Jin (Japanese title: JIN‑仁) is a Japanese television drama series that aired on TBS from 11 October 2009 to 26 June 2011. The series consists of two seasons with a total of 22 episodes, each running approximately 60 minutes. It is based on the manga Jin by Motoka Murakami and was written for television by Murakami (original manga) and Yoshiko Morishita.
Premise
The narrative follows Dr. Jin Minakata (portrayed by Takao Osawa), a modern neurosurgeon who, after being knocked unconscious in a Tokyo hospital, awakens in Japan’s Edo period (mid‑19th century). Stripped of contemporary medical equipment, Jin strives to treat patients using his advanced knowledge while seeking a way back to his own time. The series intertwines historical events and figures—such as Sakamoto Ryōma and Katsu Kaishū—with Jin’s attempts to introduce modern medical practices, including the creation of penicillin and treatment of beriberi.
Main Cast
- Takao Osawa as Jin Minakata
- Haruka Ayase as Saki Tachibana (Jin’s Edo‑era assistant)
- Miki Nakatani as Miki Tomonaga / Nokaze (Jin’s fiancée in the present)
- Keisuke Koide as Kyōtarō Tachibana
- Yumi Asō as Ei Tachibana
- Masaaki Uchino as Sakamoto Ryōma
- Fumiyo Kohinata as Rintarō Katsu (Kaishū)
- Additional supporting actors portray historical figures such as Kondō Isami, Shōzan Sakuma, and Princess Kazu.
Production
The series was produced by Ishimaru Akihiko and Tsuru Masaaki. Direction was shared among Yuichiro Hirakawa, Daisuke Yamamuro, and Ryutaro Kawashima. The opening theme for season 1 is “Aitakute Ima” performed by MISIA; the season 2 theme is “Itoshiki Hibi yo” by Ken Hirai.
Reception and Awards
Jin was a commercial success in Japan and garnered critical acclaim, receiving multiple honors at the 63rd Television Drama Academy Awards (2010) including Best Drama, Best Actor (Takao Osawa), Best Supporting Actor (Masaaki Uchino), Best Actress (Haruka Ayase), and awards for scriptwriting, direction, and theme song. It also won the Grand Prix at the 3rd Tokyo Drama Awards, among other accolades.
International Distribution
In 2024, the series became available internationally via Netflix, expanding its audience beyond Japan.
References: Wikipedia entry “Jin (TV series)”.
