Drama with Kimutaku as PM trails 'Gokusen' in ratings battle

Wednesday 14th May, 01:39 PM JST

TOKYO —

Fuji TV is hoping for big things from its new drama, “Change,” which stars SMAP idol Kimutaku (Takuya Kimura) as a school teacher who reluctantly becomes prime minister, and a theme song by Madonna. According to TV rating agency Video Research, the first episode, which aired Monday night, attracted an audience rating of 23.8%, slightly below the 26.4% of NTV’s new drama “Gokusen” which started on April 19.

Fuji took the unusual step of delaying the debut of “Change” until late spring. Most dramas start in early April, but Fuji says the late start makes it “easier to advertise the drama.”

5 Comments

KyouNoNippon at 03:03 PM JST - 14th May

"Fuji TV is hoping for big things from its new drama, “Change,” which stars SMAP idol Kimutaku (Takuya Kimura) as a school teacher who reluctantly becomes prime minister, and a theme song by Madonna. "

Shoulda picked the Boss for the song.
Altria at 04:09 PM JST - 14th May

I bet that 23.8% is going to get a lot smaller in coming weeks.

What I saw of it was absolute vomit-inducing drivel.
telecasterplayer at 09:56 AM JST - 15th May

slightly below the 26.4% of NTV’s new drama “Gokusen” which started on April 19.

Let me guess: Yankumi goes to ANOTHER high school populated by brooding young males from Johnny's talent agency, gets them through the term and eats Kuma's noodles. Interpret that last one any way you want, the guy needs the work!
L4dymercury at 02:18 PM JST - 15th May

Let me guess: Yankumi goes to ANOTHER high school populated by brooding young males from Johnny's talent agency, gets them through the term and eats Kuma's noodles. Interpret that last one any way you want, the guy needs the work!

Of course, these Juniors need somewhere to make a debut or else they're gonna stay back flipping for their senior's concerts for the rest of their lives!

I don't understand why people like Gokusen beyond the first season. It's clearly a GTO rip off.

Anywaaaaay....
Sarge at 08:54 PM JST - 18th May

Altria - The people I know who watched Change last week disagree with you. They're all planning to watch episode 2 tomorrow.