Drama Digest
Fukaya Zensuke spent many years as a teacher before deciding to change his career and work as a probation officer. Eight months of assuming this new position, he has assisted those on parole who are nearing the end of their prison term in turning a fresh leaf and reintegrating into society. Zensuke had been looking for a chance to become a probation officer to complete what he had started during his time as a teacher. The moment he gets chosen to serve as Koyama Yuko’s parole officer, he receives a candidate he has never encountered before and doesn’t match the norm. Yuko was found guilty of murdering her child. Zensuke visits her on the day she gets let out of jail and she does something unexpected, and it surprises him. What is her ultimate motive, and how will Zensuke, a parole officer, instruct her?
The Feel-Good Part
The understanding relationship between two of the main characters, even after being criminals, is a very heartwarming moment considering the actual reality where criminals lose fear of punishment after being in jail and hence, choose to commit crimes against other criminals around them.
The Disappointing Factor
The disappointing facts about this Japanese drama is that very few of its episodes are English subbed even after a year of its release. This deprives the drama of the international audiences it may or may not have. Other than that, the storyline sometimes becomes very slow, with frequent scenes present just to fulfill the episode length.
In-Depth Analysis
Fukaya Zensuke had a typical existence for many years as a teacher before deciding to change careers to work as a probation officer. He has spent the past eight months assisting those on parole and nearing the end of their prison term in turning a fresh leaf and reintegrating into society. In actuality, Zensuke had been seeking a chance to do his unfinished business from his time as a teacher by working as a probation officer. When he is chosen to be Koyama Yuko’s probation officer, he is put in charge of someone he has never met before and who does not fit the mold. Yuko was found guilty of murdering Takashi, her own son. Zensuke visits her on the day she gets let out of jail. He is taken aback by something unexpected she does, though. Despite her elderly age, he is informed that she will work without getting welfare, and he manages to get her hired at a Western restaurant that is a participating company. Miharu, Zensuke’s daughter, moves back in with him after a while and is taken aback to learn that he is a probation officer.
When Zensuke visits Kanae, Yuko’s daughter, he discovers that she despises her mother and will not meet her no matter what he tries to get her to do. The reality behind Zensuke’s choice to become a probation officer slowly starts to surface amid the conflicting opinions and emotions of Yuko, Zensuke, and their families.
Star Power
Fukaya Zensuke, a probation officer, once a high school teacher, is played by Tachi Hiroshi. Koyama Yuko, a mother who stabbed her son to death, is played by Asaoka Ruriko. Fukaya Miharu, Fukaya Zensuke’s only daughter, and a professional journalist, is played by Renbutsu Misako. Koyama Kanae, child of Koyama Yuko and a divorced woman who doesn’t live with her kids, is played by Maya Miki. All the actors did an excellent job bringing out the emotions of their characters.
Overall Opinion
Ikite, Futatabi Hogoshi Fukaya Zensuke is a drama full of manipulative and dishonest people. Sometimes it shows certain situations in a very realistic manner. If you are a fan of drama and suspense, this series might be a choice for you.
