Special AND NEW Programs
“Ninja Sarurobi III,” premieres Friday, Sept. 5, at 8 p.m.; repeats on Saturday at 7 p.m.
In the 1650’s, a young man decides his own fate as he struggles to find his path in life. Sasuke III, grandson of the legendary ninja Sarutobi Sasuke, has lost his way in the world of peaceful living-he is, in effect, a ninja on moratorium. In an unexpected turn of events in which he becomes tangled in a secret plot, he is entrusted with the care of Oici, the daughter of a chief retainer, on her way to Kyoto.
“I’ll Still Love You in 10 Years,” (miniseries) airs from Monday, Sept. 8 to Saturday, Sept. 13, at 7 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?
“Yasu,” airs Monday, Sept. 8, at 8 p.m.; repeats on Tuesday, Sept. 9, at noon.
This is a heartwarming story about the unbreakable bond between a father and son, regardless of what may come between them. Yasu is a truck driver in Hiroshima, living a happy life with his family in the 1960’s. But his life is turned upside down when his wife is killed in a freak accident caused by their young son. Yasu dedicates his life to raising his son alone, always with the desire to shelter his son from the truth behind his wife’s death.
“LA’s Top Ramen,” airs Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 9 p.m.; repeats on Wednesday, Sept. 10, at 1 p.m.
Ramen has taken the United States by storm, and this special takes viewers on a tour of the top 10 ramen restaurants in Los Angeles.
“Investigator Mariko Special,” airs Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 8 p.m.; repeats on Thursday, Sept. 11 at noon.
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, DNA, 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.
“Mission to Kill Special,” airs Friday, Sept. 12, at 9 p.m.
Shigotonin are assassins hired by victims of crime to avenge wrongs committed against them. Hiring an assassin would also be considered a crime, but when you get to know the victims, you come to sympathize with them. This special stars Makoto Fujita in one of his final appearances.
“A Pierrot Praying to the Moon,” airs on Saturday, Sept. 13, at 8 p.m.
Shizuru is a single woman living with her mother and grandmother in the countryside. She works at a medical clinic for a doctor who is a former classmate, but she herself has no social life. One day, as she is buying books for the children who come to the clinic, she recalls a book she knew as a child. She goes onto the internet to find the book, which is titled “A Pierrot Praying for the Moon.” Her search is successful, and after acquiring the book, she begins an online conversation with the man who sold her the book. The conversation becomes more and more personal, and soon, Shizuru has someone and something to look forward to in her life.
“Welcome to Japanese Food!” airs on Saturday, Sept. 13, at 9:30 p.m.
A Japanese food reality special. Subtitled in English.
“The Housekeeper 2,” airs Sunday, Sept. 14, at 8 p.m.; repeats on Monday, Sept. 15, at noon.
Nobuko is a plain, unattractive woman with disheveled hair who is hired as a housekeeper, this time for the wealthy Uehara family, which manages a cosmetic surgery clinic. As usual, Nobuko’s beauty is disguised behind unattractive clothes and other features, making her almost invisible to the family around her, making it easier to learn all of their secrets.
“Doubles,” premieres Monday, Sept. 15, at 9 p.m.; repeats on Tuesday at 1 p.m.
Detectives Yamashita and Tashiro are transferred into Division 0. They both have conflicting views and different personalities. But what they have in common are their sense of righteousness and their compassion for others. They may risk their lives in their fast-paced investigation, but this magnificent duo will always catch the bad guys in the end.
“Hidamari no Ki,” premires Thursday, Sept. 18, at 8 p.m.; repeats on Friday at noon.
It is 1855, the year following the Treaty of Peace and Amity between the United States and Japan. A 26-year-old samurai, Manjiro Ibuya, has succeeded his father and tries to make a name for himself by training more seriously than everyone else. His efforts irritate the other samurai.
REGULAR PROGRAMS
“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), Sunday 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.
“Japan’s Local Secrets,” Friday at 9 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.