Kazuki Kitamura and Gaku Hamada co-star in a television dramatization of two seminal works from the hugely-popular, hard-boiled series, “Yakubyogami” by crime thriller writer, Hiroyuki Kurokawa: “Hamon” (Expulsion), based on the novel of the same name that won the 151st Naoki Prize, and the series’ debut novel, “Yakubyogami” (Hoodoo).
Set in Osaka, high-spirited yakuza Kuwabara and buttoned-down construction consultant Ninomiya form an odd couple as they rail against the city’s “bad elements” drawn to money like sharks to the scent of blood. Laced with the characteristic witty banter of the Osaka dialect here is a gritty, hard-boiled drama that explodes with violent thrills and impact that defies all expectations.

Eiryo Waga is well-known musician who has begun a rapid climb to stardom, but he must keep his terrible past a secret. One day someone who knows all about his past confronts him, and Waga kills him in order to protect the fame he has obtained. Unfortunately, as Waga is leaving the scene, he runs into Asami, a budding stage actress. An investigation team is established led by two detectives, but they have difficulty making any headway. Meanwhile, by coincidence Waga bumps into Asami again. She also has her own dark past, and soon they fall in love. But Waga is already engaged to Ayaka whose father is responsible for his rapid ascent to the top of the music world. It looks like Waga’s ambitions are about to confront reality. Based on Seicho Matsumoto’s famous work that was released in 1960-61, this drama illustrates the life of a man burdened with a heavy fate in a contemporary setting.

Yuji is a twenty year old boxer who makes ends meet by working part-time at a flower shop. Although he works beside her everyday, he hides a deep affection for Kaori, the manager of the shop. Tohko is a sincere and active young woman that works at a local crepe shop. Her initial meeting with Yuji in a video store ends quickly with both ridiculing the other's video selections. However, Tohko notices him training in the park and falls in love with him instantly after seeing this serious and determined side of Yuji. Her persistence brings her to his debut-boxing match, but as she cheers for him she soon realizes his heart belongs to Kaori.

Three tales raise unsettling questions about the central qualities of being human. In one, a father is torn between love for his son and the desire for revenge, while a second examines the twisted love of a teacher for his female colleague. The third story delves into the complex affections hidden within a bully.

A young woman is on her own, facing the fascination and challenges of the working world. This drama traces her journey to maturity as she casts off illusions and misconceptions to learn the genuine truths of life.