The fifth episode of the popular Japanese drama "Problem Item" aired on February 12, 2023, featuring Takuya Kamikawa and Rio Uchida. Known for its intriguing plots based on Takahiro Okura's novels, the show revolves around real estate mysteries intertwined with supernatural elements.
"Problem Item" has garnered attention for its unique storytelling, where bizarre events like suicides, poltergeists, disappearances, and hoarding lead the way as the central narratives. The series portrays the dynamic between its lead characters—a wildly unconventional hero and the well-meaning heroine—as they tackle perplexing investigations.
Viewers were treated to the emotional series of events where Emiko (played by Uchida) seemed to be suffering from paralysis, likened to being bound, alongside her pet dog, Inu-atama (voiced by Korare), who unexpectedly dozed off on her back. This imagery sets up the mood as they are observed by the department head, Masahiro Oshima (portrayed by Rumiya Miyase).
After being handed new complaint files by the acting manager Yoshimitsu Katayama (played by Riki Honda), the plot discussed 'rooms where paralysis occurs.' This raises Emiko’s eyebrows as she suspects something sinister—particularly when encountering Takahiro Miyake (four-way Harumi), who issues ominous warnings about the dangers of the property.
The family of the clients, Ryō Okazaki (voiced by Hirō Shimono) and his wife Anko (voiced by Haruka Tomatsu), reported distressing accounts of experiencing paralysis every morning at 4 am for nearly a month. Unbeknownst to them, their son Kōdai (played by Ryo Matsui) also expressed suffering through persistent headaches.
While the character Inu-atama was initially deemed absent, Uchida's character took the initiative to investigate, yet was met with frustrating obstacles. She discovered through her colleague Oshima, who chimed about Inu-atama’s absence due to gastrointestinal issues, bringing her to connect the troubled dog’s well-being to her own predicament.
When Emiko revisited the Okazaki household, she found Inu-atama back on the scene. The duo did their best to inquire from nearby residents, but none reported any knowledge of the unexplained paralysis occurrence. Further probing led them to Miyake, who revealed his irritation over the Okazaki family's disregard for garbage sorting, indicating pre-existing conflicts.
Communicating Miyake's comments to the Okazaki family incited them to exclaim, 'That's just groundless accusations!' There was evident tension brewing between the neighborhoods, reflecting the show's underlying themes of human interactions intertwined with supernatural challenges.
Of note, the show's exploration of darker themes through unique character portrayals has fascinated audiences. The parallels crafted between the hero's extraordinary prowess and the heroine's innocence create gripping dynamics, pushing the plot forward amid humorous yet piercing social commentary.
Uchida showcased her versatility by posting Instagram updates before the episode aired, teasing fans with pictures from her favorite yakiniku restaurant, hinting at her character's unusual wardrobe choices related to the latest episode—a tactic meant to allure viewers to tune in.
"Problem Item" continues to air weekly every Wednesday at 10 PM on Fuji TV, captivating audiences with its mix of investigative drama and supernatural complexity.