Shinji Nojima

Shinji Nojima (born March 4, 1963) is a prolific Japanese screenwriter renowned for his daring and emotionally charged work across TV dramas, films, animation, and stage plays. Known for tackling controversial themes such as bullying, rape, incest, and social stigma, Nojima is credited with reshaping the landscape of Japanese drama from the late 1980s onward.

Early Life and Education

Nojima was born in Kashiwazaki, Niigata Prefecture. After graduating from Urawa High School in 1981, he enrolled at Chuo University but dropped out and moved to Los Angeles. While living with a host family, he studied at UCLA. Upon returning to Japan, he held various part-time jobs before entering the scriptwriting field, inspired by a magazine ad he saw after a shift at a can factory.

Breakthrough and Career Highlights

• 1988: Won the 2nd Fuji TV Young Scenario Award for Sometimes Like a Child Without a Mother, marking his debut.

• 1988: First TV series script: You Lied to Me (Kimi ga Uso o Tsuita), averaging 17.3% in viewership.

• Partnered with Fuji TV producer Ryo Ota to develop trendy dramas that defined an era.

Iconic Dramas and Social Commentary

Nojima's best-known work, High School Teacher (1993), addressed taboo topics like teacher-student romance, rape, and incest—airing during prime time and sparking national debate.

In 1994, he developed the idea for Homeless Child, which produced the viral line: “If you feel sorry for me, give me money!” (Dōjō suru nara kane o kure!).

Nojima repeatedly pushed boundaries with shows like:

• The 101st Proposal (1991)

• Under the Name of Love (1992)

• No Longer Human – For Example, If I Were to Die (1994)

• Underage (1995)

• March of the Saints (1998)

• Strawberry on the Shortcake (2001)

Many of his works exceeded 20% viewership ratings despite criticism from PTA organizations. His dramas were often ranked among “shows parents don’t want children to watch.”

Creative Style and Musical Legacy

Nojima frequently borrows titles from existing literature and music, emphasizing emotional storytelling. Examples include:

• No Longer Human – based on Osamu Dazai's novel

• High School Teacher – theme song by Morita Doji: “Our Failure” (Bokutachi no Shippai)

• Strawberry on the Shortcake – featured music from ABBA

• Underage – used The Carpenters

Composer Akira Senju often collaborated with Nojima, providing balanced soundtracks to match intense scenes. Their partnership was so close that critics dubbed them the “father and mother” of Japanese drama.

Animation and Later Works

In 2021, Nojima made his anime debut with Wonder Egg Priority (CloverWorks), serving as the original creator and writer. It explored youth trauma and psychological recovery—a natural extension of his interest in emotional realism.

He also served as general supervisor at Polestar Tokyo Academy, mentoring aspiring actors and launching careers through partnerships with entertainment events like Dream Kids Collection.

International Recognition

Several of Nojima’s works have been remade in Korea and China, including:

• The 101st Proposal

• Strawberry on the Shortcake

He has given lectures to screenwriters abroad, showcasing his influence on East Asian storytelling.

Personal Life and Interests

• Trained in karate until high school; describes himself as “hardcore athletic.”

• A passionate fan of the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks (baseball).

• Has a son, but prefers not to push him toward writing.

• Actors he remembers most: Issei Ishida and Sachiko Sakurai.

Notable Works

Television Dramas

• High School Teacher (1993, 2003) ♰

• No Longer Human (1994) ♰

• Underage (1995) ♰

• March of the Saints (1998) ♰

• Strawberry on the Shortcake (2001) ♰

• Without a Trace of Roses (2008)

• What Day Were You Born? (2023)

Films

• You Will Fall in Love With Me (1989)

• High School Teacher: Another Cocoon Story (1993) ♰

• Hero Interview (1994)

Stage & Novels

• Usani (2012, stage and novel)

• Swan Lake, Scotland Yard Game, Snufkin’s Lover

Songwriting Credits

• SMAP – “Lion Heart”

• Hey! Say! JUMP – “Super Delicate”

• ASTRO – “Goodbye to My Favorite Person”

Awards and Recognition

Japan TV Drama Academy Awards

• Best Scriptwriter:

  • No Longer Human (1994)

  • Underage (1995)

  • March of the Saints (1998)

  • Without a Trace of Roses (2008)

TV LIFE Drama Awards

• Best Scriptwriter:

  • High School Teacher, Under One Roof (1993)

  • No Longer Human, This World’s Edge, Homeless Child (1994)

  • Underage (1995)