The New Year brings a truckload of new drama series, most of which seem to be about women. This year, the female protagonists are not defined by their relations with men, though that isn't necessarily a sign of progress.

In the new afternoon soap opera "The Magic of Cosmetics" (TBS; Monday to Friday, 1 p.m.), which premieres Jan. 5, Hisako Manta plays Reiko, a "charisma cosmetics saleswoman" who works for a makeup company called Ma Belle. Reiko is the kind of woman who believes the world will be a better place when every woman understands the proper way to apply foundation and that "neglecting the possibility of being beautiful is tantamount to a crime."

Reiko's first challenge is mousy housewife Minayo (Fumie Hosokawa), who, after one session of makeup application and manicure, is completely shocked by the change. Reiko makes Minayo pledge that she'll make herself more beautiful in two weeks time.