A Bold Critique Wrapped in Humor ‘Excessively Inappropriate!’ Shakes Up Japanese TV

Nostalgia Meets Modernity

TBS’s latest Friday night drama, “Excessively Inappropriate!”, has captivated audiences with its unique blend of humor and generational critique. Crafted by the acclaimed playwright Kankuro Miyamoto, the show seamlessly intertwines the Showa era with contemporary themes, attracting both older viewers longing for the past and younger generations curious about this bygone era. Set around 1986, the series not only entertains but also provides a critical observation of both periods, leveraging the widespread internet to enrich viewers’ understanding without the need for overt explanation.

Striking a Chord with Audiences

The premiere episode introduces viewers to “Hell’s Ogawa”, played by Sadao Abe, a character whose actions — ranging from workplace harassment to physical punishment of baseball team members — mirror controversial behaviors from both past and present. The show appeals to Showa men’s nostalgia while offering a humorous take on the era’s excesses, cleverly drawing parallels to contemporary issues such as stock…