The main setting is a shoe (or shoe-equivalent) company. The main goal is to produce a never-before-seen kind of shoe in order to save the reputation/solvency of a business unit. The main character/protagonist is optimistic about this goal, almost to the point of naivete (and they are varying degrees of naive). This goal is underpinned by a peer-recognised marathon athlete who becomes entwined with the shoe's success. The fundamental difference between these shows is that Ii Hito is definitely a comedy whereas Rikuoh approaches storytelling like a documentary (of course, the story is still fictional). I enjoyed both shows, but I'll admit it took me longer to get engrossed in Rikuoh's story due to the more deliberate portrayal of events. It takes itself very seriously whereas Ii Hito is self-effacing from the first scene.
Both drama have parallel sport and business plots combined together, in the sense that business maker got inspired by the sportsmen fighting spirit to save their company from collapsing. Both are based on Ikeido Jun's novel and produced by TBS, so the viewer will get the similar feel and vibe. There are also technical stuffs being discussed in both dramas in particular how investment in RnD and having the right expertise can distinguish a company from it's much bigger rival.
Both dramas are about how the main characters overcame their adversities through life when everyone else had no faith in them. The relationships that helped them through difficulties and how the people around them provided unwavering support to them. The main theme of hope and finding passion in what you do.
The fields of both dramas are quite different but somehow I find that they resemble each other. You can see how the characters are diligently and delicately doing their work, how long and difficult their journey to create something, how happy they all when their mission's accomplished, and how passionate they are to never stop challenging themselves. Both dramas also show interesting knowledge & technical information on each field which were nicely narrated & combined with the plot. All the characters are very dear & outstanding, their bonds & teamwork are just the best. Both dramas are really worth to watch!
