The Price is a Japanese television drama series that aired in 2016, which tells the story about HJ Holdings, a large corporation that has its hand in multiple industries. The show follows the company's internal struggles and the price that its employees and shareholders must pay to keep the business afloat. It stars Shun Oguri, Ryo Ishibashi, and Rin Takanashi.
Shun Oguri plays the role of Kazuo Saito, a sales executive at HJ Holdings. Kazuo is a dedicated worker who always puts the company's interest first. Despite his hard work, Kazuo is under constant pressure from his superiors to perform, which leads to a lot of stress and family conflicts. He wants to climb the corporate ladder, but he must also navigate the company politics and personal relationships, which are often intertwined.
Ryo Ishibashi plays the role of Seiji Hane, the CEO of HJ Holdings. Seiji is a shrewd businessman who would stop at nothing to achieve his vision for the company. His goal is to make HJ Holdings the largest conglomerate in Japan, and he is willing to make bold financial moves to achieve that objective. Seiji is a complex character with a troubled past, and his actions often lead to more turmoil for himself and the company.
Rin Takanashi plays the role of Mio Kanesaka, a young promising employee at HJ Holdings. Mio is determined to succeed in the male-dominated corporate world, and she is willing to work hard to achieve her goals. However, she soon realizes that success comes at a price, and she must also navigate the office politics and personal relationships to gain the respect and recognition she deserves.
The Price explores different themes such as power struggles, loyalty, betrayal, and sacrifice. It highlights the challenges that come with corporate life and the toll it takes on individuals and families. The show also portrays the harsh realities of the business world, such as the pressure to perform, internal politics, and the cut-throat competition that exists among rival companies.
One of the key driving forces of the show is the financial turmoil that HJ Holdings faces. The company is in dire straits, and Seiji is determined to pull them out of the situation. He makes bold financial moves, such as launching a new product, buying out smaller companies, and restructuring the entire organization. However, these decisions often come at a cost, and the characters must face the consequences.
The show also explores the personal relationships that develop among the characters. There are love triangles, family conflicts, and betrayals that make the characters relatable and human. The relationship between Kazuo and his wife, Tomoko, is particularly interesting as they struggle to balance their personal and professional lives. Mio also struggles with her feelings for her mentor, Tatsuya, which leads to some interesting plot twists.
In conclusion, The Price is an engaging television drama that provides a glimpse into the world of corporate life and its challenges. The cast delivers excellent performances, and the plot is captivating with enough twists and turns to keep the audience engaged. The show explores different themes that are relatable to anyone who has worked in the corporate world or faced personal conflicts. It's a must-watch for fans of Japanese dramas who enjoy a good storyline with well-developed characters.