How to be Likable in a Crisis

A public relations specialist for a university confronts social contradictions and individual sorrows. A comedy.

5 episodes (50 min.)

About the Show

Cast

Kanzaki Makoto (Matsuzaka Tori)
Kanzaki Makoto (Matsuzaka Tori)
Makoto is offered a PR position at Teito University by his old mentor, Miyoshi, so he leaves his job as a newsreader. His credo is, "Not to say anything meaningful" in order to maintain his likable image and to avoid trouble.

Matsuzaka Tori - Profile
Matsuzaka, born in 1988, debuted in 2009 in a Tokusatsu (special effects) TV drama. Since then, he has appeared in numerous popular films and theater productions. His many accolades include the 2018 Japan Academy Film Prize for Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role ("The Blood of Wolves") and -- in the following year -- Outstanding Performance in a Leading Role ("The Journalist"). His versatility in handling everything from serious to comedic parts has earned him a position as one of Japan's leading young actors. NHK appearances include the morning drama serials "Doctor Ume" and "Laugh It Up!" as well as Taiga historical dramas "Strategist KANBE" and "IDATEN."
Kijima Minori (Suzuki Anne)
Kijima Minori (Suzuki Anne)
A postdoc on a short-term contract at Teito University's Life Science Center. As an undergraduate student, she and Makoto had a relationship; that he doesn't recall. She becomes a whistleblower when she realizes that the university's star researcher is involved in data fraud.

Suzuki Anne - Profile
Born in 1987, Suzuki gained fame in 1996 as a child actor in a TV drama. Over the years, she has appeared in many popular films and stage plays. Her theatrical work has brought her particular acclaim, including the 2021 MEXT Art Encouragement Prize for New Artists, the Yomiuri Theater Awards Grand Prize/Best Actress Award, and the Kinokuniya Theatre Awards Individual Prize. Appearances on NHK include "Sayoko is Back," "Distant Bonding" and the Taiga historical drama "Burning Flower."
Ishida (Watanabe Ikkei)
Ishida (Watanabe Ikkei)
The PR Manager and Makoto's boss. He switched careers to take up his PR role and he is devoted to the university. He views "correctness" as a threat to stability. He closes his eyes with the grace of a Zen master when faced with arguments pertaining to "correctness."
Dr. Murota (Takahashi Kazuya)
Dr. Murota (Takahashi Kazuya)
A Teito University professor who wears down his colleagues at meetings with his persistent "correct" notions concerning the university's management.
Dr. Sawada (Ikeda Narushi)
Dr. Sawada (Ikeda Narushi)
Arguably the most eccentric faculty member at Teito, this molecular biology professor is on the inquiry board that looks into the data fraud that Minori exposes.
Mr. Suda (Kunimura Jun)
Mr. Suda (Kunimura Jun)
A director on the Board of Trustees. He believes that the only way a university can keep relevant is by focusing on research and the funding it generates. With his standing with politicians and businessmen, this pragmatist is known as "the shadow president."

Kunimura Jun - Profile
Born in 1955, Kunimura has been a regular presence in drama, theater and narration since his film debut in 1981. His career includes appearances in films produced overseas, including "Black Rain," "Kill Bill: Volume 1," "The Wailing" and "MINAMATA." On NHK, he was a cast member in "Saka no Ue no Kumo," "Daibutsu Kaigan," "Unsolved Cases File 07: Commissioner General Shooting," the period drama "Kumokiri Nizaemon," the morning drama serial "Imo Tako Nankin," and the Taiga historical dramas "KIYOMORI" and "The 13 Lords of the Shogun."
Mr. Mizuta (Furutachi Kanji)
Mr. Mizuta (Furutachi Kanji)
One of the Teito University directors on the Board of Trustees and President Miyoshi's old friend. He has a slightly patronizing manner about him.
Mr. Kito (Iwamatsu Ryo)
Mr. Kito (Iwamatsu Ryo)
A Teito director who's in charge of the university's publicity. This scheming coordinator is Suda's sycophantic follower and everything he does is in reaction to Suda's moods.
President Miyoshi (Matsushige Yutaka)
President Miyoshi (Matsushige Yutaka)
The mild-mannered, if indecisive, President of Teito University. He recruits Makoto to join his university soon after taking up office. This top-class archeologist doesn't think he is cut out to be President. He believes that academic freedom is essential in a university.

Matsushige Yutaka - Profile
Matsushige was born in 1963 but didn't start his acting career until finishing university. That's when he joined a theater company run by the world-famous director Yukio Ninagawa. He made his film debut in 1992 with "The Guard from Underground," directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa. From that time forward, he has played a variety of supporting roles in film and on stage. Fans around the world have been watching him since 2012 in the ongoing drama series "The Solitary Gourmet." In 2020, Matsushige published his first book, "Kudo no Nakami." NHK appearances include 2 Taiga historical drama series, "Mouri Motonari" and "Yae's Sakura," as well as the morning drama serial "Chiritotechin."

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