Muri na Renai無理な恋愛 – Release April 08

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:
Tachiki Shogo (Sakai Masaaki) 堺正章 is a 60 year old rich music producer who use to be a member of a rock band. At his elderly age, he has everything except one. That is a partner or a lover that can accompany him throughout the years. Before he met Nagano Kaede (Natsukawa Yui) 夏川結衣, he spend most of his time party with the youngsters and singing in Karaoke. After meet up with Nagano Kaede (Natsukawa Yui) 夏川結衣, he began to fall in love with her. It’s not easy for Tachiki Shogo (Sakai Masaaki) 堺正章 to pursuit his love as there are lots of barriers that he needs to get through. Couple of things ahead is the big age gap and a young handsome guy that might be Nagano Kaede (Natsukawa Yui) 夏川結衣 boy friend.

Feelings and comments:
Age is not a problem when it comes to love. That’s not entirely true, especially when you have a big age gap. The sentence should be written this way “Age will have a lot of problems when it comes to love, but all can be solve”. When couple has a large age gap, there are things that need to be considered. Things like being same age with the father of the bride or maybe older and the ability of having children are among some of the issue that need to be discuss. Most importantly the thoughts and goals are different at different age. Still it is possible for love to fit in, just need to tune it right.
Honestly the main cast of this drama did not attract me at all. Even so I’m pretty amaze by the passion of actor (Sakai Masaaki) 堺正章. He doesn’t really looks like a 60 year old man.

Things that caught my eyes:
Lots of guest stars including Sakaguchi Kenji (坂口憲二).

Japan Drama Rating:
Watch it if you like love story. It’s a big age gap love story with no famous cast. Not much interesting stuff to keep on watching it.

Purchase:
TV series, 2008 Japanese Drama : Muri na Renai w/ Eng Sub

Drama Theme Song: Wasuremono by Masaaki Sakai

Japan Drama Preview:

Osenおせん – Release April 08

Search Amazon.com for aoi yuKumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:
Handa Sen (Aoi Yu) 蒼井優is the owner of a Japanese restaurant that serves Japanese dishes traditional way. Preserving the original taste has always been the main goal of this restaurant. Even as the owner of the famous Japanese restaurant, Handa Sen (Aoi Yu) 蒼井優 is still a 20 year old girl. She loves to drink a lot but when it comes to cooking she is still the best. The present of Handa Sen (Aoi Yu) 蒼井優 makes this famous Japanese restaurant special. Then came Ezaki Yoshio (Uchi Hiroki) 内博貴 who wanted to learn to become a chef. As he starts working in the restaurant, he learns more than just cooking.

Feelings and comments:
It’s difficult to get a taste of handmade traditional food nowadays. No doubt that preparing food traditional way does taste better and healthy. The problem is that it takes a lot of time and effort just to prepare a meal. If you’re living in a city, you don’t have that much time for cooking. That is why most of us that live and stay in city are mostly customers of fast food. Some of us don’t even have time to slow down and get a taste of what we’re eating. All we can think of is eat to work.
There is a time for me that I have ketchup for almost all my meals. No matter what I’m having for lunch or dinner, I just need to add some ketchup. I never really know how to taste the food until a friend point this out. After that I learned that even if I’m having same dishes every day, it might taste differently. That’s when I started to taste the original flavor of the food.
This drama really makes me have a delicious Japanese meal with my eyes. The food and dishes presented are no doubt nicely presented.

Things that caught my eyes:
The food and dishes presented is enough to capture the attention. I did pick up some tips for preparing some Japanese food.

Japan Drama Rating:
Nice to watch. It’s a delicious drama that shows variety of Japanese food.

Purchase:
Osen (OST), ,

Drama Theme Song: Odore by Micro, 恋詩 Koiuta by タッキー&翼


Japan Drama Preview:

Code Blueコード・ブルー – Release July 08

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:

A new concept where doctors are rush to the scene of accident to save life. Doctors are highly train for emergency rescue out from surgical room. A helicopter is use specially to send doctors and patients between scene of accident and hospital. As it is a new concept, only a few doctors are highly train to handle this special condition. Kuroda Shuji (Yanagiba Toshiro) 柳葉敏郎 is one of the best doctors in this profession. In order to make this concept successful, increasing the number of skillful doctors is a must. As the best doctor, Kuroda Shuji needs to train 4 new interns to be able to handle patients at the scene of accident independently. This starts the training session for young surgical interns Aizawa Kosaku (Yamashita Tomohisa) 山下智久, Shiraishi Megumi (Aragaki Yui) 新垣結衣, Hiyama Mihoko (Toda Erika) 戸田恵梨香 and Fujikawa Kazuo (Asari Yosuke) 浅利陽介.

Feelings and comments:

Yamashita Tomohisa 山下智久, Aragaki Yui 新垣結衣 and Toda Erika 戸田恵梨香 as the main cast of this drama is enough to attract lots of viewers. Even as they only wear blue surgical uniform but they still look good. Plus there is a helicopter that most of us can’t stop looking at it. That makes it a must see drama this year.
Being a doctor is not easy. A part that doctors need to be medical knowledgeable and skillful in operation, doctors also need to be mentally strong. Sometimes critical decision needs to be made and there is no room for emotional feelings. Despite saving life, doctors also faces a lot of death. How long does it takes for doctors to get use of a person dying in front of him/her? In order to become a good doctor or a surgeon, lots of sacrifices need to be made, sometimes even placing the job in front of the loves one. That’s what makes me wondering we are not paid for their services but their sacrifices in order for us to live longer.

Things that caught my eyes:

The helicopter sure catches a lot of attention in this drama. I’m sure it’s fun to be able to get on that helicopter even if it’s just for the purpose of making this drama.

Japan Drama Rating:

Worth watching it. Just like the famous drama “Grey’s Anatomy” where surgical interns practice their skills with helicopter as their transport.

Purchase:

Original Soundtrack, 2008 Japanese Drama: Code Blue w/ English Subtitle

Drama Theme Song: Hanabi by Mr. Children


Japan Drama Preview:

Japan Drama NG Scenes:

Around 40アラウンド40 – Release April 08

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:
Ogata Satoko (Amami Yuki) 天海祐希, Morimura Nao (Otsuka Nene) 大塚寧々 and Takeuchi Mizue (Matsushita Yuki) 松下由樹 are good friends. They always hang out together having lunch or dinner at Ohashi Sadao (Tsutsui Michitaka) 筒井道隆’s restaurant. Ogata Satoko, Morimura Nao and Takeuchi Mizue are all around age of 40. 2 of them are still single and 1 already married for years. 3 of them are perusing different kind of lifestyle but with same goal in mind. That is to be able to live happily ever after. Is marriage necessary for living happily?

Feelings and comments:
“Getting married or not” that is the question that most woman always talk about. Especially when age are catching up and still remain singles, this sort of question often pops up during conversation. No matter which way we choose, it doesn’t matter as long as we’re happy. “Happily ever after “or not, that’s for us to decide. There are also couples that did not sign the marriage paper but still able to have a happy life together. Marriage doesn’t guarantee a happy life but it does give you certain security.

The drama shows us 3 different stages from single, getting married and married for years. All of them have only 1 goal in mind. That is to be happy in their life. One thing for sure, no matter which path we choose there will be problems and difficulties. All we need to do is try to deal with it and keep on moving.

Things that caught my eyes:
There is a quote shown on TV whenever Ogata Satoko (Amami Yuki) 天海祐希 walk pass the corridor in the hospital. A different quote every time but it makes us think about a lot of things.

It sure is nice to have a restaurant like that where friends can hang out. Especially the owner of the restaurant is one of our buddies.

Japan Drama Rating:
Interesting to watch. It’s a story about 3 women in different lifestyle around the age of 40.

Purchase:
TV series, Original Soundtrack, 2008 Japanese Drama: Around 40 w/ English Subtitle

Drama Theme Song: Shiawase no Monosashi by Takeuchi Mariya
Japan Drama Preview:

Shichinin no Onna Bengoshi 7人の女弁護士 (season2)– Release April 08

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:
This is a drama about a law firm with 7 female lawyers that aim to help women. They are Todo Maki (釈由美子) Shaku Yumiko, Ijima Taeko (原沙知絵) Hara Sachie, Sugimura Misako (野際陽子)Nogiwa Yoko, Yoshizawa Kanako (中島知子) Nakajima Tomoko, Kawamura Ayako (三浦理恵子) Miura Rieko, Miyata Shizuka (東ちづる) Azuma Chizuru and Nakamura Saki (滝沢沙織 )Takizawa Saori . They work as a team to solve cases and help innocent female victims.

Feelings and comments:
If you like the first season, then you should continue watch the 2nd season. It’s just the same old style of drama with a case to solve in each episode. Honestly I feel that this drama is more like a detective drama then a lawyer drama. Perhaps it is better to describe as a group of women detectives that helps women and solve cases. A bit of girl power is written all over this drama.

Things that caught my eyes:
Obviously the main attraction of this drama is the 7 lawyer actress and a whole bunch of guest stars.

Japan Drama Rating:
Fan of detective investigation should watch it. If not skip it.

Purchase:
2008 Japanese Drama: Shichinin no Onna Bengoshi II w/Eng Sub

Drama Theme Song: Kissing you by BoA
Japan Drama Preview:
Sorry, not available

CHANGE – Release May 08

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:
Asakura Keita (Kimura Takuya) 木村拓哉 is an elementary school teacher who stays at country side and enjoy checking out the stars. Despite that he is from a politician family, he has no interest in politics. Even so, he is still unable to escape the faith of becoming a politician. With the help of Miyama Rika (Fukatsu Eri) 深津絵里 and an election strategist - Nirasawa Katsutoshi (Abe Hiroshi) 阿部寛, he started his journey as a politician by competing in the local election. From that day onwards he started to realize that he was born to be a politician.

Feelings and comments:
Politics are usually complicated, ugly and fill with secrets. Normal citizens mostly don’t have a clue what politics about. Most of us give out our vote base on what is said by the politician. Honestly, how many of us really know the guy that we voted? How do we know what they have done and what they can accomplish for us? Well, all we can do is choose the best we can and hope for the best. It is true that a lot of the politicians are not as good as they said they are. A lot of them are just hunger for money, power and fame. Still there are some that actually want to serve the people and make a better world to live in. As a citizen, we have the vote to decide the leader of the country. We just need to choose wisely and carefully.

Things that caught my eyes:
The office, wad room and the house specially prepared for prime minister really is top of the class.

Japan Drama Rating:
Worth watching it. Having 3 famous actors like Kimura Takuya (木村拓哉), Terao Akira (寺尾聰) and Abe Hiroshi (阿部寛) in one drama is worth your time to watch it.

Purchase:
2008 Japanese Drama: CHANGE (Takuya Kimura) w/ Eng Sub

Japan Drama Preview:


Japan Drama NG Scenes:

Zettai Kareshi絶対彼氏– Release April 08

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:

A company invented a robot to act as a perfect boy friend. Before going for mass production, the company decided to test out their product. That is where Izawa Riiko(Aibu Saki) 相武紗季 comes in. Without knowing the details about the company and product, Izawa Riiko(Aibu Saki) 相武紗季 accepted the robot boy friend - Tenjo Night(Hayami Mokomichi ) 速水もこみちto stay and live with her. Tenjo Night is specially program base on Izawa Riiko’s ideal boy friend. The goal or mission of Tenjo Night is to get Izawa Riiko falls in love with him. Even so, no matter how perfect Tenjo Night is as a boy friend, it is still impossible to fall in love with a robot.

Feelings and comments:

I think stories with robot lovers can be found in lots of countries and languages. The idea of the story might not be new but still attracts a lot of viewers. It must have been the ideal lover that attracts people. Everybody wanted a perfect partner and a happy perfect life. The truth is there is no such thing as perfect. Well, that’s in the real world but not in a fictional world. It is possible to have everything perfect in a fictional world. That is why these stories always get people’s attention. We know that we can’t have it but at least we can fantasize it for a period of time.

Things that caught my eyes:

Those delicious desserts definitely the best part in this drama. Being able to work and having desserts are most certainly a way to enjoy.

Rating:

Fun to watch. Even if the idea of a robot lover is not new, it’s still fun and interesting to watch.

Japan Drama Purchase:

TV series, Original Soundtrack, 2008 Japanese Drama: Zettai Kareshi w/ English Subtitle,

Japan Drama Preview:

Japan Drama NG Scene:

ROOKIESルーキーズ – Release April 08

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:

Kawato Koichi (Sato Ryuta) 佐藤隆太is a passionate teacher and always puts his students before him. After being transferred to a new school, he was assigned to a class with a bunch of trouble students. Apparently he was chosen so that the school can get rid of the students. This group of students is from the baseball club. Previously they were involved in a fight during a baseball tournament as a result the club was ban from tournament and practice for a period of time. Kawato Koichi (Sato Ryuta) 佐藤隆太 decided to help these students to get back into baseball after knowing this. It won’t be an easy task but Kawato Koichi will not give up no matter what.

Feelings and comments:

The story of this drama is actually good, too bad that there isn’t any famous actor or actress in it. This drama is base on a famous manga. If you have seen the manga then you’ll know that this is actually a story of a bunch of drop out students having a success playing baseball. The story is not bad just that it’s all about boys and baseball. If you haven’t seen the manga then you might enjoy this drama. Of cause if you don’t hate baseball then you should watch it.

Things that caught my eyes:

The drama does have a couple of things that are not nice to watch, especially for children. The drama shows students under age that are smoking and a lot of blood due to some punches. Even if this is to bring out the story but still consider not good for viewers under age.

Japan Drama Rating:

Nice to watch. Feels like watching a different version of Gokusen.

Purchase:

TV series, 2008 Japanese Drama: Rookies w/ English Subtitle

Japan Drama Preview:

Japan Drama NG Scenes:

Puzzleパズル– Release April 08

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:

Ayukawa Misako (Ishihara Satomi) 石原さとみ is an English teacher that transferred into a famous boy’s school. She is a cute and young teacher that everybody loves except to her students. To her students, she is a self arrogance adult that only loves money. Plus she doesn’t really qualify to teaching English. The only thing that she is good is solving puzzles. Unwillingly and unfortunately 3 of her students end up following her around searching for treasures that they accidentally bump into.

Feelings and comments:

This drama looks more like a comedy detective series just like Trick or Kaette Kita Jikou Keisatsu. Each episode has a unique story line with mystery and puzzle to solve. The fun part is that there is Ayukawa Misako (Ishihara Satomi) 石原さとみ that does not looks like a teacher making fun around her students. There isn’t any story line throughout the whole series, just that going around places solving puzzles to get to the treasure.

Things that caught my eyes:

Ayukawa Misako (Ishihara Satomi) 石原さとみ doesn’t looks more like a student then a teacher to me.

Japan Drama Rating:

Fun to watch. It’s just like a comedy detective drama.

Purchase:

TV series, 2008 Japanese Drama: Puzzle w/ English Subtitle

Japan Drama Preview:

Sorry, couldn't find any.

Gokusenごくせん Season 3– Release April 08

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:

Yamaguchi Kumiko (Nakama Yukie) 仲間由紀恵 also known as Yankumi is a passionate teacher. Due to her family background, she turns out to be a special teacher. She is a teacher that able to handles problem students. One by one she teaches them to be a good person and avoid being a trouble maker or criminal in the future. That is if she is able to keep them together and helps them to graduate without getting kick out from school. The fact that Yamaguchi Kumiko (Nakama Yukie) 仲間由紀恵 is able to take on these troublesome students because she is the 4^th generation of a yakuza clan. Handling these students is nothing compare to taking care of her home business. Nobody knows her actual background and her home as this can be the reason that she gets fire. In order to keep her teaching career she needs to keep this a secret.

Feelings and comments:

The story line is about the same as the first 2 seasons and there is nothing special in this 3^rd season. It’s the same routine. Teacher tries to get along with students. Students hate teacher and school. Students get into trouble with gang fight. Teacher fights her way to save students and wins their hearts. The only different in this drama is we get to watch a different group of new young stars. Seems that this has become a good way to promote them and open a new market. At the end of the 3^rd season it seems that this way works well.

If you watch the 1^st and 2^nd season of this drama, you won’t find any excitement or new things. You’ll feel that the story line has not been written well also.

Things that caught my eyes:

Their classroom and tables are actually nicely decorated and painted. It’s a work of art if you take a good look at it.

Japan Drama Rating:

Fun to watch. You’ll enjoy it if you miss the first 2 seasons.

Purchase:

2008 Japanese Drama : Gokusen (I + II + III) w/ English Subtitle

Japan Drama Preview:

Ryokiteki na Kanojo猟奇的な彼女– Release April 08

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:

Masaki Saburo (Kusanagi Tsuyoshi) 草彅剛 is a marine biology professor who just got dump by his girl friend. As he returns home sadly, he met Takami Riko (Tanaka Rena) 田中麗奈 who is drunk and heart breaking just like him. From the moment Masaki Saburo (Kusanagi Tsuyoshi) 草彅剛rescue Takami Riko (Tanaka Rena) 田中麗奈 from getting hit by the train and helps her while she drunk, she has been appearing around him ever since either annoying him or gives him troubles. Faith brought both of them together when they are heartbroken. It might not be romantic when they first met but it sure has some love spark at first sight.

Feelings and comments:

This is another crazy romantic drama that makes fun with some other popular Japanese drama. If you watch a lot of Japanese drama then you’ll recognized lots of familiar scenes. Love it really a crazy thing that is unpredictable. That’s what makes it exciting and valuable. You don’t know who you’ll fall in love to. Well, at least that’s how it is in this drama.

This drama is actually a remake of a popular Korean drama. If you’ve seen the Korean version then you might just want to skip this one. But still this drama is good for a laugh.

Things that caught my eyes:

Takami Riko (Tanaka Rena) 田中麗奈 really does kick hard and hit the weak spot.

Japan Drama Rating:

Fun to watch. If u seen lots of Japanese dramas, then you’ll find a lot of similar scene in this drama

Purchase:

2008 Japanese Drama: Ryokiteki na Kanojo w/English Subs

Japan Drama Preview:

Hokaben ホカベン– Release April 08

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:

Domoto Akari(Ueto Aya) 上戸彩 is a newbie lawyer that hopes to help those that are needed. She chooses to be a lawyer because she believes that the law will protect those that are week, to her lawyer is just like a police where justice stands. Her idealistic thought shattered as soon as she works on her first case. It seems that the world of lawyers is not as what she expected.

Feelings and comments:

First of all I really don’t like lawyers. Still, it is better to have lawyers as friends then enemies. This drama just shows the true nature of a lawyer. Winning the case is everything. The Law is just the rules of the game. The one that is able to understand and make full use of it will be the winner. Humans are the one that create the laws and yet people manipulate it for their advantages. In other words those are able to play the rules will most likely in the comfortable safe position.

If you’ve went through the first working year after graduated from college, then you might be able to understand Domoto Akari (Ueto Aya) 上戸彩’s feeling. It’s not just the job as a lawyer but it’s the same to every job. First day at work is always exciting and fill with high hopes. At the end of the day, you’ll finally wake up from the work that you used to dream of. The words “Welcome to the real world” struck like a lightning. Eventually the job or work that we choose is not as fun as we thought so.

Things that caught my eyes:

The dog is actually getting more attention than the mother.

Japan Drama Rating:

Nice to watch. A realistic drama about what lawyers really are.

Purchase:

Hokaben (OST)

Japan Drama Preview:

Last Friendsラスト・フレンズ– Release April 08

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:

This drama is about the story of 5 people that trying to built a better life in this cruel reality world. Aida Michiru (Nagasawa Masami) 長澤まさみ, Kishimoto Ruka (Ueno Juri) 上野樹里, Mizushima Takeru (Nagayama Eita) 永山瑛太, Takigawa Eri (Mizukawa Asami) 水川あさみ and Ogura Tomohiko (Yamazaki Shigenori) 山崎樹範 found each other and stay together in a share house. Each of them has their personal problems which most youngsters are facing in this modern world. Violence, abuse, freedom, divorce, loves and happiness is among the things that they are struggling to deal with and understand. Even so they manage to find support and laughter when they are together. Helping each other and watching others get through life gives them strength to survive in this world.

Feelings and comments:

We always say that life is better and easier today when comparing to 50 years ago. The truth is life is never easy or better no matter where or when you’re born. People that are 50 to 80 years old different normally cannot understand the pain and difficulties each went through. The least we can do is respect their experience. Young generations nowadays mostly do not have difficulties in earning money to live on. Their problems mostly related to previous generation or pressure from the society. We normally are told by our grandparents that if you’re able to have a decent meal, a shelter and your loves then it is considered a happy life. Nowadays these 3 criteria are just the basic things that you need in order to have a happy life. That means there are other things required for being happy.

Aida Michiru (Nagasawa Masami) 長澤まさみ and Kishimoto Ruka (Ueno Juri) 上野樹里 are really great in this drama. Especially Kishimoto Ruka (Ueno Juri) 上野樹里 is really cool with her bike. The share house is special in this drama. Having able to have 5 friends that are able to get along to stay together is just great. We are able to experience this mostly during college time or the first few years of our working life. After a few years we meet our partners and move on to a new house.

Things that caught my eyes:

The character Kishimoto Ruka (Ueno Juri) 上野樹里 really is cool. She got most of my attention through out the whole series.

Japan Drama Rating:

Worth watching it. Feels like a Japanese version of US comedy friends. Just that this drama is more realistic with problems youngsters facing now.

Purchase:

TV series, 2008 Japanese Drama: Last Friends w/ English Subtitle

Japan Drama Preview:

Japan Drama NG Scenes:

Furuhata Chuugakusei古畑中学生 – Release Jun 08

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:

Furuhata Ninzaburo (Tamura Masakazu) 田村正和 is a famous detective who soles a lot of crime investigation. This is a story during his high school time right before he started to get involved in solving cases as a detective. Furuhata Chuugakusei (Yamada Ryosuke) 山田涼介 transferred to a small town high school due to the occupation of his mother. He never knows who his father is. He loves to read stories about Sherlock Holmes, the famous detective of all time. During an incident where flowers were destroyed at school, he helps his friend from being accused by using his talented detective mind. From that day onwards, people around the school started to come to him for help. As he started his little high school private investigation activities, strange things happened.

Feelings and comments:

This special series is definitely for the fans of 山田涼介 Yamada Ryosuke. The detective story is not much of exciting or special. The story started out slow but started built up the puzzle and clues of a detective drama as it go on. Seriously it is much better to go for古畑任三郎 (Furuhata Ninzaburo) as the detective story is better then. Consider this as a desert from the actual detective drama.

Things that caught my eyes:

The hero in this drama is surprisingly not古畑任三郎 (Furuhata Ninzaburo).

Japan Drama Rating:

Fan of detective investigation and 山田涼介 Yamada Ryosuke should watch it. If not skip it.

Purchase:

Original Soundtrack

Japan Drama Preview:

Dr. Koto Shinryojo 2006Dr.コトー診療所2006 – Release Oct 06

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:

Goto Kensuke (Yoshioka Hidetaka) 吉岡秀隆 also known as Dr. Koto is a doctor station at a small clinic on the small island of Yonaguni, Okinawa. Each day Dr. Koto will cycle around the island to visit the people around the island that used to be his patient or needed his medical attention. Dr. Koto is a talented surgeon with only 2 helpers in the clinic looks after all the people around the island. The clinic hired another nurse to help up as Hoshino Ayaka (Shibasaki Kou) 柴咲コウ taking medical treatment for breast cancer.

Feelings and comments:

The first series of this drama was a hit and received a lot of awards. Judging from the story line and the theme song by famous singer Nakajima Miyuki, the second series should be another success series. In deed the second series does not disappoint the audiences. It’s not just the brilliant performance of the cast but also the beautiful scenery presented. I sure love to cycle around that island for once.

Again for this series there will be surgical performance and you’ll see a lot of blood, knife and injuries. Better skip it if you can’t watch blood shoot out while opening up human body.

Things that caught my eyes:

It’s a beautiful island. Having to just watch Dr. Koto cycle around the island is just enjoyable.

Japan Drama Rating:

Nice to watch. It’s a story about Dr. Koto and the people that lives in the island.

Purchase:

TV series

Japan Drama Preview:

Maison Ikkokuめぞん一刻– Release May 07

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:

Otonashi Kyoko (Ito Misaki) 伊東美咲 is the new manager of the rental house. Godai Yusaku (Nakabayashi Taiki) 中林大樹 is an all time drop out student that trying to get himself into the university. Godai Yusaku (Nakabayashi Taiki) 中林大樹 falls in love with Otonashi Kyoko (Ito Misaki) 伊東美咲 at first glance and wanted to be her boy friend. Due to his personal characteristic and intrusion of other house attendant, this has become a difficult task for him. Plus Otonashi Kyoko (Ito Misaki) 伊東美咲 is a widow, it makes thing more complicated. But still at the end they were able to become couple.

Feelings and comments:

A well written love story is always nice to read and watch. It doesn’t expired or disappear as time goes by. People will always remember a good love story. I read the manga version of this story before I watch this drama. So there isn’t much surprise to as I already knew the outcome. This comment is pretty much influence by the manga version but anyway I’ll just speak what’s in my mind.

This is a simple love story but there is a lot of misunderstanding between the two lovers that makes this story special. That’s the best part of this drama. If you can’t speak up honestly and straight to the point, people might receive info differently. If you love someone, you have to tell them and make sure that they understand it. If not you might waste a lot of time going around circles. That’s what makes love special and that creates what we call romance. Never the less it also creates a lot of stupid but fun occasion that we remembered the rest of our life.

Things that caught my eyes:

One of the actress name (Takahashi Yumiko) 高橋由美子 is almost the same as manga creator of this drama (Rumiko Takahashi) 高橋 留美子. The only difference is the middle character. It almost makes me think that the manga creator will appeared as special cast.

Japan Drama Rating:

Fan of Itoh Misaki 伊東美咲 should not miss this. It’s a comedy love story that fun to watch.

Purchase:

TV series

Japan Drama Preview:

Kaette Kita Jikou Keisatsu帰ってきた時効警察 – Release Jan 08

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:

Kiriyama Shuuichiro (Odagiri Joe) 小田切譲 is a policeman that works in office handling paper work. His hobby is solving cases that are legally expired. That means criminals of these cases will not be convicted due to expiration of legal time frame. His immediate superior always digs up some unsolved cases for him just for the sake of making conversation in the office to kill time. Together with the help of his friend Mikazuki Shizuka (Aso Kumiko) 麻生久美子, they started their adventure of solving cases.

Feelings and comments:

I’m sure there are lots of police cases that haven’t been solved all around the world. Making it a hobby to solve these mysterious unsolved cases are just unusual but interesting. It may sound fun and adventure but sometimes it might be a dangerous thing to do. Some things are better off left forgotten and seal away. The problem with humans is curiosity always trigger people to dig back into it. Answers are not important but the process of solving these cases is what people are going after.

This drama is only for those that loves comedy detective story. There is a lot of talking with no music background. It will pretty much bore you to death if you don’t like solving cases.

Things that caught my eyes:

Having a job that allows you to have so much time for your hobby is really a dream job for most people.

Japan Drama Rating:

Fan of detective investigation should watch it. If not skip it.

Purchase:

TV series, Original soundtrack

Japan Drama Preview(This is season 1 preview. Sorry I couldn't find clips for season 2):

Binbo Danshi 貧乏男子 – Release Jan 08

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:

Koyama Kazumi (Oguri Shun) 小栗旬 is a university student that almost graduated and ready to enter the society to work. He joins a lot of clubs in the university and has a lot of friends. The problem with him is that he spends a lot of money entertaining his friends. He manages to get a job right before he graduated. Life seems to be pretty good for him until his bank terminates his card. He then realized that he is in debt of 1 million yen with the bank. That’s when he met 2 other people that have the same debt issue like him. They are Hikita Shuzo (Yashima Norito) 八嶋智人 and Nakahara Mimi (Yamada Yu) 山田優. They introduce him to Omuomu (Yusuke Santamaria) ユースケサンタマリア where he can get special loan to pay his debt. This is where the story gets interesting as Koyama Kazumi (Oguri Shun) 小栗旬 and Omuomu (Yusuke Santamaria) ユースケサンタマリアhas a totally different understanding towards the importance of money.

Feelings and comments:

Almost everybody have debts or money problem. It’s always the question of how many your debts is and when can you settle your debts. When you have a large number of debts, it’s difficult to put up a smiling face. It’s a kind of pressure not everybody can handle nicely. It would be wonderful if we could be just like Koyama Kazumi (Oguri Shun) 小栗旬 as he handles everything with a smiling face. Plus money is not the most important thing in his mind. That makes it less pressure for him. Unfortunately I don’t there isn’t many people like him in this world.

There is one thing that I realize from this drama is that universities does not teach you how to manage your money. Most of us learn it the hard way by getting lots of credit cards, car loan, housing loan and study loan. We always end up learning how to get out of debt instead of avoiding.

Things that caught my eyes:

Self service laundry shop can be a good place to hang out. You can do your laundry while having a little chit chat with friends. Best of all it doesn’t cost you any money.

Japan Drama Rating:

Nice to watch. Oguri Shun (小栗旬) acting improves a lot. He’s not just a handsome actor that can only post any more.

Purchase:

TV series, Original Soundtrack, 2008 Japanese Tv Series: Binbo Danshi

Japan Drama Preview:

1 Pound no Fukuin １ポンドの福音 – Release Jan 08

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:

Hatanaka Kosaku (Kamenashi Kazuya) 亀梨和也 is a talented boxer. His couch and club has high hope on him as he has the punch to become a champion. Unfortunately he has one problem that drags him in his career. He always lost control on his diet because he loves to eat. Whenever he lost control on his appetite, he lost the boxer weight qualification. One day he met sister Angela (Kuroki Meisa) 黒木メイサand things started to become better. Her encouragement and advices help Hatanaka Kosaku through trainings and winning the fights. That is mainly because Hatanaka Kosaku has a crush on Sister Angela.

Feelings and comments:

Having a nun in the world of boxing is unusual and that’s where the fun begins. This drama is actually from a famous manga. You know how the story goes if you’ve seen the manga. The story is short and basically tells the life of a boxer. Being a boxer isn’t easy as you need to be strong physically and mentally. Few hours of fight in the rim requires months of hard training and diet control. The work to maintain qualification weight while training your punches is not easy. This drama really stresses out this point. This drama only has 9 episodes as the story at manga side is short either. The story is interesting at the beginning but gets bored as it go along. Honestly there are too many good dramas with boxing as main topic out there.

Things that caught my eyes:

Well, there are only 2 things that I’m interested in this drama. First is watching Hatanaka Kosaku (Kamenashi Kazuya) 亀梨和也work out and box in the rim. Second is the beautiful sister Angela (Kuroki Meisa) 黒木メイサgoing in and out of boxing gym.

Japan Drama Rating:

Fan of KAT-TUN should watch it. You get to watch (Kamenashi Kazuya) 亀梨和也 in shape as most of the time he just wears short pants.

Purchase:

TV series, Original Soundtrack, Japanese Tv Series: One-pound Gospel (1 Pound No Fukuin)

Japan Drama Preview:

Kekkon Dekinai Otoko 結婚できない男 – Release Jul 06

No Japan Drama sneak!!(Sorry)

Japan Drama Story:

This is a drama about the life style of a 40 year old single architect - Kuwano Shinsuke (Abe Hiroshi) 阿部寛. He is a loner who knows how to enjoy life. He doesn’t go out and socialize much. He spends most of his time in his nice apartment that equips with audio sound system and a nice kitchen. He has a strange personality and dislike people. Even so, he is still able to understand his customer taste and design great architecture. Despite his strange personality and rude speeches, people around find him interesting as they always discussed how he thinks and who ever can withstand his characteristic.

Feelings and comments:

It’s a strange world we’re living and sure has a lot of strange people. Kuwano Shinsuke can be considered as geek. Just that he doesn’t relate to computers. It doesn’t matter what kind of life style you choose as long as you’re happy with it. Nowadays humans are able to live alone by without even stepping out of the house. All you need is a click on the internet and everything can be send to your door.

A person that acts strange, speaks rudely and has a unique kind of views does not make him a bad person. It takes time to fully understand a person. Sometimes it even takes years to finally get to know someone. It is better not to judge a person at first glance. If you really want to understand a person, just spend some time with him/her. Listen and witness carefully all the conversation and action he/she takes. All these will give you clues on what a person he/she is.

Abe Hiroshi( 阿部寛) really is good in this drama. I never thought a cool guy like him can act so well as the character Kuwano Shinsuke.

Things that caught my eyes:

You get to see Abe’s butt at the beginning of the series. That’s something the fans should not miss. The most enjoyable scene is when he’s having his dinner. From preparing his meal until finish having them is an art and looks really delicious.

Japan Drama Rating:

Fun to watch. Nicely elaborate how a single 40 year old man enjoys his life.

Purchase:

Not available yet.

Japan Drama Preview: