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

Praveen janv. 26, 2022
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  • Keigo Higashino Samayou Yaiba

    1. Keigo Higashino Samayou Yaiba

    Japanese Drama - 2021, 6 episodes

    10

    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.

  • Oriole in the Post

    2. Oriole in the Post

    Chinese Drama - 2020, 12 episodes

    10

    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!

  • Byakuyako

    3. Byakuyako

    Japanese Drama - 2006, 11 episodes

    9.5

    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!

  • Kataomoi

    4. Kataomoi

    Japanese Drama - 2017, 6 episodes

    9.5

    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.

  • Ryusei no Kizuna

    5. Ryusei no Kizuna

    Japanese Drama - 2008, 10 episodes

    9.0

    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!

  • Shinzanmono

    6. Shinzanmono

    Japanese Drama - 2010, 10 episodes

    9.0

    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!

  • Galileo

    7. Galileo

    Japanese Drama - 2007, 10 episodes

    9.0

    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.

  • Galileo 2

    8. Galileo 2

    Japanese Drama - 2013, 11 episodes

    9.0

    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.

  • Henshin

    9. Henshin

    Japanese Drama - 2014, 5 episodes

    9.0

    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!

  • Kakko no Tamago wa Dare no Mono

    10. Kakko no Tamago wa Dare no Mono

    Japanese Drama - 2016, 6 episodes

    8.5

    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.

  • Kiken na Venus

    11. Kiken na Venus

    Japanese Drama - 2020, 10 episodes

    8.5
  • Nemuri no Mori

    12. Nemuri no Mori

    Japanese Special - 2014, 1 episode

    8.5
  • Higashino Keigo Mysteries

    13. Higashino Keigo Mysteries

    Japanese Drama - 2012, 11 episodes

    8.5
  • Meitantei no Okite

    14. Meitantei no Okite

    Japanese Drama - 2009, 10 episodes

    8.5
  • Dying Eye

    15. Dying Eye

    Japanese Drama - 2019, 6 episodes

    8.0
  • Bunshin

    16. Bunshin

    Japanese Drama - 2012, 5 episodes

    8.0
  • Himitsu

    17. Himitsu

    Japanese Drama - 2010, 9 episodes

    7.0
  • Akai Yubi

    18. Akai Yubi

    Japanese Special - 2011, 1 episode

    7.0
  • Tegami

    19. Tegami

    Japanese Special - 2018, 1 episode

    7.0
  • 11 Moji no Satsujin

    20. 11 Moji no Satsujin

    Japanese Special - 2011, 1 episode

    7.0
  • Brutus no Shinzo

    21. Brutus no Shinzo

    Japanese Special - 2011, 1 episode

    6.5
  • Kairoutei Satsujin Jiken

    22. Kairoutei Satsujin Jiken

    Japanese Special - 2011, 1 episode

    6.5
  • Hakugin Jack

    23. Hakugin Jack

    Japanese Special - 2014, 1 episode

    6.5
  • Galileo Episode Zero

    24. Galileo Episode Zero

    Japanese Special - 2008, 1 episode

    6.5
  • Yo nimo Kimyou na Monogatari: 2003 Spring Special

    25. Yo nimo Kimyou na Monogatari: 2003 Spring Special

    Japanese Special - 2003, 1 episode

    5.0

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