Long Awaited Sequel to Hit J-dorama Hanzawa Naoki Explodes Out of the Gate with Over 22% Ratings in Episode 1

It takes something extraordinary to bring nearly half the population together to watch a television show and the last decade (2010-2019) it’s only happened once with the dorama finale episode of financial underdog gets justice story of Hanzawa Naoki. The last episode of the 2013 dorama brought in 42.2% ratings, the best ratings on Japanese television in 30 years. Of course there was immediate talk of a season 2 but 7 years and one COVID-19 slight delay later it’s finally dropped. Hanzawa Naoki 2 is here and its premiere brought in higher ratings than the premiere of the original. HN2 got 22% in episode 1 and the original got 19.4%, and the early reviews are positive with folks excited to see Sakai Masato back as Hanzawa to deliver “bai-gaeshi”, his signature catchphrase which means, “pay back your enemy multiple times if they cross you”. Nice, and good lord I’m expecting Masato’s expressions to be just as overwrought and meme-able this time around.

Comments

Long Awaited Sequel to Hit J-dorama Hanzawa Naoki Explodes Out of the Gate with Over 22% Ratings in Episode 1 — 9 Comments

Christina L on July 21, 2020 at 9:20 AM said:

Guess I need to go back and check out the original.

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- Motzie on July 21, 2020 at 5:18 PM said:
  
  It’s really good! I remember when I watch it, it made me curious in every episode. And the ending is a really smart move, you lucky watching it when the season 2 is already here.
  
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Marie on July 21, 2020 at 9:24 AM said:

Heeee, it’s here!! I was missing Sakai Masato. It’s been a long time since I watched something from him. I will not miss it. 😀

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kx on July 21, 2020 at 11:28 AM said:

Is this subbed? The first season and this. I might check it out.

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Min on July 21, 2020 at 11:42 AM said:

I had nooooo idea it was coming! This was such a surprise!

Really looking forward to it.

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kellie on July 21, 2020 at 2:25 PM said:

I’ve been in a K-drama drought, needing something like this to watch (skullduggery among the suits in high places, etc.). Just started the first series and the actor is interesting. Thanks for the tip.

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- Joshua on July 22, 2020 at 5:43 AM said:
  
  Where are you watching it?
  
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  - Ladykays on July 22, 2020 at 9:12 AM said:
    
    dramacool
Ponpon on July 21, 2020 at 4:53 PM said:

Oooh
I’ve been missing Masato Sakai and rewatch legal high
Welcome back Hanzawa Naoki

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