TV Program Guide – The Hawaii Herald

PROGRAMS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

“853 (TBS),” premieres on Thursday, Dec. 3, 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.

“Do You Remember Me? (NHK),” premieres on Friday, Dec. 4, at 8 p.m.

This is 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.

“The Interrogator (TV Asahi),” premieres on Monday, Dec. 7, at 9 p.m.

Yukiko Makabe is the only female interrogator in a department full of men. Their job is to question suspects immediately after a crime, using interrogation skills and psycho-analysis to solve crimes.

As the only female in the department, Yukiko has a different perspective and style from her colleagues. This brings her success in her interrogations of suspects, but Yukiko continues to be troubled by an unsolved cold case from years ago.

“Losing Heaven,” premieres on Sunday, Dec. 27, at 5 p.m.

Bridgette and Ellery are childhood best friends, and their bond becomes even stronger when Bridgette’s parents are killed, leaving her an orphan. Ellery’s father adopts Bridgette, making them sisters.

The best friends/sisters grow up and attain careers they love. Everything is going well until Bridgette meets Jonas. Instantly, she falls in love with him, but he only has eyes for Ellery. After Ellery meets him, they fall in love and marry.

Their happiness is shattered when they learn Ellery cannot conceive. Bridgette steps in and offers to be a surrogate mom through in-vitro, and births a daughter.

Ellery gets into a car accident and is in a coma. Bridgette convinces Jonas to annul his marriage to Ellery for the sake of the baby and marry her.

But what happens to the best friends/sisters if Ellery regains consciousness?

“Chasing Moments,” Sunday at 6 p.m.

A thrilling story about love and intertwined relationships.

Alex and Cindy find love and inspiration in each other’s arms. However, when Cindy leaves to study abroad, though devastated, Alex decides he must continue his life and pursue his dreams of becoming a photo journalist. Janice, an older woman, works as an editor-in-chief at a famous tabloid, but her successful career is not mirrored in her personal life. Despite her age gap and social differences their special friendship grows into an unlikely romance. Things get more complicated when Alex learns that Janice is Cindy’s mother!

“Oyaji Samurai (NHK),” Sunday at 8 p.m.

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.

“The Emperor’s Chef,” Sunday at 9 p.m.

This is based on the true life story of Tokuzo Akiyama, head chef of the Imperial Household Ministry’s Cuisine Division from 1921 to 1989.

As a young boy growing up in the country, Tokuzo tastes a new food and this awakens his awareness and interest in cooking. Tokuzo goes to Tokyo and Paris to pursue the culinary arts.

Fighting against discrimination and prejudice, he becomes a chef at Hotel rits in Paris, the epitome of high society and luxury.

At the young age of 26, he rises to become the Emperor’s Chef in Japan.

“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!

“Mother Class (TBS),” Monday at 8 p.m.

When Kiko Kanbara’s 5-year-old son, Haruto, is admitted to a prestigious kindergarten, Kiko is unprepared for the reality of this school.

High-end cars line up to drop their kids off, moms are dressed in fancy clothes, carrying brand-name bags and wearing heels and dripping with jewelry.

As a poor single mom, Kiko is out of her element. But her unpretentious nature and down-to-earth personality slowly begins to change the thinking of the other mothers.

“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.

“Behind the Noren (Fuji),” Tuesday at 9 p.m.

A noren is the short curtain often seen hanging at the entrance to a Japanese business. This is a family drama about the laughs, tears, and battles between a mother-in-law, the madam of an old-style Japanese inn (ryokan) and her new daughter-in-law, that go on behind the curtain.

Naoko, a career woman working in Tokyo, marries the eldest son of a family that owns a distinguished traditional inn in Kanazawa. Naoko’s new mother-in-law, Shino, views her as an outsider and refuses to accept her.

However, when Naoko’s husband Sosuke abruptly disappears one day, leaving behind a large debt, Naoko tells Shino about her plan to work at the inn to pay off Sosuke’s debts.

“Omiya-san 7,” Thursday 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 unsolveable. You can’t hide anything from Watase-san!

“Japan’s Local Secrets,” Friday at 9 p.m. and 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.

“The Legendary Witches,” Sunday at 6:30 p.m./
re-airs Monday at 1:45 p.m.

Soo-In, Bok-Nyeo, Poong-Geum and Mi-O were cellmates at a woman’s prison.

The four women have their own stories on why they were there, but through bakery lessons, learned in prison, they open a bakery shop and compete against a large bakery company.

Starring Ji-Hye Han, Seok-Jin Ha, Du-Shim Ko and Hyun-kyung Oh.

“Root of the Throne,” Monday and Tuesday at 7:45 p.m./re-airs on Tuesday and Wednesday at 2:45 p.m.

In the formation of every great nation, many battles are fought by those who have clashing ideologies and political views.

It is said that during the establishment of the fledgling Chosun Dynasty, six dragons held vast powers and each fought for their political views.

Starring Ah-In Yoo, Se-Kyung Shin, Yo-han Byun, Kyun-Sang Yoon and Myung-Min Kim.

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

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

There could be much more to a place than meets the eye.

Achiara appears to be a nice, peaceful village where everyone gets along and there is no crime.

But when So Yoon Han arrives to teach English at the local school, she makes a grisly discovery on her first day . . . She finds a dead body!

With the help of the young police officer Woo Jae Park, So Yoon tries to investigate what happened to the dead man.

As So Yoon and Woo Jae get closer to the truth, what other ugly secrets about the village will begin to surface?

Starring: Geung-Young Moon, Sungjae Yook, Eun-Kyung Shin, Joo-Woon On and Hee-Jin Jang.

“Wang’s Family,” Monday and Tuesday at 9:25 p.m./re-airs on Tuesday and Wednesday at 1 p.m.

The Wang family faces a number of challenges: elitism; discrimination; children moving back home after living on their own during colleges; the power dynamics between husband, wife and family; and decisions about when to marry and have a baby given the financial difficulties in today’s Korean society. The first daughter had married into a well-off family, but after they went bankrupt she and the family had to move back to her parents’ home. The second daughter is also having financial difficulties as her husband is jobless, while the third daughter suddenly decided to quit her job. How will the family manage to survive such obstacles?

Starring Yong Jang, Hae-Sook Kim, Moon-Hee Na, Dae-Chul Choi, Moon Ga-Young Moon, and Wong-Hong Choi.

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

Set between late Koryo Dynasty and early Choson Dynasty period. Jung Do-Jeon plans for the new country of “Choson” and new culture as an influential advisor to King Taejo. Jung Do-Jeon resistance among those that want to keep Koryo.

Starring Jae Hyun Jo, Yi Suk Kang, Dong Geun Yoo, Young Kyu Park, In Suk Suh, Ho Im and Jae Mo Ahn.

“Identical Affairs,” Friday and Saturday at 7:45 p.m./re-airs on Saturday and Sunday at noon.

Hae-Gang is a successful lawyer, but she wants to become more successful. Due to her ambitions, her relationship with her husband, Jin-Eon, deteriorates. At that his time, Jin-Eon meets Seol-Ri who attends the same graduate school. Her personality is pure and enthusiastic, like his wife Hae-Gang had in the past. Hae-Gang then has an accident and loses her memory. She meets Baek Seok and lives as her younger twin sister Yong-Gi.

Starring: Hyun-Joo Kim, Jin-Hee Ji, Han-Byul Park and Kyu-Han Lee.

“Oh No! My Mother-in-law Is My Niece Now,” Friday-Sunday at 9:25 p.m./
re-airs Saturday and Sunday at 1:15 p.m. and Monday at 12:20 p.m.

Gyeong-Sook married a wealthy older man when she was 19 years old. Her mother-in-law, who gave her a hard time, died and her husband passed away a couple of years ago.

She only depends on her son Jung-Soo who is a doctor. Her son Jung-Soo brings his girlfriend, Hyun-Joo. Gyeong-Sook disapproves of Hyun-Joo because of her poor family background. Nevertheless, Jung-Soo and Hyun-Joo marry. Gyeong-Sook gives Hyun-Joo a hard time. Then, Jung-Soo dies in a car accident. Gyeong-Sook and Hyun-Joo are no longer family.

Gyeong-Sook and Hyun-Joo eventually both marry again. Through a twist of fate, Gyeong-Sook becomes Hyun-Joo’s daughter-in-law.

Starring Hye-Ri Kim, Yi-Young Shim, Jung-Hyun Kim and Bo-Ryung Moon.

FRIDAY, JAN. 1

Midnight – Fate Deals the Card of Death

1:50 a.m. – The Cave of the
Vampire Bats

3:20 a.m. – The Young Animals

4:50 a.m. – First Love of Okon

6:20 a.m. – High School Super
Heroine

8 a.m. – Yakuza Vassal

9:30 a.m. – Lifetime Insecurity

11:20 a.m. – Gale of Tokaido

12:50 p.m. – Dancing in Hawaii

2:30 p.m. – Half a Confession

4:40 p.m. – Lord Mito

6:20 p.m. – Forty-seven Masterless Samurai, Part 1

8:10 p.m. – Free and Easy 7

9:50 p.m. – The Young Animals

11:20 p.m. – A Wad of Notes

SATURDAY, JAN. 2

1 a.m. – Eight Brave Brothers,
Parts 1 & 2

3 a.m. – The Transgressor

4:40 a.m. – Story of Pure Love

6:50 a.m. – The Cave of the
Vampire Bats

8:20 a.m. – Lifetime Insecurity

10:10 a.m. – Lord Mito

11:50 a.m. – Forty-seven Masterless Samurai, Part 1

1:40 p.m. – The Yagyu Military Art: One-Eyed Ninja

3:10 p.m. – Free and Easy 7

4:50 p.m. – Dancing in Hawaii

6:30 p.m. – Forty-seven Masterless Samurai, Part 2

8 p.m. – Little Forest: Summer & Autumn

10 p.m. – Half a Confession

SUNDAY, JAN. 3

12:10 a.m. – Yakuza Vassal

1:40 a.m. – She-Shogun

3:40 a.m. – Gale of Tokaido

5:10 a.m. – Short and Fat

6:40 a.m. – Eight Brave Brothers, Parts 1 & 2

8:40 a.m. – High School Super
Heroine

10:20 a.m. – Dancing in Hawaii

Noon – Forty-seven Masterless Samurai, Part 2

1:30 p.m. – The Yagyu Military Art: One-Eyed Ninja

3 p.m. – The Young Animals

4:30 p.m. – Little Forest: Summer & Autumn

6:30 p.m. – Tora-san’s Shattered Romance

8:10 p.m. – The Protector

9:50 p.m. – The Transgressor

11:30 p.m. – First Love of Okon

MONDAY, JAN. 4

1 a.m. – Dancing in Hawaii

2:40 a.m. – Half a Confession

4:50 a.m. – A Wad of Notes

6:30 a.m. – The Shogun’s Guard

8:10 a.m. – Fate Deals the Card of Death

10 a.m. – Tora-san’s Shattered
Romance

11:40 a.m. – Eight Brave Brothers, Parts 1 & 2

1:40 p.m. – She-Shogun

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

5:20 p.m. – Story of Pure Love

7:30 p.m. – The Yagyu Military Art: One-Eyed Ninja

9 p.m. – I’ll Give It My All . . .
Tomorrow

10:50 p.m. – Yakuza Vassal

TUESDAY, JAN. 5

12:20 a.m. – Lord Mito

2 a.m. – The Protector

3:40 a.m. – Short and Fat

5:10 a.m. – The Shogun’s Guard

6:50 a.m. – The Valiant Red Peony: You Are Dead

8:30 a.m. – Lord Mito

10:10 a.m. – High School Super Heroine

11:50 a.m. – I’ll Give It My All . . . Tomorrow

1:40 p.m. – A Wad of Notes

3:20 p.m. – Eight Brave Brothers, Parts 1 & 2

5:20 p.m. – Yakuza Vassal

6:50 p.m. – She-Shogun

8:50 p.m. – The Human Trust

11:10 p.m. – The Shogun’s Guard

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 6

12:50 a.m. – The Cave of the
Vampire Bats

2:20 a.m. – Lifetime Insecurity

4:10 a.m. – Gale of Tokaido

5:40 a.m. – Short and Fat

7:10 a.m. – The Yagyu Military Art: One-Eyed Ninja

8:40 a.m. – The Young Animals

10:10 a.m. – Short and Fat

11:40 a.m. – The Human Trust

2 p.m. – The Protector

3:40 p.m. – The Transgressor

5:20 p.m. – The Yagyu Military Art: One-Eyed Ninja

6:50 p.m. – Free and Easy 7

8:30 p.m. – She-Shogun

10:30 p.m. – The Valiant Red Peony: You Are Dead

THURSDAY, JAN. 7

12:10 a.m. – Lifetime Insecurity

2 a.m. – Gale of Tokaido

3:30 a.m. – The Young Animals

5 a.m. – First Love of Okon

6:30 a.m. – The Transgressor

8:10 a.m. – Story of Pure Love

10:20 a.m. – Free and Easy 7

Noon – The Young Animals

1:30 p.m. – The Valiant Red Peony: You Are Dead

3:10 p.m. – Lord Mito

4:50 p.m. – Dancing in Hawaii

6:30 p.m. – Half a Confession

8:40 p.m. – First Love of Okon

10:10 p.m. – Samurai Pirates

FRIDAY, JAN. 8

12:10 a.m. – The Shogun’s Guard

1:50 a.m. – Fate Deals the Card of Death

3:40 a.m. – Half a Confession

5:50 a.m. – A Wad of Notes

7:30 a.m. – Eight Brave Brothers, Parts 1 & 2

9:30 a.m. – High School Super
Heroine

11:10 a.m. – Samurai Pirates

1:10 p.m. – Dancing in Hawaii

2:50 p.m. – A Wad of Notes

4:30 p.m. – Tora-san’s Shattered Romance

6:10 p.m. – The Protector

7:50 p.m. – A Legend of Turmoil

9:40 p.m. – Lord Mito

11:20 p.m. – The Protector

SATURDAY, JAN. 9

1 a.m. – The Yagyu Military Art: One-Eyed Ninja

2:30 a.m. – The Young Animals

4 a.m. – High School Super Heroine

5:40 a.m. – Yakuza Vassal

7:10 a.m. – Gale of Tokaido

8:40 a.m. – Short and Fat

10:10 a.m. – Tora-san’s Shattered Romance

11:50 a.m. – Eight Brave Brothers, Parts 1 & 2

1:50 p.m. – Short and Fat

3:20 p.m. – The Shogun’s Guard

5 p.m. – The Young Animals

6:30 p.m. – First Love of Okon

8 p.m. – I’ll Give It My All . . .
Tomorrow

9:50 p.m. – Yakuza Vassal

11:20 p.m. – The Cave of the
Vampire Bats

SUNDAY, JAN. 10

12:50 a.m. – Lifetime Insecurity

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

4:20 a.m. – Lord Mito

6 a.m. – Yakuza Vassal

7:30 a.m. – She-Shogun

9:30 a.m. – High School Super
Heroine

11:10 a.m. – I’ll Give It My All . . . Tomorrow

1 p.m. – The Transgressor

2:40 p.m. – Story of Pure Love

4:50 p.m. – Fate Deals the Card of Death

6:40 p.m. – The Cave of the Vampire Bats

8:10 p.m. – Dancing in Hawaii

9:50 p.m. – Half a Confession

MONDAY, JAN. 11

Midnight – Lord Mito

1:40 a.m. – The Protector

3:20 a.m. – Lifetime Insecurity

5:10 a.m. – Gale of Tokaido

6:40 a.m. – Story of Pure Love

8:50 a.m. – The Yagyu Military Art: One-Eyed Ninja

10:20 a.m. – She-Shogun

12:20 p.m. – The Valiant Red Peony: You Are Dead

2 p.m. – Eight Brave Brothers,
Parts 1 & 2

4 p.m. – High School Super Heroine

5:40 p.m. – Free and Easy 7

7:20 p.m. – The Young Animals

8:50 p.m. – Half a Confession

11 p.m. – A Wad of Notes

TUESDAY, JAN. 12

12:40 a.m. – A Legend of Turmoil

2:30 a.m. – The Transgressor

4:10 a.m. – First Love of Okon

5:40 a.m. – Dancing in Hawaii

7:20 a.m. – Yakuza Vassal

8:50 a.m. – She-Shogun

10:50 a.m. – The Yagyu Military Art: One-Eyed Ninja

12:20 p.m. – Free and Easy 7

2 p.m. – Lord Mito

3:40 p.m.– The Protector

5:20 p.m. – Samurai Pirates

7:20 p.m. – Dancing in Hawaii

9 p.m. – Eight Brave Brothers,
Parts 1 & 2

11 p.m. – High School Super Heroine

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 13

12:40 a.m. – The Yagyu Military Art: One-Eyed Ninja

2:10 a.m. – The Young Animals

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

5:30 a.m. – The Cave of the Vampire Bats

7 a.m. – Short and Fat

8:30 a.m. – The Shogun’s Guard

10:10 a.m. – First Love of Okon

11:40 a.m. – Samurai Pirates

1:40 p.m. – High School Super
Heroine

3:20 p.m. – Yakuza Vassal

4:50 p.m. – Tora-san’s Shattered Romance

6:30 p.m. – Eight Brave Brothers, Parts 1 & 2

8:30 p.m. – The Shogun’s Guard

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

THURSDAY, JAN. 14

Midnight – The Cave of the Vampire Bats

1:30 a.m. – Lifetime Insecurity

3:20 a.m. – The Young Animals

4:50 a.m. – First Love of Okon

6:20 a.m. – Dancing in Hawaii

8 a.m. – Half a Confession

10:10 a.m. – A Wad of Notes

11:50 a.m. – Tora-san’s Shattered Romance

1:30 p.m. – The Transgressor

3:10 p.m. – Story of Pure Love

5:20 p.m. – Lifetime Insecurity

7:10 p.m. – Gale of Tokaido

8:40 p.m. – High School Super
Heroine

10:20 p.m. – I’ll Give It My All . . . Tomorrow

FRIDAY, JAN. 15

12:10 a.m. – She-Shogun

2:10 a.m. – The Valiant Red Peony: You Are Dead

3:50 a.m. – The Shogun’s Guard

5:30 a.m. – Fate Deals the Card of Death

7:20 a.m. – Gale of Tokaido

8:50 a.m. – Short and Fat

10:20 a.m. – Half a Confession

12:30 p.m. – A Wad of Notes

2:10 p.m. – I’ll Give It My All . . . Tomorrow

4 p.m. – Yakuza Vassal

5:30 p.m. – Story of Pure Love

7:40 p.m. – Young Eagles of the Kamikaze

9:40 p.m. – Little Forest: Summer & Autumn

11:40 p.m. – Half a Confession

SATURDAY, JAN. 16

1:50 a.m. – A Legend of Turmoil

3:40 a.m. – The Transgressor

5:20 a.m. – The Yagyu Military Art: One-Eyed Ninja

6:50 a.m. – The Young Animals

8:20 a.m. – First Love of Okon

9:50 a.m. – Dancing in Hawaii

11:30 a.m. – Lord Mito

1:10 p.m. – Little Forest: Summer & Autumn

3:10 p.m. – The Valiant Red Peony: You Are Dead

4:50 p.m. – Lord Mito

6:30 p.m. – Short and Fat

8 p.m. – The Human Trust

10:20 p.m. – Yakuza Vassal

11:50 p.m. – She-Shogun

SUNDAY, JAN. 17

1:50 a.m. – The Cave of the Vampire Bats

3:20 a.m. – Lifetime Insecurity

5:10 a.m. – Dancing in Hawaii

6:50 a.m. – Half a Confession

9 a.m. – Gale of Tokaido

10:30 a.m. – Short and Fat

Noon – The Human Trust

2:20 p.m. – The Shogun’s Guard

4 p.m. – First Love of Okon

5:30 p.m. – Samurai Pirates

7:30 p.m. – The Yagyu Military Art: One-Eyed Ninja

9 p.m. – The Young Animals

10:30 p.m. – The Shogun’s Guard

MONDAY, JAN. 18

12:10 a.m. – Fate Deals the Card of Death

2 a.m. – The Protector

3:40 a.m. – A Legend of Turmoil

5:30 a.m.– Half a Confession

7:40 a.m. – A Wad of Notes

9:20 a.m. – Samurai Pirates

11:20 a.m. – Dancing in Hawaii

1 p.m. – Eight Brave Brothers,
Parts 1 & 2

3 p.m. – High School Super Heroine

4:40 p.m. – She-Shogun

6:40 p.m. – The Valiant Red Peony: You Are Dead

8:20 p.m. – Lifetime Insecurity

10:10 p.m. – Gale of Tokaido

11:40 p.m. – Young Eagles of the Kamikaze

TUESDAY, JAN. 19

1:40 a.m. – The Yagyu Military Art: One-Eyed Ninja

3:10 a.m. Lord Mito

4:50 a.m. – The Protector

6:30 a.m. – The Young Animals

8 a.m. – First Love of Okon

9:30 a.m. – The Shogun’s Guard

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

1 p.m. – A Wad of Notes

2:40 p.m. – Eight Brave Brothers, Parts 1 & 2

4:40 p.m. – I’ll Give It My All . . . Tomorrow

6:30 p.m. – Yakuza Vassal

8 p.m. – Lord Mito

9:40 p.m. – Little Forest: Summer & Autumn

11:40 p.m. – A Legend of Turmoil

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 20

1:30 a.m. – The Transgressor

3:10 a.m. – Yakuza Vassal

4:40 a.m. – She-Shogun

6:40 a.m. – First Love of Okon

8:10 a.m. – Dancing in Hawaii

9:50 a.m. – High School Super
Heroine

11:30 a.m. – I’ll Give It My All . . . Tomorrow

1:20 p.m. – Little Forest: Summer & Autumn

3:20 p.m. – Half a Confession

5:30 p.m. – She-Shogun

7:30 p.m. – The Valiant Red Peony: You Are Dead

9:10 p.m. – The Cave of the Vampire Bats

10:40 p.m. – Lifetime Insecurity

THURSDAY, JAN. 21

12:30 a.m. – Story of Pure Love

2:40 a.m. – Young Eagles of the Kamikaze

4:40 a.m. – Dancing in Hawaii

6:20 a.m. – Half a Confession

8:30 a.m. – Eight Brave Brothers, Parts 1 & 2

10:30 a.m.– High School Super
Heroine

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

1:50 p.m. – Lord Mito

3:30 p.m. – The Yagyu Military Art: One-Eyed Ninja

5 p.m. – Free and Easy 7

6:40 p.m. – The Human Trust

9 p.m. – The Shogun’s Guard

10:40 p.m. – Yakuza Vassal

FRIDAY, JAN. 22

12:10 a.m. – She-Shogun

2:10 a.m. – First Love of Okon

3:40 a.m. – Dancing in Hawaii

5:20 a.m. – The Yagyu Military Art: One-Eyed Ninja

6:50 a.m. – The Young Animals

8:20 a.m. – Short and Fat

9:50 a.m. – The Human Trust

12:10 p.m. – Free and Easy 7

1:50 p.m. – The Young Animals

3:20 p.m. – Half a Confession

5:30 p.m. – A Wad of Notes

7:10 p.m. – Shogun and His Mistress 2

8:50 p.m. – Lord Mito

10:30 p.m. – Gale of Tokaido

SATURDAY, JAN. 23

Midnight – Short and Fat

1:30 a.m. – Lord Mito

3:10 a.m. – The Protector

4:50 a.m. – Lifetime Insecurity

6:40 a.m. – Gale of Tokaido

8:10 a.m. – The Cave of the Vampire Bats

9:40 a.m. – Lifetime Insecurity

11:30 a.m. – Young Eagles of the Kamikaze

1:30 p.m. – The Yagyu Military Art: One-Eyed Ninja

3 p.m. – The Shogun’s Guard

4:40 p.m. – Fate Deals the Card of Death

6:30 p.m. – First Love of Okon

8 p.m. – Samurai Pirates

10 p.m. – The Transgressor

11:40 p.m. – Story of Pure Love

SUNDAY, JAN. 24

1:50 a.m. – Short and Fat

3:20 a.m.– The Shogun’s Guard

5 a.m. – The Protector

6:40 a.m. – A Legend of Turmoil

8:30 a.m. – Eight Brave Brothers, Parts 1 & 2

10:30 a.m. – High School Super Heroine

12:10 p.m. – Samurai Pirates

2:10 p.m. – Dancing in Hawaii

3:50 p.m. – Half a Confession

6 p.m. – A Wad of Notes

7:40 p.m. – High School Super
Heroine

9:20 p.m. – Yakuza Vassal

10:50 p.m. – Dancing in Hawaii

MONDAY, JAN. 25

12:30 a.m. – Half a Confession

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

4:20 a.m. – Shogun and His Mistress 2

6 a.m. – The

“Young Eagles of the Kamikaze.”

Transgressor

7:40 a.m. – Story of Pure Love

9:50 a.m. – The Young Animals

11:20 a.m. – First Love of Okon

12:50 p.m. – Short and Fat

2:20 p.m. – The
Human Trust

4:40 p.m. – Lifetime Insecurity

6:30 p.m. – Gale of Tokaido

8 p.m. – A Wad of Notes

9:40 p.m. – Tora-san’s Shattered Romance

11:20 p.m. – The Protector

TUESDAY, JAN. 26

1 a.m. – The Transgressor

2:40 a.m. – She-Shogun

4:40 a.m. – The Valiant Red Peony: You Are Dead

6:20 a.m. – The Yagyu Military Art: One-Eyed Ninja

7:50 a.m. – The Young Animals

9:20 a.m. – Tora-san’s Shattered Romance

11 a.m. – Eight Brave Brothers,
Parts 1 & 2

1 p.m. – The Human Trust

3:20 p.m. – The Shogun’s Guard

5 p.m. – Gale of Tokaido

6:30 p.m. – Short and Fat

8 p.m. – The Cave of the Vampire Bats

9:30 p.m. – Lifetime Insecurity

11:20 p.m. – The Young Animals

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 27

12:50 a.m. – First Love of Okon

2:20 a.m. – Yakuza Vassal

3:50 a.m. – She-Shogun

5:50 a.m. – Dancing in Hawaii

7:30 a.m. – Half a Confession

9:40 a.m. – The Young Animals

11:10 a.m. – First Love of Okon

12:40 p.m. – Half a Confession

2:50 p.m. – A Wad of Notes

4:30 p.m. – Lord Mito

6:10 p.m. – Little Forest: Summer & Autumn

8:10 p.m. – Free and Easy 7

9:50 p.m. – The Young Animals

11:20 p.m. – She-Shogun

THURSDAY, JAN. 28

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

3 a.m. – Lord Mito

4:40 a.m. – The Protector

6:20 a.m. – A Wad of Notes

8 a.m. – Eight Brave Brothers,
Parts 1 & 2

10 a.m. – Little Forest: Summer & Autumn

Noon – Half a Confession

2:10 p.m. – The Yagyu Military Art: One-Eyed Ninja

3:40 p.m. – Free and Easy 7

5:20 p.m. – Gale of Tokaido

6:50 p.m. – Short and Fat

8:20 p.m. – Shogun and His Mistress 2

10 p.m. – Lord Mito

11:40 p.m. – The Shogun’s Guard

FRIDAY, JAN. 29

1:20 a.m. – Fate Deals the Card of Death

3:10 a.m. – Story of Pure Love

5:20 a.m. – Young Eagles of the
Kamikaze

7:20 a.m. – The Protector

9 a.m. – A Legend of Turmoil

10:50 a.m. – The Transgressor

12:30 p.m. – Story of Pure Love

2:40 p.m. –
She-Shogun

4:40 p.m. – The Valiant Red Peony: You Are Dead

6:20 p.m. – High School Super
Heroine

8 p.m. – I’ll Give It My All . . .
Tomorrow

9:50 p.m. – A Wad of Notes

11:30 p.m. – Tora-san’s Shattered Romance

SATURDAY, JAN. 30

1:10 a.m. – The Young Animals

2:40 a.m. – First Love of Okon

4:10 a.m. – A Legend of Turmoil

6 a.m. – The Transgressor

7:40 a.m. – Lifetime Insecurity

9:30 a.m. – Gale of Tokaido

11 a.m. – I’ll Give It My All . . .
Tomorrow

12:50 p.m. – Yakuza Vassal

2:20 p.m. – Samurai Pirates

4:20 p.m. – Dancing in Hawaii

6 p.m. – Little Forest: Summer & Autumn

8 p.m. – Tora-san’s Shattered
Romance

9:40 p.m. – Lord Mito

11:20 p.m. – The Protector

SUNDAY, JAN. 31

1 a.m. – Eight Brave Brothers,
Parts 1 & 2

3 a.m. – High School Super Heroine

4:40 a.m. – A Wad of Notes

6:20 a.m. – Eight Brave Brothers, Parts 1 & 2

8:20 a.m. – First Love of Okon

9:50 a.m. – Samurai Pirates

11:50 a.m. – Short and Fat

1:20 p.m. – The Shogun’s Guard

3 p.m.– Lord Mito

4:40 p.m. – Little Forest: Summer & Autumn

6:40 p.m. – Valiant Red Peony: You Are Dead

8:20 p.m. – Shogun and His Mistress 2

10 p.m. – Eight Brave Brothers,
Parts 1 & 2

“The Legendary Witches,” Sunday at 6:30 p.m./
re-airs Monday at 1 p.m.

Soo-In, Bok-Nyeo, Poong-Geum and Mi-O were cellmates at a woman’s prison.

The four women have their own stories on why they were there, but through bakery lessons, learned in prison, they open a bakery shop and compete against a large bakery company.

Starring Ji-Hye Han, Seok-Jin Ha, Du-Shim Ko and Hyun-kyung Oh.

“Root of the Throne,” Monday and Tuesday at 7:45 p.m./re-airs on Tuesday and Wednesday at 2:15 p.m.

In the formation of every great nation, many battles are fought by those who have clashing ideologies and political views.

It is said that during the establishment of the fledgling Chosun Dynasty, six dragons held vast powers and each fought for their political views.

Starring Ah-In Yoo, Se-Kyung Shin, Yo-han Byun, Kyun-Sang Yoon and Myung-Min Kim.

“Returned & Revealed,” Monday-Thursday at 9:20 p.m.; re-airs Tuesday-Friday at 12:20 p.m.

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

Jin-Woo has the condition of Hyperthymesia which allows him to remember almost every day in perfect detail. To prove the innocence of his father, Jin-Woo becomes a lawyer. He struggles to prove his father’s innocence, but he begins to lose his memory due to Alzheimer’s.

Starring Seung-Ho Yoo, Min-Young Park, Sung-Woong Park, Min Namgung, Hye-Seong Jung and Kwang-Leol Jeon.

“Wang’s Family,” Monday and Tuesday at 10 p.m./re-airs on Tuesday and Wednesday at 1 p.m.

Starring Yong Jang, Hae-Sook Kim, Moon-Hee Na, Dae-Chul Choi, Moon Ga-Young Moon, and Wong-Hong Choi.

“Good Doctor,” Wednesday and Thursday at 10 p.m./re-airs on Thursday and Friday at 1 p.m.

Shi Ohn Park has autistic disorder and a savant syndrome. Although he has the mentality of a 10 year old, he has amazing ability of 3D visualization of the human anatomy and memory of everything he reads. His ability gives him the exceptional skills as a pediatric specialist. However, due to discrimination by society, he has to overcome all these to succeed. He was also abused by his father and abandoned by his mother. Worse is he also feels at fault over his brother’s death. Will he overcome all these discrimination? Will he also find love? Will he find acceptance?

Starring Won Joo, Moon Chae Won, Sang Wook Joo and Min Seo Kim.

“Identical Affairs,” Friday and Saturday at 7:45 p.m./re-airs on Saturday and Sunday at noon.

Starring: Hyun-Joo Kim, Jin-Hee Ji, Han-Byul Park and Kyu-Han Lee.

“Oh No! My Mother-in-law Is My Niece Now,” Friday-Sunday at 9:20 p.m./
re-airs Saturday and Sunday at 1:15 p.m. and Monday at 12:20 p.m.

Gyeong-Sook married a wealthy older man when she was 19 years old. Her mother-in-law, who gave her a hard time, died and her husband passed away a couple of years ago.

Starring Hye-Ri Kim, Yi-Young Shim, Jung-Hyun Kim and Bo-Ryung Moon.

NEW YEAR’S SPECIAL PROGRAMS

PROGRAMS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

“The 66th Annual Red and White Song Contest,” airs on Friday, 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). 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 2016 marks the 66th year since the program’s inception.

“Big Guys With One Dish Tour,” airs on Saturday, Jan. 2, from 7-8:30 p.m.

Actor/comedian Hidehiko Ishizuka (the “Fat Detective”) and former sumo wrestler Furiwake Oyakata travel around Japan doing what they do best: EATING!!! The friendly but fun competition they have to see who gets to eat each area’s specialty makes this show even more fun to watch.

“Journey to the Moon,” Saturday, Jan. 2, from 8:30-10 p.m.

What is destiny? When a series of circumstances bring two people together, is it meant to be?

Ryota Shinozaki works for a publishing house, and has traveled to a remote town in the mountainous region of Gifu to meet with an author and pick up his latest work. When he arrives at the train station for his return trip, Ryota notices a blind woman in the waiting area.

As he waits for his train, a series of circumstances keeps bringing Ryota and the woman, Rio, together. Finally, Rio confesses she was not at the station to catch a train, but rather, she was there waiting for someone.

“Hanamoyu,” airs on Sunday, Jan. 3, and Tuesday, Jan. 5, from 7-8 p.m.

The 54th NHK taiga drama “Hana Moyu” about the impactful, if somewhat obscure, life of Fumi Sugi (played by popular Japanese actress Mao Inoue). Born in 1843, Fumi is the 4th daughter in the Sugi family, and the younger sister of Bakumatsu-era, Choshu Domain philosopher Shoin Yoshida, the well-known educator and activist who helped spur the Meiji Restoration. After his imprisonment and execution, Fumi continues to influence others to support Shoin’s ideas and teachings during the troubling times at the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Many future government leaders emerged from the Choshu Domain, and their successes could be attributed to her strong spirit and determination behind the scenes.

“My Home, My Town,” airs on Sunda, Jan. 3, from 8-10 p.m.

Ippo and Honoka Sakurai grew up in a seaside town and have happy memories of their childhood playing near the ocean. But those memories faded after their father walked out on the family 20 years ago.

And now, although Ippo’s job involves lending support to lonely clients with emotional scars, he himself has difficulty with relationships. He does not even keep in contact with his sister Honoka although they both live and work in Tokyo.

One day, Honoka returns to the family home to announce she is engaged. Ippo happens to return home at the same time. And everyone is shocked when their father shows up unannounced.

“Madame Butterfly,” airs on Monday, Jan. 4, Wednesday, Jan. 6, and Thursday, Jan. 7, from 7-8 p.m.

Cho-Cho is a young woman growing up under her mother and grandmother’s tutelage after the death of her samurai father. After their sudden death, however, Cho-Cho finds herself without the means to support herself, and is adopted by a wealthy family that owns a brothel in Nagasaki.

Her adoptive stepmother promises to continue Cho-Cho’s education, but when she dies unexpectedly, Cho-Cho is forced to become a geisha.

As an apprentice geisha, Cho-Cho meets Franklin, an American naval officer. Seeing in him the samurai spirit of her own father, Cho-Cho marries Franklin. But for Franklin, the marriage is nothing but a relationship of convenience.

Puccini’s tragic opera “Madame Butterfly” is given new life as a TV drama, starring Aoi Miyazaki, who played Atsuhime in the NHK taiga drama of the same name.

“Justice is Blind,” airs on Monday, Jan. 4, from 8-10 p.m.

Kensuke Okouchi is blind, but became a lawyer because of his strong desire to help the weak. One day, a woman named Satomi comes to see Kensuke seeking a divorce. Satomi wishes to end her marriage due to domestic violence, but is unsure whether a blind attorney has the ability to represent her.

“Chushingura,” airs on Tuesday, Jan. 5, from 8-10 p.m.

Ronin are samurai without a leader, and the story of the 47 ronin is perhaps one of the most famous in the history of the samurai.

The story begins with a feud between Yoshinaka Kira, a chief protocol officer of the Shogun, and Takumi Asano, who was hand-picked by the Shogun to act as his representative with members of the Imperial family. Kira resented having to train Asano, and often sought ways to embarrass him. After one such incident, Asano drew his sword on Kira, but did not kill him. Because acts of aggression were forbidden within the palace, Asano was then ordered to commit suicide.

After his death, Asano’s lands and property were confiscated, and his retainers became ronin. Vowing to avenge their lord, the ronin patiently waited for a year, until Kira’s guard was down, before they attacked his compound, killing Kira and avenging their lord.

For this act, the ronin were ordered to commit suicide. But their story lives on for its example of loyalty and the samurai code of bushido.

“The Last Witness,” airs on Wednesday, Jan. 6, from 8-10 p.m.

Sadato Sakata was a highly regarded public prosecutor but now has his own law practice and specializes in criminal cases. One day, Sadato accepts a request to defend a successful businessman accused of murdering a woman he was having an affair with. The crime appears open and shut: fingerprints, bloodstains, and security camera footage all indicate Kuniaki Shimazu is guilty. But Shimazu insists he is innocent, and Sadato’s intuition leads him to accept the case.

“Orange: Risking It All,” airs on Thursday, Jan. 7, from 8-10 p.m.

Men in orange uniforms represent the fire department’s Special Rescue Team, an elite force only three percent of firefighters are qualified to join.

The challenges firefighters in orange encounter are incredible, but the rigorous conditions they must first pass to get into orange are equally demanding. Yuuchi Kohinata, himself a former “Orange” member, trains potential firefighters for acceptance into Orange. Kohinata is both haunted and driven by his own experience responding to victims of the 1995 Kobe earthquake.

“High School Chorus” (TBS), premieres on Sunday, Jan. 10, at 8 p.m.

At one time, the chorus club at Omotesando High School was famous for its top-notch program. As high school students, both of Makoto Kagawa’s parents were part of the club, and their many positive memories of high school are centered around their chorus experiences.

So when the Kagawa family moves to Tokyo, joining the club becomes Makoto’s dream. But things are not as they once were.

The club barely has any members, and its instructor, who ironically first taught Makoto to sign, has lost his passion. Can Makoto be the catalyst for the club’s revival?

“Age Harassment (TV Asahi),” premieres on Monday, Jan. 18, at 8 p.m.

Emiri Yoshii has it all: brains, youth, and beauty. She lands a position in a top rated trading company and seems to be on the fast track for success.

But she quickly realizes the old guard of the department she’s in is only paying lip service to equality in the workplace, and all they see is her youth and beauty.

To make matters worse, she also becomes the target of jealousy from older female staff.

Will Emiri be able to change the mentality of her company?

“Homicide Team 9 – Season 5 (TV Asahi),” premieres on Thursday, Jan. 21, at 8 p.m.

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

“Big Family in a Small Village, Part 1,” airs on Sunday, Jan. 31, at 7 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.

“Doctors Special, Part 1” (TV Asahi), airs on Sunday, Jan. 31, at 9 p.m.

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

PROGRAMS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

NGN FREEVIEW SPECIALS FOR 2016

from Dec. 30 to Jan. 3

“5 to 9 – Watashi ni Koishita Obosan,” airs on Wednesday, Dec. 30, at 7:35 and 10:30 p.m.; repeats Thursday, Dec. 31, at 8:40 a.m.

Junko (Satomi Ishihara) is a part-time teacher at an English school who dreams of one day working in New York. Junko strives hard to achieve her dreams, but New York seems a far distant reality. And she hasn’t had much luck with romance for a while either.

But things suddenly start to change when one day, Junko encounters a handsome Tokyo University graduate monk Takane (Tomohisa Yamashita) at a funeral service. Junko accidentally knocks over the bowl of ashes, which falls right onto the head of Takene — probably the worst impression anyone could make. After such an incident, Junko figures she would never see him again. However, the two end up meeting again in a matchmaking session set up by Junko’s aunt.

“Sakura Sakura,” airs on Wednesday, Dec. 30, at 8:45 p.m.; repeats on Thursday, Dec. 31, at 9:50 a.m.

This is the story of a beautiful weeping cherry tree and a couple that lives in an isolated corner of Japan. The only house remaining in Aino is of the Takezaki family, consisting of Grandpa Isamu (78), Grandma Ichiko (76) and their dog.

The day the Takezakis have been waiting for all year has finally arrived. Today is the day when many visitors will come to view “Aino no Hana” (Flower of Aino), the weeping cherry tree that Grandpa Isamu planted in his youth. Just for one day of the year, their house turns into an amusement park! (A sister-state Ehime program)

“Mogitate TV,” airs on Wednesday, Dec. 30, at 9:35 p.m.; repeats on Thursday, Dec. 31, at 7:30 a.m.

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

“Date Special 2015,” airs in three episodes: Thursday, Dec. 31 to Saturday, Jan. 2 at 7:35 p.m.; repeats on Dec. 31 to Jan. 2 at 10 p.m. and Jan. 1 to Jan. 3 at 8:40 a.m.

Yoriko and Takumi are back!

After Yoriko (Anne) and Takumi (Hiroki Hasegawa) had their 35th date at the site of the Yokohama fireworks display, they worked on drafting a marriage contract again. At that time, they realized that they forgot to insert a section about infidelity, but concluded it would not be necessary for them. The marriage contract was finally completed; they reached an agreement to marry. Glowing with pleasure, Yoriko raises the thick marriage contract, which she is really proud of, and considers it as the “ideal model.”

One month later, Yoriko is waiting for her admirer Washio at Yokohama’s Yamashita Park. He asks if she has any regrets, and she replies that she is excited. The two of them get into his car. At the same moment, Takumi is walking in a hot spring district with Hikono, who is beautiful in a Japanese kimono. He watches her profile in fascination as she eats an ice cream. Meeting his gaze, she stares back at him shyly.

“Gurutto J:COM Tankentai,” airs on Thursday, Dec. 31, at 8:30 p.m.; repeats on Friday, Jan. 1 at 9:35 a.m.

The “J:COM expedition team” reports on landmarks, restaurants and local events. Learn about a Fukuoka you didn’t know existed in this community-based program that helps you find a new “Fukuoka!” In this episode, former Gov. George Ariyoshi visits their studio to be interviewed! (A sister-state Fukuoka program)

“Mentai Piriri,” airs on Thursday, Dec. 31, at 9:15 p.m.; repeats on Friday, Jan. 1 at 10:20 a.m.

Toshiyuki runs his own grocery store “Fukunoya” in Fukuoka. He remembers “Mentai,” a taste that brings back good memories, and tries to recreate it on his own. His family and workers are dragged into Toshiyuki’s “Mentai” making madness and all the troubles that come along with it. However the “Mentai” that he is trying to recapture, actually strengthens the bond of “Fukunoya.” (A sister-state Fukuoka program)

“Jiyu Jikan – Jinja Meguri,” airs on Thursday, Dec. 31, at 9:50 p.m.; repeats on Friday, Jan. 1, at 7:30 a.m.

Shrines in Fukuoka including Dazaifu Tenmangu are visited. “Jinja Meguri” teaches you how to visit and respect shrines properly including how to wash your hands or bow! Enjoy this informative program. (A sister-state Fukuoka program)

“Okinawa BON!!,” airs on Friday, Jan. 1, at 8:30 p.m.; repeats on Saturday, Jan. 2, at 9:30 a.m.

“Sakura Sakura,” airs on Wednesday, Dec. 30, at 8:45 p.m.; repeats on Thursday, Dec. 31, at 9:50 a.m.

In conjunction with the 30th anniversary of the sister state relationship between Okinawa and Hawai‘i, “Okinawa BON!!” from RBC (Ryukyu Hoso) is featured in the Sister State TV lineup with a special introduction by Okinawa Gov. Takeshi Onaga.

“Okinawa BON!!” is a fun, family-friendly program and a great way to learn more about Okinawa’s fashionable stores, popular restaurants, and latest trends. (A sister-state Okinawa program)

“Okinawa Shunkashuto Minyo Song Festival,” airs on Friday, Jan. 1, at 9 p.m.; repeats on Saturday, Jan. 2, at 10:10 a.m.

“Minyo Kohaku Utagassen” has been held every year for 50 years. The best of Okinawa Minyo (traditional folk Music) is spotlighted in “Okinawa Shunkashuto.” Okinawa Minyo reflects Okinawa’s culture and history. Enjoy these authentic Okinawa Minyo singers’ soulful songs. (A sister-state Okinawa program)

“Must See Hiroshima – A Three-Day Trip to Miyajima,” airs on Saturday, Jan. 2, at 8:30 p.m.; repeats on Sunday, Jan. 3, at 8:40 a.m.

“This is not some rushed overnight trip! Let us take you on a leisurely journey to savor the sights and tastes of such places as Miyajima where you can indulge in the charms of the World Heritage site, one of Japan’s most famous landmarks. We visit Itsukushima Shrine and the holy mountain of Mt. Misen established by the Priest Kukai (Kobo Daishi), founder of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. Some local restaurants and specialty stores are visited along the way. (A sister-state Hiroshima program)

“Okonomiyaki Kiko,” airs on Saturday, Jan. 2, at 9:30 p.m.; repeats on Sunday, Jan. 3, at 9:35 p.m.

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

“Miracle Road to Nagaoka Fireworks with ‘Shiragiku’ and ‘Phoenix,’” airs on Sunday, Jan. 3, at 8:30 p.m.

Learn about the life of firework artist Seiji Kase, who has made fireworks to honor those who died during the bombings of World War II and to promote the rebuilding of Niigata Prefecture after a major earthquake. What was the motivation behind the creation of his pure “White Chrysanthemum” fireworks?

NGN3 New Year Traditional Programs

Dec. 31, 7:40 p.m.: “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 the Shiranami Goninotoko.

Jan. 1, 6:20 p.m. and Jan. 2 at 11:50 a.m.: “Chushingura Dai-ichibu: Ouka no Maki”

Jan. 2, 6:30 p.m. and Jan. 3 at noon: “Chushingura Dai-nibu: Kikka no Maki”

Featuring an all-star cast, this legendary classic is a holiday tradition in Japan that the old-timers look forward to watching. Relive the emotional ties and sense of loyalty felt by Hawai‘i’s Issei and Nisei Japanese Americans, inspired by the famous story of the 47 ronin.

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

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

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

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

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

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

PREMIERE SHOWINGS AND SPECIAL NEW YEAR’S PROGRAMS

“Okinawa Shunkashoto Minyo Song Festival,” airs on Friday, Jan. 2, at 9 p.m.

“Ichioshi! Nihaku Mikka no Tabi (Must See Hiroshima),” airs on Saturday, Jan. 3, at 8:30 p.m.

This is not some rushed overnight trip! Let us take you on a leisurely journey to savor the sights and tastes of such places as Miyajima where you can indulge in the charms of the World Heritage site, one of Japan’s most famous landmarks. We visit Itsukushima Shrine and the holy mountain of Mt. Misen etablished by the Priest Kukai (Kobo Daishi), founder of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. Some local restaurants and speciality stores are visited along the way. Fully subtitled in English.

“Bringing the Legacy of Katsu Goto to Life,” airs on Saturday, Jan. 2, at 9:35 p.m.; repeats on Sunday, Jan. 3, at 6 a.m. and 3:15 p.m.

This special program is an in-depth look into an upcoming documentary exploring the life and lynching of a Hawai‘i plantation pioneer. It features interviews with the filmmakers and scenes from the film that include personal stories from his descendants, academic and historical scholars and community members. When complete, the hour-long documentary will use dramatic re-enactments, historical photos and beautiful footage filmed in Hawai‘i, Japan and other locations in the United States to bring this inspiring story of Katsu Goto to life. Fully subtitled in English.

“Atsuhime,” premieres on Sunday, Jan. 3, at 7:15 p.m.

The 47th NHK Taiga Drama “Atsuhime” (2008), which was immensely popular, comes back to NGN every Sunday night starting January 3. It is a life story of Princess Atsu, who was born in Kagoshima Prefecture, then called Satsuma, and became the wife of Tokugawa Iesada, the 13th shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate. Fully subtitled in English.

“Nagaoka Hanabi no Kiseki (Miracle Road to Nagaoka Fireworks),” airs on Sunday, Jan. 3, at 8:10 p.m.

“Jinsei no Rakuen,” premieres on Friday, Jan. 8, at 9:05 p.m.

“Jinsei no Rakuen,” which was popular in 2015 on NGN, is back! 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 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. Fully subtitled in English.

“SPEC SP ~Sho~ (Life),” premieres on Friday, Jan. 22, at 7:35 p.m.

Misho (Unidentified Crimes Unit) receives a call about a bizarre murder case. It was a murder rampage with a machine gun on the streets in broad daylight. The only survivor is a high school girl Nozomi. Furthermore, she says the criminal who wore black from head to toe, “escaped through teleportation.” 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.

**For this issue only, only the premiere titles movie information will be provided.

PREMIERE TITLES OF THE MONTH

COMMUNITY FAVORITE

Jan. 1: “Tsuri Baka Nisshi 7 (Free and Easy 7),” 1994 comedy drama, 1 hour and 37 minutes.

Directed by Seiji Izumi. Starring Toshiyuki Nishida and Rentaro Mikuni.

Seventh installment of the series of “Tsuribaka Nisshi,” which chronicles the adventures of Hama-chan and also his boss Su-san, both fishing fanatics. On a fishing trip, Hama-chan and Su-san meet a beautiful lady and the three have a great time. Later, Su-san gets a toothache, and his dentist turns out to be the woman, whom he secretly takes fishing, lying to Hama-chan in the process. When the two men later run into one another, their friendship is threatened.

Jan. 8: “Shura no Densetsu (A Legend of Turmoil),” 1992 action film, 1 hour and 50 minutes.

Directed by Seiji Izumi. Starring Akira Kobayashi and Takanori Jinnai.

A story about the development of a bright and strong yakuza. Otaki is an old-fashioned respectful yakuza who tries to protect his small yakuza family. When his boss gets shot, he decides to go after the plotters.

Jan. 15: “Aa Yokaren (Young Eagles of the Kamikaze),” 1968 drama, 1 hour and 50 minutes.

Directed by Shinji Murayama. Starring Koji Tsuruta and Shinichi Chiba.

The film is dedicated to the souls of flight school graduates killed in WWII. Young boys dream about becoming pilots and apply to flight schools. However, they were forced to become suicide bombers and give their lives for their homeland.

Jan. 22: “Zoku Ooku Maruhi Monogatari (Shogun and His Mistress 2),” 1967 jidaigeki, 1 hour and 35 minutes.

Directed by Sadao Nakajima. Starring Tomoko Ogawa and Eijiro Tono.

In the year 1786, Shogun Ieharu Tokugawa selected beautiful Ochisa to be his concubine. It causes other concubines to become very jealous and mean. When the Shogun passes away, his concubines are forced to become nuns, which they are not happy to be.

MOVIE OF THE MONTH

Jan. 29: “Little Forest – Natsu/Aki (Little Forest Summer/Autumn),” 2014 drama, 1 hour and 51 minutes.

Starring Ai Hashimoto and Takahiro Miura.

Ichiko lived in a big city. She departs city life to return to her small hometown in the Tohoku region. She lives alone in her family home in the fictional village of Komori (which literally translates as “Little Forest”). She is self-sufficient. Ichiko gains energy living among nature and eating foods she makes from seasonal ingredients. This gentle drama about going back to basics is filled with imagery of nature, as a young woman returns to her ancestral roots.

“The Legendary Witches,” Sunday at 6:30 p.m./
re-airs Monday at 1 p.m.

Soo-In, Bok-Nyeo, Poong-Geum and Mi-O were cellmates at a woman’s prison.

The four women have their own stories on why they were there, but through bakery lessons, learned in prison, they open a bakery shop and compete against a large bakery company.

Starring Ji-Hye Han, Seok-Jin Ha, Du-Shim Ko and Hyun-kyung Oh.

“Root of the Throne,” Monday and Tuesday at 7:45 p.m./re-airs on Tuesday and Wednesday at 2:15 p.m.

In the formation of every great nation, many battles are fought by those who have clashing ideologies and political views.

It is said that during the establishment of the fledgling Chosun Dynasty, six dragons held vast powers and each fought for their political views.

Starring Ah-In Yoo, Se-Kyung Shin, Yo-han Byun, Kyun-Sang Yoon and Myung-Min Kim