Like a Girl Playing House

Onchi Eiko, the proprietress of a bar, is trapped in a sad, hidden past. One day, an old friend Shigeko shows up with her 5-year-old son Daiji in tow. Shigeko entrusts him to Eiko and disappears after she leaves a farewell letter. As Eiko looks at the innocent Daiji, she is reminded of her own past. The two of them who have no one to turn to, begin a life together as fake mother and son in this peculiar and yet heartrending story.

Directed by —, Like a Girl Playing House leans on a strong ensemble — Sakura Ando, Harutomo Koyama, Asami Usuda — 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 2016.