Review | Netflix drama review: The Journalist – Japanese series about the uncovering of a government scandal is fun to watch, albeit merely scratching the surface of its material
- Based on a 2019 film of the same name, this series adaptation follows an intrepid reporter who clashes with the powers-that-be embroiled in political corruption
- The Journalist should be applauded for its take on Japanese politics – but the show has a tendency to oversimplify and its lead character suffers as a result
3/5 stars
An intrepid reporter clashes with the powers-that-be in The Journalist, Netflix’s ambitious new Japanese drama series. Based on the 2019 film of the same name, which won the Japanese Academy Award for best film, this new six-part adaptation is also directed by Michihito Fujii, but features a brand new cast headlined by Ryoko Yonekura, Go Ayano, and Ryusei Yokohama.
Expanding on the film’s plot, which was itself inspired by Isoko Mochizuki’s novel, The Journalist incorporates a number of new elements, primarily involving the younger generations, their apathy towards current affairs and the obstacles faced when entering the job market.
Crusading journalists like Anna Matsuda (Yonekura) of Touto News are a rare breed in Japan, where the media is more likely to tow the party line and not risk losing access to important officials than test their relationship with combative reporting.
Matsuda’s bullish approach has earned her a reputation as a troublemaker that sees her regularly stonewalled during political press conferences. Despite these frustrations, Matsuda remains true to her promise to “give a voice to the voiceless”, regardless of the impact it has on her personally.