Legal High

A flashy, ego-driven lawyer with an unbeatable courtroom record pairs up with a sensible, freshly minted law graduate to handle a string of criminal and civil cases across Japan. Their relationship is built on sharp contrasts: his theatrical tactics and willingness to bend rules clash with her methodical ethics, and that tension fuels the show's mix of courtroom drama and workplace comedy. Episodes shift from high-stakes hearings to offbeat client interactions, keeping the focus on legal maneuvering, moral questions, and the odd personal moment that reveals why these two keep working together.

Released in 2012, Legal High was directed by Mizuki Nishisaka and Hidenori Joho, and created by Hideki Inada, Junichi Ishikawa, and Ryota Kosawa. The series stars Masato Sakai as 古美門研介, Yui Aragaki as 黛真知子, with Masaki Okada, Ryoko Hirosue, and Junnosuke Taguchi in supporting roles.

While it didn't dominate major international award shows, the series received attention in Japan for its performances and writing, and it helped raise the profiles of its lead actors. Critics and viewers often singled out Masato Sakai's portrayal for its energy and comic timing, and the show sustained a strong fanbase through its run.

The character of the bombastic lawyer left a noticeable mark on Japanese TV, shaping how legal protagonists could be portrayed with outspoken arrogance and surprising vulnerability. Its courtroom set pieces and fast-paced repartee have been referenced in discussions about modern Japanese comedy dramas, and elements of its tone showed up in later series that mix genre and humor.

Critics generally rated Legal High highly, as reflected in audience scores that favor its blend of satire and procedural plotting. The show probes themes of legal ethics, the gap between ideals and pragmatic outcomes, and how personality affects justice. It balances sharp, witty exchanges with occasional moral heft, so viewers get laughs alongside questions about how far one should go to win a case.