The Journalist

A maverick reporter tries to expose wrong doing in very high places but the system springs into action to prevent her. It is a very well acted drama which often feels so real it begins to resemble a reconstruction or documentary. The actual corruption is barely covered as most of the series is the reporter played by Ryoko Yonekura trying to unearth the facts and the establishment trying to cover them up. It also shows that it is often the good people with a conscience who suffer whilst the powerful and corrupt seem immune, which if you look at recent history appears to be true.

Some may find this show a bit simplistic and idealistic but I liked it because it shows how importance is good journalism to a society and, in a different matter, how ways of life in Japan are different. Some differences are just interesting such as how the recruitment process works or how polite people are to each other (sometimes even to annoying degree in my view) and others not so good such as too much resistance to change.

At its best Netflix entertains while also giving us insight into other cultures and this series is successful on both those fronts. If this drama reflects reality then Japan needs stories that extol investigative journalism, which this certainly does.

A wake up call for those who think politics is irrelevant and can be left to the rich and powerful.

This drama shows the dark side of political world. Not alike traditional/usual Japanese drama, there were no exaggerating facial expressions/actings, the acting performance were natural and real, showed the struggle that deep inside respective characters' heart.

Please do not anticipate that there would be a superhero like journalist who saved the world (this is not Doctor X series!), instead, different charactors who still have conscience strived their best effort to do what they think they should do at the end, even though they know deep down in their heart that the possibility of changing the society/atmosphere is slim.

The courage of the director and performers are greatly appreciated. As the story is based on a highly sensitive political scandal happened in recent years which the big guys are still watching. Bravo.

If u r a fan of yonekura ryoko. U won't miss a chance to see this series. This is something u don't see much from her. She is different from what she has done in her previous works in a really reaaly good way!! N moreover this series is sad n brave. Worth giving it a try.