Sunao ni Narenakute素直になれなくて – Release April 10

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Japan Drama Story:
5 youngsters who don’t know each other get together through popular online social networking call Twitter. All of them have a simple wish, which is to find someone they can talk about anything without holding back. The group of friends is photographer Nakajima Keisuke (Eita) 瑛 太 or so call Nakaji, part time teacher Mizuno Tsukiko (Ueno Juri) 上野樹里 or so call Haru, sales girl Nishimura Hikari (Seki Megumi) 関めぐみ or so call Peach, magazine editor Ichihara Kaoru (Tamayama Tetsuji) 玉山鉄二 or so call Linda and medical equipment salesman Park Seonsu (Young Woong Jae Joong) 영웅재중 or so call Doctor. All of them have their own problems and difficulties at life and work. The best enjoyable moments they have is getting together, chit chat and have a couple of drinks.

Feelings and comments:
This drama is similar with a previous drama that I’ve introduced (Last Friends). If you’ve watch both drama then you’ll find lots of similarities within. Although this drama will gives you a sense of repeated scenario but still it’s very enjoyable and fills with lots of surprises. There are lots of misleading clips that plays around with your imagination but at the end it won’t be as what we expected. You will often hit by “Things are not what we seen.”  I suppose this is due to the ability of the script writer who is able to bring out new things out of the ordinary.
    Again you’ll find that Love is the main theme in this drama. Each of them are exploring and showing different kind of love. Some of them are able to say it out loud directly and some of them kept deeply within. Thus this described and brings out each of their characteristic or personality. As 5 of them are really good actors, they manage to bring out the immature love within youngsters. Although each of them is searching for partner of life, they still manage to maintain their friendship.

Things that caught my eyes:
This is the first drama that uses Twitter as communication tool instead of SMS or MMS. In order to do that the used of smart phone is a must, that’s where iPhone comes in. This gives a sense of trendy and feeling of updated new generation.

Japan Drama Rating:
Nice to watch. This is a drama about love and friendship between 5 youngsters who met through Twitter. It is a story that describes how youngsters think and how they look at life and love.

Purchase:
Sunao ni Narenakute by Sugawara Sayuri, Hard to Say I Love You / Sunao ni Narenakute Japanese Tv Drama Digipak Collectible Boxset English Sub NTSC All Region

Drama Theme Song: Hard to say I love you ~Ii Dasenakute~ by WEAVER
Insert song: Sunao ni Narenakute by Sugawara Sayuri

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Tonari no Shibafuとなりの芝生 – Release July 09

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Japan Drama Story:
After more than ten years of marriage, Takahira Tomoko (Seto Asaka) 瀬戸朝香 finally moved to the new house which the couple has been working hard for. It’s a double story house with 4 bed rooms which is just nice for the family with 2 kids. While the family is busy entertaining friends on house warming, the mother in law is planning a trip to visit the new house. Takahira Shino (Izumi Pinko)泉ピン子 or so call the husband’s mother is planning something bigger than just a visit. In fact she already decided to stay on for good. As little as the family knows her true intention, furniture and all her stuff has been sent over to the new house. The sudden change of the situation is not just the only surprise that the family gets as they need to learn to get along with the difficult mother in law, especially the wife.

Feelings and comments:
This drama is all about family, especially the relationship between mother in law and daughter in law. We can witness the Japanese culture of family values within the drama. At the end of every episode, quotes regarding family values are presented. This is definitely an educated drama on how family members should work together and create a healthy happy family.
    It might seem a simple life that this family have but the truth is simple might not be easy. Every family have their own story to tell, either it’s good or bad. The question is how does family work together to solve the problems and live a better life. It’s the responsibility, commitment and sacrifices which leads to the final goal of happiness. This drama brings out almost all the details and consideration most people have in mind. Although the drama is a remake after 33 years but still the relationship between daughter in law and mother in law is always not easy to deal with.
    I think the kids are doing a good job in this drama. I’m referring to the acting. As the drama also involves how children reacts towards the sudden involvement of grandmother in their life, the kids really puts up a good show in reflecting their emotion and thoughts.

Things that caught my eyes:
Perhaps it’s how the wife able to get though life taking care of the family while having a job that interests me. By the way, the new double story 4 bed room house seems nice.

Japan Drama Rating:
Nice to watch. It’s a classic remake of a warm family drama. Probably suitable for those who loves family related drama without much excitement. At some point this is kind of a boring drama, especially for youngsters.

Purchase:
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Drama Theme Song: Hidamari by KadoFuji
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Shinzanmono新参者 – Release April 10

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Japan Drama Story:
Kaga Kyoichiro (Abe Hiroshi) 阿部寛 is just transferred to Nihonbashi police department. As soon as Kaga Kyoichiro (Abe Hiroshi) 阿部寛 starts working in this new environment, a woman who is also new in town was murdered. Immediately Kaga Kyoichiro (Abe Hiroshi) 阿部寛 is put on the investigation group to check out the murder suspects. This also gives him a chance to get to know the people around the streets. One by one Kaga Kyoichiro (Abe Hiroshi) 阿部寛 reads their mind and see through the lies within the suspects. This eventually brings him closer to the actual killer.

Feelings and comments:
There are three common reasons that people lie. The first reason is to protect own self. The second reason is trying to scam or trick others. The third reason is to protect or cover for others. Human is a creature that is good in lying. If we can sense the lies within, then we can certainly figure out the truth behind. Lies are the shadows of truth. We just have to trace it back to where it comes from.
    It’s always interesting and fun to watch drama cast by Abe Hiroshi (阿部寛). His facial impression speaks even when silent. I suppose that’s what we call great acting. Never the less most of the guest stars appeared in this drama are main cast in several other dramas. I suppose that is why such a simple story drama can be well presented.
    There is one thing that really impresses me is that in the process of investigating the homicide case, Kaga Kyoichiro (Abe Hiroshi) 阿部寛 not just investigating the suspects but also helps to solve their problems. The work of the police is not just fighting crimes but also helps to improve quality life of others. I think this is call serving the public.

Things that caught my eyes:
Those delicious desserts are always around. Kaga Kyoichiro (Abe Hiroshi) 阿部寛 interests on those desserts are just the same as the homicide case.

Japan Drama Rating:
Worth watching. The story is simple but the drama is able to bring out the very best of all the touching moments. This is not just a simple homicide detective drama but a collection of touching stories surrounding all the suspects.

Purchase:
Original Soundtrack, 2010 Japanese Drama : Shinzanmono w/ Eng Sub

Drama Theme Song: Machimonogatari by Yamashita Tatsuro

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Fumo Chitai不毛地帯 – Release Oct 09

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Japan Drama Story:
Iki Tadashi (Karasawa Toshiaki) 唐沢寿明 used to be a military leader who is in charge of planning war strategy back in World War 2 in Japan. Right after Japan surrendered, Iki Tadashi (Karasawa Toshiaki) 唐沢寿明 was captured and sentenced to 11 years of hard labor in Siberian. After surviving the long in prison years he was finally released and return to Japan. While adjusting his life at home, he was given two choices on what he can do in his new life. Either he can return to military or choose to start a new career in a major trading company. Considering from the persuasion from his family Iki Tadashi (Karasawa Toshiaki) 唐沢寿明 decided to start his second life in business. Despite trying to avoid getting involved with military again, Iki Tadashi (Karasawa Toshiaki) 唐沢寿明still have no choice when it comes to defending the wealth and benefits of his country. The war still continues but this time the battle field is in the business world.

Feelings and comments:
It is said that business world is like a war zone. Lots of battles are carried out even until today. In the world today money reflects the power of a country. Instead of launching missiles, we launch assets and business buy over. Iki Tadashi (Karasawa Toshiaki) 唐沢寿明 is an example of turning his ability in planning war strategy towards the business trading world. Basically what he did is collecting information, analyze data, make use of his connection and utilize his stuff efficiently. No doubt he is brilliant in his work. All of his energy and focus are into the job. He did not spend much time with his family and children. Iki Tadashi (Karasawa Toshiaki) 唐沢寿明 is a typical workaholic who devoted his life for his company and country. Such talented individual can easily draw enemy or friends.
    This drama is mostly focus on how Iki Tadashi (Karasawa Toshiaki) 唐沢寿明takes on the challenges in business. You will witness his actions in automotive business, oil development business and jet plane business. This is a serious drama. You won’t see much of Iki Tadashi (Karasawa Toshiaki) 唐沢寿明’s smiling face.
    If you’re a Japan drama lover, you’ll find lots of talented actor and actresses participate in this drama. You’ll find lots of familiar faces that you saw in other Japan drama. I suppose that’s one of the reasons that this drama is nice to watch.

Things that caught my eyes:
Probably the most eye catching part is the ability of Iki Tadashi (Karasawa Toshiaki) 唐沢寿明 to resolved every problems he encounter in business. By the way there are lots of names or title which is similar with the actual name in the real world. I think you’ll notice it because the pronunciation is almost the same, especially the major car company in US.

Japan Drama Rating:
Nice to watch. This drama is a remake of 1979 drama series of 31 episodes. It’s a classic version with lots of talented actors within. It’s kind of a man drama with lots of business topics. It can be boring if you don’t like this type of drama.

Purchase:
Original Soundtrack, The Waste Land / Fumo Chitai - Complete Season 1 & 2 - Japanese Drama w/ English Subtitle (Original 11 DVDs)

Drama Theme Song: Tom Traubert's Blues by Tom Waits

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怨み屋本舗REBOOT Uramiya Honpo REBOOT – Release July 09

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Japan Drama Story:
Uramiya (Kinoshita Ayumi) 木下あゆ美 is a mysterious woman who charges high fees to help people get their revenge. Most of her clients are victims of criminals that the authorities can’t help much. It’s very obvious that her methods are illegal but that’s the only way for revenge. Uramiya (Kinoshita Ayumi) 木下あゆ美 is a professional as she left no evidence behind her work.

Feelings and comments:
There are lots of unfortunate cases in this word. Those that we saw and listened from daily news are just part of it. We are living in an imperfect world. That is why we have to continue making it a better world always. Even a small action or a small donation might make a difference to others. No matter what it’s better to practice a mind set to help others then revenge. No doubts sometimes we feel relieve when those criminals received punishment they deserved, but still an eye for an eye is not a solution.
    I have to say although the revenge method is cruel but it still not as cruel as the crimes. If you’re not comfortable watching horror movie or psycho killer movie, I would suggest you skip this drama. The first episode will make you decide if you’re comfortable to keep on watching or not.

Things that caught my eyes:
Uramiya (Kinoshita Ayumi) 木下あゆ美 seems to have a way to get in touch with people who needed her services. She definitely looks mysterious to me. I suppose it’s her makeup that makes her looks like a doll with no expression.

Japan Drama Rating:
Interesting to watch. This is a drama about revenge on those who get away with their crime. It’s a series which expose dark cruel humanity. It’s not suitable for underage as there are unpleasant scenes which involve violent and sex.

Purchase:
2009 Japanese Drama : Uramiya Honpo REBOOT w/ Eng Sub

Drama Theme Song: Yume by Karasu

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