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30,000,000 Yen: The Japanese Thriller Series That’s Breaking the Mold

A new Japanese thriller series, “30,000,000 Yen,” has emerged from a unique writers room development program at NHK, Japan’s public broadcaster. This program, inspired by American practices, aimed to attract young talent from various storytelling backgrounds. Over 2,000 scripts were submitted, with only one making it to the screen. The series, which aired late last year, explores the life-altering effects of a sudden windfall of cash on a middle-class family. It combines elements of popular foreign dramas like “Breaking Bad” and “Fargo” with a distinctly Japanese narrative. Despite not revealing specific ratings, the show has won a Galaxy Award for its storytelling prowess. The series also faced challenges in aligning its plot with public broadcasting values, ensuring that illegal actions by characters were not endorsed. As NHK celebrates its 100th year, this series represents a bold step in its programming strategy, aiming to captivate both domestic and international audiences.

Source: deadline.com

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