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Tamagawa Kuyakusho Of The Dead
http://aramajapan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/aramajapan_tanagaawa1-300×236.jpg
" /> Type: drama
Genre: horror comedy
Year: 2014-Oct-03 to 2014-Dec-19
Summary:
16 years ago, a zombie virus spread from Mexico all over the world. Now a vaccine is keeping people safe and the zombies are getting extinct. In Tamagawa ward, Japan, a special welfare division of misfits is responsible in capturing zombies and monitoring infected people. Akaba Shinsuke is the rookie member and an emphatic naive pacifist. One day, Tachibana Rin joins the troop and he is assigned to take care of her. She’s out to kill zombies. The appearance of a new zombie virus strain pushes both of them to their mental limits. One personal disasters after another forces them to evaluate their stand on the issue. And then the unthinkable happens…
Critique:
The mixture of horror, seriousness and japanese comedy fails to create a solid show. A lot of times when action is required the comedy just downgrades it. But there are times when japanese comedy does have its uses. It’s just not enough to counter or strike a good balance.
The show mostly focuses on the different opinions on the issue of handling zombies and personal tragedy of people involved. It also addresses issues of society and to a little extent the governing body.
Hayashi Kento (Akabane Shinsuke) fits his role well but the comedic acts just degrades his image. Hirose Alice (Tachibana Rin) does well, too, but she’s not convincing with her handling the boken (bamboo sword). Her movements are too slow, sloppy and wide for someone versed in Kendo. Otherwise her headstrong image is somewhat monotone most of the time.
Like the rest of the cast Kaneko Nobuaki’s (Koda Kenji) skills are wasted on comedic acts. But at least him being a zombie otaku does make some sense and does entertain somewhat.
Disappointingly, the conflict between the ward, central HQ and the government resolved without much action or event. And the end of the show arrives too quick and it is too much of a fairytale.
Verdict: 7.3
Cast 8
Cast performance 7
Script/Directing: 7
