The first episode of the TV Asahi drama "Okome no Onna - National Tax Agency Document Investigation Division, Miscellaneous Affairs Room" (Thursdays 9pm), starring Nanako Matsushima, aired on January 8th, and the appearance of comedians who had made their breakthrough on TBS's popular variety show "Wednesday Downtown" became a hot topic.
◇The following contains spoilers.
The story is set in the newly established "Complex National Tax Case Processing Office (commonly known as Zakkoku)" within the Document Investigation Division (commonly known as Kome, because of the character for rice, which means "fee") of the Tokyo Regional Taxation Bureau, which boasts high information gathering capabilities and investigative skills in tax investigations. It follows the story of skilled investigator Seiko Yoneda (played by Matsushima) as she, along with a group of unique individuals, takes down unscrupulous tax evaders.
The first target is Yoko Kurebayashi (played by Mika Anne), a pension advisor who preaches to the elderly about "the correct way to use retirement funds." Yoko has enthusiastic support from the elderly and is in high demand in the media, earning her the nickname "Pension Venus." However, the company she represents holds seminars designed to squeeze the elderly out of their assets. Masako and the other "Zakkoku" infiltrate the seminar to find out what's really going on.
The role that caught the viewers' attention was that of a roulette (casino) dealer at Yoko's seminar party. The role was played by Hyoroku, and social media was abuzz with comments such as "Hyoroku!?!?!?!", "I was surprised when Hyoroku suddenly appeared", "Hyoroku is here!!", "Hyoroku is in a drama! He's really popular", "Hyoroku is in another drama!! He's in high demand!" and "How many seasons in a row has Hyoroku been in a drama?"
Hyoroku has been expanding his activities not only as a comedian but also as an actor, appearing in last year's NHK Taiga drama "UNBOUND (Berabou)."
Furthermore, towards the end of the story, it was revealed that he was a "spy" sent by Masako. Comments such as "He was a friend of Hyoroku lol", "So Hyoroku was an accomplice", and "It's so interesting that Hyoroku was the key man" were also raised.
