R-17 (Japanese Television Drama)

R-17 is a Japanese television drama series that aired on TV Asahi from April 12 to July 28, 2001. The series consists of 12 episodes and was broadcast on Thursday nights at 22:00.

Plot

The narrative centers on the rising crime rates among seventeen-year-old high school students in Japan, a demographic often characterized as particularly challenging. The protagonist, Megumi, played by Miki Nakatani, serves as a school counselor. She attempts to address the psychological and psychiatric issues faced by her students. Through her interactions with the high school girls under her care, Megumi explores the meaning of life and personal growth.

Production and Cast

The series was directed by Masahiro Kunimoto and written by Toshio Terada. The cast features Miki Nakatani in the lead role, supported by Kaori Momoi, Seiichi Tanabe, and Masahiko Nishimura. The production also included several notable young actors who would go on to have significant careers, such as Chiaki Kuriyama, Aoi Miyazaki, and Asami Mizukawa.