Shimokita Sundays

This drama portrays the nostalgia of "the good old days" and youthful hopes and dreams. Yuika Satonaka (Aya Ueto) is a freshman in university who came to live in Tokyo to continue her studies. Although she had a brand new start before her eyes, she was somehow at a loss. Nothing seemed to interest her and her hopes and dreams were distant. One day at the school orientation, her eyes are glued to a sudden performance of a group of unsuccessful actors, "Shimokita Sundays". Their unique play made her laugh, something she had forgotten for a long time. Yuika takes a chance to visit Shimokita and goes to see their play only to find how unpopular and how very few audiences they had. But still, their performance touches Yuika’s soul. She does an audition to become a member of Shimokita Sundays.

Directed by —, Shimokita Sundays leans on a strong ensemble — Aya Ueto, Taisuke Fujigaya, Yuma Ishigaki — 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 2006.