About the Digital Script Archives
Scripts are the blueprints for video productions such as drama series.
TV broadcasting began over 70 years ago on February 1, 1953. All programs were live at the time. Although recording techniques were later developed, video tapes were used over and over again as they were expensive. That is why very few video recordings from before 1980 have remained. The records of valuable broadcasts can only be traced from their scripts.
This website provides a list of 350 selected works with must read scripts from the Showa era Japanese drama shows, along with a summary of each work in a database format.
To allow readers to get a feel of the culture, social conditions, spoken language, and people’s way of life back then depicted in the works, we will publish the actual text of scripts for which the copyrights holders have given their permission.
You can view the scripts from a PC or smartphone.
To enable the scripts to be used widely in classes and arts festivals at schools and for other educational purposes, we allow members of non-profit educational institutions to download them.
*You must complete the questionnaire. Please see the instructions for use for more information.
In addition to the script database, this website provides interview videos with screenwriters and broadcast writers, text data of past interviews, and much more, thus catering to the needs of a broad range of users, whether you want to learn how to write scripts, follow drama shows with the script, get a feel of the Showa era, or simply enjoy drama and acting.