Genshu Hanayagi: Prison Diary (1984)

This drama attracted significant attention as an adaptation in which actress and dancer Genshu Hanayanagi recounts her real-life experiences in prison. On October 29, 1980, Hanayanagi (playing herself) began serving a prison sentence after being convicted of assaulting the head of a traditional dance school. Inside, she met women from diverse backgrounds, including a woman who allowed birds to devour her own child and a member of the Red Army Faction. Although initially met with a cold reception, Hanayanagi gradually became a central figure among them, thanks to her naturally cheerful personality.

• Release Date: 1984-05-11
• Runtime: 1h 30min
• Production Company: TBS
• Production Country: Japan
• Director: Yukio Noda