Season 1 • Episode 4
LatestSaru ni Au is a 2020 Japanese drama about three college students who want to visit a shrine while a killer is on the loose. Mako, Kiyo, and Satsuki are three college students visiting Nikko Toshogu Shrine for winter vacation, a place said to have many power spots and benefits for romance. Kiyo has had a relationship before, but Mako and Satsuki have never had boyfriends. They meet Akira the fortuneteller on their trip. There is news on the TV of an escaped killer. Will the three make it safely to Nikko?
Acting
Nogizaka46 members bring genuine best-friend chemistry.
Direction
Nishi's tonal whiplash from cute to creepy is deliberate.
Production
Nikko winter footage is gorgeous and slightly menacing.
Creator
Kanako Nishi
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The title 'Saru ni Au' references the three wise monkeys at Nikko's famous shrine—see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil—which quietly mirrors how the girls ignore danger for romance.
Nogizaka46 members playing 'boyfriendless' characters hit different given the idol industry's dating bans—layered commentary or happy accident? You decide.
JP
