Smiling Matryoshka

Ichiro Seike is a popular, 43 year old politician. He has gained popularity for his impressive smile and liberal speech and behavior. He is expected to be a future prime minster candidate. He has a secretary, Toshiya Suzuki, who carefully works to guide him to the prime minister position. They look like a perfect match as a politician and his secretary, but Reporter Kanae Michiura feels something is off about the relationship of these two. She begins to investigate their past and notices the mysterious deaths that have followed Ichiro Seike during his rise in politics. Her own father's death, who was also a reporter, is somehow connected to the politician's past.

Directed by Yoshihiro Izumi, Smiling Matryoshka leans on a strong ensemble — Asami Mizukawa, Tetsuji Tamayama, Sho Sakurai — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The series landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2024.