Fuji TV’s 37-Year Drama Slot: An Unexpected Work Named Most Interesting “Strongest Getsuku”
From "Tokyo Love Story" and "Rombake" to "Not to be Called a Mystery" and "The Beginning of the Sea," who stands at the top of the list among the many masterpieces?
“Getsuku” refers to Fuji TV’s flagship drama slot that airs on Monday nights at 9 PM, a hallmark of Japanese television culture since 1987. This time slot has produced numerous masterpieces that represent various eras, especially in the Heisei era, with many works depicting youth culture and romantic relationships, garnering significant support from viewers. To determine the “Strongest Getsuku,” former Sophia University professor and media culture critic Hiroshi Usui, along with writer Wakako Tayuki, who is well-versed in television dramas, engaged in an in-depth discussion.
Tokyo Love Story [January 1991 Season]
Starring: Honami Suzuki, Yuji Oda
Highest Rating: 32.9%
Usui: “It’s a very grand theme. When we think of Getsuku, we might have a strong image of ‘trendy dramas.’ In the early days, works like Kimi no Hitomi wo Taiho suru! (1988) and Doukyuusei (1989) were characterized by three elements: ‘handsome men and beautiful women,’ ‘katakana professions,’ and ‘latest fashion.’ It was all about ‘love is everything!’ portraying sparkling urban relationships. However, as we entered the 1990s, the atmosphere in society began to change, and trendy dramas shifted towards ‘pure love.’ With the collapse of the bubble economy, the focus transitioned from ‘glamorous romance’ to genuine feelings of love. Representative works of this shift are Tokyo Love Story (1991) and 101st Proposal (1991).”
“I’m not going to die!”
Tayuki: “Tokyo Love Story portrayed the everyday romance of young people, as captured by its catchphrase, ‘In Tokyo, anyone can become the protagonist of a love story.’ The character Kanji Nagaow, played by Yuji Oda, is a simple young man who has just moved to Tokyo from the countryside, completely different from the previous trendy drama protagonists. His love interest is Rika Akana, played by Honami Suzuki. Although her famous line, ‘Kan-chi, let’s have sex,’ has become widely known, it was actually an important moment that depicted Rika’s straightforward expression of love. Kanji is captivated by Rika, whose words and actions are bold, and although they love each other passionately, they ultimately do not end up together due to misunderstandings. It was rare for a Getsuku to not have a happy ending at that time, but I believe that’s why their story continues to resonate in our hearts.
Usui: “I love 101st Proposal. This work features a new type of protagonist. Tetsuya Takeda plays Tatsuhiro, an unremarkable middle-aged man. He faces the fear of losing his lover (played by Atsuko Asano), and at one point, he jumps in front of a truck, shouting, ‘I won’t die!’ This represents his commitment to love her with his life; he will never disappear from her life. It’s not a glamorous romance, but it’s a genuine expression of feelings. Tatsuhiro reflects the changing values of marriage and love in society.
— It’s the ultimate pure love story. The fact that Getsuku reflects the atmosphere of its time makes it interesting.
Usui: “Exactly. Long Vacation (1996), which aired the year after the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and the Tokyo subway sarin attack, is also characteristic. In it, Takuya Kimura plays a trainee pianist named Sena, who falls in love with Minami, an unsuccessful model played by Tomoko Yamaguchi. However, romance is not the main focus. It captures the characters’ frustrations about their uncertain futures and the inner conflicts they harbor. Alone, they might be stuck, but together, they can somehow move forward. Their growth as they support each other was very appealing. Above all, the characters were vibrant, and their interactions were incredibly engaging.”
101st Proposal [July 1991 Season]
Starring: Atsuko Asano, Tetsuya Takeda
Highest Rating: 36.7%
