Title: Hanzawa Naoki Episode 1: “If Struck, Strike Back” Original Airdate: July 7, 2013 Director: Katsuo Fukuzawa Writer: Kiyomi Fujii (adapted from Ikeido Jun’s novel We Are Hanzawa Naoki: The Lost Generation ) 1. Synopsis Episode 1 opens in 1991, during the collapse of Japan’s bubble economy. Young Naoki Hanzawa (portrayed as a university student) watches his father’s small screw factory go bankrupt after the family bank unjustly withdraws its loan. His father commits suicide. Naoki, vowing to reform the banking system from within, joins Tokyo Chuo Bank. Twenty years later, Hanzawa Naoki (played by Masato Sakai) is an Osaka branch loan manager. He is upright, brilliant, and believes a banker’s duty is to “act for people in need.” His direct superior, Branch Manager Asano (Tsutomu Yamazaki), approves a 50 million yen loan to a steel company, Nishi Osaka Steel, based on falsified financial records—without Hanzawa’s approval. When the company collapses three months later, Asano blames Hanzawa entirely, claiming he botched the loan inspection. Hanzawa is told he must retrieve the 50 million yen or face being “destroyed as a banker.” The episode ends with Hanzawa, sitting alone in his office, deciding to fight back. His iconic line, “If you do this to me… I will repay you in kind, double,” sets the revenge plot in motion. 2. Key Thematic Elements
The “Zangyaku” (Cruelty) of Corporate Shifting of Blame: The episode masterfully depicts how hierarchical organizations protect superiors by sacrificing subordinates. Asano is a classic villain—smiling, conniving, and utterly corrupt. Revenge as Justice: Unlike typical work dramas about perseverance, Hanzawa Naoki frames retaliation as moral duty. The suicide of Hanzawa’s father transforms his quest for loan recovery into a deeply personal crusade. The Banking System as Antagonist: The bank is not just a workplace—it’s a cold entity that abandons people (like Hanzawa’s father) in pursuit of profit. Episode 1 establishes that Hanzawa is fighting not just Asano, but the bank’s corrupt culture. Dialogue-Driven Tension: The episode is built on intense verbal confrontations, particularly between Hanzawa and Asano, where tone, pauses, and bowing angles communicate power shifts.
3. Dramatic Structure and Pacing The episode follows a classic three-act structure:
Act 1 (Past Prologue): Set-up of emotional stakes (father’s death). Act 2 (Present Daily Life): Hanzawa’s competence and principles (he previously saved another failing company). Act 3 (The Fall): The loan scam, betrayal by Asano, and Hanzawa deciding to wage war. Hanzawa Naoki Episode 1
Notably, the “crime” (the fraudulent loan) occurs off-screen before the episode begins. The plot is not a mystery but a survival drama—how will Hanzawa prove his innocence and retrieve the money while Asano destroys evidence? 4. Character Introductions | Character | Role | Episode 1 Arc | |-----------|------|----------------| | Naoki Hanzawa (Masato Sakai) | Loan manager, protagonist | From dedicated banker to betrayed avenger. His catchphrase “Hari ageta nara, hari kaesu” (If struck, strike back) is coined. | | Asano (Tsutomu Yamazaki) | Branch manager, antagonist | The “masked predator”—polite but ruthless. Symbolizes corporate evil. | | Hoshino (Eisuke Sasai) | Deputy branch manager | Obsequious to Asano, suspicious of Hanzawa. Secondary villain. | | Hanzawa’s subordinates (e.g., Nakanishi, Kato) | Junior loan officers | Torn between loyalty to Hanzawa and fear of Asano. Realistic salaryman anxiety. | 5. Cultural and Industry Impact
Record-Breaking Start: Episode 1 earned a 19.4% average household rating in the Kanto region, an exceptional opening for a drama without major romance or action elements. “Zangyaku” (Cruel Scenes) Meme: Asano’s cold demand that Hanzawa “take responsibility” became a viral catchphrase, leading to parodies about harsh bosses. Comparison to The Count of Monte Cristo : Critics immediately noted the revenge structure. Hanzawa is a white-collar Edmond Dantès, using intelligence rather than swords. Real-World Banking Reaction: Several Japanese financial institutions reportedly held internal screenings, debating whether real loan officers would identify with Hanzawa or fear his aggressive style.
6. Directorial Techniques
Low-Angle Shots: When Hanzawa challenges Asano, the camera shoots upward from below the desk, making him monumental. Stillness Before Outbursts: Long takes of silent face-offs, then sudden shouting—mimicking kabuki theater’s mie (striking a dramatic pose). Color Palette: The branch office is washed in cold whites and grays. Flashbacks to 1991 are sepia-toned, emphasizing a lost, more human era. The “Hanzawa Shrug” (Kubi o Katamukeru): Masato Sakai’s signature move—tilting his head slightly while repeating the last word his opponent said—creates unsettling power reversal.
7. Critical Reception Japanese reviews praised Episode 1 as “a perfect setup” for a thriller. The Nikkei called it “a cathartic mirror for the 8.8 million Japanese office workers who have been scapegoated by their bosses.” Some critics noted the villain Asano is almost caricature-level evil, but argued this amplifies the genre’s appeal as modern-day jidaigeki (period drama) set in a bank. International viewers (especially in China and Taiwan, where the show became a cult hit) remarked on the “raw emotion” rarely seen in typical reserved Japanese workplace depictions. 8. Conclusion Episode 1 of Hanzawa Naoki is a masterclass in workplace revenge storytelling. It compresses a lifetime of backstory, a betrayal, and a vow of payback into 58 minutes without feeling rushed. By ending not with Hanzawa solving the loan loss but with him declaring war, the episode hooks the audience with a simple, primal promise: the weak will beat the strong through wit and sheer willpower. The line “Double” ( baikaeshi ) became a social phenomenon for a reason—it transforms a banking audit into a personal vendetta.
Hanzawa Naoki Episode 1: A Gripping Introduction to a Ruthless Protagonist The Japanese television drama "Hanzawa Naoki" premiered in 2013 and quickly gained a massive following for its unique blend of finance, suspense, and intrigue. The first episode, which aired on July 7, 2013, sets the tone for the entire series, introducing viewers to the complex and intriguing world of high-stakes banking. In this article, we'll delve into the details of Hanzawa Naoki Episode 1, exploring its plot, characters, and themes. The Plot The episode begins with Naoki Hanzawa (played by Masaharu Fukuyama), a talented and ambitious young banker working for the Tokyo branch of the fictional Shinchiku Bank. Hanzawa is a rising star in the company, known for his exceptional skills in investment banking and his ruthless approach to business. However, beneath his polished exterior, Hanzawa harbors a deep-seated grudge against the bank's management, particularly the condescending and old-fashioned Deputy Director, Akinori Tateishi (played by Tetsushi Takano). The story takes a dramatic turn when Hanzawa is unexpectedly transferred to the bank's most troubled division, the Tokyo Corporate Division, also known as the " Hell Division." This team is responsible for dealing with the bank's most problematic clients and resolving complex financial issues. Hanzawa's new colleagues, including the seasoned and sarcastic Eita Nakahara (played by Takahiro Miura), the sweet and innocent Chikara Sakai (played by Yoko Kumada), and the tough and no-nonsense Yuko Shirakawa (played by Haruka Igawa), are initially wary of Hanzawa's intentions. Character Analysis The character of Hanzawa Naoki is at the center of the episode, and Masaharu Fukuyama's portrayal is both captivating and unsettling. Hanzawa's intense gaze, calculated demeanor, and razor-sharp wit make him a formidable presence on screen. Throughout the episode, we see glimpses of his troubled past, including his difficult relationship with his father, which has driven his desire for success and revenge against the bank's establishment. The supporting cast is equally well-developed, with each character bringing their own distinct personality to the story. Eita Nakahara, in particular, serves as an interesting foil to Hanzawa, as their contrasting approaches to banking and life lead to some engaging conflicts. Themes and Social Commentary Hanzawa Naoki Episode 1 explores several themes that are woven throughout the series, including: Title: Hanzawa Naoki Episode 1: “If Struck, Strike
The Cutthroat World of Finance : The episode provides a glimpse into the high-stakes world of investment banking, where fortunes are made and lost in the blink of an eye. The characters' cutthroat tactics and Machi their willingness to do whatever it takes to succeed serve as a commentary on the darker side of human nature. Social Hierarchy and Class : The episode highlights the strict social hierarchy within the bank, with older, more established employees holding positions of power over their younger colleagues. Hanzawa's ascent through the ranks serves as a challenge to this established order. Ambition and Motivation : Hanzawa's backstory and character development raise questions about the nature of ambition and motivation. What drives someone to succeed at all costs, and what are the consequences of such single-minded focus?
Episode Structure and Direction The episode is expertly paced, moving swiftly between scenes and plot twists. Director Masaki Amaya's use of close-ups, over-the-shoulder shots, and clever editing adds to the overall sense of tension and unease. The cinematography is crisp and modern, capturing the sleek, high-rise offices and modern cityscapes of Tokyo. Conclusion Hanzawa Naoki Episode 1 is a gripping introduction to a complex and intriguing world. The episode's expertly crafted plot, memorable characters, and themes of ambition, social hierarchy, and the cutthroat world of finance all come together to create a compelling viewing experience. As the series progresses, viewers are drawn deeper into the world of high-stakes banking, where the stakes are high, and the players are ruthless. For fans of Japanese dramas, financial thrillers, and character-driven storytelling, Hanzawa Naoki Episode 1 is an excellent starting point. Even seven years after its initial release, the episode remains a fascinating exploration of human nature, ambition, and the consequences of success. If you're interested in watching more of the series, all episodes of Hanzawa Naoki are available on various streaming platforms. However, be warned: once you start, you may find it difficult to stop. The series is known for its addictive storytelling, complex characters, and intense plot twists, making it a must-watch for fans of Asian dramas and financial thrillers.