The first episode of the TBS Sunday Theatre drama "The Royal Family" (Sundays at 9pm), starring Satoshi Tsumabuki, aired on October 12th. Koichi Sato, who plays the role of Sanno Kozo, the founder and president of Royal Human Co., Ltd. and horse owner, drew widespread applause from viewers, who commented that he was "perfect for the role of a manly president."
◇The following contains spoilers
The drama is based on the novel of the same name by Kazuma Hayami. Eiji Kurisu (played by Tsumabuki) admired his father, who was a tax accountant, and followed in his footsteps. After experiencing setbacks, he lost hope, but when he jumped into Kozo's "world," his life took a major turn.
Kozo was under pressure to withdraw from the horse racing business. However, Kurisu discovered that Kozo's secretary had been embezzling money for the past five years, which allowed him to avoid withdrawing from the business or abandoning his horses. However, Kurisu missed out on a "big deal," and so he resigned from the major tax accounting firm where he was employed.
Later, Kozo called Kurisu to Niigata Racecourse and put him in the horse's box. Kurisu's father suggested that he work with him, but he prioritized the position and reputation he had at a major tax accounting firm and continued to avoid his father's invitation. His father eventually passed away suddenly a year ago, but Kurisu revealed his feelings of remorse to Kozo.
"If only I could have helped him return home then, I've regretted it for the past year. But today I realized that I am here today thanks to my father. For the first time, I have been able to be of service to others, as my father said. I have been able to do work that makes people grateful," Kurisu said, shedding tears. Kozo gently reassured him, "Don't tell me that. Tell your father. But it's good that you told me. I don't dislike people who can't get over the fact that their father has died."
Kozo looked straight at Kurisu, whose eyes were teary, and said, "Do you want to come over to my place? You have nowhere else to go, right? Then come. But first, go and light some incense for your father. We have a lot to talk about."
On social media, the show became a hot topic, with comments such as "Koichi Sato is so cool!", "Wow, it was so funny! Koichi Sato Koichi Sato's acting was so amazing I was completely drawn in," "I really liked Sato Koichi's acting and it really drew me in," and "Satoshi Tsumabuki and Koichi Sato are amazing."
