Japanese Dramas We Want to Show the World Announcing the "Tokyo Drama Awards 2017"

The main event of the International Drama Festival in TOKYO 2017, the Tokyo Drama Awards 2017 ceremony, was held on October 26 at the Tokyo Prince Hotel in Minato Ward. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the award focuses not only on the high quality of the works but also on their marketability and commercial potential, under the concept of "Japanese dramas we want to show the world."

Festival Executive Committee Chairman Hiroshi Inoue (Honorary Chairman of TBS Television) stated, "The overseas expansion of Japanese broadcast content is remarkable. While keeping an eye on the international market, we want to bring wonderful dramas that move people's hearts to the world." Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Seiko Noda remarked, "I would like to express my sincere respect for this award that brings out the appeal of Japanese dramas."

The Best Actress award went to Yui Aragaki for her role in TBS TV's "We Married as a Job." She remarked, "It was a fun project because so many things I'd always felt myself were expressed through the character's lines." When host Koji Ishizaka commented, "Your shoulders have such a lively expression," she blushed and replied, "That's the first time anyone's said that. But I'll keep it in mind from now on."

Masato Sakai, who won Best Actor for NHK's "Sanada Maru," stated, "This was a work where every scene had its own protagonist—my father, my lord, my brother. While I was the lead, I feel this award is for a year of building supporting roles." Responding to Ishizaka's earlier comment about Aragaki's distinctive shoulders, Sakai pleaded, "Please tell me my distinctive feature," and was pointedly told, "For Mr. Sakai, it's the corners of his mouth."

TV Tokyo's "Breakout" won the Grand Prix for Best Single Drama. Lead actor Beat Takeshi sent a message, and the production team shared their intent: "Japan currently has 30,000 suicide victims. We wanted to convey the strength to survive no matter what." Yamada Takayuki, who played the worst-ever prison escapee, discussed his dedication to character development.

The Grand Prize for Best Drama Series went to TBS TV's "We Married as a Job." It achieved a five-category sweep, winning Best Actress, Best Director, Best Producer, and Best Theme Song. It was praised for its intriguing and unique concept, standing apart from others in both composition and direction with its social themes.

Vice Chairman Yasuhiro Suga (NHK Director) concluded, "Great drama knows no borders. We will continue to watch the influence of drama."

 

Official Website: http://j-ba.or.jp/drafes/award/