Zetsumeshi Road

Zetsumeshi Road is a Japanese television drama series that aired on TV Tokyo in 2020. The series explores the concept of zetsumeshi, a term referring to local, often long-standing restaurants that are at risk of disappearing due to factors such as the owner's aging, lack of successors, or changing economic conditions.

Plot

The story follows Tamio Suda, played by Takayuki Hamatsu, an ordinary salaryman who faces the daily stresses of professional and personal life. To find relief, he embarks on weekend road trips. While his wife, Kanae (Wakana Sakai), and their child pursue their own interests, such as attending idol concerts, Tamio travels to remote areas to discover and dine at zetsumeshi establishments. These journeys serve as his personal escape and a way to preserve the memory of these unique, endangered culinary experiences.

Takayuki Hamatsu as Tamio Suda — Takayuki Hamatsu stars as the protagonist, Tamio Suda.

Production

The series was broadcast on TV Tokyo's Friday 24:52 time slot. It premiered on January 24, 2020, and concluded on April 10, 2020, spanning 12 episodes. The production was directed by Yusuke Sugai, Yuichi Onuma, and Hiroto Hara, with a writing team including Hayashi Mori, Hiroki Murakami, and Manbo Yashiro.

Wakana Sakai as Kanae Suda — Wakana Sakai portrays Kanae Suda.

Koji Yamamoto as Tsutomu Kaburagi — Koji Yamamoto appears in the series as Tsutomu Kaburagi.

Cast

Takayuki Hamatsu as Tamio Suda
Wakana Sakai as Kanae Suda
Koji Yamamoto as Tsutomu Kaburagi
Ruka Nishimura as Tsumugi Suda