Let's Go Nagata-cho

A new political drama that sounds like a Japanese version of Britain's hilarious sendups, "Yes, Minister" and "Yes, Prime Minister". This drama was largely inspired by the arrival of Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. "Let's Go, Nagatacho" has turned murky realities into compelling entertainment, a vivid and blunt illustration of Japanese politicians in ways they have almost never been shown before. On one of the episode.....a construction company president...berated a congressman's aide for steering recent contracts his rival's way. The dialogue, smoky and growling, clearly implied that the construction executive was buying influence and complaining about the poor result. In many democracies, depictions of the corruption and personal foibles of politicians scarcely raise an eyebrow.... But in Japan...controversy is traditionally shunned and even news coverage is nonconfrontational....

The handsome veteran actor, Koichi Iwaki...plays the role of prime minister under the barely disguised name Izumi. He luxuriates in his own charm and silver-tongued skills - and in so doing manages to whisper what many here are beginning to [suspect]: that Mr. Koizumi may be more style than substance....

The show's biggest star is the legislator's aide played by the highly popular comedian Takaaki Ishibashi. A critic writing in the Japan Times...called him the "perfect combination of obsequiousness and cunning."...

Synopsis: timesizing