Release Date: September 1, 2017
Platform: Netflix
Hirotaro, an average Japanese salaryman, decided one day to purchase a Nintendo Famicom along with Final Fantasy III for his son Akio, after a long period of reluctance to do so. Akio thoroughly enjoyed playing Final Fantasy III and even stumbled across his father playing it in the middle of the night. Though they shared the joy of playing this game together, their relationship grew cold as the years went on, barely speaking to each other. Akio, now a salaryman himself, has continued to play video games and is currently spending his time in Eorzea in Final Fantasy XIV.
Suddenly, Hirotaro quits his job without telling any of his family. Akio decides to use this time as an opportunity to reconnect with his father using Final Fantasy, the series that brought them together many years ago. After consulting with the members of his Free Company in the game, The Dad of Light plan is hatched. Akio will gift Final Fantasy XIV to his dad and then anonymously befriend him inside the game before revealing himself, in hopes to reignite their father and son bond smoothly.
The Dad of Light himself, Hirotaro was considered to be a candidate for the next president of his company but just decided to quit out of the blue. His Hyur characters name is blocked out because I think the delivery of the reveal in the show is great so I did not want to spoil it. If you want to know regardless, it is
Indy Jones
Portrayed by Ren Osugi, a character actor with a long career, he is commonly found in fatherly figure roles, most recently as this year in Uso no Sensou.
A young salaryman who loves video games, he hopes to be able to speak casually with his dad again.
Portrayed by Yudai Chiba, tokusatsu fans may recognize him as Gosei Red, from Tensou Sentai Goseiger. He has since had many supporting roles with a wide range of personalities, my personal favorite being a flamboyant aggressive realtor in Ie Uru Onna.
In Eorzea, his character, the miqo'te Maidy, is voiced by Yoshino Nanjo. Final Fantasy XIV players may recognize her as the voice of Krile Mayer Baldesion.
The Mom of Light, she enjoys Korean dramas.
Portrayed by Mako Ishino, a singer and actress who has played a supportive housewife in a number of dramas, such as Hana Yori Dango and Boku, Unmei no Hito desu.
A new hire at Akios workplace.
Portrayed by Fumika Baba, a model who is also known for her role as Medic in Kamen Rider Drive.
Members of Maidys Free Company, they are there to support him in his Dad of Light plan.
They are voiced by Minako Kotobuki and Aoi Yuuki, respectively, each with extensive voice acting experience.
How do I watch this?
Please click on the Netflix show link in the Links section below or search for Final Fantasy XIV Dad of Light on the device of your choice and look for the below thumbnail in the results.
It will require a Netflix account. Remember, it costs real money, kupo.
What are the songs used on the show?
The opening theme is the other end of the globe by Glay. Abridged music video
The ending theme is AKANE by Silent Siren. Official music video
The insert song is Jacarandaの花のように by Meg.
I thought the title was Daddy of Light???
Let us pray for the lost daddy memes, RIP
Is this based on a true story?
It is, please see the Links section below for the original blog. (Japanese)
Netflix show link
The blog that started it all (Japanese)
Official Japanese show site
Threads from two other recent Japanese dramas that are available only on Netflix.
Million Yen Women
Samurai Gourmet
Thank you to Aeana for font advice (FF3 font source)
and thank you to Netflix for bringing this show over as well as everyone for watching!
