Based on a true story, the new drama series "Aogeba Totoshi" ("Graduation Song"; TBS, Sun., 9 p.m.) takes place at a high school in Kanagawa Prefecture in the 1980s.
Akira Terao plays Hikuma, a saxophone player who has lost his zest for life after an accident ruined his career. He now gives music lessons to children in the public park. One day, the principal of the nearby high school observes the lesson and asks Hikuma if he would like to join the school's faculty as a music instructor. He says he'll think about it.
Hikuma's college-age daughter, Natsuki (Mikako Tabe), isn't sure if it's a good idea, but the next day Hikuma goes to the school to see what it's like. While walking the halls, he complains about the behavior of Aoshima, the leader of a group of punks, and the boy punches him. When the principal hears of this, he figures Hikuma will not take the job, but the musician sees it as a challenge and agrees to teach there. His first task is to form a brass band.