Otome-san is a term for mother-in-law. Asako Mizusawa lived with constant nagging and criticism from her mother-in-law until the older woman’s death two years ago. Just when Asako can begin to relax and enjoy being the mistress of the house, her only son informs her he plans to marry a girl named Ririka.

“853,” Monday at 9 p.m.
853 refers to the precinct where Detective Shinnosuke Kamo used to work. But this was before he accidentally shot a criminal in his custody. After that incident, Detective Kamo is reassigned to a smaller, rural jurisdiction. For 10 years, he keeps his nose to the grind, continuing to do great investigative work despite the demotion to a smaller police precinct. Until one day, he is called back to put his detective skills to work again in the 853.

“Mission to Kill (Hissatsu Shigotonin),” Tuesday at 9 p.m.
Shigotonin refers to a team of hired assassins. In this samurai drama consisting of multiple series and specials, police are left to unravel crimes committed by hired assassins. What becomes obvious is that the real criminals are not just the assassins, but the people who hired them.
Starring Noriyuki Higashiyama, Masahiro Matsuoka, Emi Wakui and Makoto Fujita.

“Partners 10,” Thursday at 8 p.m.
Season 10! Detective, Ukyo Sugishita, has great insight and cunning skills. His partner, Takeru Kanbe, is cool and confident. Together they solve many mysterious crimes.

“Investigator Mariko 11,” Thursday at 9 p.m.; Friday at 8 p.m.
Crimes today utilize increasingly clever tricks and techniques. The police and crime laboratories must respond to these crimes quickly and with scientific knowledge. The lab must deal with such diverse tasks as analysis of hair, blood type, DND, voice pattern and handwriting, as well as polygraphs, the reconstruction of facial features, and superimposing. The lab forms the main stage for this drama, which follows a female lab agent as she goes about her work. Mariko Sakaki, the main character, practices forensic medicine at the crime laboratory of the Kyoto Prefecture Police Department.

“Ultraman Leo,” Friday at 6:30 p.m.
In the tradition of “Kikaida,” KIKU-TV brings sci-fi, live-action hero drama back to Hawai‘i television! “Ultraman Leo” was produced and first aired in the mid-1970s, and was the seventh show in the Ultra series about warriors from other planets who help defend Earth against monsters and alien invaders.

“Japan’s Local Secrets,” Friday at 9 p.m.; repeats on Saturday at 8 p.m.
Although Japan is a relatively small country geographically, each prefecture has its own traditions, dialects, and . . . foods!!! This program takes us to the secret places throughout Japan known to the people of the area and introduces us to things unique to each place.

“Partners 9,” Saturday at 7 p.m.
Season 9! Detective, Ukyo Sugishita, has great insight and cunning skills. His partner, Takeru Kanbe, is cool and confident. Together they solve many mysterious crimes.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 1
Midnight – Trials of an Okinawan Village
1:40 a.m. – Hibari’s Favorite
3 a.m. – Detective Doberman
4:30 a.m. – Golden Peacock Castle, Parts 3 & 4
6:30 a.m. – Red Soil Near Fuji
8:10 a.m. – The Seven Chefs
10:10 a.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry 2
11:40 a.m. – Case of a Young Lord 3
1:10 p.m. – Heiji the Detective
2:50 p.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge, Parts 1 & 2
4:40 p.m. – Town of Pippins
6:30 p.m. – Last Glory
8:40 p.m. – The Untold Story
9:50 p.m. – Trials of an Okinawan Village
11:30 p.m. – A Warrior’s Flute

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2
1 a.m. – The Cheater
2:40 a.m. – Outlaw Under a Blue Canopy
4:10 a.m. – Station to Heaven
6:30 a.m. – The Christian Lord
8:20 a.m. – A Chivalrous Spirit
10:10 a.m. – Case of a Young Lord 3
11:40 a.m. – The Untold Story
12:50 p.m. – Like a Savage
2:40 p.m. – Red Soil Near Fuji
4:20 p.m. – King of the Hill
6 p.m. – Detective Doberman
7:30 p.m. – Kon-shin
9:50 p.m. – Like a Savage
11:40 p.m. – Hibari’s Favorite

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3
1 a.m. – Heiji the Detective
2:40 a.m. – The Seven Chefs
4:40 a.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry 2
6:10 a.m. – Golden Peacock Castle, Parts 3 & 4
8:10 a.m. – Town of Pippins
10 a.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge, Parts 1 & 2
11:50 a.m. – Kon-shin
2:10 p.m. – Last Glory
4:20 p.m. – Throne of Flame
6 p.m. – A Chivalrous Spirit
7:50 p.m. – Outlaw Under a Blue Canopy
9:20 p.m. – Station to Heaven
11:40 p.m. – A Warrior’s Flute

“The Forest of the Little Bear.”

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4
1:10 a.m. – The Cheater
2:50 a.m. – The Christian Lord
4:40 a.m. – Throne of Flame
6:20 a.m. – King of the Hill
8 a.m. – Detective Doberman
9:30 a.m. – Golden Peacock Castle, Parts 3 & 4
11:30 a.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry 2
1 p.m. – Case of a Young Lord 3
2:30 p.m. – Town of Pippins
4:20 p.m. – Last Glory
6:30 p.m. – Space Battleship
Yamato
8:50 p.m. – A Chivalrous Spirit
10:40 p.m. – Outlaw Under a Blue Canopy

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5
12:10 a.m. – Station to Heaven
2:30 a.m. – Like a Savage
4:20 a.m. – Red Soil Near Fuji
6 a.m. – King of the Hill
7:40 a.m. – Detective Doberman
9:10 a.m. – The Seven Chefs
11:10 a.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry 2
12:40 p.m. – The Christian Lord
2:30 p.m. – Space Battleship Yamato
4:50 p.m. – The Cheater
6:30 p.m. – The Christian Lord
8:20 p.m. – The Fixer
10:40 p.m. – King of the Hill

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6
12:20 a.m. – Last Glory
2:30 a.m. – Throne of Flame
4:10 a.m. – Station to Heaven
6:30 a.m. – A Warrior’s Flute
8 a.m. – Trials of an Okinawan
Village
9:40 a.m. – Hibari’s Favorite
11 a.m. – Heiji the Detective
12:40 p.m. – Shingo’s Original
Challenge, Parts 1 & 2
2:30 p.m. – A Warrior’s Flute
4 p.m. – The Cheater
5:40 p.m. – Station to Heaven
8 p.m. – Chronicle of My Mother
10 p.m. – Red Soil Near Fuji
11:40 p.m. – The Seven Chefs

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7
1:40 a.m. – Case of a Young Lord 3
3:10 a.m. – Trials of an Okinawan Village
4:50 a.m. – Golden Peacock Castle, Parts 3 & 4
6:50 a.m. – Town of Pippins
8:40 a.m. – A Chivalrous Spirit
10:30 a.m. – Outlaw Under a Blue Canopy
Noon – Throne of Flame
1:40 p.m. – The Fixer
4 p.m. – Chronicle of My Mother
6 p.m. – Heiji the Detective
7:40 p.m. – Go, Masao!
9:30 p.m. – Town of Pippins
11:20 p.m. – Shingo’s Original
Challenge, Parts 1 & 2

MONDAY, DECEMBER 8
1:10 a.m. – Like a Savage
3 a.m. – Hibari’s Favorite
4:20 a.m. – Heiji the
Detective
6 a.m. – Trials of an
Okinawan Village
7:40 a.m. – Hibari’s Favorite
9 a.m. – The Fixer
11:20 a.m. – King of the Hill
1 p.m. – Golden Peacock Castle, Parts 3 & 4
3 p.m. – Go, Masao!
4:50 p.m. – Detective
Doberman
6:20 p.m. – Golden Peacock Castle, Parts 3 & 4
8:20 p.m. – Shingo’s Original
Challenge, Parts 1 & 2
10:10 p.m. – Kon-shin

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9
12:30 a.m. – The Cheater
2:10 a.m. – The Christian Lord
4 a.m. – Red Soil Near Fuji
5:40 a.m. – The Seven Chefs
7:40 a.m. – Kon-shin
10 a.m. – Like a Savage
11:50 a.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry 2
1:20 p.m. – Case of a Young Lord 3
2:50 p.m. – Station to Heaven
5:10 p.m. – A Warrior’s Flute
6:40 p.m. – Town of Pippins
8:30 p.m. – Last Glory
10:40 p.m. – A Chivalrous Spirit

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10
12:30 a.m. – Outlaw Under a Blue Canopy
2 a.m. – Heiji the Detective
3:40 a.m. – Shingo’s Original
Challenge, Parts 1 & 2
5:30 a.m. – Last Glory
7:40 a.m. – Throne of Flame
9:20 a.m. – A Warrior’s Flute
10:50 a.m. – The Cheater
12:30 p.m. – The Seven Chefs
2:30 p.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry 2
4 p.m. – The Christian Lord
5:50 p.m. – Space Battleship
Yamato
8:10 p.m. – Case of a Young Lord 3
9:40 p.m. – The Untold Story
10:50 p.m. – Outlaw Under a Blue Canopy

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11
12:20 a.m. – Station to Heaven
2:40 a.m. – Hibari’s Favorite
4 a.m. – Heiji the Detective
5:40 a.m. – Like a Savage
7:30 a.m. – Red Soil Near Fuji
9:10 a.m. – The Untold Story
10:20 a.m. – Trials of an Okinawan Village
Noon – Space Battleship Yamato
2:20 p.m. – A Chivalrous Spirit
4:10 p.m. – King of the Hill
5:50 p.m. – Detective Doberman
7:20 p.m. – Chronicle of My Mother
9:20 p.m. – Heiji the Detective
11 p.m. – Trials of an Okinawan
Village

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12
12:40 a.m. – Hibari’s Favorite
2 a.m. – Heiji the Detective
3:40 a.m. – Shingo’s Original
Challenge, Parts 1 & 2
5:30 a.m. – Like a Savage
7:20 a.m. – Red Soil Near Fuji
9 a.m. – The Cheater
10:40 a.m. – The Christian Lord
12:30 p.m. – Station to Heaven
2:50 p.m. – Chronicle of My Mother
4:50 p.m. – Go, Masao!
6:40 p.m. – Town of Pippins
8:30 p.m. – The Kingpin of Fair Ladies
10 p.m. – The Cheater
11:40 p.m. – Golden Peacock Castle, Parts 3 & 4

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13
1:40 a.m. – Town of Pippins
3:30 a.m. – Detective Doberman
5 a.m. – Peacock Castle, Parts 3 & 4
7 a.m. – Town of Pippins
8:50 a.m. – Last Glory
11 a.m. – Throne of Flame
12:40 p.m. – King of the Hill
2:20 p.m. – Golden Peacock Castle, Parts 3 & 4
4:20 p.m. – Go, Masao!
6:10 p.m. – Shingo’s Original
Challenge, Parts 1 & 2
8 p.m. – Kon-shin
10:20 p.m. – Last Glory

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14
12:30 a.m. – Throne of Flame
2:10 a.m. – Red Soil Near Fuji
3:50 a.m. – The Seven Chefs
5:50 a.m. – A Warrior’s Flute
7:20 a.m. – The Kingpin of Fair Ladies
8:50 a.m. – Hibari’s Favorite
10:10 a.m. – Heiji the Detective
11:50 a.m. – A Chivalrous Spirit
1:40 p.m. – Outlaw Under a Blue Canopy
3:10 p.m. – Kon-shin
5:30 p.m. – Like a Savage
7:20 p.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry 2
8:50 p.m. – Case of a Young Lord 3
10:20 p.m. – The Untold Story
11:30 p.m. – Trials of an Okinawan Village

MONDAY, DECEMBER 15
1:10 a.m. – Outlaw Under a Blue Canopy
2:40 a.m. – Station to Heaven
5 a.m. – The Seven Chefs
7 a.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry 2
8:30 a.m. – Case of a Young Lord 3
10 a.m. – The Untold Story
11:10 a.m. – King of the Hill
12:50 p.m. – Detective Doberman
2:20 p.m. – Space Battleship Yamato
4:40 p.m. – A Chivalrous Spirit
6:30 p.m. – Station to Heaven
8:50 p.m. – A Warrior’s Flute
10:20 p.m. – Trials of an Okinawan Village

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16
Midnight – Hibari’s Favorite
1:20 a.m. – Detective Doberman
2:50 a.m. – Golden Peacock Castle, Parts 3 & 4
4:50 a.m. – Red Soil Near Fuji
6:30 a.m. – The Seven Chefs
8:30 a.m. – The Christian Lord
10:20 a.m. – Space Battleship Yamato
12:40 p.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry 2
2:10 p.m. – Case of a Young Lord 3
3:40 p.m. – Heiji the Detective
5:20 p.m. – Shingo’s Original
Challenge
7:10 p.m. – Chronicle of My Mother
9:10 p.m. – The Seven Chefs
11:10 p.m. – Town of Pippins

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17
1 a.m. – Last Glory
3:10 a.m. – The Kingpin of Fair Ladies
4:40 a.m. – The Cheater
6:20 a.m. – The Christian Lord
8:10 a.m. – A Chivalrous Spirit
10 a.m. – Station to Heaven
12:20 p.m. – Chronicle of My Mother
2:20 p.m. – Like a Savage
4:10 p.m. – Red Soil Near Fuji
5:50 p.m. – Case of a Young Lord 3
7:20 p.m. – Trials of an Okinawan Village
9 p.m. – King of the Hill
10:40 p.m. – Detective Doberman

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18
12:10 a.m. – Hibari’s Favorite
1:30 a.m. – Heiji the Detective
3:10 a.m. – The Seven Chefs
5:10 a.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry 2
6:40 a.m. – Last Glory
8:50 a.m. – Throne of Flame
10:30 a.m. – A Chivalrous Spirit
12:20 p.m. – Outlaw Under a Blue Canopy
1:50 p.m. – Kon-shin
4:10 p.m. – Like a Savage
6 p.m. – Go, Masao!
7:50 p.m. – Town of Pippins
9:40 p.m. – Station to Heaven

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19
Midnight – A Warrior’s Flute
1:30 a.m. – The Cheater
3:10 a.m. – The Christian Lord
5 a.m. – Throne of Flame
6:40 a.m. – The Fixer
9 a.m. – Shingo’s Original
Challenge, Parts 1 & 2
10:50 a.m. – Kon-shin
1:10 p.m. – Golden Peacock Castle, Parts 3 & 4
3:10 p.m. – Go, Masao!
5 p.m. – Detective Doberman
6:30 p.m. – Peacock Castle,
Parts 3 & 4
8:30 p.m. – Dark Society in the East
10:20 p.m. – The Seven Chefs

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20
12:20 a.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry 2
1:50 a.m. – Case of a Young Lord 3
3:20 a.m. – Town of Pippins
5:10 a.m. – Last Glory
7:20 a.m. – Outlaw Under a Blue Canopy
8:50 a.m. – Station to Heaven
11:10 a.m. – Like a Savage
1 p.m. – Red Soil Near Fuji
2:40 p.m. – The Seven Chefs
4:40 p.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry 2
6:10 p.m. – The Christian Lord
8 p.m. – Space Battleship Yamato
10:20 p.m. – Last Glory

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21
12:30 a.m. – Throne of Flame
2:10 a.m. – Station to Heaven
4:30 a.m. – A Warrior’s Flute
6 a.m. – The Cheater
7:40 a.m. – The Christian Lord
9:30 a.m. – Trials of an Okinawan Village
11:10 a.m. – Hibari’s Favorite
12:30 p.m. –Space Battleship
Yamato
2:50 p.m. – A Chivalrous Spirit
4:40 p.m. – Red Soil Near Fuji
6:20 p.m. – The Seven Chefs
8:20 p.m. – Heiji the Detective
10 p.m. – Shingo’s Original
Challenge, Parts 1 & 2
11:50 p.m. – A Warrior’s Flute

MONDAY, DECEMBER 22
1:20 a.m. – The Kingpin of Fair Ladies
2:50 a.m. – The Fixer
5:10 a.m. – King of the Hill
6:50 a.m. – Case of a Young Lord 3
8:20 a.m. – Trials of an Okinawan Village
10 a.m. – Hibari’s Favorite
11:20 a.m. – Heiji the Detective
1 p.m. – A Chivalrous Spirit
2:50 p.m. – Outlaw Under a Blue Canopy
4:20 p.m. – Shingo’s Original
Challenge, Parts 1 & 2
6:10 p.m. – Like a Savage
8 p.m. – Chronicle of My Mother
10 p.m. – The Seven Chefs

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23
Midnight – Outlaw Under a Blue Canopy
1:30 a.m. – Station to Heaven
3:50 a.m. – King of the Hill
5:30 a.m. – Detective Doberman
7 a.m. – Throne of Flame
8:40 a.m. – The Fixer
11 a.m. – Trials of an Okinawan
Village
12:40 p.m. – Hibari’s Favorite
2 p.m. – Chronicle of My Mother
4 p.m. – Heiji the Detective
5:40 p.m. – Case of a Young Lord 3
7:10 p.m. – Trials of an Okinawan Village
8:50 p.m. – Detective Doberman
10:20 p.m. – Golden Peacock Castle, Parts 3 & 4

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24
12:20 a.m. – King of the Hill
2 a.m. – Detective Doberman
3:30 a.m. – Red Soil Near Fuji
5:10 a.m. – Dark Society in the East
7 a.m. – Hibari’s Favorite
8:20 a.m. – Heiji the Detective
10 a.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry 2
11:30 a.m. – Case of a Young Lord 3
1 p.m. – The Seven Chefs
3 p.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry 2
4:30 p.m. – Town of Pippins
6:20 p.m. – Last Glory
8:30 p.m. – Golden Peacock Castle, Parts 3 & 4
10:30 p.m. – Go, Masao!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25
12:20 a.m. – The Kingpin of Fair Ladies
1:50 a.m. – The Cheater
3:30 a.m. – A Chivalrous Spirit
5:20 a.m. – Outlaw Under a Blue Canopy
6:50 a.m. – Heiji the Detective
8:30 a.m. – Shingo’s Original
Challenge
10:20 a.m. – Station to Heaven
12:40 p.m. – A Warrior’s Flute
2:10 p.m. – Go, Masao!
4 p.m. – Town of Pippins
5:50 p.m. – Last Glory
8 p.m. – Throne of Flame
9:40 p.m. – Case of a Young Lord 3
11:10 p.m. – The Untold Story

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26
12:20 a.m. – Shingo’s Original
Challenge, Parts 1 & 2
2:10 a.m. – Like a Savage
4 a.m. – The Christian Lord
5:50 a.m. – A Chivalrous Spirit
7:40 a.m. – The Cheater
9:20 a.m. – The Christian Lord
11:10 a.m. – The Untold Story
12:20 p.m. – Trials of an Okinawan Village
2 p.m. – Dark Society in the East
3:50 p.m. – The Seven Chefs
5:50 p.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry 2
7:20 p.m. – The Forest of the Little Bear
9:20 p.m. – Space Battleship
Yamato
11:40 p.m. – A Chivalrous Spirit

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27
1:30 a.m. – The Fixer
3:50 a.m. – King of the Hill
5:30 a.m. – Shingo’s Original
Challenge, Parts 1 & 2
7:20 a.m. – Like a Savage
9:10 a.m. – The Christian Lord
11 a.m. – Space Battleship
Yamato
1:20 p.m. – King of the Hill
3 p.m. –
Detective
Doberman
4:30 p.m. – The Seven Chefs
6:30 p.m. –
Contemporary Tales of Chivalry 2
8 p.m. – Go,
Masao!
9:50 p.m. – Town of Pippins
11:40 p.m. – The Cheater

SUNDAY,
DECEMBER 28
1:20 a.m. – The Christian Lord
3:10 a.m. –
Station to Heaven
5:30 a.m. – A Warrior’s Flute
7 a.m. – A
Chivalrous Spirit
8:50 a.m. –
Outlaw Under a Blue Canopy
10:20 a.m. – Golden Peacock Castle, Parts 3 & 4
12:20 p.m. – Go, Masao!
2:10 p.m. – Last Glory
4:20 p.m. – Throne of Flame
6 p.m. – Kon-shin
8:20 p.m. – Like a Savage
10:10 p.m. – Hibari’s Favorite
11:30 p.m. – Heiji the Detective

MONDAY, DECEMBER 29
1:10 a.m. – Like a Savage
3 a.m. – Red Soil Near Fuji
4:40 a.m. – Outlaw Under a Blue Canopy
6:10 a.m. – Station to Heaven
8:30 a.m. – Shingo’s Original
Challenge, Parts 1 & 2
10:20 a.m. – Kon-shin
12:40 p.m. – A Warrior’s Flute
2:10 p.m. – The Kingpin of Fair Ladies
3:40 p.m. – Town of Pippins
5:30 p.m.– Last Glory
7:40 p.m. – Heiji the Detective
9:20 p.m. – Shingo’s Original
Challenge, Parts 1 & 2
11:10 p.m. – The Forest of the Little Bear

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30
1:10 a.m. – Case of a Young Lord 3
2:40 a.m. – Red Soil Near Fuji
4:20 a.m. – Dark Society in the East
6:10 a.m. – Detective Doberman
7:40 a.m. – Golden Peacock Castle, Parts 3 & 4
9:40 a.m. – Case of a Young Lord 3
11:10 a.m. – The Untold Story
12:20 p.m. – Trials of an Okinawan Village
2 p.m. – Hibari’s Favorite
3:20 p.m. – Like a Savage
5:10 p.m. – Red Soil Near Fuji
6:50 p.m. – Chronicle of My Mother
8:50 p.m. – Heiji the Detective
10:30 p.m. – Throne of Flame

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31
12:10 a.m. – The Fixer
2:30 a.m. – Outlaw Under a Blue Canopy
4 a.m. – Station to Heaven
6:20 a.m. – Golden Peacock Castle, Parts 3 & 4
8:20 a.m. – Town of Pippins
10:10 a.m. – The Untold Story
11:20 a.m. – Trials of an Okinawan Village
1 p.m. – Town of Pippins
2:50 p.m. – Last Glory
5 p.m. – Chronicle of My Mother
7 p.m. – The Seven Chefs
9 p.m. – Hibari’s Favorite
10:20 p.m. – Heiji the Detective

“Antoki no Inochi,” airs on Friday, Dec. 12, at 7:35 p.m.
Kyohei has shut away the world. During his high school days he was the target of bullying and experienced horrifying moments. Now as a young adult, he works for a company that specializes in cleaning out the homes of recently deceased individuals. When sorting through the personal belongings of the deceased, he’s forced to face the concept of life and death. At his new job Kyohei meets co-worker Yuki. She has also experienced a traumatizing event as a teen and has also shut herself away from the world. These two young people form a bond as they go through the homes and gradually open up to each other. Fully subtitled in English.

“Massan,” premieres on Friday, Dec. 19, at 7:15 p.m.
The 91st NHK morning drama, “Massan” is based on the true story of Taketsuru Masataka and his Scottish wife Rita Cowen.
In the Taisho era, Masataka, son and heir to a Sake brewery with a passion for making whiskey travels alone to Scotland to learn more. He is first Japanese person to produce whisky in Japan when he opened his own distillery in Hokkaido in 1934. The drama shows a unique way of viewing Japanese virtues, and cross-cultural hospitality. Fully subtitled in English.

“The Partner: Itoshiki Hyakunen no Tomo e,” airs on Friday, Dec. 19 and 26, at 7:35 p.m.
A story about the special friendship between Phan Boi Chau and Japanese doctor Sakitaro Asaba, which began when Chau went to Japan to seek support for Vietnam’s national independence movement.
Sakitaro runs a hospital near the coast. One day, Asaba is told by the nurse Akane about a foreign man who has washed ashore. This man is Phan Boi Chau (a historical figure and the initiator of Vietnamese independence movement). Phan came to Japan because Japan’s military assistance was necessary for Vietname’s independence. Fully subtitled in English.

“Miyamoto Musashi,” premieres on Tuesday, Dec. 30, at 7:35 p.m.
It is the year 1600. A young man, Takezo, from the village of Miyamoto, signs up to fight in the Battle of Sekigahara. He is a lowly foot soldier with an aspiration of making a name for himself. Amidst the confusion, Takezo is captivated by the beautiful swordplay of a lone soldier from the Army of the East. That man’s name is Kojiro Sasaki, a man that Takezo deemed as worthy of being his lifelong rival. When he goes back to the village, he is persecuted by the people.
After four years of incarceration, Takezo is freed, and the lord of the castle, Terumasa Ikeda, together with Priest Takuan, gave him a new name, Musashi Miyamoto, as he embarked on a journey to improve his sword skills. Musashi begins to travel for warrior training. He meets many masters of the sword and grows as a person. Fully subtitled in English.

“Tsuribaka Nisshi 6 (Free and Easy 6),” airs on Tuesday, Dec. 30, at 8:30 p.m.
Sixth installment of the series of “Tsuribaka nisshi.” Su-san must give a lecture in far-off Iwate, which serves as another excuse for the company president and Hama-chan to go fishing. Once there, however, Hama-chan is mistaken for the company president and Su-san for his chauffeur! But Su-san is delighted at the mix-up: he gets to go fishing with a beautiful woman working at a local inn. Fully subtitled in English.

NGN 3 MOVIE CHANNEL (Digital Ch. 679)
Premiere titles air on Friday. 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.

PREMIERE TITLES OF THE MONTH

Dec. 5: “Nihon no Fixer (The Fixer),” 1979 action film, 2 hours and 10 minutes.
Directed by Yasuo Koki. Starring Shin Saburi and Masakazu Tamura.
The facts of a fixer who controls politics from behind the scenes.

Dec. 12: “Onna Tarashi no Teio (The Kingpin of Fair Ladies),” 1970 action film, 1 hour and 37 minutes.
Directed by Takeichi Saito. Starring Tatsuo Umemiya and Shingo Yamashiro.
A man is inspired to build a hospital after his mother falls ill and becomes a host to swindle money out of women.

Dec. 19: “Kyokuto Kuroshakai (Dark Society in the East),” 1993 action film, 1 hour and 50 minutes.
Directed by Shokaku Baba. Starring Koji Yakusho and Masahiko Kondo.
A story about the activities of Southeast Asian Mafia gangs in Shinjuku. Ryosuke Kano is an ex French Foreign Legion soldier and is now a cocaine smuggler and dealer. He is acquainted with Larry, a Japanese American, but he turned out to be an undercover cop from New York.

Dec. 26: “Itazu Kuma (The Forest of the Little Bear),” 1987 drama, 1 hour and 57 minutes.
Directed by Toshio Goto. Starring Takahiro Tamura and Junko Sakurada.
Hunting master Ginzo kills a man-eating bear. When he finds out the bear had a cub, Ginzo decides to raise the cub, but the bear later becomes a troublemaker.

NGN3 MOVIE OF THE MONTH

“Waga Haha no Ki (Chronicle of My Mother),” 2011 drama, 1 hour and 59 minutes.
Directed by Masato Harada. Starring Koji Yakusho and Kirin Kiki.
Kosaku, married with four daughters, is a successful writer and tyrannical husband and father. When his mother begins to display signs of dementia, duty demands that he take care of her. He knows she probably doesn’t have long to live, but as she attempts to cling to the fading memories of her son, they manage to gradually reconcile their family’s complicated past. As her grip on reality loosens, facts about the past — specifically why she saw fit to abandon her son after the war — come to light.

NGN3 COMMUNITY FAVORITE

“Zenigata Heiji (Heiji, the Detective),” 1967 samurai film, 1 hour and 29
minutes.
Directed by Tetsuya Yamauchi. Starring Hashizo Okawa, Kazuo Funaki and Ryutaro Otomo.
Famous for his coin tossing when capturing criminals, an Edo detective, Heiji, launches an investigation into the mysterious murder of his friend Seigoro.

NGN3 Movies (in alphabetical order)

“Amakusa Shiro Tokisada (The Christian Lord),” 1962 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 42 minutes.
Directed by Nagisa Oshima. Starring Hashizo Okawa, Satomi Oka and Ryutaro Otomo.
An illustration of the riot of Christians and peasants in the Edo period and the lord who struggled to help them.

“Beppin no Machi (Town of Pippins),” 1989 drama, 1 hour and 43 minutes.
Directed by Takahito Hara. Starring Kyohei Shibata and Masahiro Motoki.
An amateur private eye is on a mission to find a missing girl.

“Chiyari Fuji (Red Soil Near Fuji),” 1955 samurai film, 1 hour and 34 minutes.
Directed by Tomu Uchida. Starring Chiezo Kataoka and Ryunosuke Tsukigata.
A lord’s spearsman travels to Edo with his two servants. On their way, they meet people and encounter great injustice.

“Doberman Deka (Detective Doberman),” 1977 action film, 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Directed by Kinji Fukasaku. Starring Sonny Chiba and Hiroki Matsukata.
A naive detective from Okinawa comes to Tokyo to track down a missing girl from his village and gets involved in a scandal in show business.

“Fuefuki Wakamusha (A Warrior’s Flute),” 1955 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 30
minutes.
Directed by Yasushi Sasaki. Starring Hashizo Okawa, Hibari Misora and Ryutaro Otomo.
Tale of tragic love between samurai and princess during Heian period.

“Gang Chojo Sakusen (King of the Hill),” 1965 action film, 1 hour and 31 minutes.
Directed by Umetsugu Inoue. Starring Tatsuo Umemiya and Kyosuke Machida.
Gangs fight over a hidden fortune of gold bars.

“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.

“Honoo no Shiro (Throne of Flame),” 1960 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 39 minutes.
Directed by Tai Kato. Starring Hashizo Okawa.
The tragic story of a young feudal lord who seeks revenge after learning that his uncle was behind his father’s murder.

“Ikasama Bakuchi (The Cheater),” 1968 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 32 minutes.
Directed by Shigehiro Ozawa. Starring Koji Tsuruta and Tomizaburo Wakayama.
Ginjiro the gambler goes on a mission to save young Oshino, whose father takes his own life because of a mounting gambling debt.

“Kon-shin,” 2012 drama, 2 hours and 14 minutes.
Directed by Yoshinari Nishikiori. Starring Sho Aoyagi and Ayumi Ito.
Hideaki reluctantly returns to his hometown of Okinoshima and remarries Tamiko, causing a rift with his motherless young daughter. He throws himself into training with the local sumo stable, gradually earning the respect of the once-estranged townspeople.
He gets selected for the coveted Ozeki position in the upcoming tournament. Preparing for the big championship, which is held every 20 years at Mizuwakasu Temple, the challenge becomes overwhelming, and the bond of his family and friends on the island support him as he steps into the final competition.

“LOVE Masao-kun ga Iku! (Go, Masao!),” 2012 comedy/drama, 1 hour and 49 minutes.
Directed by Kentaro Otani. Starring Shingo Katori and Ryoko Hirosue.
Hideki, a struggling comedian is initially overjoyed when he’s invited to appear on a pet-themed variety show starring a goofy dog Masao-kun. Unfortunately, his luck quickly takes a turn for the worse when Masao proves nearly impossible to handle. However, his attitude changes one day when he’s injured during filming and Masao immediately rushes to aid him. After that incident, Hideki decides to form a permanent duo with Masao.

“Nagareita Shichinin (The Seven Chefs),” 1997 food drama, 1 hour and 55 minutes.
Directed by Seiji Izumi. Starring Hiroki Matsukata, Koji Matoba, Ayumi Ishida and Tatsuo Umemiya.
Traveling chef Tatsuji is called back to Tokyo to help save his late teacher’s restaurant. With the help of his close friend Kinu, Tatsuji must complete the training of Wataru — the apprentice chosen by his late teacher to become the next master chef — in the art of culinary excellence and running a successful business.

“Nihon Jokyoden Gekito Himeyuri Misaki (Trials of an Okinawa Village),” 1971 action film, 1 hour and 35 minutes.
Directed by Shigehiro Ozawa. Starring Junko Fuji and Bunta Sugawara.
A female of a trucking company has run-ins with evil yakuza during the American occupation of Okinawa. Her hometown is threatened by usurers, gangsters and indirectly by American GI influences. She must battle a yakuza organization with her employees to help settle things.

“Ninkyo Tokaido (A Chivalrous Spirit),” 1957 samurai film, 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Directed by Sadatsugu Matsuda. Starring Chiezou Kataoka, Kinnosuke Nakamura and Utaemon Ichikawa.
Jirocho, an honorable and respected gang boss, uncovers a conspiracy organized by his rivals while on a quest to bring justice to three murders.

“Ougon Kujakujo Dai-Sanbu (Golden Peacock Castle Part 3),” 1961 samurai/action film, 57 minutes.
Directed by Shoji Matsumura. Starring Totsuben Sawamura, Kotaro Satomi and Shingo Yamashiro.
The battle for the Golden Peacock Castle continues in this third installment of the famed movie series. Heroes Hiuchimaru and Sakon discover hidden powers residing in the Peacock seal emblazoned on items they carry, while Gondaiyu continues his relentless attacks in pursuit of the hidden treasures locked away in the castle.

“Ougon Kujakujo Kanketsu-hen (Golden Peacock Castle: Final Episode),” 1953 samurai/action film, 55 minutes.
Directed by Shoji Matsuura. Starring Totsuben Sawamura, Kotaro Satomi, Shingo Yamashiro.
The struggle between the evil Gondaiyu and the remnants of Golden Peacock Castle comes to an end in this exciting finale. Gondaiyu and Danjo plot to take over the Shogun’s army while continuing their efforts to eliminate Sakon and Hiuchimaru.

“Ozora no Muhomono (Outlaw Under a Blue Canopy),” 1960 action film,
1 hour and 29 minutes.
Directed by Shoichi Shimazu. Starring Ken Takakura and Yoshiko Sakuma.
Sheriff Goro goes undercover to investigate drug smugglers.

“Saigo no Tokkoutai (Last Glory),” 1970 drama, 2 hours and 2 minutes.
Directed by Junya Sato. Starring Koji Tsuruta, Ken Takakura and Sonny Chiba.
A story depicting the last days of young Kamikaze pilots.

“Shingo Juban Shobu Dai Ichibu/Dai Nibu (Shingo’s Original Challenge Part 1 & 2),” 1959 samurai film, 1 hour and 44 minutes.
Directed by Sadatsugu Matsuda. Starring Hashizo Okawa, Ryutaro Otomo and Ryunosuke Tsukigata.
The first episode of the popular series “Shingo’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?

“Showa Zankyoden Karajishi Botan (Contemporary Tales of Chivalry 2),” 1966 action film, 1 hour and 29 minutes.
Directed by Kiyoshi Saeki. Starring Ken Takakura and Yoshiko Mita.
Hidejiro is a wandering yakuza with a ‘karashi botan’ (Chinese lion and peony) tattoo. Owing a favor to the Soda Family, he kills the boss of the rival Sakaki Family. When the Soda attacks the Sakaki and double-crosses him, with sword in hand, Hidejiro seeks brutal retribution.

“Space Battleship Yamato,” 2010 drama, 2 hours and 19 minutes.
Directed by Takashi Yamazaki. Starring Takuya Kimura and Meisa Kuroki.
The story is set in the year 2199. The Gamilas, a mysterious alien enemy, has been decimating the Earth to unlivable and irradiated conditions for the past five years. Humankind now lives underground to escape the radiation, but with only a year until extinction. One day while roaming the surface of Earth, former pilot Susumu Kodai (Takuya Kimura) comes across a capsule sent from the planet Iskandar that reveals there is technology that has the power to eradicate the radiation from Earth. A chosen crew of Space battleship Yamato takes off on the long trip to Iskandar with hopes to save the Earth.

“Tengoku no Eki (Station to Heaven),” 1984 drama, 2 hours and 14 minutes.
Directed by Masanobu Deme. Starring Sayuri Yoshinaga, Toshiyuki Nishida and Tomokazu Miura.
A tangled web of murder and deceit shroud a woman’s lifelong search to find true love.

“The Untold Story: Internment of Japanese Americans in Hawai‘i,” 2012 documentary, 58 minutes.
Directed by Ryan Kawamoto.
Within 48 hours of Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawai‘i authorities arrested several hundred local Japanese on O‘ahu, Maui, Hawai‘i and Kaua‘i. They were Buddhist priests, Japanese language school officials, newspaper editors, business and community leaders. In total, over 2,000 men and women of Japanese ancestry were arrested, detained and interned in Hawai‘i.
Very little is known about the Hawai‘i internees and the confinement sites located in Hawai‘i. This is the first full-length documentary to chronicle this untold story in Hawai‘i’s history.

“Wakasama Zamurai Torimonocho Mano Shibijin Yashiki (Case of A Young Lord, Part 3),” 1954 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Directed by Kinnosuke Fukada. Starring Hashizo Okawa, Shinobu Chihara and Satomi Oka.
A master swordsman gets involved in a strange murder that occurs as a result of a Shogun succession struggle.

“Yabanjin no You ni (Like a Savage),” 1985 drama, 1 hour and 47 minutes.
Directed by Toru Kawashima. Starring Hiroko Yakushimaru and Kyohei Shibata.
Young writer Tamako, who is wrongfully accused of killing the head yakuza, must find a way out of trouble.

“Modern Farmer,” Sunday at 6:30 p.m./re-airs Monday at 1:45 p.m.

There is a rock band called “Excellent Souls.” The band consists of Min-Ki Lee, Hyeok Kang, Han Cheol Yoo and Ki-Joon Han. The band decides to move to the countryside. There, the drama series follows their dreams, loves and friendships. Starring Hong-Ki Lee, Min-Woo Park, Si-Un Lee and Dong-Yeon Kwak.

“Secret Door,” Monday and Tuesday at 7:45 p.m./re-airs on Tuesday and Wednesday at 2:45 p.m.

This drama series follows the conflict between King Yeongjo and Crown Prince Sado. King Yeongjo pursues strong royal authority, while Crown Prince Sado insists on equality for all. Starring Suk-Kyu Han and Je-Hoon Lee.

“Only Love,” Monday-Thursday at 10:25 p.m.; re-airs Tuesday-Friday at 12:20 p.m.

Tae-yang Kim is a physician and Yoo-ri Choi is a broadcasting producer. Jae-min Choi is a dandy-ish executive at a clothing company and Saet-byul Kim is an unwed mother. Woo-joo Kim is much younger than Mi-rae Hong. As these three couples fall in love, they explore issues of age difference, blood ties and adoption, and wealth and poverty. Starring: Ha-joon Seo, Se-mi Im, Bo-ra Nam, Jong-hoon Yoon and Ye-won Kim.

“SBS Pinocchio,” Wednesday and Thursday at 7:45 p.m./re-airs on Thursday and Friday at 2:45 p.m.

A drama depicting love, frustration, growth and the competitive process of young people in their 20s becoming reporters as they cry and get hurt by truth, but realize that as reporters, they must tell the truth. It centers around the story of a man who hides a special talent while living under a fake name and a woman who cannot lie due to ‘Pinocchio Syndrome.’ Starring: Jong-Suk Lee, Shin-Hye Park, Yeong-Kwang Kim, Yoo-Bi Lee, Pil-Mo Lee and Seong-Wook Min.

“Horse Doctor,” Wednesday and Thursday at 9:25 p.m./re-airs on Thursday and Friday at 1 p.m.

“The Horse Doctor” follows a veterinarian in the Joseon Period as he goes through difficulties to become a royal physician. Starring Seung-Woo Cho, Yo-Won Lee, Chang-Min Son, Yoo-Sun and Sang-Woo Lee.

“Birth of a Beauty,” Friday and Saturday at 7:45 p.m./re-airs on Saturday and Sunday at noon.

A romantic comedy about the revenge, love, and success of beautiful woman with the personality of an ajumma. It will tell the story of a woman who is transformed after plastic surgery and dieting, and the man, who made her that way. Tae-Hee Han is the heir of a large company. He is suffering from a broken heart syndrome due to a psychological shock. To get the woman he loves back, he completely changes an unattractive and overweight ajumma Geum-Ran Sa to beautiful Sa Ra. In the process, Tae Hee falls in love with Sa Ra. Starring: Sang-Wook Joo, Ye-Seul Han, Jae-Sook Ha, Gyu-Woon Jung, Ji-Hye Wang, Sang-Jin Han and Gyo-Jin In.

“Scandal,” Friday-Sunday at 9:25 p.m./ re-airs Saturday and Sunday at 1:15 p.m. and Monday at 12:20 p.m.

A man loses his son when a building collapses. He finds out who killed his son and kidnaps the son of this man. When the son grows up, he learns that the man he believed to be his father was in fact a kidnapper. This is a story of revenge, and the life after with wound and restoration. Starring Jae-Won Kim, Yoon-Hee Jo, Jae-Hyun Jo, Sang-Min Park, Eun-Kyung Shin, Tae-Young Ki, Hye-Ri Kim and Kyu-Ri Kim.

“WATCH Documentary: Hawaii Immigration and Hiroshima,“ Thursday, Jan. 1, at 6:45 p.m. and Friday, Jan. 2, at 7:30 a.m.

“Miyamoto Musashi,” airs from Tuesday, Dec. 30 through Saturday, Jan. 3, at 7:35 p.m. and repeats from Wednesday, Dec. 31, through Sunday, Jan. 4, at 8:40 a.m.

Based on the novel “Miyamoto Musashi” by Eiji Yoshikawa. It is the year 1600. A young man, Takezo, from the village of Miyamoto, signs up to fight in the Battle of Sekigahara. He is a lowly foot soldier who aspires to make a name for himself. Amidst the confusion, Takezo is captivated by the beautiful swordplay of a lone soldier from the Army of the East. That man’s name is Kojiro Sasaki, a man that Takezo deemed worthy of being his lifelong rival. When Takezo goes back to the village, his life becomes one filled with persecution.

After four years of being incarcerated, Takezo is freed and the lord of the castle, Terumasa Ikeda, together with Priest Takuan, gives him a new name, Musashi Miyamoto, as he embarks on a journey to improve his sword skills. Musashi begins to travel for warrior training. He meets many masters of the sword and grows as a person.

Eddy Yamasaki of Honolulu is a Sansei (third generation Japanese American). His grandparents immigrated to Hawai‘i from Hiroshima. During World War II, he fought for America as a member of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. The war ended when the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, his grandparents’ hometown.

At the age of 89, Yamasaki visited Hiroshima for the first time to learn about his roots and asks, “What made my grandparents decide to come to Hawai‘i?”

“Manzanar Fishing Club,” Thursday, Jan. 1, at 8:30 p.m.

“The Manzanar Fishing Club” is a feature length documentary that chronicles the World War II internment of Japanese Americans from a unique perspective: through the eyes of those who defied the armed guards, barbed wire and searchlights to fish for trout in the surrounding waters of the Eastern Sierra mountains. This is a story that pays tribute to the heart and soul of the human spirit. It is the personal stories of individuals confined behind barbed wire whose liberty may be taken away but never their love of nature, beauty and joy of fishing.

The producer and writer have filmed a special introduction and new segment exclusively for NGN this new year. Fully subtitled in Japanese.

“Jinsei no Rakuen,” premieres on Friday, Jan. 2, at 6:45 p.m.

What do you plan to do after retirement? Everyone needs a purpose in life. “Jinsei no Rakuen” helps viewers find the “great lifestyle.” Many people would like to live differently and enjoy a happy life filled with satisfaction after years of hard work. Meet people who have realized their dream after retirement. You will be inspired.

In the premiere episode, the MC Toshiyuku Nishida shows his hometown Fukushima and introduces you to two couples striving to recover after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Fully subtitled in English.

“Roosevelt Game,” premieres on Friday, Jan. 2, at 8:30 p.m.

“The most exciting baseball game score is 8 to 7!” That’s what former U.S. President Roosevelt once said.

Aoshima Works is a medium-size company. Forced to navigate the turbulent waves of an unforeseen recession, fierce competition, and on the brink of bankruptcy, the company strives to survive by orchestrating a miracle reversal called the “Roosevelt Game.” Written by Jun Ikeido, author of the best-selling novel, “Hanzawa Naoki.” A comeback story for all workers who never-say-die. Fully subtitled in English.

“Jiji Hodan,” premieres on Sunday, Jan. 11, at 8:10 p.m.

Seasoned politicians appear on TBS’ early Sunday morning show “Jiji Hodan” as regular guests. “Jiji Hodan” has a reputation for getting politicians to reveal their “true intentions.” Moderated by Tokyo University Professor Takashi Mikuriya.

“Nobunaga Concerto,” premieres on Monday, Jan. 19, at 7:35 p.m.

“Nobunaga Concerto” centers around Saburo, an ordinary modern-day high school boy who excels in sports but never had any interest in his studies. One day he suddenly travels back in time to the Sengoku period of 1549, or the Warring States Era in Japan. There Saburo encounters young and sickly Nobunaga Oda who happens to look and sound just like Saburo. Both are shocked by their uncanny resemblance, but Saburo is even more shocked as the young Nobunaga asks Saburo to switch places with him and help people in Japan be united. Will Saburo succeed in his attempt to unify the country of Japan in spite of the “generation gap” across space and time? Gear up for the battle of the warlords! This out-of-this-world imaginative story is sure to keep you hooked throughout the entire course of the series. Fully subtitled in English.

NGN 3 MOVIE CHANNEL (Digital Ch. 679)

Premiere titles air on Friday. 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.

PREMIERE TITLES OF THE MONTH

Jan. 2: “Tsuri Baka Nisshi 6 (Free and Easy 6),” 1993 comedy, 1 hour and 35 minutes.

Directed by Tomio Kuriyama. Starring Toshiyuki Nishida and Rentaro Mikuni. The sixth film of the “Tsuribaka Nisshi” series. Su-san must give a lecture in far-off Iwate, which serves as another excuse for the company president and Hama-chan to go fishing. Once there, however, Hama-chan is mistaken for the company president and Su-san for his chauffeur! But Su-san is delighted at the mix-up: he gets to go fishing with a beautiful woman working at a local inn.

Jan. 9: “Kuchibue o Fuku Mushukumono (Whistling Drifter),” 1961 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Directed by Daisuke Yamazaki. Starring Kinya Kitaoji and Hiroki Matsukata. A story of friendship between good samurais and aborigines in Hokkaido.

Jan. 16: “Shin Gokudo no Onnatachi (Yakuza Ladies Revisited),” 1991 action film, 1 hour and 53 minutes.

Directed by Sadao Nakajima. Starring Shima Iwashita and Masahiro Takeshima. The third episode of the new “Yakuza Ladies” series. Kanae, wife of the Fujinami family boss of Amagasaki, must represent the family after the sudden death of her husband.

Jan. 23: “Jigoku no Okite ni Asu wa Nai (Glorious Fights),” 1966 action film, 1 hour and 31 minutes.

Directed by Yasuo Furuhata. Starring Ken Takakura and Yukiyo Toake. A young leader of the Yamazaki family of Nagasaki, Takida (Ken Takakura) is an A-bomb survivor. He fiercely battles violent elements in southern Japan like there is no tomorrow.

Jan. 30: “Ninkyo Yawara Ichidai (Judo vs. Karate),” 1966 action film, 1 hour and 59 minutes.

Directed by Sadao Nakajima. Starring Hideo Murata and Saburo Kitajima. A story of friendship between a lone wolf judo expert and a youth.

“Nobunaga Concerto,” premieres on Monday, Jan. 19, 2015 at 7:35 p.m.

NGN3 MOVIE OF THE MONTH

“Ooku ~Eien~ (The Castle of Crossed Destinies),” 2012 jidaigeki drama, 2 hours and 4 minutes.
Directed by Fuminori Kaneko. Starring Masato Sakai and Miho Kanno.

The Lady Shogun rules the land in the wake of a devastating plague that has drastically reduced the male population during the late 1600’s. Gender roles are reversed with political leadership firmly in female hands, now served by prettified and solicitous male concubines to cater to their whims while tasked with siring the next generation of Edo elites. While the Shogun has ostensibly forsaken love to fulfill her role undistracted, 3,000 men compete for her favor and affections. One is determined to stand above the rest to further his own ambitions. Can each stay the course they’ve so carefully adhered to until now, or will real feelings get in the way of political power moves and socially-ascribed destinies?

NGN3 COMMUNITY FAVORITE

“Otoko wa Tsuraiyo Bokyo-hen (Tora-san’s Runaway),” 1970 drama, 1 hour and 28 minutes.

Directed by Yoji Yamada. Starring Kiyoshi Atsumi and Chieko Baisho. Tora-san, an eccentric and resourceful tramp, is always cheerful. He believes he has a serious disease and returns to Hokkaido, his family’s origin. He lives in the home of his uncle and sister, causing chaos and trouble as usual. Tora-san agrees to go with her to an interview with the family of one of her suitors. But that is without counting Tora-san’s terrible clumsiness. His cheeky humor, for instance, is not fully appreciated by the family. The wedding is canceled and Tora-san takes the road again.

NGN3 Movies (in alphabetical order)
** For this month only, the director’s name, cast and film synopsis will not be printed.

“Beranme Geisha to Osaka Musume (The Prickly Mouthed Geisha and the Girl of Osaka),” 1962 drama, 1 hour and 27 minutes.

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

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

“Daidatsugoku (Great Jail Break),” 1975 drama, 1 hour and 31 minutes.

“Doran (The Revolt),” 1980 drama, 2 hours and 29 minutes.

“Fuyu no Hana (Flower of Winter),” 1978 drama, 2 hours and 2 minutes.

“Headphone Lullaby,” 1983 drama, 1 hour and 40 minutes.

“Itazu Kuma (The Forest of the Little Bear),” 1987 drama, 1 hour and 57 minutes.

“Kimi no Na wa (Always in My Heart, Part 1),” 1953 drama, 2 hours and 9 minutes.

“Kono Kubi Ichimangoku (Tragedy of the Coolie Samurai),” 1963 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 33 minutes.

“Kyokuto Kuroshakai (Dark Society in the East),” 1993 action film, 1 hour and 50 minutes.

“Milocrorze (Milocrorze – A Love Story),” 2012 drama, 1 hour and 30 minutes.

“Nihon Kyokakuden Kanto-hen (The Domain: Kanto Legends of Chivalry),” 1965 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 35 minutes.

“Nihon no Fixer (The Fixer),” 1979 action film, 2 hours and 10 minutes.

“Ninjutsu Suikoden Inazuma Kotengu (The Scroll’s Secret),” 1958 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 9 minutes.

“Onna Tarashi no Teio (The Kingpin of Fair Ladies),” 1970 action film, 1 hour and 37 minutes.

“Oshidori Kago (The Bull’s Eye for Love),” 1958 samurai film, 1 hour and 27 minutes.

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

“Satomi Hakkenden Dai-nibu (Sorcerer’s Orb 2),” 1954 samurai film, 54 minutes.

“Senhime to Hideyori (Lord Hideyori and Princess Sen),” 1962 samurai film, 1 hour and 26 minutes.

“Shin Abashiri Bangaichi Fubuki no Hagure Okami (New Prison Walls of Abashiri: Stray Wolf in Snow),” 1970 drama, 1 hour and 48 minutes.

“Shingo Juban Shobu Dai-sanbu (Shingo’s Original Challenge, Part 3),” 1960 samurai film, 1 hour and 24 minutes.

“Shinkansen Daibakuha (The Bullet Train),” 1975 action film, 2 hours and 26 minutes.

“Showa Zankyoden Karajishi Jingi (Contemporary Tales of Chivalry: A Lion’s Code),” 1969 drama, 1 hour and 39 minutes.

“Toyama no Kinsan Saikoro Bugyo (Magistrate of Dice),” 1961 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 30 minutes.

“Youkame no Semi (Rebirth),” 2011 drama, 2 hours and 27 minutes.

THURSDAY, JAN. 1
Midnight – Bullet Train
2:30 a.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge, Part 3
4 a.m. – The Fixer
6:20 a.m. – Headphone Lullaby
8 a.m. – The Kingpin of Fair Ladies
9:30 a.m. – Bullet Train
Noon – Dark Society in the East
1:50 p.m. – Lord Hideyori and Princess Sen
3:20 p.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge, Part 3
4:50 p.m. – The Domain: Kanto Legends of Chivalry
6:30 p.m. – Forty-seven Masterless Samurai, Part 1
8:20 p.m. – Bullet Train
10:50 p.m. – Rebirth

FRIDAY, JAN. 2
1:20 a.m. – The Revolt
3:50 a.m. – New Prison Walls of Abashiri: Stray Wolf in Snow
5:40 a.m. – Tragedy of the Coolie Samurai
7:20 a.m. – The Prickly Mouthed Geisha and the Girl of Osaka
8:50 a.m. – Dark Society in the East
10:40 a.m. – The Forest of the Little Bear
12:40 p.m. – The Prickly Mouthed Geisha and the Girl of Osaka
2:10 p.m. – The Sorcerer’s Orb, Parts 1 & 2
4 p.m. – Rebirth
6:30 p.m. – Forty-seven Masterless Samurai, Part 2
8 p.m. – Free and Easy 6
9:40 p.m. – Headphone Lullaby
11:20 p.m. – New Prison Walls of Abashiri: Stray Wolf in Snow

SATURDAY, JAN. 3
1:10 a.m. – Dark Society in the East
3 a.m. – Lord Hideyori and Princess Sen
4:30 a.m. – Great Jailbreak
6:10 a.m. – The Bull’s Eye for Love
7:40 a.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry: A Lion’s Code
9:10 a.m. – The Kingpin of Fair Ladies
10:40 a.m. – Free and Easy 6
12:20 p.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry: A Lion’s Code
1:50 p.m. – Lord Hideyori and Princess Sen
3:20 p.m. – Always in My Heart, Part 1
5:30 p.m. – Bullet Train
8 p.m. – The Castle of Crossed Destinies
10:10 p.m. – Lord Hideyori and Princess Sen
11:40 p.m. – The Forest of the Little Bear

SUNDAY, JAN. 4
1:40 a.m. – Dark Society in the East
3:30 a.m. – Lord Hideyori and Princess Sen
5 a.m. – The Domain: Kanto Legends of Chivalry
6:40 a.m. – The Sorcerer’s Orb, Parts 1 & 2
8:30 a.m. – The Bull’s Eye for Love
10 a.m. – Flower of Winter
12:10 p.m. – Always in My Heart, Part 1
2:20 p.m. – The Forest of the Little Bear
4:20 p.m. – The Castle of Crossed Destinies
6:30 p.m. – Free and Easy 6
8:10 p.m. – The Revolt
10:40 p.m. – The Scroll’s Secret
11:50 p.m. – Tragedy of the Coolie Samurai

MONDAY, JAN. 5
1:30 a.m. – Great Jailbreak
3:10 a.m. – Magistrate of Dice
4:40 a.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry: A Lion’s Code
6:10 a.m. – The Scroll’s Secret
7:20 a.m. – The Fixer
9:40 a.m.– Magistrate of Dice
11:10 a.m. – Free and Easy 6
12:50 p.m. – The Fixer
3:10 p.m. – Headphone Lullaby
4:50 p.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge, Part 3
6:20 p.m. – The Domain: Kanto Legends of Chivalry
8 p.m. – Tora-san’s Runaway
9:40 p.m. – Flower of Winter
11:50 p.m. – Great Jailbreak

TUESDAY, JAN. 6
1:30 a.m. – The Bull’s Eye for Love
3 a.m. – The Sorcerer’s Orb, Parts 1 & 2
4:50 a.m. – The Revolt
7:20 a.m. – Flower of Winter
9:30 a.m. – Magistrate of Dice
11 a.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry: A Lion’s Code
12:30 p.m. – The Kingpin of Fair Ladies
2 p.m. – The Bull’s Eye for Love
3:30 p.m. – Tora-san’s Runaway
5:10 p.m. – Bullet Train
7:40 p.m.– Shingo’s Original Challenge, Part 3
9:10 p.m. – Lord Hideyori and Princess Sen
10:40 p.m. – The Forest of the Little Bear

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 7
12:40 a.m. – New Prison Walls of Abashiri: Stray Wolf in Snow
2:30 a.m. – Tragedy of the Coolie Samurai
4:10 a.m. – The Revolt
6:40 a.m. – The Scroll’s Secret
7:50 a.m. – The Kingpin of Fair Ladies
9:20 a.m. – Bullet Train
11:50 a.m. – The Forest of the Little Bear
1:50 p.m. – The Prickly Mouthed Geisha and the Girl of Osaka
3:20 p.m. – Tragedy of the Coolie Samurai
5 p.m. – Milocrorze: A Love Story
6:30 p.m. – The Domain: Kanto Legends of Chivalry
8:10 p.m. – The Sorcerer’s Orb, Parts 1 & 2
10 p.m. – Headphone Lullaby
11:40 p.m. – New Prison Walls of Abashiri: Stray Wolf in Snow

THURSDAY, JAN. 8
1:30 a.m. – The Scroll’s Secret
2:40 a.m. – The Fixer
5 a.m. – The Prickly Mouthed Geisha and the Girl of Osaka
6:30 a.m. – Dark Society in the East
8:20 a.m. – The Bull’s Eye for Love
9:50 a.m. – Flower of Winter
Noon – Milocrorze: A Love Story
1:30 p.m. – Great Jailbreak
3:10 p.m. – The Fixer
5:30 p.m. – Headphone Lullaby
7:10 p.m. – Always in My Heart, Part 1
9:20 p.m. – The Forest of the Little Bear
11:20 p.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge, Part 3

FRIDAY, JAN. 9
12:50 a.m. – The Domain: Kanto Legends of Chivalry
2:30 a.m. – Headphone Lullaby
4:10 a.m. – New Prison Walls of Abashiri: Stray Wolf in Snow
6 a.m. – Magistrate of Dice
7:30 a.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry: A Lion’s Code
9 a.m. – Lord Hideyori and Princess Sen
10:30 a.m. – Always in My Heart, Part 1
12:40 p.m. – Bullet Train
3:10 p.m. – The Castle of Crossed Destinies
5:20 p.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge, Part 3
6:50 p.m. – Whistling Drifter
8:20 p.m. – Flower of Winter
10:30 p.m. – Magistrate of Dice

SATURDAY, JAN. 10
Midnight – New Prison Walls of Abashiri: Stray Wolf in Snow
1:50 a.m. – Tragedy of the Coolie Samurai
3:30 a.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry: A Lion’s Code
5 a.m. – The Kingpin of Fair Ladies
6:30 a.m. – New Prison Walls of Abashiri: Stray Wolf in Snow
8:20 a.m. – Tragedy of the Coolie Samurai
10 a.m. – The Castle of Crossed Destinies
12:10 p.m. – The Revolt
2:40 p.m. – The Scroll’s Secret
3:50 p.m. – The Fixer
6:10 p.m. – The Sorcerer’s Orb, Parts 1 & 2
8 p.m. – Rebirth
10:30 p.m. – Dark Society in the East

SUNDAY, JAN. 11
12:20 a.m. – Lord Hideyori and Princess Sen
1:50 a.m. – Tragedy of the Coolie Samurai
3:30 a.m. – Great Jailbreak
5:10 a.m. – The Domain: Kanto Legends of Chivalry
6:50 a.m. – The Sorcerer’s Orb, Parts 1 & 2
8:40 a.m. – The Forest of the Little Bear
10:40 a.m. – The Prickly Mouthed Geisha and the Girl of Osaka
12:10 p.m. – Rebirth
2:40 p.m. – The Revolt
5:10 p.m. – Great Jailbreak
6:50 p.m. – The Bull’s Eye for Love
8:20 p.m. – Bullet Train
10:50 p.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge, Part 3

MONDAY, JAN. 12
12:20 a.m. – The Revolt
2:50 a.m. – The Scroll’s Secret
4 a.m. – The Prickly Mouthed Geisha and the Girl of Osaka
5:30 a.m. – Dark Society in the East
7:20 a.m. – Whistling Drifter
8:50 a.m. – The Domain: Kanto Legends of Chivalry
10:30 a.m. – The Fixer
12:50 p.m. – Headphone Lullaby
2:30 p.m. – Magistrate of Dice
4 p.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry: A Lion’s Code
5:30 p.m. – Milocrorze: A Love Story
7 p.m. – Great Jailbreak
8:40 p.m. – The Kingpin of Fair Ladies
10:10 p.m. – Bullet Train

TUESDAY, JAN. 13
12:40 a.m. – The Revolt
3:10 a.m. – The Scroll’s Secret
4:20 a.m. – Dark Society in the East
6:10 a.m. – Lord Hideyori and Princess Sen
7:40 a.m. – The Bull’s Eye for Love
9:10 a.m. – Flower of Winter
11:20 a.m. – Tragedy of the Coolie Samurai
1 p.m. – Milocrorze: A Love Story
2:30 p.m. – The Forest of the Little Bear
4:30 p.m. – The Prickly Mouthed
Geisha and the Girl of Osaka
6 p.m. – Bullet Train
8:30 p.m. – The Castle of Crossed Destinies
10:40 p.m. – Shingo’s Original
Challenge, Part 3

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 14
12:10 a.m. – Whistling Drifter
1:40 a.m. – Lord Hideyori and Princess Sen
3:10 a.m. – The Forest of the Little Bear
5:10 a.m. – New Prison Walls of Abashiri: Stray Wolf in Snow
7 a.m. – Tragedy of the Coolie Samurai
8:40 a.m. – The Prickly Mouthed Geisha and the Girl of Osaka
10:10 a.m. – Dark Society in the East
Noon – The Castle of Crossed Destinies
2:10 p.m. – The Revolt
4:40 p.m. – The Bull’s Eye for Love
6:10 p.m. – Tora-san’s Runaway
7:50 p.m. – The Sorcerer’s Orb, Parts 1 & 2
9:40 p.m. – The Revolt

THURSDAY, JAN. 15
12:10 a.m. – The Domain: Kanto Legends of Chivalry
1:50 a.m. – The Sorcerer’s Orb, Parts 1 & 2
3:40 a.m. – Great Jailbreak
5:20 a.m. – The Bull’s Eye for Love
6:50 a.m. – Bullet Train
9:20 a.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge, Part 3
10:50 a.m. – Tora-san’s Runaway
12:30 p.m. – Flower of Winter
2:40 p.m. – Headphone Lullaby
4:20 p.m. – New Prison Walls of Abashiri: Stray Wolf in Snow
6:10 p.m. – Rebirth
8:40 p.m. – The Revolt
11:10 p.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry: A Lion’s Code

FRIDAY, JAN. 16
12:40 a.m. – The Kingpin of Fair Ladies
2:10 a.m. – Flower of Winter
4:20 a.m. – Magistrate of Dice
5:50 a.m. – The Revolt
8:20 a.m. – The Scroll’s Secret
9:30 a.m. – The Sorcerer’s Orb, Parts 1 & 2
11:20 a.m. – Rebirth
1:50 p.m. – Magistrate of Dice
3:20 p.m. – Free and Easy 6
5 p.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry: A Lion’s Code
6:30 p.m. – Yakuza Ladies Revisited
8:30 p.m. – The Scroll’s Secret
9:40 p.m. – The Fixer

SATURDAY, JAN. 17
Midnight – Lord Hideyori and Princess Sen
1:30 a.m. – The Forest of the Little Bear
3:30 a.m. – The Domain: Kanto Legends of Chivalry
5:10 a.m. – The Sorcerer’s Orb, Parts 1 & 2
7 a.m. – Tragedy of the Coolie Samurai
8:40 a.m. – Great Jailbreak
10:20 a.m. – Free and Easy 6
Noon – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry: A Lion’s Code
1:30 p.m. – Great Jailbreak
3:10 p.m. – The Bull’s Eye for Love
4:40 p.m. – The Prickly Mouthed Geisha and the Girl of Osaka
6:10 p.m. – Dark Society in the East
8 p.m. – Milocrorze: A Love Story
9:30 p.m. – Great Jailbreak
11:10 p.m. – The Bull’s Eye for Love

SUNDAY JAN. 18
12:40 a.m. – Flower of Winter
2:50 a.m. – The Scroll’s Secret
4 a.m. – The Fixer
6:20 a.m. – Yakuza Ladies Revisited
8:20 a.m. – The Kingpin of Fair Ladies
9:50 a.m. – Tragedy of the Coolie Samurai
11:30 a.m. – Milocrorze: A Love Story
1 p.m. – Headphone Lullaby
2:40 p.m. – New Prison Walls of Abashiri: Stray Wolf in Snow
4:30 p.m. – Flower of Winter
6:40 p.m. – Magistrate of Dice
8:10 p.m. – The Sorcerer’s Orb, Parts 1 & 2
10 p.m. – The Revolt

MONDAY, JAN. 19
12:30 a.m. – Bullet Train
3 a.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge, Part 3
4:30 a.m. – New Prison Walls of Abashiri: Stray Wolf in Snow
6:20 a.m. – Tragedy of the Coolie Samurai
8 a.m. – Whistling Drifter
9:30 a.m. – The Domain: Kanto Legends of Chivalry
11:10 a.m. – The Forest of the Little Bear
1:10 p.m. – The Prickly Mouthed
Geisha and the Girl of Osaka
2:40 p.m. – Lord Hideyori and Princess Sen
4:10 p.m. – Always in My Heart, Part 1
6:20 p.m. – Dark Society in the East
8:10 p.m. – Lord Hideyori and Princess Sen
9:40 p.m. –The Kingpin of Fair Ladies
11:10 p.m. – Bullet Train

TUESDAY, JAN. 20
1:40 a.m. – The Fixer
4 a.m. – Headphone Lullaby
5:40 a.m. – Tragedy of the Coolie Samurai
7:20 a.m. – Great Jailbreak
9 a.m. – The Prickly Mouthed Geisha and the Girl of Osaka
10:30 a.m. – Dark Society in the East
12:20 p.m. – Always in My Heart, Part 1
2:30 p.m. – The Forest of the Little Bear
4:30 p.m. – The Bull’s Eye for Love
6 p.m. – Tora-san’s Runaway
7:40 p.m. – Free and Easy 6
9:20 p.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry: A Lion’s Code
10:50 p.m. – The Scroll’s Secret

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 21
Midnight – The Fixer
2:20 a.m. – Headphone Lullaby
4 a.m. – New Prison Walls of Abashiri: Stray Wolf in Snow
5:50 a.m. – The Sorcerer’s Orb, Parts 1 & 2
7:40 a.m. – The Revolt
10:10 a.m. – Magistrate of Dice
11:40 a.m. – Free and Easy 6
1:20 p.m. – Tora-san’s Runaway
3 p.m. – Flower of Winter
5:10 p.m. – New Prison Walls of Abashiri: Stray Wolf in Snow
7 p.m. – Tragedy of the Coolie Samurai
8:40 p.m. – The Forest of the Little Bear
10:40 p.m. – The Prickly Mouthed Geisha and the Girl of Osaka

THURSDAY, JAN. 22
12:10 a.m. – The Kingpin of Fair Ladies
1:40 a.m. – Bullet Train
4:10 a.m. – The Revolt
6:40 a.m. – The Scroll’s Secret
7:50 a.m. – The Domain: Kanto Legends of Chivalry
9:30 a.m. – The Sorcerer’s Orb, Parts 1 & 2
11:20 a.m. – Bullet Train
1:50 p.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge, Part 3
3:20 p.m. – Tragedy of the Coolie Samurai
5 p.m. – Milocrorze: A Love Story
6:30 p.m. – The Castle of Crossed Destinies
8:40 p.m. – The Revolt
11:10 p.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry: A Lion’s Code

FRIDAY, JAN. 23
12:40 a.m. – Yakuza Ladies Revisited
2:40 a.m. – Great Jailbreak
4:20 a.m. – The Bull’s Eye for Love
5:50 a.m. – Flower of Winter
8 a.m. – Magistrate of Dice
9:30 a.m. – Milocrorze: A Love Story
11 a.m. – Great Jailbreak
12:40 p.m. – Bullet Train
3:10 p.m. – The Castle of Crossed Destinies
5:20 p.m. – Magistrate of Dice
6:50 p.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry: A Lion’s Code
8:20 p.m. – Glorious Fights
10 p.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge, Part 3
11:30 p.m. – Whistling Drifter

SATURDAY, JAN. 24
1 a.m. – The Domain: Kanto Legends of Chivalry
2:40 a.m. – The Fixer
5 a.m. – Headphone Lullaby
6:40 a.m. – The Kingpin of Fair Ladies
8:10 a.m. – Bullet Train
10:40 a.m. – The Forest of the Little Bear
12:40 p.m. – The Prickly Mouthed Geisha and the Girl of Osaka
2:10 p.m. – The Sorcerer’s Orb, Parts 1 & 2
4 p.m. – The Revolt
6:30 p.m. – Tora-san’s Runaway
8:10 p.m. – Flower of Winter
10:20 p.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge, Part 3
11:50 p.m. – Whistling Drifter

SUNDAY, JAN. 25
1:20 a.m. – Dark Society in the East
3:10 a.m. – Lord Hideyori and Princess Sen
4:40 a.m. – Headphone Lullaby
6:20 a.m. – New Prison Walls of Abashiri: Stray Wolf in Snow
8:10 a.m. – Yakuza Ladies Revisited
10:10 a.m. – The Kingpin of Fair Ladies
11:40 a.m. – The Bull’s Eye for Love
1:10 p.m. – Tora-san’s Runaway
2:50 p.m. – Flower of Winter
5 p.m. – Magistrate of Dice
6:30 p.m. – New Prison Walls of Abashiri: Stray Wolf in Snow
8:20 p.m. – Tragedy of the Coolie Samurai
10 p.m. – The Scroll’s Secret
11:10 p.m. – The Fixer

MONDAY, JAN. 26
1:30 a.m. – Bullet Train
4 a.m. – Glorious Fights
5:40 a.m. – Great Jailbreak
7:20 a.m. – The Bull’s Eye for Love
8:50 a.m. – The Prickly Mouthed Geisha and the Girl of Osaka
10:20 a.m. – Dark Society in the East
12:10 p.m. – The Domain: Kanto Legends of Chivalry
1:50 p.m. – The Sorcerer’s Orb, Parts 1 & 2
3:40 p.m. – The Bull’s Eye for Love
5:10 p.m. – Flower of Winter
7:20 p.m. – Rebirth
9:50 p.m. – The Revolt

TUESDAY, JAN. 27
12:20 a.m. – The Fixer
2:40 a.m. – Headphone Lullaby
4:20 a.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry: A Lion’s Code
5:50 a.m. – Yakuza Ladies Revisited
7:50 a.m. – Dark Society in the East
9:40 a.m. – Lord Hideyori and Princess Sen
11:10 a.m. – The Sorcerer’s Orb, Parts 1 & 2
1 p.m. – Rebirth
3:30 p.m. – Tragedy of the Coolie Samurai
5:10 p.m. – Milocrorze: A Love Story
6:40 p.m. – The Forest of the Little Bear
8:40 p.m. – The Prickly Mouthed Geisha and the Girl of Osaka
10:10 p.m. – The Scroll’s Secret
11:20 p.m. – The Fixer

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 28
1:40 a.m. – The Kingpin of Fair Ladies
3:10 a.m. – Bullet Train
5:40 a.m. – The Prickly Mouthed Geisha and the Girl of Osaka
7:10 a.m. – Dark Society in the East
9 a.m. – Milocrorze: A Love Story
10:30 a.m. – Great Jailbreak
12:10 p.m. – Whistling Drifter
1:40 p.m. – The Domain: Kanto Legends of Chivalry
3:20 p.m. – Magistrate of Dice
4:50 p.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry: A Lion’s Code
6:20 p.m. – Great Jailbreak
8 p.m. – The Bull’s Eye for Love
9:30 p.m. – The Revolt

THURSDAY, JAN. 29
Midnight – The Scroll’s Secret
1:10 a.m. – The Domain: Kanto Legends of Chivalry
2:50 a.m. – The Sorcerer’s Orb, Parts 1 & 2
4:40 a.m. – Flower of Winter
6:50 a.m. – Magistrate of Dice
8:20 a.m. – Headphone Lullaby
10 a.m. – New Prison Walls of Abashiri: Stray Wolf in Snow
11:50 a.m. – Lord Hideyori and Princess Sen
1:20 p.m. – Always in My Heart, Part 1
3:30 p.m. – The Kingpin of Fair Ladies
5 p.m. – Bullet Train
7:30 p.m. – The Bull’s Eye for Love
9 p.m. – Tora-san’s Runaway
10:40 p.m. – Glorious Fights

FRIDAY, JAN. 30
12:20 a.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge, Part 3
1:50 a.m. – Dark Society in the East
3:40 a.m. – Lord Hideyori and Princess Sen
5:10 a.m. – Shingo’s Original Challenge, Part 3
6:40 a.m. – Whistling Drifter
8:10 a.m. – Always in My Heart, Part 1
10:20 a.m. – The Forest of the Little Bear
12:20 p.m. – Tora-san’s Runaway
2 p.m. – Flower of Winter
4:10 p.m. – Bullet Train
6:40 p.m. – The Castle of Crossed Destinies
8:50 p.m. – Judo vs. Karate
10:30 p.m. – The Prickly Mouthed Geisha and the Girl of Osaka

SATURDAY, JAN. 31
Midnight – Free and Easy 6
1:40 a.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry: A Lion’s Code
3:10 a.m. – The Fixer
5:30 a.m. – Headphone Lullaby
7:10 a.m. – The Revolt
9:40 a.m. – The Scroll’s Secret
10:50 a.m. – The Forest of the Little Bear
12:50 p.m. – Judo vs. Karate
2:30 p.m. – Flower of Winter
4:40 p.m. – Magistrate of Dice
6:10 p.m. – The Castle of Crossed Destinies
8:20 p.m. – Free and Easy 6
10 p.m. – Yakuza Ladies Revisited

2015 NEW YEAR’S SPECIAL PROGRAMS

“The 64th Annual Red and White Song Contest,” Thursday, Jan. 1, from 5-10 p.m.

Köhaku Uta Gassen, more commonly known simply as Köhaku, 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). The honor of performing on Köhaku is strictly by invitation, so only the most successful J-Pop and enka singers will perform.  A performance on Köhaku is said to be the highlight of a singer’s career because of the show’s large reach and status.

Köhaku airs in Japan on New Year’s Eve, with the announcement of the winning team taking place at midnight. In Hawai‘i, Köhaku has become a television viewing tradition on New Year’s night, and 2015 marks the 65th year since the program’s inception.

“Paper Moon,” a five-night program from Friday, Jan. 2, to Wednesday, Jan. 7, from 7-8 p.m.

A five-part drama about a woman who goes from trusted bank officer to a woman on the run. Rika Umezawa works at a bank, where she assists the bank’s customers with their transactions. She is especially sensitive to the needs of the bank’s elderly customers, and builds a strong level of trust with her clients. One of her customers is Kozo Hirabayashi, a wealthy property owner, who becomes infatuated with Rika.

After two years, Rika is now on the run, having left Japan with 100 million yen. Does Kozo Hirabayashi have anything to do with the money? Is Rika a thief or is she safeguarding the money for someone?

“Stork’s Nest,” Friday, Jan. 2, from 8-10 p.m.

Single mothers or parents unable to raise their children face the stigma of dishonor and shame from society. Nowhere is this more apparent than in Japan.

But what option is there if they are unable to raise their child?

The caring directors of a hospital in Kumamoto City decided to do something about it. In 2007, they converted part of the hospital facility to accommodate people who wanted to anonymously deposit unwanted babies. Response was overwhelming and soon mothers from across the country were coming to deposit babies at the cradle.

This drama tells the story of the creation of “Stork’s Cradle” and depicts the lives of some of the mothers who came to use the cradle.

“Big Family in a Small Village,” Saturday, Jan. 3, from 8-10 p.m. 

In a tiny little mountain village located in the Miyoshi district of Tokushima prefecture on Shikoku island lives a family of 14 people: mother, father, three sons, eight daughters, and a grandmother. The scenery is beautiful: blue skies, green forests, and clear streams filled with fish. Nature provides fertile soil for growing vegetables, and there isn’t a more idyllic spot to live.

See how the Big Family survives in their little village, growing their own food, living in their isolated little village, away from the hustle and bustle of modern Japan.

“Strategist Kanbe,” Sunday, Jan. 4, from 7-8 p.m. (episode #46) and Tuesday, Jan. 6, from 8-9 p.m. (episode #47)

The 53rd NHK taiga drama, “Strategist Kanbe,” tells the story of Kanbe Kuroda, a top-ranking samurai official for the Kodera family who lived during the Sengoku Period (circa 15th – 17th century). Follow Kanbe as he gains the trust of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and eventually becomes his right-hand man, marking the birth of Strategist Kanbe

“Letter to Mom in Heaven,” Sunday, Jan. 4, from 8-10 p.m.

A bittersweet story about a family trying to heal itself after the death of the wife and mother.

Haruki Mizunuma is a workaholic who focused all his energy on his career, leaving the raising of his young son to his wife, Kyoko. But after Kyoko passes away, Haruki is faced with raising his son, who becomes despondent and loses the will to live.

Haruki and Ren visit Kyoko’s hometown to visit her father after the one year anniversary of her death. But Haruki has another motive for the visit. He is searching for the meaning behind the “tree of happiness” Kyoko wrote about in her diary.

“Doctors Special,” Monday, Jan. 5, from 8-10 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 lie a mysterious dark side.

“Gourmet Japan,” Tuesday, Jan. 6, from 9-10 p.m.

Back-to-back half-hour shows highlighting the delicious food of Japan. The first episode features cultured salmon in Tottori. The second episode features bonito cuisine in Kagoshima.

“Omiya-san Special,” Wednesday, Jan. 7, from 8-10 p.m.

Popular detective Omiya-san is back. Using his experience, his powers of intuition and reasoning, and memory of past crimes, he goes to work to unravel a mysterious new crime.

“Shinzanmono Special,” Thursday, Jan. 8, from 7-10 p.m.

A man unrelated to the famous Takayanagi Ballet Company is found dead in the company’s office. How did he get there? What was he doing there? What are the ballerinas hiding?

Detective Kyochiro Kaga is back in this special “Shinzanmono Special.”

NEW AND REGULAR PROGRAMS

“Doctor X 2,” premieres on Sunday, Jan. 11, at 8 p.m.

Michiko Daimon is a freelance doctor. She was dispatched to a university hospital that lost a number of doctors all at once because of harsh work conditions. When Michiko arrives at the hospital dressed like a fashion model, other doctors cannot hide their surprise. But more than her appearance, it is what she does in the hospital that creates a major stir.

“The Tempest,” premieres on Sunday, Jan. 11, at 9 p.m.

This series takes place in the 19th century during the reign of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Mazuru cannot finish school because she is female. She disguises herself as a male in order to obtain her dreams.

“Second Movement,” premieres on Monday, Jan. 19, at 9 p.m.

A drama involving two women who are violinists in an orchestra. One of them, Natsumi, gets pregnant and gives up the violin, and marries a cellist in the orchestra. The other woman, Mari, rises in popularity and soon becomes a solo violinist. The two women meet again by chance 17 years later. As they reconnect and share what’s happened in their lives, both find themselves envying the other’s path in life.

“Kuru Kuru Japan,” Monday at 6:30 p.m.

Delicious foods of Japan. Cultured salmon in Tottori, bonito cuisine in Kagoshima and more!

“Investigator Mariko 11,” Thursday at 9 p.m.; Friday at 8 p.m.

Crimes today utilize increasingly clever tricks and techniques. The police and crime laboratories must respond to these crimes quickly and with scientific knowledge. The lab must deal with such diverse tasks as analysis of hair, blood type, DND, voice pattern and handwriting, as well as polygraphs, the reconstruction of facial features, and superimposing.  The lab forms the main stage for this drama, which follows a female lab agent as she goes about her work. Mariko Sakaki, the main character, practices forensic medicine at the crime laboratory of the Kyoto Prefecture Police Department.

“Mysteries of Asia,” Friday at 8 p.m.

Asia is a mix of ancient cultures and fast-growing technology.  This program explores cities across Asia, visiting famous landmarks and the hot new nightspots.

“Japan’s Local Secrets,” Friday at 9 p.m.; repeats on Saturday at 8 p.m.

Although Japan is a relatively small country geographically, each prefecture has its own traditions, dialects, and . . . foods!!! This program takes us to the secret places throughout Japan known to the people of the area and introduces us to things unique to each place.

“Modern Farmer,” Sunday at 6:30 p.m./
re-airs Monday at 1:45 p.m.
There is a rock band called “Excellent Souls.” The band consists of Min-Ki Lee,
Hyeok Kang, Han-Cheol Yoo and Ki-Joon Han. The band decides to move to the countryside. There, the drama series follows their dreams, loves and friendships.
Starring Hong-Ki Lee, Min-Woo Park, Si-Un Lee and Dong-Yeon Kwak.

“Punch,” Monday and Tuesday at 7:45 p.m./re-airs on Tuesday and Wednesday at 2:45 p.m.
Jung-Hwan Park is the chief of the anticorruption investigation team for the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office. To get to his position, he has made compromises on achieving justice. Jung-Hwan Park learns that he has a malignant brain tumor and does not have much time to left. To end his life without regrets, he points a gun at corrupt Public Prosecutor General Tae-Joon Lee. Jung-Hwan’s ex-wife Ha-Gyung Shin, who is also a prosecutor, knows about Jung-Hwan’s situation and helps him.
Starring Rae-Won Kim, Jae-Hyun Cho and A-Joong Kim.

“Only Love,” Monday-Thursday at 10:25 p.m.; re-airs Tuesday-Friday at 12:20 p.m.
Tae-yang Kim is a physician and Yoo-ri Choi is a broadcasting producer. Jae-min Choi is a dandy-ish executive at a clothing company and Saet-byul Kim is an unwed mother. Woo-joo Kim is much younger than Mi-rae Hong.
As these three couples fall in love, they explore issues of age difference, blood ties and adoption, and wealth and poverty.
Starring: Ha-joon Seo, Se-mi Im, Bo-ra Nam, Jong-hoon Yoon and Ye-won Kim.

“SBS Pinocchio,” Wednesday and Thursday at 7:45 p.m./re-airs on Thursday and Friday at 2:45 p.m.
A drama depicting love, frustration, growth and the competitive process of young people in their 20s becoming reporters as they cry and get hurt by truth, but realize that as reporters, they must tell the truth. It centers around the story of a man who hides a special talent while living under a fake name and a woman who cannot lie due to ‘Pinocchio Syndrome.’
Starring: Jong-Suk Lee, Shin-Hye Park, Yeong-Kwang Kim, Yoo-Bi Lee, Pil-Mo Lee and Seong-Wook Min.

“Horse Doctor,” Wednesday and Thursday at 9:25 p.m./re-airs on Thursday and Friday at 1 p.m.
“The Horse Doctor” follows a veterinarian in the Joseon Period as he goes through difficulties to become a royal physician.
Starring Seung-Woo Cho, Yo-Won Lee, Chang-Min Son, Yoo-Sun and Sang-Woo Lee.

“Birth of a Beauty,” Friday and Saturday at 7:45 p.m./re-airs on Saturday and Sunday at noon.
A romantic comedy about the revenge, love, and success of beautiful woman with the personality of an ajumma. It will tell the story of a woman who is transformed after plastic surgery and dieting, and the man, who made her that way.
Tae-Hee Han is the heir of a large company. He is suffering from a broken heart syndrome due to a psychological shock. To get the woman he loves back, he completely changes an unattractive and overweight ajumma Geum-Ran Sa to beautiful Sa Ra. In the process, Tae Hee falls in love with Sa Ra.
Starring: Sang-Wook Joo, Ye-Seul Han, Jae-Sook Ha, Gyu-Woon Jung, Ji-Hye Wang, Sang-Jin Han and Gyo-Jin In.

“Scandal,” Friday-Sunday at 9:25 p.m./
re-airs Saturday and Sunday at 1:15 p.m. and Monday at 12:20 p.m.
A man loses his son when a building collapses. He finds out who killed his son and kidnaps the son of this man. When the son grows up, he learns that the man he believed to be his father was in fact a kidnapper. This is a story of revenge, and the life after with wound and restoration.
Starring Jae-Won Kim, Yoon-Hee Jo, Jae-Hyun Jo, Sang-Min Park, Eun-Kyung Shin, Tae-Young Ki, Hye-Ri Kim and Kyu-Ri Kim.

“Shiawase (Happy),” airs Sunday, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m.
Just outside the Sapporo city limits is an area of old buildings where time has come to a standstill. Hidden here is a small, family-run noodle making business. The father who owns the business, Shinichi, is 70 and a dependable member of the community. Although he has been stepping back from the business as company president, he continues to be a vital part of the company and holds everyone together. what would happen if he was suddenly gone one day? Would the family be able to stay together? Would the business be able to survive? A story about how life can begin again even after deep sorrow and loss.

“Omiya-san,” premieres on Friday, Feb. 13, at 8 p.m.
Watase Tsunehiko plays the role of Torii Kazaburo, a detective who’s stuck in the data division of the Kyoto East Kamogawa station. He has the knack for solving cases that have turned up cold. His innocent looks hide a superior intellect that can store the details of old case files and help solve the unsolvable. You can’t hide anything from Watase-san!

“I’ll Still Love You in 10 Years,” premieres on Monday, Feb . 16, at 8 p.m.
A romantic drama about a woman unlucky in love. One day, Rika notices a man shadowing her. He tells her he is her husband from 10 years in the future, but that he has slipped back in time to prevent their marriage.
Why did he come back in time to prevent their marriage? What reason could there be that Hiroshi would travel back in time to undo Rika’s happiness?

“Legacy,” Sunday at 5 p.m.
The CEO of The Legacy Corporation dies leaving three daughters behind. They bicker and argue over their father’s wealth and leadership of the Legacy Corporation. With each daughter claiming to be the rightful heir, only one can be chosen; only one will be recognized as Legacy Corporation’s undisputed leader.

“Doctor X 2,” Sunday at 8 p.m.
Michiko Daimon is a freelance doctor. She was dispatched to a university hospital that lost a number of doctors all at once because of harsh work conditions. When Michiko arrives at the hospital dressed like a fashion model, other doctors cannot hide their surprise. But more than her appearance, it is what she does in the hospital that creates a major stir.

“The Tempest,” Sunday at 9 p.m.
The Tempest is a samurai drama set in the 19th Century during the reign of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Women were not allowed formal education, but Mazuru is a young woman with a desire to complete her studies despite gender restrictions.
When her stepbrother goes missing, Mazuru disguises herself as a Eunuch in order to fulfill her dreams of education, and ends up passing the exam to become a royal government official.
In this drama, Yukie Nakama plays the roles of both the female and male characters.
Starring Yukie Nakama, Yuka Itaya, Takashi Tsukamoto and Saki Takaoka.

“Kuru Kuru Japan,” Monday at 6:30 p.m.
Delicious foods of Japan. Cultured salmon in Tottori, bonito cuisine in Kagoshima and more!

“Soko ga Shiritai,” Monday through Friday at 7 p.m.
The wildly popular docu-tainment/info-logue that takes you all over Japan seeking out everything from customs, to food and all things interesting. Satisfy your need to know!

“Otome-san,” Monday at 8 p.m. (ends Feb. 9)
Otome-san is a term for mother-in-law. Asako Mizusawa lived with constant nagging and criticism from her mother-in-law until the older woman’s death two years ago. Just when Asako can begin to relax and enjoy being the mistress of the house, her only son informs her he plans to marry a girl named Ririka.
Starring Hitomo Kuroki, Saki Aibu, Junichi Ishida and Tomohiro Kaku.

“Second Movement,” Monday at 9 p.m.
A drama involving two women who are violinists in an orchestra. One of them, Natsumi, gets pregnant and gives up the violin, and marries a cellist in the orchestra. The other woman, Mari, rises in popularity and soon becomes a solo violinist. The two women meet again by chance 17 years later. As they reconnect and share what’s happened in their lives, both find themselves envying the other’s path in life.

“Partners 10,” Thursday at 8 p.m.
Season 10! Detective, Ukyo Sugishita, has great insight and cunning skills. His partner, Takeru Kanbe, is cool and confident. Together they solve many mysterious crimes.
Starring Yutaka Mizutani, Mitsuhiro Oikawa, Ikue Masudo, Seiji Rokkaku, Kazuhisa Kawahara, Ryosuke Otani and Atsushi Yamanishi.

“Japan’s Local Secrets,” Friday at 9 p.m.; repeats on Saturday at 8 p.m.
Although Japan is a relatively small country geographically, each prefecture has its own traditions, dialects, and . . . foods!!! This program takes us to the secret places throughout Japan known to the people of the area and introduces us to things unique to each place.

“Partners 9,” Saturday at 7 p.m.
Season 9! Detective, Ukyo Sugishita, has great insight and cunning skills. His partner, Takeru Kanbe, is cool and confident. Together they solve many mysterious crimes.

SUNDAY, FEB. 1
Midnight – Whistling Drifter
1:30 a.m. – A Revengeful Raid
3 a.m. – Yakuza Ladies Revisited
5 a.m. – Swordsong
6:30 a.m. – Glorious Fights
8:10 a.m. – Der Lindenbaum
9:40 a.m. – Judo vs. Karate
11:20 a.m. – Man of the World
12:50 p.m. – Shingo’s Original
Challenge, Part 4
2:20 p.m. – A Carpenter and
Children
5:10 p.m. – Runaway to Hell
7 p.m. – Welcome Home, Hayabusa
9 p.m. – Life Back Then
11:20 p.m. – The Boxer

“I’ll Give It My All . . . Tomorrow”

MONDAY, FEB. 2
1 a.m. – Down with the Big Boss
3:20 a.m. – The Swordsman and the Actress
4:50 a.m. – Sorcerer’s Orb,
Parts 3 & 4
6:40 a.m. – Team of Ruffians
8:20 a.m. – In the Shadows
10 a.m. – Life Back Then
12:20 p.m. – Welcome Home,
Hayabusa
2:20 p.m. – Yakuza Ladies Revisited
4:20 p.m. – The Valiant Red Peony Gambles Her Life
6 p.m. – Gate of Youth
8:30 p.m. – Prince of Red Banner
10:10 p.m. – In the Shadows
11:50 p.m. – The Boxer

TUESDAY, FEB. 3
1:30 a.m. – Whistling Drifter
3 a.m. – Truckster Goes to Hokkaido
4:40 a.m. – Judo vs. Karate
6:20 a.m. – A Revengeful Raid
7:50 a.m. – Glorious Fights
9:30 a.m. – Der Lindenbaum
11 a.m. – Whirlwind Magistrate
12:40 p.m. – Swordsong
2:10 p.m. – Down with the Big Boss
4:30 p.m. – Man of the World
6 p.m. – Shingo’s Original
Challenge, Part 4
7:30 p.m. – Second Virginity
9:20 p.m. – Judo vs. Karate
11 p.m. – A Carpenter and Children

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 4
1:50 a.m. – Sorcerer’s Orb,
Parts 3 & 4
3:40 a.m. – Team of Ruffians
5:20 a.m. – The Valiant Red Peony Gambles Her Life
7 a.m. – The Swordsman and the Actress
8:30 a.m. – Prince of Red Banner
10:10 a.m. – Truckster Goes to
Hokkaido
11:50 a.m. – Second Virginity
1:40 p.m. – Man of the World
3:10 p.m. – Always in My Heart,
Part 2
5:20 p.m. – Gate of Youth
7:50 p.m. – Runaway to Hell
9:40 p.m. – Whirlwind Magistrate
11:20 p.m. – Truckster Goes to
Hokkaido

THURSDAY, FEB. 5
1 a.m. – Yakuza Ladies Revisited
3 a.m. – Swordsong
4:30 a.m. – Judo vs. Karate
6:10 a.m. – Man of the World
7:40 a.m. – Down with the Big Boss
10 a.m. – The Swordsman and the Actress
11:30 a.m. – Always in My Heart, Part 2
1:40 p.m. – Shingo’s Original
Challenge, Part 4
3:10 p.m. – The Valiant Red Peony Gambles Her Life
4:50 p.m. – Gate of Youth
7:20 p.m. – Life Back Then
9:40 p.m. – The Boxer
11:20 p.m. – Der Lindenbaum

FRIDAY, FEB. 6
12:50 a.m. – Whirlwind Magistrate
2:30 a.m. – Team of Ruffians
4:10 a.m. – The Valiant Red Peony Gambles Her Life
5:50 a.m. – Gate of Youth
8:20 a.m. – Runaway to Hell
10:10 a.m. – Whirlwind Magistrate
11:50 a.m. – Truckster Goes to Hokkaido
1:30 p.m. – In the Shadows
3:10 p.m. – Life Back Then
5:30 p.m. – Glorious Fights
7:10 p.m. – Tora-san’s Shattered Romance
8:50 p.m. – Whistling Drifter
10:20 p.m. – A Revengeful Raid
11:50 p.m. – Shingo’s Original
Challenge, Part 4

SUNDAY, FEB. 7
1:20 a.m. – A Carpenter and
Children
4:10 a.m. – Prince of Red Banner
5:50 a.m. – In the Shadows
7:30 a.m. – Runaway to Hell
9:20 a.m. – Yakuza Ladies Revisited
11:20 a.m. – Tora-san’s Shattered Romance
1 p.m. – Der Lindenbaum
2:30 p.m. – Swordsong
4 p.m. – Down with the Big Boss
6:20 p.m. – Whirlwind Magistrate
8 p.m. – I’ll Give It My All . . .
Tomorrow
9:50 p.m. – Sorcerer’s Orb,
Parts 3 & 4
11:40 p.m. – Team of Ruffians

MONDAY, FEB. 8
1:20 a.m. – A Revengeful Raid
2:50 a.m. – Glorious Fights
4:30 a.m. – A Carpenter and
Children
7:20 a.m. – Sorcerer’s Orb, Parts 3 & 4
9:10 a.m. – The Swordsman and the Actress
10:40 a.m. – Prince of Red Banner
12:20 p.m. – Gate of Youth
2:50 p.m. – Runaway to Hell
4:40 p.m. – I’ll Give It My All . . .
Tomorrow
6:30 p.m. – Tora-san’s Shattered Romance
8:10 p.m. – Whirlwind Magistrate
9:50 p.m. – Truckster Goes to
Hokkaido
11:30 p.m. – In the Shadows

MONDAY, FEB. 9
1:10 a.m. – The Boxer
2:50 a.m. – The Swordsman and the Actress
4:20 a.m. – Prince of Red Banner
6 a.m. – Team of Ruffians
7:40 a.m. – The Valiant Red Peony Gambles Her Life
9:20 a.m. – Glorious Fights
11 a.m. – Tora-san’s Shattered
Romance
12:40 p.m. – Always in My Heart,
Part 2
2:50 p.m. – Shingo’s Original
Challenge, Part 4
4:20 p.m. – A Carpenter and
Children
7:10 p.m. – Sorcerer’s Orb,
Parts 3 & 4
9 p.m. – Swordsong
10:30 p.m. – Down with the Big Boss

TUESDAY, FEB. 10
12:50 a.m. – Der Lindenbaum
2:20 a.m. – Whirlwind Magistrate
4 a.m. – A Revengeful Raid
5:30 a.m. – Glorious Fights
7:10 a.m. – Man of the World
8:40 a.m. – Always in My Heart,
Part 2
10:50 a.m. – Truckster Goes to
Hokkaido
12:30 p.m. – Judo vs. Karate
2:10 p.m. – Welcome Home,
Hayabusa
4:10 p.m. – Yakuza Ladies Revisited
6:10 p.m. – The Boxer
7:50 p.m. – Whistling Drifter
9:20 p.m. – Prince of Red Banner
11 p.m. – In the Shadows

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 11
12:40 a.m. – The Valiant Red Peony Gambles Her Life
2:20 a.m. – Gate of Youth
4:50 a.m. – Sorcerer’s Orb,
Parts 3 & 4
6:40 a.m. – Team of Ruffians
8:20 a.m. – Runaway to Hell
10:10 a.m. – Welcome Home,
Hayabusa
12:10 p.m. – Shingo’s Original
Challenge, Part 4
1:40 p.m. – A Carpenter and
Children
4:30 p.m. – Whirlwind Magistrate
6:10 p.m. – I’ll Give It My All . . . Tomorrow
8 p.m. – Down with the Big Boss
10:20 p.m. – The Swordsman and the Actress
11:50 p.m. – Judo vs. Karate

THURSDAY, FEB. 12
1:30 a.m. – Man of the World
3 a.m. – Yakuza Ladies Revisited
5 a.m. – Swordsong
6:30 a.m. – Whistling Drifter
8 a.m. – A Revengeful Raid
9:30 a.m. – Runaway to Hell
11:20 a.m. – Yakuza Ladies Revisited
1:20 p.m. – I’ll Give It My All . . . Tomorrow
3:10 p.m. – The Boxer
4:50 p.m. – Truckster Goes to
Hokkaido
6:30 p.m. – Second Virginity
8:20 p.m. – Yakuza Ladies Revisited
10:20 p.m. – Swordsong
11:50 p.m. – A Revengeful Raid

FRIDAY, FEB. 13
1:20 a.m. – Glorious Fights
3 a.m. – Judo vs. Karate
4:40 a.m. – Man of the World
6:10 a.m. – Swordsong
7:40 a.m. – Down with the Big Boss
10 a.m. – Shingo’s Original
Challenge, Part 4
11:30 a.m. – A Carpenter and
Children
2:20 p.m. – Second Virginity
4:10 p.m. – Judo vs. Karate
5:50 p.m. – The Swordsman and the Actress
7:20 p.m. – Tale of a Mystical Sword
9:10 p.m. – Der Lindenbaum
10:40 p.m. – Whirlwind Magistrate

SATURDAY, FEB. 14
12:20 a.m. – Prince of Red Banner
2 a.m. – In the Shadows
3:40 a.m. – A Carpenter and
Children
6:30 a.m. – Sorcerer’s Orb,
Parts 3 & 4
8:20 a.m. – Glorious Fights
10 a.m. – Der Lindenbaum
11:30 a.m. – Whirlwind Magistrate
1:10 p.m. – Truckster Goes to
Hokkaido
2:50 p.m. – Tale of a Mystical Sword
4:40 p.m. – Prince of Red Banner
6:20 p.m. – In the Shadows
8 p.m. – Life Back Then
10:20 p.m. – The Boxer

SUNDAY, FEB. 15
Midnight – Whistling Drifter
1:30 a.m. – Down with the Big Boss
3:50 a.m. – The Swordsman and the Actress
5:20 a.m. – Team of Ruffians
7 a.m. – The Valiant Red Peony Gambles Her Life
8:40 a.m. – Whistling Drifter
10:10 a.m. – A Revengeful Raid
11:40 a.m. – Life Back Then
2 p.m. – The Boxer
3:40 p.m. – Gate of Youth
6:10 p.m. – Runaway to Hell
8 p.m. – In the Shadows
9:40 p.m. – The Boxer
11:20 p.m. – Man of the World

MONDAY, FEB. 16
12:50 a.m. – Shingo’s Original
Challenge, Part 4
2:20 a.m. – The Boxer
4 a.m. – Whistling Drifter
5:30 a.m. – Yakuza Ladies Revisited
7:30 a.m. – Swordsong
9 a.m. – Judo vs. Karate
10:40 a.m. – Man of the World
12:10 p.m. – Down with the Big Boss
2:30 p.m. – The Swordsman and the Actress
4 p.m. – Whirlwind Magistrate
5:40 p.m. – I’ll Give It My All . . .
Tomorrow
7:30 p.m. – Tora-san’s Shattered Romance
9:10 p.m. – Der Lindenbaum
10:40 p.m. – The Valiant Red Peony Gambles Her Life

TUESDAY, FEB. 17
12:20 a.m. – Gate of Youth
2:50 a.m. – The Boxer
4:30 a.m. – Whistling Drifter
6 a.m. – Truckster Goes to Hokkaido
7:40 a.m. – Judo vs. Karate
9:20 a.m. – Glorious Fights
11 a.m. – Tora-san’s Shattered
Romance
12:40 p.m. – I’ll Give It My All . . . Tomorrow
2:30 p.m. – The Boxer
4:10 p.m. – Der Lindenbaum
5:40 p.m. – Whirlwind Magistrate
7:20 p.m. – Man of the World
8:50 p.m. – Shingo’s Original
Challenge, Part 4
10:20 p.m. – Team of Ruffians

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 18
Midnight – The Valiant Red Peony Gambles Her Life
1:40 a.m. – Gate of Youth
4:10 a.m. – Runaway to Hell
6 a.m. – Whirlwind Magistrate
7:40 a.m. – Truckster Goes to
Hokkaido
9:20 a.m. – Whistling Drifter
10:50 a.m. – A Revengeful Raid
12:20 p.m. – Runaway to Hell
2:10 p.m. – Welcome Home,
Hayabusa
4:10 p.m. – Shingo’s Original
Challenge, Part 4
5:40 p.m. – A Carpenter and
Children
8:30 p.m. – In the Shadows
10:10 p.m. – Life Back Then

THURSDAY, FEB. 19
12:30 a.m. – Sorcerer’s Orb,
Parts 3 & 4
2:20 a.m. – Team of Ruffians
4 a.m. – Prince of Red Banner
5:40 a.m. – In the Shadows
7:20 a.m. – A Revengeful Raid
8:50 a.m. – Glorious Fights
10:30 a.m. – Welcome Home,
Hayabusa
12:30 p.m. – Yakuza Ladies Revisited
2:30 p.m. – Life Back Then
4:50 p.m. – The Boxer
6:30 p.m. – Truckster Goes to
Hokkaido
8:10 p.m. – Second Virginity
10 p.m. – Swordsong
11:30 p.m. – Down with the Big Boss

FRIDAY, FEB. 20
1:50 a.m. – A Carpenter and
Children
4:40 a.m. – Sorcerer’s Orb,
Parts 3 & 4
6:30 a.m. – The Swordsman and the Actress
8 a.m. – Tale of a Mystical Sword
9:50 a.m. – Whistling Drifter
11:20 a.m. – A Revengeful Raid
12:50 p.m. – Second Virginity
2:40 p.m. – Judo vs. Karate
4:20 p.m. – Always in My Heart,
Part 2
6:30 p.m. – Shingo’s Original
Challenge, Part 4
8 p.m. – Truck Rascals in Fever Heat
9:50 p.m. – Gate of Youth

SATURDAY, FEB. 21
12:20 a.m. – Yakuza Ladies Revisited
2:20 a.m. – Swordsong
3:50 a.m. – Glorious Fights
5:30 a.m. – Der Lindenbaum
7 a.m. – Shingo’s Original
Challenge, Part 4
8:30 a.m. – A Carpenter and
Children
11:20 a.m. – Man of the World
12:50 p.m. – Always in My Heart,
Part 2
3 p.m. – The Boxer
4:40 p.m. – Whistling Drifter
6:10 p.m. – Runaway to Hell
8 p.m. – Welcome Home, Hayabusa
10 p.m. – Down with the Big Boss

SUNDAY, FEB. 22
12:20 a.m. – The Swordsman and the Actress
1:50 a.m. – Judo vs. Karate
3:30 a.m. – Man of the World
5 a.m. – Sorcerer’s Orb, Parts 3 & 4
6:50 a.m. – Team of Ruffians
8:30 a.m. – The Valiant Red Peony Gambles Her Life
10:10 a.m. – Truck Rascals in Fever Heat
Noon – Welcome Home, Hayabusa
2 p.m. – Yakuza Ladies Revisited
4 p.m. – Tora-san’s Shattered
Romance
5:40 p.m. – Der Lindenbaum
7:10 p.m. – Whirlwind Magistrate
8:50 p.m. – I’ll Give It My All . . . Tomorrow
10:40 p.m. – Prince of Red Banner

MONDAY, FEB. 23
12:20 a.m. – In the Shadows
2 a.m. – The Boxer
3:40 a.m. – Whistling Drifter
5:10 a.m. – Truckster Goes to
Hokkaido
6:50 a.m. – Judo vs. Karate
8:30 a.m. – Glorious Fights
10:10 a.m. – Tora-san’s Shattered Romance
11:50 a.m. – I’ll Give It My All . . . Tomorrow
1:40 p.m. – The Boxer
3:20 p.m. – A Revengeful Raid
4:50 p.m. – Glorious Fights
6:30 p.m. – Der Lindenbaum
8 p.m. – Whirlwind Magistrate
9:40 p.m. – Swordsong
11:10 p.m. – Down with the Big Boss

TUESDAY, FEB. 24
1:30 a.m. – A Carpenter and
Children
4:20 a.m. – Sorcerer’s Orb,
Parts 3 & 4
6:10 a.m. – Team of Ruffians
7:50 a.m. – The Valiant Red Peony Gambles Her Life
9:30 a.m. – Tale of a Mystical Sword
11:20 a.m. – Prince of Red Banner
1 p.m. – Gate of Youth
3:30 p.m. – Runaway to Hell
5:20 p.m. – Life Back Then
7:40 p.m. – The Boxer
9:20 p.m. – Whirlwind Magistrate
11 p.m. – Truckster Goes to
Hokkaido

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 25
12:40 a.m. – Runaway to Hell
2:30 a.m. – Yakuza Ladies Revisited
4:30 a.m. – The Boxer
6:10 a.m. – Whistling Drifter
7:40 a.m. – In the Shadows
9:20 a.m. – Life Back Then
11:40 a.m. – The Valiant Red Peony Gambles Her Life
1:20 p.m. – Truck Rascals in Fever Heat
3:10 p.m. – Man of the World
4:40 p.m. – Always in My Heart,
Part 2
6:50 p.m. – Sorcerer’s Orb,
Parts 3 & 4
8:40 p.m. – Team of Ruffians
10:20 p.m. – Down with the Big Boss

THURSDAY, FEB. 26
12:40 a.m. – The Swordsman and the Actress
2:10 a.m. – Shingo’s Original
Challenge, Part 4
3:40 a.m. – A Carpenter and
Children
6:30 a.m. – Judo vs. Karate
8:10 a.m. – Man of the World
9:40 a.m. – Always in My Heart,
Part 2
11:50 a.m. – Shingo’s Original
Challenge, Part 4
1:20 p.m. – Welcome Home,
Hayabusa
3:20 p.m. – Yakuza Ladies Revisited
5:20 p.m. – Gate of Youth
7:50 p.m. – Runaway to Hell
9:40 p.m. – Whistling Drifter
11:10 p.m. – A Revengeful Raid

FRIDAY, FEB. 27
12:40 a.m. – Prince of Red Banner
2:20 a.m. – In the Shadows
4 p.m. – Yakuza Ladies Revisited
6 a.m. – Swordsong
7:30 a.m. – Runaway to Hell
9:20 a.m. – Welcome Home,
Hayabusa
11:20 a.m. – The Swordsman and the Actress
12:50 p.m. – Tale of a Mystical Sword
2:40 p.m. – I’ll Give It My All . . . Tomorrow
4:30 p.m. – Tora-san’s Shattered Romance
6:10 p.m. – Sorcerer’s Orb,
Parts 3 & 4
8 p.m. – Emperor of Upheaval
10 p.m. – Second Virginity
11:50 p.m. – Judo vs. Karate

SATURDAY, FEB. 28
1:30 a.m. – Whirlwind Magistrate
3:10 a.m. – Truckster Goes to
Hokkaido
4:50 a.m. – A Revengeful Raid
6:20 a.m. – Glorious Fights
8 a.m. – Tora-san’s Shattered Romance
9:40 a.m. – Der Lindenbaum
11:10 a.m. – I’ll Give It My All . . . Tomorrow
1 p.m. – The Boxer
2:40 p.m. – Down with the Big Boss
5 p.m. – The Swordsman and the Actress
6:30 p.m. – Truckster Goes to
Hokkaido
8:10 p.m. – Second Virginity
10 p.m. – Emperor of Upheaval

“Mystery Hour – Petero no Soretsu (Funeral Parade of St. Peter),” premieres on Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 7:35 p.m.
“Mystery Hour – Petero no Soretsu” is the sequel to “Mystery Hour – Na mo Naki Doku.” Sugimura is living a reverse Cinderella story having married the daughter of president to a major conglomerate, and now working as editor of the firm’s in-house gazette. One day, Sugimura finds himself at the center of an armed bus jacking by an old man with gun. The perpetrator’s hidden motive speaks to the core of Japan as a nation and to the difficulties of the human condition. While no one is above making the occasional “lie,” what does one do when a lie grows a life of its own and becomes irreversibly damaging to many? How does one begin to atone? Fully subtitled in English.

“Asunaro 3-3-7 Byoshi (Cheering Beat for Tomorrow),” premieres on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 7:35 p.m.
Based on a novel written by a best-selling author, Kiyoshi Shigematsu, this drama takes you on a heartwarming and tear-jerking journey about an ordinary middle-aged office worker who finds himself captivated by the magic of cheerleading.
Daisuke Fujimaki, a 50-year-old trading company employee, receives an order given from the company president. Instead of a layoff, the order was for Daisuke to transfer and save the college pep squad on the verge of dissolution. The president himself is an alumni of the college and former member of the pep squad. On the contrary of to their intention, the college administration deems the pep squad as being pre-modern and male-dominated and wants to destroy the team completely. In such attempt, the administration assigns an associate professor that is an authority of feminism as the squad’s advisor to keep a constant eye on their moves and developments. Fully subtitled in English.

NGN 3 MOVIE CHANNEL (Digital Ch. 679)
Premiere titles air on Friday. 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.

PREMIERE TITLES OF THE MONTH

Feb. 6: “Otoko wa Tsuraiyo Junjo-hen (Tora-san’s Shattered Romance),” 1971 comedy, 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Directed by Yoji Yamada. Starring Kiyoshi Atsumi and Chieko Baisho.
Tora-San, a good-natured street vender, is adored by a girl who has escaped from an institution. Overjoyed, he decides to marry her. His family and friends worry about his decision, and her teacher takes her back to the institution.

Feb. 13: “Yoto Monogatari Hana no Yoshiwara Hyakuningiri (Tale of a Mystical Sword),” 1960 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 49 minutes.
Directed by Tomu Uchida. Starring Chiezo Kataoka.
A successful textile industrialist from the countryside, who is beloved by his employees for his kindness, cannot find a wife because of a disfiguring birthmark on his face. Even the courtesans in Yoshiwara refuse to entertain him, but an indentured peasant prostitute, Tamazuru, treats him with brash tenderness. “The scar is not on your heart,” she says, and he falls madly in love with her, ultimately losing his fortune in the expensive quest to purchase her freedom.

Feb. 19: “Truck Yaro Tenka Gomen (Truck Rascals in Fever Heat),” 1976 action film, 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Directed by Noribumi Suzuki. Starring Bunta Sugawara and Kinya Aikawa.
The fourth film of the “Truck Yaro” series. A comical road movie of two long-distance truckers, “Momojiro” and “Kinzo,” who travel around Japan in highly decorated trucks. Momojiro goes to Shikoku this time, and he falls in love with a beautiful designer named Wakako, who is on a pilgrimage.

Feb. 26: “Minbo no Teio (Emperor of Upheaval),” 1993 action film, 1 hour and 52 minutes.
Directed by Seiji Izumi. Starring Akira Kobayashi and Tsunehiko Watase.
A gang boss is active behind-the-scenes in politics and finance.

NGN3 MOVIE OF THE MONTH

“Ore wa Mada Honki Dashitenai Dake (I’ll Give It My All . . . Tomorrow),” 2013 comedy drama, 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Directed by Yuichi Fukada. Starring Shinichi Tsutsumi and Ai Hashimoto.
Shizuo, a 41-year-old father of a 17-year-old girl, truly believes he’s talented in many ways although he never seems to put much effort into anything. One day, Shizuo decides to quit his job “to find himself.” However, he spends his days doing nothing but getting yelled at by his father. On a whim, he decides to inform his father and daughter, Suzuko, that he’s going to become a manga artist. Unfortunately, Shizuo receives a rude awakening when his portfolio is rejected by a brutally honest manga editor and winds up taking a menial part-time job.

NGN3 COMMUNITY FAVORITE

“Kimi no Na wa (Always in My Heart, Part 2),” 1953 drama, 2 hours.
Directed by Hideo Oba. Starring Keiko Kishi and Keiji Sada.
Machiko and Haruki’s drama continues. The two meet in Hokkaido only to be separated again. Part two of three.

NGN3 Movies (in alphabetical order)

“Antoki no Inochi (Life Back Then),” 2011 drama, 2 hours and 11 minutes.
Directed by Takahisa Zeze. Starring Masaki Okada and Nana Eikura.
Kyohei has shut away the world. During his high school days he was the target of bullying and experienced horrifying moments. Now as a young adult, he works for a company that specializes in cleaning out the homes of recently deceased individuals. When sorting through the personal belongings of the deceased, he’s forced to face the concept of life and death. With his new job Kyohei meets co-worker Yuki. She has also experienced a traumatizing event as a teen and has also shut herself away from the world. These two young people form a bond as they go through the homes and gradually open up to each other.

“Arakure Daimyo (Prince of Red Banner),” 1960 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 32
minutes.
Directed by Kokichi Uchidate. Starring Utaemon Ichikawa and Kotaro Satomi.
A young prince lives against the will of his father Lord Tokugawa.

“Bodaiju (Der Lindenbaum),” 1988 drama, 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Directed by Kazuhiko Yamaguchi. Starring Yoko Minamino, Masaki Kanda and Shingo Yanagisawa.
A young woman, Asami, searches for the man who helps her quest to enter medical school.

“Boxer (The Boxer),” 1977 drama, 1 hour and 34 minutes.
Directed by Shuji Terashima. Starring Bunta Sugawara and Kentaro Shimizu.
Fate brings two men together in the pursuit of winning a boxing championship title. An ex-champion, Hayabusa, takes on an aspiring amateur boxer, Tenma, to train him to overcome his handicapped leg and become a champion.

“Chiisakobe (A Carpenter and Children),” 1962 samurai film, 2 hours and 50 minutes.
Directed by Tomotaka Tasaka. Starring Kinnosuke Nakamura, Chiemi Eri,
Chiyonosuke Azuma and Katsuo Nakamura.
A carpenter, Shigetsugu, learns a lesson of love and humanity from five
orphaned children and an affectionate woman named Oritsu.

“Gorotsuki Butai (Team of Ruffians),” 1969 action film, 1 hour and 35 minutes.
Directed by Shigehiro Ozawa. Starring Tomisaburo Wakayama and Bunta
Sugawara.
Prisoners with special skills from all over Japan are sent to the battlefront on a mission.

“Hibotan Bakuto Oryu Sanjo (The Valiant Red Peony Gambles Her Life),” 1970 drama, 1 hour and 39 minutes.
Directed by Tai Kato. Starring Junko Fuji and Kanjuro Arashi.
Oryu the gambler travels to find young Okimi who was orphaned after her mother’s death several years ago.

“Hikagemono (In the Shadows),” 1972 drama, 1 hour and 37 minutes.
Directed by Kosaku Yamashita. Starring Koji Tsuruta
Yakuza Tetsujiro must protect his turf from being converted into a lucrative military factory by a rival gang.

“Hitokiri Kannon Uta (Swordsong),” 1970 drama, 1 hour and 28 minutes.
Directed by Takashi Harada. Starring Bunta Sugawara and Tomisaburo Wakayama.
A story about a priest who is on a mission to reunite a young boy with his
missing mother.

“Asunaro 3-3-7 Byoshi (Cheering Beat for Tomorrow),” premieres on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 7:35 p.m.

“Jigoku no Okite ni Asu wa Nai (Glorious Fights),” 1966 action film, 1 hour and 31 minutes.
Directed by Yasuo Furuhata. Starring Ken Takakura and Yukiyo Toake.
A young leader of the Yamazaki family of Nagasaki, Takida (Ken Takakura) is an A-bomb survivor. He fiercely battles violent elements in southern Japan like there is no tomorrow.

“Jirocho to Kotengu Nagurikomi Koshuji (A Revengeful Raid),” 1962 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 27 minutes.
Directed by Masahiro Makino. Starring Kinnosuke Nakamura and Kinya Kitaoji.
Eijiro, a carefree young man, is rescued from a family feud by Jirocho.

“Kuchibue o Fuku Mushukumono (Whistling Drifter),” 1961 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Directed by Daisuke Yamazaki. Starring Kinya Kitaoji and Hiroki Matsukata.
A story of friendship between good samurais and aborigines in Hokkaido.

“Ninkyo Yawara Ichidai (Judo vs. Karate),” 1966 action film, 1 hour and 59 minutes.
Directed by Sadao Nakajima. Starring Hideo Murata and Saburo Kitajima.
A story of friendship between a lone wolf judo expert and a youth.

“Oedo Senryo Bayashi (Swordsman and the Actress),” 1955 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Directed by Yasushi Sasaki. Starring Hibari Misora, Chiyonosuke Azuma and Ryutaro Otomo.
Koharu, a famous actress, becomes involved in the search for the Shogun’s treasure.

“Okaeri, Hayabusa (Welcome Home, Hayabusa),” 2012 drama, 1 hour and 54 minutes.
Directed by Katsuhide Motoki. Starring Tatsuya Fujiwara and Tomokazu Miura.
Kento Ohashi is a novice ion engine developer. He works on a team that is planning to launch the unmanned Hayabusa spacecraft. His father Isao was the leader of a previously failed space mission. Now, Kento pursues his and his father’s dreams while experiencing the unexpected surprises that come with working on a spacecraft.

“Satomi Hakkenden Dai-nibu (Sorcerer’s Orb 2),” 1954 samurai film, 54
minutes.
Directed by Toshikazu Kono. Starring Chiyonosuke Azuma, Kinnosuke
Nakamura, Ryunosuke Tsukigata
The adventures of eight warriors continue in the second part of the popular series, “Satomi Hakkenden.” Fate brings the sacred warriors together to carry out their ultimate destiny.

“Satomi Hakkenden Dai-sanbu (Sorcerer’s Orb 3),” 1954 samurai film, 52 minutes.
Directed by Toshikazu Kono. Starring Chiyonosuke Azuma, Kinnosuke
Nakamura, Ryunosuke Tsukigata
Four sacred warriors continue their search for the remaining members while also discovering the magical powers that lay in their own orbs.

“Second Virgin (Second Virginity),” 2011 drama, 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Directed by Hiroshi Kurosaki. Starring Kyoka Suzuki and Hiroki Hasegawa.
Forty-five-year-old Rui Nakamura is a highly successful publisher. During the course of work, she encounters a 28-year-old married man Kou Suzuki who aggressively pursues her. Unexpectedly, Rui Nakamura starts to fall in love with the younger married man.

“Seishun no Mon (Gate of Youth),” 1981 drama, 2 hours and 21 minutes.
Directed by Koreyoshi Kurahawa. Starring Bunta Sugawara, Keiko Matsuzaka, Tomizaburo Wakayama, Koichi Sato and Saburo Tokito.
A story of Shinsuke, a young man who lives through a stormy life as a poverty-stricken coal miner.

“Shin Gokudo no Onnatachi (Yakuza Ladies Revisited),” 1991 action film,
1 hour and 53 minutes.
Directed by Sadao Nakajima. Starring Shima Iwashita and Masahiro Takeshima.
The third episode of the “Yakuza Ladies New Series.” Kanae, wife of the Fujinami family boss of Amagasaki, must represent the family after the sudden death of her husband.

“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.

“Souchou no Kubi (Down with the Big Boss),” 1979 film, 2 hours and 16
minutes.
Directed by Sadao Nakajima. Starring Bunta Sugawara and Kentaro Shimizu.
A story of a young Yakuza man who fights for his life in bloody conflicts in the 1930’s.

“Tenka no Kaidanji Mannen Taro (Man of the World),” 1969 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 26 minutes.
Starring Ken Takakura.
An upstanding young man who is popular with the ladies takes on a corrupt group of men in his company.

“Tenpo Rokkasen Jigoku no Hanamichi (Runaway to Hell),” 1960 jidaigeki,
1 hour and 43 minutes.
Directed by Masahiro Makino. Starring Utaemon Ichikawa and Chiyonosuke Azuma.
Samurai Kochiyama helps Kaneko Ichinosuke avenge the death of Kaneko’s father who was wrongly accused of embezzling.

“Toyama no Kinsan Tatsumaki Bugyo (Whirlwind Magistrate),”
1959 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 36 minutes.
Directed by Masahiro Makino. Starring Chiezo Kataoka, Chiyonosuke Azuma, Ryunosuke Tsukigata and Yoshiko Sakuma.
Toyama Kinshiro, a commissioner from northern Edo, travels to Sado to investigate the whereabouts of a ship gone missing in the midst of a whirlwind.

“Truck Yaro Bokyo Ichibanboshi (Truckster Goes to Hokkaido),”
1976 drama,1 hour and 40 minutes.
Directed by Noribumi Suzuki. Starring Bunta Sugawara, and Kinya Aikawa.
Truckster Momojiro comes to the rescue of beautiful Akiko who struggles to run a ranch on her own.

“The Family Is Coming,” Sunday at 6:30 p.m./
re-airs Monday at 1:45 p.m.
A family drama combined with the elements of a romantic-comedy about a family who faces conflicts about inheritance from their grandmother who returns to her family after 50 years, reconciliation and growth surrounding the heirloom.
Starring: Jung Hyun Lee, Yi Han Jin, Sang Jin Oh, Won Sook Park, Han Hun Jung and Joon Gyu Park.

“Punch,” Monday and Tuesday at 7:45 p.m./re-airs on Tuesday and Wednesday at 2:45 p.m.
Jung-Hwan Park is the chief of the anticorruption investigation team for the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office. To get to his position, he has made compromises on achieving justice. Jung-Hwan Park learns that he has a malignant brain tumor and does not have much time to left. To end his life without regrets, he points a gun at corrupt Public Prosecutor General Tae-Joon Lee. Jung-Hwan’s ex-wife Ha-Gyung Shin, who is also a prosecutor, knows about Jung-Hwan’s situation and helps him.
Starring Rae-Won Kim, Jae-Hyun Cho and A-Joong Kim.

“Only Love,” Monday-Thursday at 10:25 p.m.; re-airs Tuesday-Friday at 12:20 p.m.
Tae-yang Kim is a physician and Yoo-ri Choi is a broadcasting producer. Jae-min Choi is a dandy-ish executive at a clothing company and Saet-byul Kim is an unwed mother. Woo-joo Kim is much younger than Mi-rae Hong.
As these three couples fall in love, they explore issues of age difference, blood ties and adoption, and wealth and poverty.
Starring: Ha-joon Seo, Se-mi Im, Bo-ra Nam, Jong-hoon Yoon and Ye-won Kim.

“Hyde, Jekyll, Me,” Wednesday and Thursday at 7:45 p.m./re-airs on Thursday and Friday at 2:45 p.m.
Seo-jin Gu is a third-generation chaebol who runs the theme park Wonder Land. He seemingly has everything — looks, brains, and fortune. He is also in line to become the next CEO of Wonder Group, the conglomerate his family owns. Seo-jin has dissociative identity disorder. Whenever his heart rate exceeds 150, another personality emerges, and unlike Seo-jin’s usual cold, cynical and ruthless self, Robin is kind, gentle and has a savior complex. Because of this, Seo-jin avoids anything that might cause him to have a strong physical or emotional reaction which could trigger Robin’s reappearance, even if that means shutting himself away from the world and eschewing any meaningful relationships.
Starring: Bin Hyun, Ji -Min Han, Joon Sung and Hyeri Lee.

“Horse Doctor,” Wednesday and Thursday at 9:25 p.m./re-airs on Thursday and Friday at
1 p.m.
“The Horse Doctor” follows a veterinarian in the Joseon Period as he goes through difficulties to become a royal physician.
Starring Seung-Woo Cho, Yo-Won Lee, Chang-Min Son, Yoo-Sun and Sang-Woo Lee.

“Birth of a Beauty,” Friday and Saturday at 7:45 p.m./re-airs on Saturday and Sunday at noon.
A romantic comedy about the revenge, love, and success of beautiful woman with the personality of an ajumma. It will tell the story of a woman who is transformed after plastic surgery and dieting, and the man, who made her that way.
Tae-Hee Han is the heir of a large company. He is suffering from a broken heart syndrome due to a psychological shock. To get the woman he loves back, he completely changes an unattractive and overweight ajumma Geum-Ran Sa to beautiful Sa Ra. In the process, Tae Hee falls in love with Sa Ra.
Starring: Sang-Wook Joo, Ye-Seul Han, Jae-Sook Ha, Gyu-Woon Jung, Ji-Hye Wang, Sang-Jin Han and Gyo-Jin In.

“Scandal,” Friday-Sunday at 9:25 p.m./
re-airs Saturday and Sunday at 1:15 p.m. and Monday at 12:20 p.m.
A man loses his son when a building collapses. He finds out who killed his son and kidnaps the son of this man. When the son grows up, he learns that the man he believed to be his father was in fact a kidnapper. This is a story of revenge, and the life after with wound and restoration.
Starring Jae-Won Kim, Yoon-Hee Jo, Jae-Hyun Jo, Sang-Min Park, Eun-Kyung Shin, Tae-Young Ki, Hye-Ri Kim and Kyu-Ri Kim.

“Let It Be 2,” premieres on Sunday, March 15, at 8 p.m.
The story continues from the previous season, with Eri and Makoto now staying at a nearby mansion and commuting to the restaurant daily. With Yoko busy with her studies and Sho with his job as an illustrator, Aya has to hire new staff. Asking her sister Kuni to help in recruiting, Aya employs Kyoko Nakano, a girl with an attitude problem, and she moves into Eri’s old room.
One day, Yoko receives news that she has been accepted into a university in Kyoto. In the midst of everyone happily cheering, an elderly woman named Tatsu takes the opportunity to try and leave the cafe without paying. She was stopped in time, but claiming to be homeless and penniless, she requests to pay off her bill by working at the cafe. Sensing that there is more to her story, Daigo offers her to stay at their home, and thus begins her journey as a live-in employee of “Aya.” Tatsu is an outspoken woman and she doesn’t hesitate to tell Kyoko off for her sloppy attire and bad attitude. Although Kyoko couldn’t stand her at first, she soon has a change of heart as she begins to realize that Tatsu is only doing all of it for her own good.
Harmony is once again restored at “Aya’s,” but it is short-lived. Sho brings his junior from college, Ryo Okumura, to work at the cafe. Like Sho, Ryo had also quit college halfway through. Since his parents have apparently abandoned him, and with no job nor money, he too starts to work at the cafe. Ryo is a typical youth of today; loud clothes, dyed blonde hair with pink highlights and a couldn’t-care-less attitude. Aya and all the staff are all in for a surprise.

“Do You Remember Me?,” premieres on Monday, March 23, at 9 p.m.
A suspense drama about five former school classmates who are reunited after each of them receives a mysterious email. The email is from a classmate who disappeared on a school trip over 20 years ago. Who sent the email? And why?
As the five classmates try to investigate the source of the email, bad luck and misfortunes begin to occur.

“Legacy,” Sunday at 5 p.m.
The CEO of The Legacy Corporation dies leaving three daughters behind. They bicker and argue over their father’s wealth and leadership of the Legacy Corporation. With each daughter claiming to be the rightful heir, only one can be chosen; only one will be recognized as Legacy Corporation’s undisputed leader.

“Doctor X 2,” Sunday at 8 p.m.
Michiko Daimon is a freelance doctor. She was dispatched to a university hospital that lost a number of doctors all at once because of harsh work conditions. When Michiko arrives at the hospital dressed like a fashion model, other doctors cannot hide their surprise. But more than her appearance, it is what she does in the hospital that creates a major stir.

“The Tempest,” Sunday at 9 p.m.
The Tempest is a samurai drama set in the 19th Century during the reign of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Women were not allowed formal education, but Mazuru is a young woman with a desire to complete her studies despite gender restrictions.
When her stepbrother goes missing, Mazuru disguises herself as a Eunuch in order to fulfill her dreams of education, and ends up passing the exam to become a royal government official.
In this drama, Yukie Nakama plays the roles of both the female and male characters.
Starring Yukie Nakama, Yuka Itaya, Takashi Tsukamoto and Saki Takaoka.

“Kuru Kuru Japan,” Monday at 6:30 p.m.
Delicious foods of Japan. Cultured salmon in Tottori, bonito cuisine in
Kagoshima and more!

“Soko ga Shiritai,” Monday through Friday at 7 p.m.
The wildly popular docu-tainment/info-logue that takes you all over Japan seeking out everything from customs, to food and all things interesting. Satisfy your need to know!

“I’ll Still Love You in 10 Years,” Monday at 8 p.m.
A romantic drama about a woman unlucky in love. One day, Rika notices a man shadowing her. He tells her he is her husband from 10 years in the future, but that he has slipped back in time to prevent their marriage.
Why did he come back in time to prevent their marriage? What reason could there be that Hiroshi would travel back in time to undo Rika’s happiness?

“Second Movement,” Monday at 9 p.m.
A drama involving two women who are violinists in an orchestra. One of them, Natsumi, gets pregnant and gives up the violin, and marries a cellist in the orchestra. The other woman, Mari, rises in popularity and soon becomes a solo violinist. The two women meet again by chance 17 years later. As they reconnect and share what’s happened in their lives, both find themselves envying the other’s path in life.
“Hana Moyu,” Tuesday at 8 p.m.
Hana Moyu means “burning flower,” and refers to the life of the main character, Fumi Sugi.
Fumi was the younger sister of Shoin Yoshida, who was well-known for inspiring leaders in the Meiji restoration. They were part of the Choshu clan from Satsuma Prefecture, which is the birthplace of many of Japan’s political leaders. Fumi was a strong supporter of her brother and his philosophies, and much of the Choshu clan’s success can be attributed to the foundation laid by Shoin and Fumi.
Playing the heroine Fumi is Mao Inoue, one of Japan’s up and coming actresses. “Hana Moyu” is the 54th Taiga drama from NHK.

“Oyaji Samurai,” Tuesday at 9 p.m.
“Oyaji Samurai” is about Kotoji Akame, a shabby, middle-aged, low-ranking samurai of small stature. Oyaji means “older man,” but the actual title of this drama is “Yoidore Kotoji,” which translates into “drunken samurai (or drunken Kotoji).” Kotoji’s drinking often gets him into trouble.
One day, after drinking too much alcohol in a drinking contest, Kotoji fails to perform a major duty for his lord. As a result, he is released from service and becomes a wandering samurai. To avenge his lord, Kotoji comes up with a scheme to steal the lances (spears) that are the symbols of prestige for traveling processions of feudal families. He steals the lances of several families, which creates an unlikely alliance amongst them as they scheme to avenge their losses.
In the series, Kotoji’s desire to settle down and spend the rest of his days quietly continues to be disrupted by samurai seeking revenge for the stolen lances.
And as Kotoji finds himself picking up the sword again, he also deals with love and raising a child for the first time in his life, and begins to find a new meaning in life.

“Partners 10,” Thursday at 8 p.m.
Season 10! Detective, Ukyo Sugishita, has great insight and cunning skills. His partner, Takeru Kanbe, is cool and confident. Together they solve many mysterious crimes.
Starring Yutaka Mizutani, Mitsuhiro Oikawa, Ikue Masudo, Seiji Rokkaku, Kazuhisa Kawahara, Ryosuke Otani and Atsushi Yamanishi.

“Omiya-san 7,” Friday at 8 p.m.
Watase Tsunehiko plays the role of Torii Kazaburo, a detective who’s stuck in the data division of the Kyoto East Kamogawa station. He has the knack for solving cases that have turned up cold. His innocent looks hide a superior intellect that can store the details of old case files and help solve the unsolvable. You can’t hide anything from Watase-san!

“Japan’s Local Secrets,” Friday at 9 p.m.; repeats on Saturday at 8 p.m.
Although Japan is a relatively small country geographically, each prefecture has its own traditions, dialects, and . . . foods!!! This program takes us to the secret places throughout Japan known to the people of the area and introduces us to things unique to each place.

“Partners 9,” Saturday at 7 p.m.
Season 9! Detective, Ukyo Sugishita, has great insight and cunning skills. His partner, Takeru Kanbe, is cool and confident. Together they solve many mysterious crimes.

“A Madcap Corporation.”

SUNDAY, MARCH 1
Midnight – Tale of a Mystical Sword
1:50 a.m. – The Man of Seven Faces
3:20 a.m. – Truck Rascals in Fever Heat
5:10 a.m. – Young Lord Yakuza
6:40 a.m. – Emperor of Upheaval
8:40 a.m. – Three Yakuza
10:40 a.m. – The Sorcerer’s Orb,
Part 5 / Clan Revival, Part 1
12:30 p.m. – Be-Bop High School
2:10 p.m. – Man of the World 2
3:40 p.m. – Gate of Youth 2
6 p.m. – Mighty Shosuke
7:40 p.m. – Gambler’s Farewell
9:20 p.m. – Space Battleship
Yamato
11:40 p.m. – Case of Umon: Red Lizard

MONDAY, MARCH 2
1:10 a.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry 4
2:40 a.m. – Fireball Magistrate
4:20 a.m. – Lonely Hitman
6:20 a.m. – Bodyguard Kiba
8 a.m. – Heavenly Dragon
9:30 a.m. – Man of the World 2
11 a.m. – Koto
1:10 p.m. – Space Battleship
Yamato
3:30 p.m. – No Advice Taken
4:50 p.m. – Tale of a Mystical Sword
6:40 p.m. – Cases of Hanshichi
8:10 p.m. – Truck Rascals in Fever Heat
10 p.m. – Always in My Heart, Part 3

TUESDAY, MARCH 3
12:10 a.m. – Mighty Shosuke
1:50 a.m. – Mark of Blood
3:20 a.m. – Emperor of Upheaval
5:20 a.m. – Gambler’s Farewell
7 a.m. – The Sorcerer’s Orb, Part 5 / Clan Revival, Part 1
8:50 a.m. – The Man of Seven Faces
10:20 a.m. – Always in My Heart, Part 3
12:30 p.m. – Young Lord Yakuza
2 p.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry 4
3:40 p.m. – Be-Bop High School
5:20 p.m. – Koto
7:30 p.m. – Three Yakuza
9:30 p.m. – Lonely Hitman
11:30 p.m. – Gate of Youth 2

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4
1:50 a.m. – Heavenly Dragon
3:20 a.m. – Fireball Magistrate
5 a.m. – Mark of Blood
6:30 a.m. – Bodyguard Kiba
8:10 a.m. – No Advice Taken
9:30 a.m. – Case of Umon: Red Lizard
11 a.m. – Cases of Hanshichi
12:30 p.m. – Truck Rascals in Fever Heat
2:20 p.m. – Young Lord Yakuza
3:50 p.m. – The Sorcerer’s Orb,
Part 5 / Clan Revival, Part 1
5:40 p.m. – Be-Bop High School
7:20 p.m. – Smuggler
9:20 p.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry 4
10:50 p.m. – Mighty Shosuke

“Yakuza Graveyard.”

THURSDAY, MARCH 5
12:30 a.m. – Gambler’s Farewell
2:10 a.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry 4
3:40 a.m. – Fireball Magistrate
5:20 a.m. – Heavenly Dragon
6:50 a.m. – Man of the World 2
8:20 a.m. – Cases of Hanshichi
9:50 a.m. – Truck
Rascals in Fever Heat
11:40 a.m. – Young Lord Yakuza
1:10 p.m. – Smuggler
3:10 p.m. – Mark of Blood
4:40 p.m. – Emperor of Upheaval
6:40 p.m. – Chronicle of My Mother
8:40 p.m. – Be-Bop High School
10:20 p.m. – Three Yakuza

FRIDAY, MARCH 6
12:20 a.m. – Lonely Hitman
2:20 a.m. – Fireball Magistrate
4 a.m. – Mark of Blood
5:30 a.m. – Case of Umon: Red Lizard
7 a.m. – Cases of
Hanshichi
8:30 a.m. – Tale of a Mystical Sword
10:20 a.m. – The Man of Seven Faces
11:50 a.m. – The Sorcerer’s Orb,
Part 5 / Clan Revival, Part 1
1:40 p.m. – Chronicle of My Mother
3:40 p.m. – Emperor of Upheaval
5:40 p.m. – Three Yakuza
7:40 p.m. – Yakuza Graveyard
9:20 p.m. – Gate of Youth 2
11:40 p.m. – Koto

SATURDAY, MARCH 7
1:50 a.m. – Case of Umon: Red Lizard
3:20 a.m. – Lonely Hitman
5:20 a.m. – Bodyguard Kiba
7 a.m. – No Advice Taken
8:20 a.m. – Tale of a Mystical Sword
10:10 a.m. – The Man of Seven Faces
11:40 a.m. – Mighty Shosuke
1:20 p.m. – Gambler’s Farewell
3 p.m. – The Sorcerer’s Orb, Part 5 / Clan Revival, Part 1
4:50 p.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry 4
6:20 p.m. – Fireball Magistrate
8 p.m. – Don’t Lose Heart
10:10 p.m. –Cases of Hanshichi
11:40 p.m. – Be-Bop High School

SUNDAY, MARCH 8
1:20 a.m. – Koto
3:30 a.m. – Bodyguard Kiba
5:10 a.m. – No Advice Taken
6:30 a.m. – Tale of a Mystical Sword
8:20 a.m. – The Man of Seven Faces
9:50 a.m. – Heavenly Dragon
11:20 a.m. – Man of the World 2
12:50 p.m. – Gambler’s Farewell
2:30 p.m. – The Sorcerer’s Orb,
Part 5 / Clan Revival, Part 1
4:20 p.m. – Don’t Lose Heart
6:30 p.m. – Bodyguard Kiba
8:10 p.m. – Fireball Magistrate
9:50 p.m. – Mark of Blood
11:20 p.m. – Man of the World 2

MONDAY, MARCH 9
12:50 a.m. – Yakuza Graveyard
2:30 a.m. –Truck Rascals in Fever Heat
4:20 a.m. – Young Lord Yakuza
5:50 a.m. – Mighty Shosuke
7:30 a.m. – Gambler’s Farewell
9:10 a.m. – No Advice Taken
10:30 a.m. – Tale of a Mystical Sword
12:20 p.m. – Young Lord Yakuza
1:50 p.m. – Smuggler
3:50 p.m. – Bodyguard Kiba
5:30 p.m. – No Advice Taken
6:50 p.m. – Emperor of Upheaval
8:50 p.m. – Three Yakuza
10:50 p.m. – Gate of Youth 2

TUESDAY, MARCH 10
1:10 a.m. – Heavenly Dragon
2:40 a.m.– Cases of Hanshichi
4:10 a.m. – Truck Rascals in Fever Heat
6 a.m. – Be-Bop High School
7:40 a.m. –Koto
9:50 a.m. – Smuggler
11:50 a.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry 4
1:20 p.m. – Case of Umon: Red Lizard
2:50 p.m. – Cases of Hanshichi
4:20 p.m. – Koto
6:30 p.m. – Space Battleship
Yamato
8:50 p.m. – Three Yakuza
10:50 p.m. – Lonely Hitman

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11
12:50 a.m. – The Man of Seven Faces
2:20 a.m. – Mighty Shosuke
4 a.m. – Lonely Hitman
6 a.m. – Bodyguard Kiba
7:40 a.m. – Gate of Youth 2
10 a.m. – Heavenly Dragon
11:30 a.m. – Space Battleship Yamato
1:50 p.m. – Case of Umon: Red Lizard
3:20 p.m. – Tale of a Mystical Sword
5:10 p.m. – The Man of Seven Faces
6:40 p.m. – Koto
8:50 p.m. – Don’t Lose Heart
11 p.m. – Case of Umon: Red Lizard

THURSDAY, MARCH 12
12:30 a.m. – Cases of Hanshichi
2 a.m. – Truck Rascals in Fever Heat
3:50 a.m. – Young Lord Yakuza
5:20 a.m. – Bodyguard Kiba
7 a.m. – No Advice Taken
8:20 a.m. – Emperor of Upheaval
10:20 a.m. – Three Yakuza
12:20 p.m. – Don’t Lose Heart
2:30 p.m. – Cases of Hanshichi
4 p.m. – Fireball Magistrate
5:40 p.m. – Mark of Blood
7:10 p.m. – The Man of Seven Faces
8:40 p.m. – Always in My Heart,
Part 3
10:50 p.m. – The Sorcerer’s Orb,
Part 5 / Clan Revival, Part 1

FRIDAY, MARCH 13
12:40 a.m. – Be-Bop High School
2:20 a.m. – Gate of Youth 2
4:40 a.m. – Heavenly Dragon
6:10 a.m. – Yakuza Graveyard
7:50 a.m. – Gate of Youth 2
10:10 a.m. – Always in My Heart, Part 3
12:20 p.m. – Mighty Shosuke
2 p.m. – Three Yakuza
4 p.m. – Lonely Hitman
6 p.m. – Fireball Magistrate
7:40 p.m. – The Biggest Gamble
9:30 p.m. – Koto
11:40 p.m. – Case of Umon: Red Lizard

SUNDAY, MARCH 14
1:10 a.m. – Be-Bop High School
2:50 a.m. – Koto
5 a.m. – Mighty Shosuke
6:40 a.m. – Gambler’s Farewell
8:20 a.m. – Young Lord Yakuza
9:50 a.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry 4
11:30 a.m. – Lonely Hitman
1:30 p.m. – Bodyguard Kiba
3:10 p.m. – Heavenly Dragon
4:40 p.m. – Man of the World 2
6:10 p.m. – The Sorcerer’s Orb,
Part 5 / Clan Revival, Part 1
8 p.m. – Chronicle of My Mother
10 p.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry 4
11:30 p.m. – Fireball Magistrate

MONDAY, MARCH 15
1:10 a.m. – Gambler’s Farewell
2:50 a.m. – The Sorcerer’s Orb, Part 5 / Clan Revival, Part 1
4:40 a.m. – No Advice Taken
6 a.m. – Tale of a Mystical Sword
7:50 a.m. – Mark of Blood
9:20 a.m. – Emperor of Upheaval
11:20 a.m. – Cases of Hanshichi
12:50 p.m. – Truck Rascals in Fever Heat
2:40 p.m. – Chronicle of My Mother
4:40 p.m. – Be-Bop High School
6:20 p.m. – Tale of a Mystical Sword
8:10 p.m. – The Man of Seven Faces
9:40 p.m. – Truck Rascals in Fever Heat
11:30 p.m. – Young Lord Yakuza

TUESDAY, MARCH 16
1 a.m. – Emperor of Upheaval
3 a.m. – Three Yakuza
5 a.m. – The Sorcerer’s Orb, Part 5 / Clan Revival, Part 1
6:50 a.m. – Be-Bop High School
8:30 a.m. – Man of the World 2
10 a.m. – Yakuza Graveyard
11:40 a.m. – Mighty Shosuke
1:20 p.m. – Gambler’s Farewell
3 p.m. – Koto
5:10 p.m. – Case of Umon: Red Lizard
6:40 p.m. – Don’t Lose Heart
8:50 p.m. – Bodyguard Kiba
10:30 p.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry 4

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17
Midnight – Fireball Magistrate
1:40 a.m. – Lonely Hitman
3:40 a.m. – Bodyguard Kiba
5:20 a.m. – Heavenly Dragon
6:50 a.m. – Man of the World 2
8:20 a.m. – Koto
10:30 a.m. – Don’t Lose Heart
12:40 p.m. – No Advice Taken
2 p.m. – Tale of a Mystical Sword
3:50 p.m. – Cases of Hanshichi
5:20 p.m. – Truck Rascals in Fever Heat
7:10 p.m. – Always in My Heart, Part 3
9:20 p.m. – Mighty Shosuke
11 p.m. – Mark of Blood

THURSDAY, MARCH 18
12:30 a.m. – Emperor of Upheaval
2:30 a.m. – Gambler’s Farewell
4:10 a.m. – The Sorcerer’s Orb, Part 5 / Clan Revival, Part 1
6 a.m. – Young Lord Yakuza
7:30 a.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry 4
9:10 a.m. – The Man of Seven Faces
10:40 a.m. – Always in My Heart, Part 3
12:50 p.m. – Be-Bop High School
2:30 p.m. – Koto
4:40 p.m. – Chronicle of My Mother
6:40 p.m. – Be-Bop High School
8:20 p.m. – Three Yakuza
10:20 p.m. – Lonely Hitman

FRIDAY, MARCH 19
12:20 a.m. – Gate of Youth 2
2:40 a.m. – Heavenly Dragon
4:10 a.m. – The Biggest Gamble
6 a.m. – Mark of Blood
7:30 a.m. – Bodyguard Kiba
9:10 a.m. – No Advice Taken
10:30 a.m. – The Sorcerer’s Orb,
Part 5 / Clan Revival, Part 1
12:20 p.m. – Chronicle of My Mother
2:20 p.m. – Case of Umon: Red Lizard
3:50 p.m. – Cases of Hanshichi
5:20 p.m. – Space Battleship
Yamato
7:40 p.m. – Case of Umon: Red Lizard
9:10 p.m. – Truck Rascals in Fever Heat
11 p.m. – Young Lord Yakuza

SATURDAY, MARCH 20
12:30 a.m. – Mighty Shosuke
2:10 a.m. – Gambler’s Farewell
3:50 a.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry 4
5:20 a.m. – Fireball Magistrate
7 a.m. – Heavenly Dragon
8:30 a.m. – Man of the World 2
10 a.m. – Koto
12:10 p.m. – Space Battleship Yamato
2:30 p.m. – Cases of Hanshichi
4 p.m. – Truck Rascals in Fever Heat
5:50 p.m. – Three Yakuza
7:50 p.m. – A Madcap Corporation
9:40 p.m. – Mark of Blood
11:10 p.m. – Emperor of Upheaval

SUNDAY, MARCH 21
1:10 a.m. – Young Lord Yakuza
2:40 a.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry 4
4:20 a.m. – Fireball Magistrate
6 a.m. – The Biggest Gamble
7:50 a.m. – Case of Umon: Red Lizard
9:20 a.m. – Cases of
Hanshichi
10:50 a.m. – Emperor of Upheaval
12:50 p.m. – Three Yakuza
2:50 p.m. – Lonely Hitman
4:50 p.m. – Bodyguard Kiba
6:30 p.m. – Young Lord Yakuza
8 p.m. – Smuggler
10 p.m. – Tale of a
Mystical Sword
11:50 p.m. – The Man of Seven Faces

MONDAY, MARCH 22
1:20 a.m. – Yakuza
Graveyard
3 a.m. – Gate of Youth 2
5:20 a.m. – No Advice Taken
6:40 a.m. – Tale of a
Mystical Sword
8:30 a.m. – The Man of Seven Faces
10 a.m. – Mighty Shosuke
11:40 a.m. – Gambler’s Farewell
1:20 p.m. – The Sorcerer’s Orb, Part 5 / Clan Revival, Part 1
3:10 p.m. – Smuggler
5:10 p.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry 4
6:40 p.m. – Be-Bop High School
8:20 p.m. – Koto
10:30 p.m. – Gate of Youth 2

TUESDAY, MARCH 23
12:50 a.m. – Heavenly Dragon
2:20 a.m. – Bodyguard Kiba
4 a.m. – No Advice Taken
5:20 a.m. – Tale of a Mystical Sword
7:10 a.m. – The Man of Seven Faces
8:40 a.m. – No Advice Taken
10 a.m. – Tale of a Mystical Sword
11:50 a.m. – Truck Rascals in Fever Heat
1:40 p.m. – Young Lord Yakuza
3:10 p.m. – Cases of Hanshichi
4:40 p.m. – Truck Rascals in Fever Heat
6:30 p.m. – The Sorcerer’s Orb,
Part 5 / Clan Revival, Part 1
8:20 p.m. – Chronicle of My Mother
10:20 p.m. – Emperor of Upheaval

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24
12:20 a.m. – Three Yakuza
2:20 a.m. – The Man of Seven Faces
3:50 a.m. – Mighty Shosuke
5:30 a.m. – Mark of Blood
7 a.m. – Emperor of Upheaval
9 a.m. – Chronicle of My Mother
11 a.m. – Be-Bop High School
12:40 p.m. – Koto
2:50 p.m. – Space Battleship Yamato
5:10 p.m. – Man of the World 2
6:40 p.m. – Yakuza Graveyard
8:20 p.m. – Gambler’s Farewell
10 p.m. – The Sorcerer’s Orb,
Part 5 / Clan Revival, Part 1
11:50 p.m. – Mighty Shosuke

THURSDAY, MARCH 25
1:30 a.m. – Gambler’s Farewell
3:10 a.m. – Young Lord Yakuza
4:40 a.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry 4
6:20 a.m. – Be-Bop High School
8 a.m. – Koto
10:10 a.m. – Space Battleship Yamato
12:30 p.m. – Case of Umon: Red Lizard
2 p.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry 4
3:30 p.m. – Fireball Magistrate
5:10 p.m. – A Madcap Corporation
7 p.m. – Lonely Hitman
9 p.m. – Don’t Lose Heart
11:10 p.m. – Bodyguard Kiba

FRIDAY, MARCH 26
12:50 a.m. – Heavenly Dragon
2:20 a.m. – Man of the World 2
3:50 a.m. – The Biggest Gamble
5:40 a.m. – Mark of Blood
7:10 a.m. – Gate of Youth 2
9:30 a.m. – Heavenly Dragon
11 a.m. – Don’t Lose Heart
1:10 p.m. – Cases of Hanshichi
2:40 p.m. – Chronicle of My Mother
4:40 p.m. – Be-Bop High School
6:20 p.m. – Case of Umon: Red Lizard
7:50 p.m. – Cases of Hanshichi
9:20 p.m. – Lonely Hitman
11:20 p.m. – Bodyguard Kiba

SATURDAY, MARCH 27
1 a.m. – Koto
3:10 a.m. – Case of Umon: Red Lizard
4:40 a.m. – Mark of Blood
6:10 a.m. – Emperor of Upheaval
8:10 a.m. – The Sorcerer’s Orb,
Part 5 / Clan Revival, Part 1
10 a.m. – Chronicle of My Mother
Noon – Bodyguard Kiba
1:40 p.m. – No Advice Taken
3 p.m. – Always in My Heart, Part 3
5:10 p.m. – Mighty Shosuke
6:50 p.m. – Brothers Serving Time
8:30 p.m. – Tale of a Mystical Sword
10:20 p.m. – Gambler’s Farewell

SUNDAY, MARCH 28
Midnight – The
Sorcerer’s Orb, Part 5 / Clan Revival, Part 1
1:50 a.m. – Yakuza Graveyard
3:30 a.m. – Gate of Youth 2
5:50 a.m. – Truck
Rascals in Fever Heat
7:40 a.m. – Young Lord Yakuza
9:10 a.m. – The Man of Seven Faces
10:40 a.m. – Always in My Heart,
Part 3
12:50 p.m. –
The Biggest Gamble
2:40 p.m. – Mark of Blood
4:10 p.m. – Gate of Youth 2
6:30 p.m. – Heavenly Dragon
8 p.m. – Space
Battleship Yamato
10:20 p.m. – Case of Umon: Red Lizard
11:50 p.m. – Tale of a Mystical Sword

MONDAY, MARCH 29
1:40 a.m. – The Man of Seven Faces
3:10 a.m. – Cases of Hanshichi
4:40 a.m. – Truck
Rascals in Fever Heat
6:30 a.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry 4
8 a.m. – Fireball Magistrate
9:40 a.m. – Koto
11:50 a.m. – Space Battleship Yamato
2:10 p.m. – A Madcap Corporation
4 p.m. – Lonely Hitman
6 p.m. – Young Lord Yakuza
7:30 p.m. – Smuggler
9:30 p.m. – No Advice Taken
10:50 p.m. – Brothers Serving Time

TUESDAY, MARCH 30
12:30 a.m. – Emperor of Upheaval
2:30 a.m. – Three Yakuza
4:30 a.m. – Heavenly Dragon
6 a.m. – Man of the World 2
7:30 a.m. – Bodyguard Kiba
9:10 a.m. – No Advice Taken
10:30 a.m. – Smuggler
12:30 p.m. – Contemporary Tales of Chivalry 4
2 p.m. – Mighty Shosuke
3:40 p.m. – Gambler’s Farewell
5:20 p.m. – Koto
7:30 p.m. – Don’t Lose Heart
9:40 p.m. – Lonely Hitman
11:40 p.m. – Bodyguard Kiba

TUESDAY, MARCH 31
1:20 a.m. – Mark of Blood
2:50 a.m. – Emperor of Upheaval
4:50 a.m. – Case of Umon: Red Lizard
6:20 a.m. – Cases of Hanshichi
7:50 a.m. – Man of the World 2
9:20 a.m. – Yakuza Graveyard
11 a.m. – Fireball Magistrate
12:40 p.m. – The Biggest Gamble
2:30 p.m. – Don’t Lose Heart
4:40 p.m. – Bodyguard Kiba
6:20 p.m. – Be-Bop High School
8 p.m. – Koto
10:10 p.m. – A Madcap Corporation

“Tokoro-san no Gakko dewa Oshietekurenai Sokontokoro,” premieres on Th ursday, March 5, at 8:30 p.m.
The show tries to answer some of the more trivial and difficult questions, and you will gain some knowledge that are not taught in school. Fully subtitled in English.

“Mama to Papa ga Ikiru Riyu (Family Season),” premieres on Friday, March 6, at 7:35 p.m.
Based on a true story. Two years after the birth of her second child, 34-year-old Toko is diagnosed with terminal breast cancer. A few days later, her husband Kenichi is also notified that he has end stage lung cancer. Despite the short time they have left to live, they still have dreams, and they do not let illness get the better of them for the sake of their children. Despite the short time they have left to live, The Yoshiokas vow to live positive lives filled with love and humor. Fully subtitled in English.

NGN 3 MOVIE CHANNEL (Digital Ch. 679)
Premiere titles air on Friday. 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.

PREMIERE TITLES OF THE MONTH

March 6: “Yakuza no Hakaba Kuchinashi no Hana (Yakuza Graveyard),” 1976 action film, 1 hour and 36 minutes.
Directed by Kinji Fukasaku. Starring Tetsuya Watari and Tatsuo Umemiya.
A police investigator cracks down on yakuza business, but once he realizes the police are in negotiations with certain factions, he sides with his own syndicate of choice. A definite must-see for Fukasaku and yakuza fans.

March 13: “Sengo Saidai no Toba (The Biggest Gamble),” 1969 action film, 1 hour and 47 minutes.
Directed by Kosaku Yamashita. Starring Koji Tsuruta and Ken Takakura.
Gang underlings rebel against a despised new boss.

March 20: “Karajishi Kabushikigaisha (A Madcap Corporation),” 1983 action film, 1 hour and 43 minutes.
Directed by Nakao Sone. Starring Yasushi Yokoyama and Tetsuro Tanba.
A comedy of a yakuza family that goes into show business.

March 27: “Choeki Sankyodai (Brothers Serving Time),” 1969 action film, 1 hour and 36 minutes.
Starring Bunta Sugawara and Ken Takakura.
While imprisoned, Tatsu encounters Danshi, a man who is a big honcho in the prison pecking order. After initial conflict they become sworn brothers. Tatsu and the sworn brothers he acquires weren’t really gangsters before their prison time, just ruffians. Prison, however, introduced them to plenty of gangland characters. Three years later, they’re out of prison and enmeshed in the yakuza world.

NGN3 MOVIE OF THE MONTH

“Kujike Naide (Don’t Lose Heart),” 2013 comedy drama, 2 hours and
8 minutes.
Directed by Yoshihiro Fukagawa. Starring Kaoru Yachigusa and Tetsuya Takeda.
This film depicts the life of best-selling Japanese poet Toyo Shibata. Toyo Shibata first began writing poems at the age of 92 and published
“Kujikenaide” (Don’t Lose Heart) in 2009, which sold over 2 million copies.
Toyo’s son Kenichi suggested she write poetry. She starts to write about her life; suffering from poverty when she was little, hardship during service, and happy days with her husband… Gradually her poems become to engage people’s hearts and minds.
NGN3 COMMUNITY FAVORITE

“Bodyguard Kiba Hissatsu Sankaku Tobi (Karate Killer),” 1973 action film, 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Directed by Ryuichi Takamori. Starring Sonny Chiba and Tsunehiko Watase.
Karate master Kiba Naoto fights to protect his younger sister.
NGN3 Movies (in alphabetical order)

“Bakuto Kaisanshiki (Gambler’s Farewell),” 1968 drama, 1 hour and 31 minutes.
Directed by Fukasaku Kinji. Starring Tsuruta Koji and Tanba Tetsuro.
The story of men devoted to the yakuza lifestyle and their struggles during a time of fading yakuza power.

“Be-bop High School,” 1985 drama, 1 hour and 27 minutes.
Directed by Hiroyuki Nasu. Starring Kojiro Shimizu, Toru Nakamura and Miho Nakayama.
An upbeat, action-filled drama that depicts the lives of two obnoxious high school students, Koji and Toru, who are caught in exciting and dangerous adventures involving their fellow students. Based on the best selling comic series, “Be-bop High School” has gained popularity among the young audience, and become an icon of Japan’s pop culture in the 1980’s.

“Chikemuri Gasa (Mark of Blood),” 1962 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 29
minutes.
Directed by Sadatsugu Matsuda. Starring Hashizo Okawa and Kotaro Satomi.
Three young vigilantes, Fujitaro, Matsugoro and Kanjuro, travel the country fighting evil.

“Fuefuki Doji Dai-ichibu Dokuro no Hata (Clan Revival),” 1954 action film/jidaigeki, 47 minutes.
Directed by Ryo Hagiwara. Starring Ryunosuke Tsukigata, Chiyonosuke Azuma and Kinnosuke Nakamura.
Two young princes, Hagimaru and Kikumaru, must avenge their father’s death and claim their family’s castle.

“Hanshichi Torimonocho Mittsu no Nazo (Cases of Hanshichi),” 1960 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Directed by Yasushi Sasaki. Starring Chiezo Kataoka, Chiyonosuke Azuma, Koji Tsuruta and Shinobu Chihara.
Detective Hanshichi solves three mysterious murder cases.

“Hashizo no Wakasama Yakuza (Young Lord Yakuza),” 1961 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Directed by Toshikazu Kono. Starring Hashizo Okawa, Keiko Okawa and Isao Kimura.
Young Lord Taihei goes to Edo to find the lost family treasure, a plover incense burner, under the disguise of a ronin.

“Kanashiki Hitman (Lonely Hitman),” 1989 drama, 1 hour and 54 minutes.
Directed by Haruo Ichikura. Starring Tomokazu Miura and Hisako Manda.
The story of a young yakuza Takagi, who strives to maintain a peaceful life for his family in the midst of a fierce gang war.

“Kimi no Na wa (Always In My Heart, Part 3), 1953 drama, 2 hours and 5 minutes.
Directed by Hideo Oba. Starring Keiko Kishi and Keiji Sada.
Machiko and Haruki’s drama continues. Machiko is not allowed to see Haruki. They finally meet again, but Haruki departs to Europe. Part 3 of 3.

“Matatabi Sannin Yakuza (Three Yakuza),” 1965 jidaigeki, 2 hours.
Directed by Tadashi Sawashima. Starring Kinnosuke Nakamura, Tatsuya Nakadai and Hiroki Matsukata.
The lives of three kindhearted yakuza trying to make their way in the world: Kutaro saves the poverty-stricken farmers from an evil official; Sentaro rescues a girl from a whore house; Genta returns to his hometown to reunite with his daughter.

“Minbo no Teio (Emperor of Upheaval),” 1993 action film, 1 hour and 52 minutes.
Directed by Seiji Izumi. Starring Akira Kobayashi and Tsunehiko Watase.
A gang boss is active behind-the-scenes in politics and finance.

“Musume Juhachi Goiken Muyo (No Advice Taken),” 1958 drama,
1 hour and 15 minutes.
Directed by Kiyoshi Saeki. Starring Hibari Misora and Ken Takakura.
A comical love story between two college students — Hitomi, a strong-willed girl, and Shogo, a handsome, earnest and poverty stricken man.

“Satomi Hakkenden Dai-gobu (Sorcerer’s Orb, Part 5),” 1954 samurai film, 54 minutes.
Directed by Toshizaku Kono. Starring Kinnosuke Nakamura and
Chiyonosuke Azuma.
The fifth and final episode of the popular adventure series “Satomi
Hakkenden.”

“Seishun no Mon Jiritsuhen (Gate of Youth, Part 2),” 1982 drama, 2 hours and 17 minutes.
Directed by Koreyoshi Kurahara. Starring Kaori Momo, Koichi Sato, Kaoru Sugita and Tsunehiko Watase.
The turbulent life of young man Shinsuke who moves to Tokyo is
depicted.

“Shosuke Buyuden Aizu Bandaisan (Mighty Shosuke),” 1960 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 31 minutes.
Directed by Sadatsugu Matsuda. Starring Ryutaro Otomo, and Hibari Misora.
A comedy about a free-spirited man Shosuke, whose life is turned
upside down when he is ordered to serve the clan lord.

“Showa Zankyoden Chizome no Karajishi (Contemporary Tales of Chivalry 4),” 1967 drama, 1 hour and 31 minutes.
Directed by Masahiro Makino. Starring Ken Takakura and Junko Fuji.
Fierce war breaks out when Shujiro’s rival clan attempts to sabotage his lucrative constriction business.

“Smuggler – Omae no Mirai o Hakobe (Smuggler),” 2011 action film,
1 hour and 55 minutes.
Starring Satoshi Tsumabuki and Masatoshi Nagase.
Ryosuke is a failed actor who falls into debt to the mob and must now work for them. His job is to smuggle or dispose of bodies. When Ryosuke takes part in transporting an assassin, he soon finds himself having to use all of his acting skills to stay alive.

“Space Battleship Yamato,” 2010 drama, 2 hours and 19 minutes.
Directed by Takashi Yamazaki. Starring Takuya Kimura and Meisa
Kuroki.
The story is set in the year 2199. The Gamilas, a mysterious alien enemy, has been decimating the Earth to unlivable and irradiated conditions for the past five years. Humankind now lives underground to escape the radiation, but with only a year until extinction. One day while roaming the surface of Earth, former pilot Susumu Kodai comes across a capsule sent from the planet Iskandar that reveals there is technology that has the power to eradicate the radiation from Earth. A chosen crew of Space battleship Yamato takes off on the long trip to Iskandar with hopes to save the Earth.

“Tarao Bannnai Nanatsu no Kao no Otokodaze (The Man of Seven Faces),” 1960 action film, 1 hour and 28 minutes.
Directed by Shigehiro Ozawa. Starring Chiezo Kataoka and Hitomi Nakahara.
Detective Tarao investigates the deaths of police officers who were
involved in solving a kidnapping case.

“Tenka no Kaidanji Tosshin Taro (Man of the World 2),” 1960 drama,
1 hour and 27 minutes.
Directed by Tsuneo Kobayashi. Starring Ken Takakura.
An upstanding young man’s racy adventure filled with conspiracies and love.

“Tenryu Hahakoi Gasa (Heavenly Dragon),” 1960 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Directed by Eiichi Kudo. Starring Hibari Misora and Hiroshi Mizuno.
A son of a lumber dealer Shintaro is entrapped by an evil boss Kumagoro who plots to take over Shintaro’s family business.

“Toyama no Kinsan Hinotama Bugyo (Fireball Magistrate),” 1958
jidaigeki, 1 hour and 32 minutes.
Directed by Kinonosuke Fukada. Starring Chiezo Kataoka, Tsukigata Ryunosuke and Ebara Shinjiro.
Two guardians of the Nijo Castle, Shioya and Kamazawa, discover a map leading to a secret passage to Edo Castle. Instead of reporting their find to local authorities, they decide to blackmail the lords who created the forbidden passage. To prove their crime, Magistrate Toyama Kinshiro launches a private undercover investigation.

“Truck Yaro Tenka Gomen (Truck Rascals in Fever Heat),” 1976 action film, 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Directed by Noribumi Suzuki. Starring Bunta Sugawara and Kinya Aikawa.
The fourth film of the “Truck Yaro” series. A comical road movie of two long-distance truckers, “Momojiro” and “Kinzo,” who travel around Japan in highly decorated trucks. Momojiro goes to Shikoku this time, and he falls in love with a beautiful designer Wakako who is on a pilgrimage.

“Umi no Koto (Koto),” 1966 drama, 2 hours and 10 minutes.
Directed by Tomoaki Tasaka. Starring Yoshiko Sakuma, Katsuo Nakamura, Ganjiro Nakamura and Kunie Tanaka.
A touching story following young shamisen string maker, Saku. Beautiful Saku moves to Lake Yogo, known for its production of quality shamisen strings, only to find her peaceful life turned upside down when a master musician takes personal interest in her.

“Umon Torimonocho Benitokage (Case of Umon: Red Lizard),” 1962 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 31 minutes.
Directed by Sadatsugu Matsuda. Starring Ryutaro Otomo and Shunji Sakai.
Umon goes on an investigation to unveil the murderer known as Red Lizard.

“Waga Haha no Ki (Chronicle of My Mother),” 2011 drama, 1 hour and 59 minutes.
Directed by Masato Harada. Starring Koji Yakusho and Kirin Kiki.
Kosaku, married with four daughters, is a successful writer and tyrannical husband and father. When his mother begins to display signs of dementia, duty demands that he take care of her. He knows she probably doesn’t have long to live, but as she attempts to cling to the fading memories of her son, they manage to gradually reconcile their family’s complicated past. As her grip on reality loosens, facts about the past — specifically why she saw fit to abandon her son after the war — come to light.

“Yoto Monogatari Hana no Yoshiwara Hyakuningiri (Tale of a
Mystical Sword),” 1960 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 49 minutes.
Directed by Tomu Uchida. Starring Chiezo Kataoka
A successful textile industrialist from the countryside, who is beloved by his employees for his kindness, cannot find a wife because of a disfiguring birthmark on his face. Even the courtesans in Yoshiwara refuse to entertain him, but an indentured peasant prostitute, Tamazuru, treats him with brash tenderness. “The scar is not on your heart,” she says, and he falls madly in love with her, ultimately losing his fortune in the expensive quest to purchase her freedom.