Favorite TV Adaptations of Keigo Higashino’s Works
Favorite Film Adaptations of Keigo Higashino’s Works : https://boxd.it/fkd8I
Personally, I'd love to watch his works made into TV series more than feature films - because many of his stories are so deep and rich with human emotions that could be explored thoroughly with more runtime.
But of course not every story is capable of being made into series - for instance, Suspect X and The Crimes That Bind are perfectly made as feature-length films. However, with stories like Byakuyako and Samayou Yaiba, you can make both TV and film adaptations without losing its quality. And, episodic stories like Meitantei no Okite and Naniwa Shonen Tanteidan only can be treated as TV series.
Having said that, I would LOVE to see The Miracles of the Namiya General Store get the drama treatment by WOWOW - it's a perfect material for them to produce another top-notch drama!
While waiting for the release of next adaptation, here's my favorite TV adaptations of Keigo Higashino’s works (novels and short stories).
Notes :
• Not just TV series, I've also included TV special films.
• Though the TV special Galileo XX (2013) belongs to Detective Galileo series, it's a spin-off written specifically for Utsumi Kaoru's character, not adapted from Higashino's novel, hence not included here.
• Part of the ranking is done from my memory as I watched many of them long ago. The ratings and ranking may change when I revisit some of the gems here.
Haven't watched :
• Tokio
• Genya
• Shukumei
• Yo nimo Kimyou na Monogatari: 2010 Fall Special
• Yo nimo Kimyou na Monogatari: 2013 Fall Special
• Shimei to Tamashii no Limit
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1. Keigo Higashino Samayou Yaiba
Japanese Drama - 2021, 6 episodes
When a new adaptation of Samayou Yaiba was announced from WOWOW, I was very sure it'll outshine both Japanese & Korean film adaptations and I wasn't wrong. This J-Drama is abso-effing-lutely the best ever WOWOW production so far for me, it brought the already prevailing intensity to another level, while also being thought provoking.
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2. Oriole in the Post
Chinese Drama - 2020, 12 episodes
This Chinese Drama adaptation is miles ahead of my expectations. The standard of the series is extremely high. It even surpasses the quality of the original novel, just to give you an idea of how superior the C-Drama is. They fleshed out the story by adding so many new details and that adds SO MUCH to the whole series. Hellamazing!
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3. Jornada Sob um Sol da Meia-Noite
Japanese Drama - 2006, 11 episodes
I'd have put it on first place if it weren't for the top two latest series which are mind-blowing. That's how much I love this J-Drama. Easily one of my all-time faves! It's way too dark and miserable. The bleakest drama you'll ever see, so I always warn people not to go into this unprepared. It's not for everyone. But this is Higashino's best work for me!
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4. Kataomoi
Japanese Drama - 2017, 6 episodes
Another WOWOW production that is absolutely amazing. Talk about Nakatani Miki's acting here, an indisputably brilliant performance! Also every character did so well, the plot is so strong, the mystery is so engrossing, it's almost perfect! The first thing that came to my mind right after finishing the series is I NEED the English translation of the novel.
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5. Laços de Estrelas Cadentes
Japanese Drama - 2008, 10 episodes
This J-Drama has everything - comedy, romance, mystery, revenge, dark tone, beautiful music, feel good vibes and siblinghood to name a few. One of the best classic doramas with a good rewatch value, I'd always enjoy it. Toda Erika, Ninomiya Kazunari and Nishikido Ryo are the best!
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6. Shinzanmono
Japanese Drama - 2010, 10 episodes
The reason why I love Detective Kaga so much is because of this TV series. It all started here (as far as the adaptations are concerned - Nemuri no Mori and Akai Yubi took place before he transferred to Nihonbashi in Shinzanmono) and it has been such a wonderful journey throughout. Shinzanmono is a rare among the detective genre. They changed few things from the original novel to make it more episodic but it worked really, really well here!
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7. Galileo
Japanese Drama - 2007, 10 episodes
Manabu Yukawa is my second most favorite detective written by Keigo Higashino. The somewhat awkward chemistry between this eccentric physicist-detective and a rookie police detective, Kaoru Utsumi made the whole series so interesting and funny. Lot of mysterious crimes and they're solved scientifically and analytically.
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8. Galileo 2
Japanese Drama - 2013, 11 episodes
Follow-up to the successful first season with a major change. Kaoru Utsumi replaced by Misa Kishitani. I loved the new character as well, Yuriko brought a new dimension to the character. Higashino's another novel "Salvation of a Saint" made into the last two episodes of this dorama, I would've loved a standalone feature film for that story though.
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9. Henshin
Japanese Drama - 2014, 5 episodes
The plot is really interesting, but if I've to mention my most favorite things about this dorama it's the atmosphere and color grading plus the music of course (I love this kinda series/films so much.) Henshin is another unique experience for me. WOWOW productions never disappoint me!
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10. Kakko no Tamago wa Dare no Mono
Japanese Drama - 2016, 6 episodes
Came for Higashino's mystery and Tao Tsuchiya's acting, stayed for the same reasons, ended up liking the series more than I expected. The way the plot progressed and the secrets revealed is very captivating - just Higashino things! Again, this being a WOWOW production made it even better.
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11. A Perigosa Vênus
Japanese Drama - 2020, 10 episodes
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12. Nemuri no Mori - Shinzanmono Special
Japanese Special - 2014, 1 episode
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13. Higashino Keigo Mysteries
Japanese Drama - 2012, 11 episodes
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14. Meitantei no Okite
Japanese Drama - 2009, 10 episodes
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15. Dying Eye
Japanese Drama - 2019, 6 episodes
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16. Bunshin
Japanese Drama - 2012, 5 episodes
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17. Himitsu
Japanese Drama - 2010, 9 episodes
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18. Akai Yubi
Japanese Special - 2011, 1 episode
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19. Cartas
Japanese Special - 2018, 1 episode
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20. 11 Moji no Satsujin
Japanese Special - 2011, 1 episode
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21. Burutasu no Shinzou
Japanese Special - 2011, 1 episode
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22. Kairoutei Satsujin Jiken
Japanese Special - 2011, 1 episode
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23. Hakugin Jack
Japanese Special - 2014, 1 episode
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24. Galileo Episode Zero
Japanese Special - 2008, 1 episode
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25. Yo nimo Kimyou na Monogatari: 2003 Spring Special
Japanese Special - 2003, 1 episode