Watch HodoBuzz

HodoBuzz is a Japanese drama series that centers around the world of modern media and journalism, exploring the triumphs and tribulations of those who work in the industry. The show is set in the fictional news agency, Tall Trees Playground, and follows the lives of the team members who work there.

Maho Honda stars as our main character, Uka Ishimori, a talented journalist who is somewhat of a prodigy within the industry. Despite her success, Uka struggles to break free from the shadow of her late mother, a renowned journalist who died when Uka was young. Uka is determined to follow in her mother's footsteps and become an exceptional journalist but encounters numerous roadblocks along the way.

Yuki Matsuzaki plays the role of Hajime Onuki, another key member of the team at Tall Trees Playground. Hajime is the former golden boy of the agency, having once been the star reporter before he was derailed by a scandal. Hajime finds himself at a crossroads in his career, as he struggles to regain the respect of his colleagues and make a name for himself once again.

Throughout the show, we see the dynamics between characters unfold as they come together to produce high-quality news content. We also see the different ethical dilemmas that journalists face in today's world, from the pressures of ratings and views to the difficulties of balancing personal and professional lives.

Apart from Maho Honda and Yuki Matsuzaki, another notable cast member of HodoBuzz is Katsuhisa Namase, who plays the role of Shunpei Gamo, the CEO of Tall Trees Playground. Shunpei is a charismatic and ambitious man who is determined to take his agency to the top. He often pressures his team to produce eye-catching stories, and his ambition sometimes puts him at odds with the principles of his journalists.

HodoBuzz has received critical acclaim for its exploration of the inner workings of the modern media industry. The show tackles numerous themes, including the ethics of journalism, the role of social media in news gathering, and the intersection between personal and professional lives. The drama also effectively captures the fast-paced environment of journalists, with its depictions of unexpected events, tight deadlines, and the constant pressure to produce high-quality content.

Apart from the writing, the production quality of the show is also noteworthy. The cinematography and editing effectively capture the hectic, fast-paced nature of the newsroom, while the music and sound design enhance the intensity of key moments in each episode.

Overall, HodoBuzz is a compelling drama series that offers an insightful look into the world of media and journalism. Its strong writing, production quality, and performances make it a must-watch for anyone interested in these fields.

HodoBuzz is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between February 5, 2020 and on Tall Trees Playground