• “The Mother Strikes Back”(c)tv asahi

“The Mother Strikes Back”

The isolated “mother-in-law” vs. the ominous “daughter-in-law” !
Once upon a time the young were expected to respect their elders.
Mothers-in-law held a stronger position than their daughters-in-law.
But times have changed…
Drastic changes in the economic climate have also brought about drastic changes in the family structure in Japan. The young generation no longer respects the old and they are now doubtful about the merits of hard work. As a result, a stereo-type family structure of “dominating mother-in-law vs. the persevering daughter-in-law” in Japan has totally disintegrated. Daughters-in-law have ceased to endure but assert their rights and air their views, badmouth their mothers-in-law online…in short many daughters-in-law are unleashed and doing whatever they like.
But when the mother-in-law wants to consult someone, her son is still not mature enough and she finds that her husband is too busy working and indifferent to whatever is happening to the family. Alas, the poor mothers-in-law have no choice but to keep on agonizing and fretting, all on their own.

Cast: Hitomi Kuroki, Saki Aibu, Junichi Ishida

Comment from Tetsuya Kuroda, TV Asahi General Producer
“ I think that many women have worries and feel confused or bewildered by the changes that are occurring around them even if they are acting cheerful as a confident wife and mother. “The Mother Strikes Back” is a drama series about a lonely housewife who grapples with her “mysterious daughter-in-law”. It is presented in a mystery storyline with a sprinkle of humor that everyone can enjoy, but it also depicts the heartrending and lovable aspects of women that grasp you with heartfelt moments. Please watch it with your family. It will get you all!




“The Knife and the Sword”


Ken, a chef at a French Restaurant, wakes up to find himself time-slipped into the era of the Warring States, where lords are deeply engaged in fierce battles. Ken has lost all his memory of the past except for his culinary skills. And as he becomes a sought-after chef in the old capital of Kyoto, the leading war lord of the era, Nobunaga Oda, comes to hear of him.
Nobunaga is vigorously carrying out his ambition of unifying Japan. He appoints Ken to become his personal chef, and he makes unreasonable and irrational demands.
Spices such as “soy sauce” and many other ingredients are yet to be discovered, and so Ken has to use his originality and ingenuity to come up with gourmet dishes. But Nobunaga is infamous for his short temper, so one false move may cost his life!
Will Ken be able to survive this warring era relying only on his culinary skills?

Cast: Yuta Tamamori (Kis-My-Ft2) , Mitsuhiro Oikawa, Mirai Shida

Comment from Tatsuki Ooe, TV Asahi producer

Ken is played by Yuta Tamamori, who always looks relaxed and at home with himself but has inner mental strength. I was curious to see the chemical reaction that will be produced by putting Yuta as Ken in this relentless situation of time-slipping into the Era of Warring States.
We have cast the somewhat mysterious Mitsuhiro Oikawa in the role of the hot-tempered Nobunaga, an unexpected casting to say the least. I am sure it will be an innovative and attractive period piece.