BG Personal Bodyguard tells the story of Akira Shimazaki and his team in the newly set up bodyguard division of Hinode Security Services, as they carry out their duties for a wide range of clients. Amidst the many diversely unique circumstances his dangerous assignments entail, Akira has to shoulder the heavy burden of his troubled past and navigate the travails of being a single parent whilst dealing with a simmering underlying romantic tension as well as an enveloping feud with the Metropolitan Police Department’s own officially sanctioned bodyguard section, the Security Bureau division.

This is a brilliant show that has everything viewers could possibly hope for in a TV programme format and exemplifies nearly every aspect of drama production done well and beyond.

Headlined by the much-loved Takuya Kimura in the leading role, no superlatives are ever enough in describing the fine professional that he is, and for this role he has once again fulfilled the gold standard that we have come to expect of him. The character of Akira Shimazaki is one that demands such high levels of multi-layered complexity that only Kimutaku could accomplish through his nuanced performance. Even the physical exertions demanded to make this portrayal believable is delivered with aplomb.

Credit must also go to the excellent writing behind this production, which is provided by the hugely experienced screenwriter Inoue Yumiko. The key characters and their relationship dynamics, creative bodyguard assignments, compelling dialogue, clever overarching plot, the twists and turns are all deftly conceived and interwoven to produce this distinctive drama. Having written numerous highly-rated shows for more than 25 years, this drama is the first based on her screenplay that I have watched. I shall definitely make sure to savour more from her portfolio of works after this.

The overall production is top notch and exudes a simplistic brilliance where the pacing of the story progression from the episodic arcs to the main plot neatly accommodates ample character development before finally concluding in a thrilling climax. Decent performances by the supporting cast, in particular Eguchi Yosuke’s version of the antagonistic Ochiai Yoshiaki, Saitoh Takumi’s cold and detached Takanashi Masaya, and Ishida Yuriko’s intriguingly complicated Minister of Health, Tachihara Aiko. Special mention goes to the award-winning Kamikawa Takaya, whose understated portrayal of Murata Goro is both emotional and poignant.

Personally for me, BG Personal Bodyguard is not just an awesome drama with a solid story and all-round performances. I have watched a lot of bodyguard movies starring the likes of Kevin Costner, Clint Eastwood, Denzel Washington, Michael Douglas, and Gerard Butler. But Kimutaku’s version showcases a different side to the profession, a more realistic and humane perspective without the gratuitous violence of a gung-ho one-man show. It’s a roller coaster of emotions that conveys the meaning of friendship, teamwork, accountability, and loyalty in service of protecting others.