On January 20, 2025, the highly anticipated drama series Secrets: The Top Secret premiered, captivating audiences with its compelling storyline and innovative premise. Starring Ikuta Liko and Nakajima Yuto, this intriguing human suspense series airs every Monday night on the Kansai Telecasting Corporation and Fuji TV network.
The drama transports viewers to the forensic division of the scientific police organization, known as the 'Ninth Division.' Here, cutting-edge MRI technology is employed to reconstruct the memories of deceased individuals, providing new insights to solve previously unsolvable cases. This concept promises to deliver intense moments filled with emotional depth, ethical dilemmas, and gripping suspense.
Ikuta Liko portrays the sharp-witted and resourceful chief investigator, Maki Tsuyoshi, who leads his team alongside vice chief Suzuki Katsuhiro, played by Nakajima Yuto. Together, they take on the weighty responsibility of unlocking the truths behind grim murders and unraveling the complex web of events leading to them.
Set against the backdrop of grave crimes, the plot of the first episode zeroes in on the harrowing case of the convicted murderer, Rokuguchi Koichi, who is on death row for gruesomely slaying his wife, daughter, and mother-in-law six years earlier. His daughter, Kinuko, was reportedly disposed of at sea after her death. Maki and Suzuki, working under the directives of the National Police Agency, investigate Rokuguchi's brain using the revolutionary MRI-based investigative method devised by neuroscientist Kainuma Kiyotaka, portrayed by Kunimura Jun.
The introduction of cutting-edge science to crime solving transforms the series, steering the narrative toward intense moral and ethical questions surrounding the manipulation of memories. Concurrently, audiences will witness Rokuguchi's MRI images reveal unforeseen truths, implying dark secrets lurk within the buried memories of past tragedies.
Adding to the drama, the plot thickens with the character of Kinuko, played by actress Natsuko, who reemerges years later, embroiling the Ninth Division's detectives with her mysterious presence. This inclusion adds layers to the story, raising questions about guilt, innocence, and the hidden stories of those affected by crime.
Reflecting on her role, Natsuko expressed her enthusiasm for the project, sharing, “After reading the original manga, I felt exhilarated by its brilliance. The carefully crafted script presents acting as both rewarding and challenging.” She emphasizes her character’s complexity, hinting at the emotional struggles Kimuko faces throughout the narrative.
Director Matsumoto Kana and producer Toyofuku Haruko have crafted every episode with thoughtful consideration of the ethical dilemmas presented, aiming to immerse viewers fully. The show not only poses questions about crime and justice but also invites viewers to reflect on the human condition.
With Nakajima portraying multiple roles—ranging from investigator Suzuki Katsuhiro to the rookie Aosaki Ikko—the challenge adds depth to his performance and showcases his versatility as an actor. Nakajima expressed admiration for his co-stars, saying, “Ikuta’s professionalism brings sincerity to the role, and his calm demeanor sets the tone on set.”
Alluding to the interactions on set, Natsuko noted, “Both Ikuta and Nakajima bring vibrant energy. When we’re all together, it feels straight out of the manga, making the production more enjoyable.”
The show's opening episode is crafted to closely mirror the intense emotional and psychological themes found within the original work by Rei Shimizu, whose acclaimed manga garnered notable recognition, winning the 15th Media Arts Festival Excellence Award.
With its intriguing narrative, Secrets: The Top Secret promises viewers not only dramatic revelations but also deep reflections on the nature of truth and the lengths to which one might go to seek it.
Scheduled for weekly broadcasts, episodes will prompt audience engagement and discussion surrounding the ethical and moral issues related to memory manipulation and its application within forensic science. Fans can look forward to experiencing the unraveling of mysteries each week, as deeply layered characters navigate this new terrain of crime-solving.
This series is shaping up to be a definitive viewing experience, melding science, suspense, and social commentary.