Watch episode 12 of "The Bureaucrats' Summer" online, download episode 12 of "The Bureaucrats' Summer" via Xunlei, introduction to the plot of episode 12 of "The Bureaucrats' Summer".

On the 18th, TBS announced that veteran actor Koichi Sato will star in a TV drama adaptation of renowned economic novelist Saburo Shiroyama's famous novel "The Bureaucrats' Summer." The show is scheduled to air during the 9 PM slot in July.

The book was serialized in Weekly Asahi and published in 1975. Sato will play Nobuyuki Kazuki, the vice minister for industry with a strong sense of responsibility to rebuild post-war Japan. Sato remarked: "This series is an excellent project that hasn't been seen in the past 10 to 20 years. It must become a unique TV drama in today’s television industry. I personally feel it's very challenging."

Due to reforms in Japanese government ministries, the public now holds a rather negative impression of high-ranking bureaucrats. Producer Eijun Izuno decided to produce this drama: "I hope viewers can see how these men worked hard to lead Japan's previously internationally uncompetitive automobile and electrical industries to their current level. I hope everyone can witness their proud work." Sato also passionately stated: "There's a kind of masculinity in them that today's 'herbivore men' lack."

Co-starring alongside Sato are other seasoned actors over 40, including Kin'ya Kitaoji, Masato Seki, Katsutaka Takahashi, and Noritaka Koshibe. A senior official at TBS said: "We hope viewers will be inspired on Sunday evenings and then start their work on Monday with great enthusiasm."