Zeicho: "Haraenai" ni wa Wake ga Aru (2023)

"Zeicho: Haraenai ni wa Wake ga Aru" is a procedural drama about city tax collectors with a lot of comedy and heart. These types of procedurals (where there are episodic stories that eventually connect into an overarching storyline for the characters) can be a little stale if not done right, but the comedic tone and wholesome energy of "Zeicho" makes this one enjoyable. Aiba and Domeki make a fun, if not, predictable pair, all thanks to Kikuchi Fuma's over-the-top goofball energy and Yamada Anna's ability to really hold her own against it all. The human stories are interesting, if not sometimes complex, but the drama does a decent job of demystifying it all for the audience. It's hard not to root for the team as they work as upstanding government workers who want to make sure everyone is paying their taxes to serve and support everyone. Truly a fun and wholesome drama once you can get past the heavy tax law lingo. Kikuchi really makes this one as I didn't know what they were doing casting him in this role, and now I get it. What fun! :)

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