JOKERxFACE

Rugawa is a mysterious beauty who runs a video streaming channel called Joker and rakes in money through videos posted on the site. She talks Yanagi, a middle-aged man who has been laid off and in financial difficulties, into joining her. He finds himself becoming her accomplice in video production. Joker distributes videos which infiltrate troubles that border on crimes. These include as the realities of idols who play the pure and innocent type, scams involving phone calls targeting old women who are easily deceived, and “sakura business” based on matchmaking apps. Many viewers get excited by the clever traps that Rugawa lays. She has no reservations about exposing her subjects as if she is the voice of netizens. What is her motive?

Directed by —, JOKERxFACE leans on a strong ensemble — Honoka Matsumoto, Satoru Matsuo, Ren Sudo — 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 2019.