Hi no Ko

Hi no Ko (Japanese: 火の粉) is a Japanese television suspense drama series that aired in 2016. The series was broadcast on Fuji TV and Tokai TV from April 2 to May 28, 2016, consisting of nine episodes. It is based on the novel of the same name by author Shusuke Shizukui, which was originally published by Gentosha on February 10, 2003.

Plot

The story follows Shingo Takeuchi, a man who stands trial at the Tokyo District Court accused of murdering a family of three. Despite the gravity of the charges, he is acquitted. Two years later, Shingo moves into a quiet residential neighborhood. He soon encounters his neighbors, the Kajima family, which includes Yukimi, her husband Toshiro, their daughter Madoka, and Toshiro's parents, Isao and Hiroe. The family appears ordinary, though Toshiro is currently unemployed. The situation takes a tense turn when Isao, the retired judge who presided over Shingo's murder trial and declared him innocent, discovers that the man he acquitted is now living next door.

Cast

The series features an ensemble cast portraying the central characters:

• Yusuke Santamaria as Shingo Takeuchi
• Yuka as Yukimi Kajima
• Mayumi Asaka as Hiroe Kajima
• Koji Ookura as Toshiro Kajima
• Rin Shouno as Madoka Kajima
• Masato Ibu as Isao Kajima
• Takaya Sakoda as Konosuke Seki
• Haruka Kinami as Kotone Sasaki
• Ryuta Sato as Toru Ikemoto

Production

The drama was directed by Masahiro Mori and Kentaro Takemura, with screenwriting handled by Takafumi Kosaka and Yuya Takahashi. It was produced for the Saturday night time slot on Fuji TV and Tokai TV.