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Season 1 – Hibana: Spark

Play trailer Poster for Season 1 – Hibana: Spark Jun 2016 Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 1 Reviews 95% Popcornmeter 50+ Ratings
Tokunaga, a comic who is down on his luck, runs into a kind and experienced comic named Kamiya during a job at a fireworks event. Kamiya agrees to let Tokunaga be his apprentice in exchange for Tokunaga writing Kamiya's biography. The men regularly meet, so Kamiya can teach Tokunaga about the philosophy behind comedy -- until their careers and lives take different paths. As Tokunaga starts to find success, Kamiya's career starts to decline, and he eventually disappears, burdened with debt. A year later, a reunion occurs.
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Hibana: Spark — Season 1

Critics Reviews

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Maggie Lee Variety 06/24/2016
Making people laugh is no joke in "Hibana," a profoundly reflective and achingly tender look at Japan's vibrant yet cutthroat comedy scene. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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08/03/2017 Exquisitely cinematic. A lot of character development, bringing wells of emotion that I did not expect, from characters I did not expect. A touching, nuanced take on these young men in a unique industry. Makes you fall in love with Japan. See more 11/22/2016 A moving story that delves into the nature of the entertainment industry and humanity itself. Effortlessly touching and frequently hilarious, and insightful look into art and relationships. See more 09/09/2016 Even with its rough edges, Hibana shines with the power of its two leads. Kento Hayashi (High & Low: The Movie, Arakawa Under The Bridge) is absolutely captivating as the angst-riiden but determined Tokunaga. When heÂ’s not performing, he says little, but you can always see the wheels turning behind his eyes. Hayashi subtly plays double meanings in his lines, without telegraphing his intent or overplaying dramatic moments. His few unreserved outbursts are earned and truly effective. Kazuki Namioka (Why DonÂ’t You play in Hell?, 13 Assassins) is magnetic throughout. From his first moments on screen to the challenging final scene, his energy is inescapable, and he smartly know when to keep it below the surface. He forms Kamiya into a loveable puppy dog: once you adopt him, youÂ’re going to love him no matter how many times he shits on the rug. There are countless opportunities in the story for a character like this to go over the top, but Namioka nails the bullseye on one tricky moment after another. Full review on Drama-MAX See more 09/03/2016 Beautiful and simple. See more 07/24/2016 You don't have to know a lot about Japanese stand-up comedy to watch this. It's a really good story. Largely dialogue-based, the show is slow going but worth sticking with. It explores failure, loneliness and something you can't really describe in words. Great show. See more Ivan N 07/04/2016 Fantastic series as long as you give it a few episodes. See more Read all reviews
Hibana: Spark — Season 1

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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Kento Hayashi

Tokunaga

Kazuki Namioka

Kamiya

Masao Yoshii

Actor

Mugi Kadowaki

Maki

Ryuichi Hiroki

Director

Tomonori Otsuka

Screenwriter

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Jun 3, 2016 Episode 1 A struggling comic named Tokunaga meets an intense comic, Kamiya, at a festival and asks to become his apprentice. Details Episode 2 Aired Jun 3, 2016 Episode 2 After relocating to Tokyo, Kamiya and Tokunaga become closer; Sparks gets an audition for an official venue. Details Episode 3 Aired Jun 3, 2016 Episode 3 As New Year's approaches, prospects for Sparks look increasingly better; Kamiya's career is at a standstill as he moves in with a woman named Maki. Details Episode 4 Aired Jun 3, 2016 Episode 4 Tokunaga and Yamashita are forced to think about the future when Yamashita is offered a role in a movie. Details Episode 5 Aired Jun 3, 2016 Episode 5 Sparks and Ahondara perform in a variety show where audience votes determine the winner; when the results are revealed, Tokunaga decides to make a change. Details Episode 6 Aired Jun 3, 2016 Episode 6 Sparks gets ready for the first stand-alone show; Kamiya and Maki's situation becomes precarious, prompting Kamiya to ask for Tokunaga's help. Details Episode 7 Aired Jun 3, 2016 Episode 7 After a radio gig, Sparks performs in a televised comedy contest; style differences are exposed when Ahondara participates in the show as well. Details Episode 8 Aired Jun 3, 2016 Episode 8 Tokunaga's TV appearances lead to more money, widening a gap between him and Kamiya, whose debts and life are getting out of control. Details Episode 9 Aired Jun 3, 2016 Episode 9 When plans for a regular spot on a TV show fall through, Tokunaga wants to keep going, but Yamashita has other plans. Details Episode 10 Aired Jun 3, 2016 Episode 10 Sparks brings down the house in a farewell show; a year later, Kamiya's return interrupts Tokunaga's job in real estate. Details

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Hibana: Spark — Season 1

Hibana: Spark Hibana: Spark Hibana: Spark View more photos

Season Info

Director
Ryuichi Hiroki
Screenwriter
Tomonori Otsuka
Network
Netflix
Rating
TV-MA
Genre
Drama
Original Language
Japanese
Release Date
Jun 3, 2016
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