Synopsis

Set in the early 20th century, at a time when disease was spreading and poverty and crime were rampant. The people were awaiting the birth of a hero. Hirai Taro (Hamada Gaku) is a writer, who enjoys reading detective mystery novels such as those written by authors Conan Doyle, Maurice LeBlanc, and Edgar Allan Poe. He lives a meagre life, surviving on one main meal daily, while working from one low paid job to another. Though he tries hard to get his own novels published, the newspaper and publishing companies show no interest towards his stories. The only correspondence he receives is from Murayama Ryuko, who he communicates with by way of letter. Meanwhile, Taro meets Shirai Saburo (Kusakari Masao), an elderly detective, and the two decide to team up in order to solve private detective jobs together. Later, Hirai Taro will become the famous detective novel writer who made his debut as a writer in 1923 under the pen name of Edogawa Rampo. NHK will air this drama to commemorate the 100th year anniversary since his debut.