Sayonara Noir drama faces low ratings despite critical praise

The Fuji TV police human drama ‘Sayonara Noir’, starring Eiko Koike, is facing low viewership ratings despite receiving positive feedback for its quality and storytelling. The series follows Natsumi Kuroki, a former detective working in a newly established crime victim support office, as she and psychologist Eriko Shiraishi assist victims and bereaved families in rebuilding their lives.

Recent plot developments involve Natsumi searching for her former superior, Soso Yamazaki, leading her to an underground casino linked to the Shinjinkai organization. Meanwhile, the series explores the emotional struggles of characters dealing with past traumas, such as detective Takumi Kamoi, who is also a victim of a kidnapping case from 20 years ago.

Analysis suggests that while the show is praised for its serious themes and strong performances, its low ratings—averaging around 2-3% for household viewership—may stem from its somber tone and lack of the high-stakes, suspenseful twists found in current trending hits. Unlike more dramatic competitors, ‘Sayonara Noir’ utilizes a slower, more contemplative approach to its heavy subject matter.