The highly anticipated 'Things That Are Wonderful in the World' Winter Special Edition aired on December 14, 2023, from 9 PM to 11:10 PM on Fuji Television, offering viewers another intriguing installment of its beloved series.
Since its inception as a regular drama series back in April 1990, 'Things That Are Wonderful in the World' has continued to captivate audiences with its unique storytelling format and eclectic mix of talent. The series, known for presenting the bizarre and whimsical aspects of life, has evolved to feature special editions aired twice annually. This latest episode, highlighted by the renowned storyteller Tamori, showcases four distinct and intriguing dramas, each presenting its unique take on 'strange' narratives.
The first of the dramatic offerings, titled 'City Lives', marks the debut performance of Sato Shori, who not only stars but also takes on the challenge of portraying himself. This innovative episode is born from the concept of the same title, which originally aired as part of the 'Tuesday ACTION!' segment earlier this year, demonstrating the creativity driving the series. The story follows Sato as he finds himself engulfed by 'The City', the world's largest living organism, which mimics human memory. This leads him on investigative escapades within this extraordinary and perplexing urban environment, alongside the show’s making cameraman, Mizutani Kentaro, played by Itakura Takeshi, and city wildlife preservation official Tsujimasaki Misaki, portrayed by Katayama Yuki.
The second drama, 'Ah, Motherland', introduces Onoe Matsuyoshi, who also experiences his first lead role set against the backdrop of urgent national duty. Playing the character who is abruptly thrust from sleep to receive unsettling news about the Paghizia Republic’s declaration of war, Onoe grapples with the terror of immediate obligations. This narrative is adapted from the short story collection by Shinichi Hoshi, depicting tension between absurdity and reality within the entertainment space.
Next is 'The 1st Tanaka Family Father Audition', featuring comic actor Tanaka Takuji, who plays Keni Tanaka, the overworked employee whose attention neglects his home life. Under the unexpected pressure of entering his family’s first audition for fathers, Tanaka must contend with passing judgments which prompt crises and revelations about his parental role. The episode generates humor and warmth, bringing the audience through relatable familial challenges.
Lastly, the series presents 'Free', which marks Kiyono Nana's first appearance as lead actress. She plays Shinozaki Rika, who gets caught up during work at the video production company, editing men’s beauty content only to encounter uncanny occurrences surrounding her once mundane environment, heightening the story's fantastical essence.
This lineup promises to deliver the strange and wonderful fabrications audiences have come to expect from 'Things That Are Wonderful in the World'. The engaging narratives, provider of thrilling, thought-provoking, and entertaining moments will no doubt entice viewers to join Tamori and the participating cast members this season.
