Hero (2001)
A landmark Japanese legal drama following an unconventional prosecutor whose street-smart approach to justice captivated an entire nation.
Hero - Series Information
- Original Title: ヒーロー
- First Air Year: 2001
- Last Air Year: 2014
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 60 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 22
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Networks: Fuji TV
- Alternative Titles: HERO.2014 (JP), 律政英雄 2001 (CN), 律政英雄 (HK)
- Production Companies: Fuji Television Network
- Production Countries: Japan
Hero - Plot
Former delinquent turned unconventional prosecutor Kohei Kuryu shakes up the legal world with his street-smart instincts and unorthodox style, clashing with ambitious colleague Maiko Amamiya while his relentless pursuit of justice gradually transforms those around him.
Hero - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see Kohei Kuryu's unorthodox approach to justice in action:
Where to Watch Hero
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Hero - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Takuya Kimura as Kohei Kuryu
- Bokuzo Masana as Syuji Ido
- Takuzo Kadono as Yutaka Ushimaru
- Masanobu Katsumura as Tatsuo Egami
- Norito Yashima as Kenji Endo
- Fumiyo Kohinata as Takayuki Suetsugu
- Hajime Okayama as Otsuka
- Yoji Tanaka as Bartender
- Nene Otsuka as Misuzu Nakamura
- Takako Matsu as Maiko Amamiya
Writers
- Yasushi Fukuda
Hero - FAQs
Who plays the lead role in Hero?
Takuya Kimura plays the lead role of Kohei Kuryu, an unconventional prosecutor and former delinquent. Kimura is one of Japan's most celebrated actors and his portrayal of Kuryu became iconic, helping make Hero one of the highest-rated Japanese dramas in television history.
Why did Hero achieve such record-breaking ratings in Japan?
Hero's first season in 2001 achieved an average rating of around 30%, making it one of the highest-rated Japanese dramas ever broadcast. Its blend of courtroom drama, sharp humor, and Takuya Kimura's charismatic performance resonated deeply with audiences, and the 2014 revival sustained that cultural enthusiasm.
Where can you watch Hero online?
Streaming availability for Hero varies by region. You can check current viewing options — including any subscription services, rental, or purchase platforms — by visiting JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date streaming information for your specific location.
What is Hero the Japanese drama about?
Hero follows Kohei Kuryu, a former delinquent who becomes an unconventional prosecutor at the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office. Using street-smart instincts and unorthodox methods, he clashes with ambitious colleague Maiko Amamiya while relentlessly pursuing justice and transforming everyone around him.
How many seasons and episodes does Hero have?
Hero comprises 3 seasons with 22 episodes in total, plus a Season 0 containing 3 special episodes. Season 1 and Season 2 each consist of 11 episodes. The series originally aired in 2001 and returned for a sequel season in 2014, both on Fuji TV.
Who wrote the screenplay for Hero?
Hero was written by Yasushi Fukuda, a prolific Japanese screenwriter known for crafting sharp, character-driven legal and workplace dramas. Fukuda's witty dialogue and ability to balance courtroom tension with comedic moments are widely credited as key elements of the series' enduring appeal.
Is Hero based on a true story?
Hero is not based on a specific true story. It is an original fictional drama created for Fuji TV. However, the series draws on realistic portrayals of Japan's public prosecutor system, giving it an authentic procedural feel despite its comedic and character-driven storytelling approach.
Did Hero win any awards or critical recognition?
Hero received widespread critical acclaim and numerous accolades in Japan. Takuya Kimura earned recognition for his performance, and the series won awards at major Japanese television ceremonies. Its extraordinary viewership ratings — among the highest ever recorded for a Japanese drama — stand as its most enduring achievement.
More About Hero
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