Shingo Katori stars as Ichibei Omori, the flawed protagonist of Fuji TV's new drama, 'Japan's Lowest Son' ('日本一の最低男'), which premiered on January 9, 2025. This original series presents the story of Omori, who, after being ousted from his job as a news producer due to scandal, attempts to reinvent himself by running for political office, all under the guise of family life.
Omori, portrayed by Katori, finds himself living with his brother-in-law, Masayuki Ohara, played by Jun Shison, who is juggling his role as a single father to two children and working as a daycare worker. The plot takes shape as Omori's ulterior motives for cohabitating with the Ohara family surface: he aims to boost his public image as part of his campaign strategy. The juxtaposition of his often selfish demeanor with the heartfelt struggles of his makeshift family provides both comedic and poignant moments.
The first episode establishes Omori's decline and subsequent determination to change his fortunes through politics, encouraged by his childhood friend and secretary to another politician, Koji Makabe, played by Akira Saito. Throughout the story, Omori must confront not only the challenges of his past but also his relationship with his estranged sister, Hina, portrayed by Yuka Mukai, who carried the burden of the family's caregiving duties.
Soon, viewers see Omori's motives questioned, as his cynical approach to family life evolves when he begins to develop genuine connections with Ohara's children. The themes of the show—family dynamics, personal growth, and ambitious political aspirations—reflect contemporary societal issues, all woven together with humor and emotional depth.
Jun Shison, who shares the screen for the first time with Katori, remarked on Katori's longstanding impact on his career, stating, "It's not too exaggerated to say I have been watching Katori for such a long time, so when we were going to work together, it felt strange," emphasizing the respected stature Katori holds within the industry.
With multiple storylines interwoven, each episode aims to present actionable social commentary along with entertaining content, addressing topics like familial support, the role of single parents, and the pressures of modern societal norms.
Katori's role as Ichibei Omori has generated buzz not only for its complex narrative but also for his portrayal of the titular character who starts as unlikable yet gradually displays redeeming qualities—a transformation expected to resonate with viewers.
Highlighting the collaborative spirit behind the show, Katori expressed his joy for engaging with the local community during shooting. Citing experiences on set, he humorously recounted how he interacted warmly with the cast and crew, sharing, "I want to take care of it, so leave it to me," referring to the immersive family environment cultivated for the series.
With each passing week, audiences are eager to see how Ichibei Omori's political ambitions will play out, particularly as they reflect on the fragility of familial bonds and the often harrowing path to redemption. It remains to be seen whether he can truly transform from 'Japan's Lowest Son' to a figure of integrity within his community.
Set against the backdrop of Japan’s modern societal challenges, 'Japan's Lowest Son' promises to deliver laughs, tears, and meaningful reflections on what it means to be family, even when the lines between authentic and artificial are blurred.