Hanzawa Naoki

Naoki Hanzawa is a straight-talking loan manager at the Osaka Nishi branch of Tokyo Central Bank who ends up at the center of a major lending scandal. When his branch approves a 500 million yen loan to Nishi Osaka Steel under orders from superiors, Hanzawa suspects trouble. The company is hiding huge debts with falsified accounts, and when it collapses Hanzawa is hauled before headquarters to answer for the loss. He refuses to accept blame, and sets out to recover the funds and protect his career in a banking world where promotions, loyalties, and cover-ups matter as much as numbers.

The series premiered in 2013 and is based on novels by Jun Ikeido, with Ken Tsuchiya credited among the creators. It stars Masato Sakai as Naoki Hanzawa, supported by Aya Ueto, Mitsuhiro Oikawa, Ainosuke Kataoka, and Kento Kaku, and it was produced for Japanese television audiences.

The show became a national talking point in Japan, sparking parodies, water-cooler references, and renewed interest in office dramas. Its lead performance helped raise the profile of the cast, and scenes from the series were frequently imitated in variety shows and social media, turning Hanzawa into a recognizable figure beyond regular drama viewers.

Critics and audiences reacted strongly, reflected in a vote average of 8.3 out of 10 in viewer polls. Reviewers praised the mix of serious corporate conflict and moments of dark humor, and Sakai's portrayal was often singled out for its energy and nuance. Key themes include corporate power struggles, accountability in finance, and how personal ethics collide with institutional pressure.

Specific major award listings are not provided here, though the series achieved high viewership and broad recognition in Japan. Available information highlights its cultural reach and critical popularity rather than a detailed tally of trophies or international prizes.