Boku no Imotoぼくの妹 – Release April 09

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:
Egami Mei (Odagiri Joe) 小田切譲 and Egami Saya (Nagasawa Masami) 長澤まさみ are brother and sister with absolute opposite characteristic and personality. Egami Mei (Odagiri Joe) 小田切譲 is a talented doctor who is a quiet and generous but not good in socialize. He is neither good nor active in sports but loves cycling. Egami Saya (Nagasawa Masami) 長澤まさみ does not have a permanent job and not as smart as his brother. She is very good in socialize and is a street smart kind of person. Although both of the brother and sister have a different kind of life style, different point of views and different values, they take care of each other since their parents died. One day an incident which involves the death of a woman name Kirihara Satoko (Tomosaka Rie) ともさかりえ brings big impact to both their life.

Feelings and comments:
This is actually a normal ordinary story about brother and sister. The brother is a mature realistic person that always does the right thing. The sister does things according to her feelings and always gets into trouble. It’s a typical example of brother and sister. Even though they do things differently, they both have the same intention. They care for each other and they wanted to help as much as possible. The problem is sometimes the help they trying to do create more damages then good. That is why sometimes doing the right thing might not be helpful. This is where misunderstanding occurs if people don’t sit down and talk about it.
    This is a slow sentimental drama that focuses on the relationship between brother and sister. You have to be very patient in order to finish the drama. The death incident is the mystery that connects the drama together. There is lots of suspense too. I suppose that’s the only reason that makes me continue watching this drama. Once you get to know each of the characters in the drama, you’ll gain the curiosity to find out how things turn out at the end.

Things that caught my eyes:
Everything is simple and ordinary in this drama. Even the talented doctor Egami Mei (Odagiri Joe) 小田切譲 lives an ordinary life just like everybody else. The only special thing in this drama is the opposite characteristic of the brother and sister.

Japan Drama Rating:
Fan of Odagiri Joe (小田切譲) and Nagasawa Masami (長澤まさみ) should watch the drama. Most of the scenes in this drama are focus on both of them. You have to watch until the 3rd episode to find the interest to keep on watching. Honestly I think this drama is kind of boring.

Purchase:
Not available

Drama Theme Song: Futari by Ikimono-gakari

Japan Drama Preview:

Majisuka Gakuenマジスカ学園 – Release Jan 10

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:
Majisuka Gakuen is a girl school that fills with gangster students. There are lots of gangs in this school and Rappapa gang holds the strongest title. Only the strong will survive in this school. One day two students are transferred to Majisuka Gakuen. Both of them looks differently as one seems strong and the other seems week. Onizuka Daruma (Nachu) なちゅ picks up the first fight in school and won. Right after that she never wins another fight again. As for Maeda Atsuko (前田敦子), she wears glasses and only focused on her readings. She seems to be not interested at things happen around school. In fact she is a strong fighter when she gets serious.

Feelings and comments:
This drama is no doubt about AKB48 and for AKB48. The story and script of this drama is simple. Fans of AKB48 get to see a Yakuza style of AKB48 fighting with each other. Of cause the action scene won’t be so clear but still the drama is able to produce a Yakuza image. There are 48 members in AKB48. There aren’t many scripts that can actually fit in all the members. This is defiantly the drama made for fans of AKB48.
    Although the story line of this drama is simple but still you can see some AKB48 members can really act. It seems some of them have camera face that stands out on screen.

Things that caught my eyes:
We can see how producers and directors turn those cute girls into fighting machine, of cause without making any scar or spilling any blood.

Japan Drama Rating:
Fan of AKB48 should not miss this. This drama gives an opportunity for every member of AKB48 to test their acting ability. I’m sure will see more of them separately in other coming drama.

Purchase:
Majisuka Gakuen - 12 Episodes Japanese Drama w/ English Subtitle (Original 6 DVDs)

Drama Theme Song: Majisuka Rock n' Roll by AKB48

Japan Drama Preview:

Maid Dekaメイド刑事 – Release Jun 09

 

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:
Wakatsuki Aoi (Fukuda Saki) 福田沙紀 works as a maid in Kaido family. Before that Wakatsuki Aoi (Fukuda Saki) 福田沙紀 was a bike gangster. She was than persuade by Kaido Toshiaki (Harada Ryuji) 原田龍二 to work with him and make her into an undercover detective maid. Her task is to clean up all the dirty crime and put away criminals for good.

Feelings and comments:
Seriously this drama is about maid, it’s about Fukuda Saki (福田沙紀) dress up as maid. The detective case is not so interesting. That goes the same as the fighting part. So what’s left is just the jokes and the maid costume. No doubt there is a special mop weapon but honestly it’s nothing but just a weapon of stick. Again this is a typical action detective drama where there is a super undercover maid detective that is able to solve the crime in each episode. And also the police always arrive late, after all criminals are defeated.

Things that caught my eyes:
The solid heavy metals mop that Wakatsuki Aoi (Fukuda Saki) 福田沙紀 used is all around. Plus it’s tinted with gold. Which it is supposed to be special but it’s not. Oh yes, Wakatsuki Aoi (Fukuda Saki) 福田沙紀 can even transform to maid costumer at any time. Just like the Kamen Rider.

Japan Drama Rating:
Fan of Fukuda Saki (福田沙紀) should watch. This is just another so call detective drama. Just that it’s a bit funny as having a maid as a detective. By the way, it’s mainly about the maid not about the detective case.

Purchase:
2009 Japanese Drama : Maid Deka w/ Eng Sub, Maid Deka Detective Japanese Tv Drama Dvd Ntsc All Region with English Sub 3 Dvd in Digipak Boxset

Drama Theme Song: Muteki na Ai by Jyongri

Japan Drama Preview:

Ueno Juri to Itsutsu no Kaban上野樹里と5つの鞄 – Release Sept 09

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:
This is a five episodes drama feature Ueno Juri (上野樹里) in five different characters and 5 different story lines. The story in each episode related to Ueno Juri’s (上野樹里) bag. In the first episode Ueno Juri (上野樹里) acts as a street performer with a guitar. In the second episode Ueno Juri (上野樹里) acts as an animator. In the third episode Ueno Juri (上野樹里) acts as a country girl that works in the city that almost get herself pregnant. In the fourth episode Ueno Juri (上野樹里) acts as an actor that runs away from work to have a day off. In the fifth episode Ueno Juri (上野樹里) acts as a student of a chef.

Feelings and comments:
Obviously the main focus of this drama is Ueno Juri (上野樹里). The story of each episode is just normal. How good this drama turns out really depends on the acting of Ueno Juri (上野樹里). There are no extreme characters in the entire story that can show off her acting ability. The only thing that I can see is how cute Ueno Juri (上野樹里) can be. After all, this drama is just about Ueno Juri (上野樹里). If you check out her profile, she actually performs well in couple of dramas. You can see her acting ability in Last Friends and Nodame Cantabile. As for this drama, I like the fifth or final episode best. One thing that you might notice is the style and presentation of each episode is different. Perhaps that’s because each episode is directed by different people.

Things that caught my eyes:
Definitely are the bags. The drama won’t tell which bags that they are referring to, so we just have to take a guess. The only episode that I couldn’t find any bag is the elevator episode.

Japan Drama Rating:
Fan of Ueno Juri (上野樹里) should watch it. One thing that fans might be interested is the singing part. She actually sings the theme song with the guitar on the street.

Purchase:
Not available

Drama Theme Song: Kaban no Banka by Ueno Juri

Japan Drama Preview:

Meitantei no Okite名探偵の掟 – Release April 09

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:
Tenkaichi Daigoro (Matsuda Shota) 松田翔太 is a famous private investigator. Whenever crime happens, he will be there. Okawara Banzo (Kimura Yuichi) 木村祐一 is a high ranking police detective and Fujii Mana (Kashii Yu) 香椎由宇 is a rookie police detective that is under his guidance. Together 3 of them created a story of a famous private investigator. Each episode features a crime story with a typical trick of a detective story.

Feelings and comments:
This is definitely a strange detective drama. The story basically is making fun with the typical detective story instead of telling the detective story. You basically don’t have to think how the crimes go because there is no logic behind it. The only thing that you might learned from this drama is how a detective story written and the rules to write them. This is supposed to be a funny and humor story but sadly the jokes are just too cold.
Although the so call famous private investigator Tenkaichi Daigoro (Matsuda Shota) 松田翔太 did not solve mostly of the crimes but he actually found out some other information. Perhaps the most normal person in this drama is Fujii Mana (Kashii Yu) 香椎由宇.

Things that caught my eyes:
The special door that allows the characters to enter and discuss about the story is unique, but that’s just crazy. Instead my attention was drawn towards Tenkaichi Daigoro (Matsuda Shota) 松田翔太’s Nike shoes.

Japan Drama Rating:
Fan of Matsuda Shota (松田翔太) and Kashii Yu (香椎由宇) should watch it. This drama looks more like a comedy rather than a detective story.

Purchase:
2009 Japanese Drama : - Meitantei No Okite - W/ English Subtitle

Drama Theme Song: Fighting Pose no Uta by Baba Toshihide

Japan Drama Preview:

Kyoshi Saisei教師再生– Release Oct 08

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:
A school is going down as news about closing down the school spreads. Teachers are all worry about their future rather than the academic of the students, except one. One new teacher name Sugi Toranosuke (Kamiji Yusuke) 上地雄輔 is still trying his best to help his students. Just that the problem is he might not have the ability to do it. One of his students - Kusaka Shuzaburo (Nakajima Yuto) 中島裕翔 trusted him and decided to back him up with the help of three mysterious transferred students Takasugi Touichi (Yamada Ryosuke) 山田涼介, Yoshida Eitarou (Chinen Yuri) 知念 侑李 and Irie Sugizou (Arioka Daiki) 有岡大貴. Four of them decided to help Sugi Toranosuke (Kamiji Yusuke) 上地雄輔 to become a teacher, at least as a simple qualified teacher.

Feelings and comments:
This is a fantasy drama for high school kids. Students are much more capable and dependable then teachers. They even help their teachers solved problems and become sort of heroes. I think this is a drama for high school kids but not for teachers. There are no famous actors in this drama as the main focus is on the four young members of Hey! Say! JUMP. As they are young, their acting skills are still not that up to it. So if you’re not the fan of Hey! Say! JUMP, you’ll pretty much get bored right after the first 20 minutes of the drama.

How do you judge such an occupation like teacher? The first impression might be” it’s an occupation with lots of pride”. That means teaching and helping the next generation to become a better person. Some of the teachers even sacrifice their time, money and personal life for that purpose. The 2nd impression about teacher is that “It’s a great job with lots of personal time and holiday. Plus it’s a government servant job that won’t get fire easily” Probably this is the best secure job that can be easily obtain. Either way, teachers should realize the responsibility when dealing with students. That’s because future of students are more a less affected by teachers. It is true that teachers might not remember all of the students because throughout years of teaching there might be thousands of students. But from the eyes of the students, you might just be the only teacher that they can depend on.

Things that caught my eyes:
The classroom seems to transform from a clean white room to a painted room. Is it just plain dirty or art?

Japan Drama Rating:
Fan of Hey! Say! JUMP should not miss it. If not skip it.

Purchase:
Not available yet

Drama Theme Song: Mayonaka no Shadow Boy by Hey! Say! JUMP

Japan Drama Preview:

SCANDAL– Release Oct 08

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:
Shiraishi Risako (Toda Naho) 戸田菜穂 is getting married and she invites 4 of her friends Takayanagi Takako (Suzuki Kyouka) 鈴木京香, Kawai Hitomi (Hasegawa Kyoko) 長谷川京子, Samejima Mayuko (Fukiishi Kazue) 吹石一恵 and Shindo Tamaki (Momoi Kaori) 桃井かおり to attend her wedding. Right after the wedding ceremony, 5 of them get together in a bar in the evening to have a girls night. It turns out that the 4 friends did not know each other but the bride. As they started to get to know each other, Shiraishi Risako (Toda Naho) 戸田菜穂 suggested a game where by each of them try to find a partner and bring them back to the bar. At the end of the night some of them successfully find a partner and some did not. Even so, all of them return to the bar except Shiraishi Risako (Toda Naho) 戸田菜穂. The next day onwards, she was reported missing by her husband.

Feelings and comments:
This drama is about woman. It’s about their lifestyle, characteristics, vision, thoughts, love, marriage and family. It’s is also a story of how these women pursuit their own version of happiness. This drama totally reflects the minds of woman. I actually think that this drama is more suitable to view by woman. Of cause man are welcome to watch it. Just that you might find it a bit boring. From a different point of view, you might just learn how woman really thinks.

Things that caught my eyes:
4 different characteristics woman with 4 different style of living standard can be seen in this drama. Perhaps the most interesting part of this drama is the singer Fukuhara Miho who sings the theme song “Love ~winter song~” with her incredible voice.

Japan Drama Rating:
Fan of those actresses should watch it. If not skip it.

Purchase:
Original Soundtrack, 2008 Japanese Drama: Scandal w/ Eng Sub

Drama Theme Song: LOVE ~winter song~ by Fukuhara Miho

Japan Drama Preview:
Not available.

OL NipponＯＬにっぽん– Release Oct 08

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:
Kanzaki Shimako (Mizuki Alisa) 観月ありさ works as an office lady in a big company in Japan. In a competitive business world, outsourcing is one of the method company used to stay running. One day her company decided to outsource to China where labors can be bought in a cheaper price. As a result, 2 Chinese girls are sent to her department for training. Kanzaki Shimako (Mizuki Alisa) 観月ありさ is responsible in teaching them and guide them to work on service manual projects. While worrying when her job will be replace by them, a cultural collaboration between Japan and China takes place in the department.

Feelings and comments:
This is not the first time Mizuki Alisa (観月ありさ) acts as office lady. In fact her acting has improved when compare to her previous OL drama. The Chinese actors also add some flavors into this drama. Even though their Japanese language sounds strange but it’s interesting to listen as it creates a lot of jokes. Another thing that this drama talks about is outsourcing and the value of employees. China and India no doubt are 2 main countries that companies outsourcing target. It does save a lot of labor cost but getting people from different culture to work together is not an easy task. From the employee point of view, both workers from Japan and China are struggling hard to keep their job. In order to survive is to work hard, keep on learning and adept to the changes around.

Things that caught my eyes:
The cultural difference between Japan and China is the most interesting part. It seems working together is the best way to really understand each other. Even though conflict happens but that’s just the process of learning.

Japan Drama Rating:
Fan of Mizuki Alisa (観月ありさ) should not miss this. It’s more like an education drama that talks about outsourcing and cultural shock.

Purchase:
2008 Japanese Drama : OL Nippon w/ English Subtitle

Drama Theme Song: Ashita no Sora by SPEED

Japan Drama Preview:

Room of Kingルームオブキング– Release Oct 08

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:
9 different people with different background and occupation are brought to a big apartment. They are offered a very low rent by the landlords. Actually they are invited to play a game by the landlords, a game to see who will become king. 9 of them are freelancer (Mizushima Hiro) 水嶋ヒロ, bank officer (Suzuki Anne) 鈴木杏, gynecologist (Igawa Haruka) 井川遥, stylist (Watabe Atsuro) 渡部篤郎, chef (Itao Itsuji) 板尾創路, housewife (Ishino Mako) 石野真子, IT worker (Fukazawa Atsuji) 深沢敦, movie producer (Hirayama Hiroyuki) 平山広行 and NEET (Ohkura Koji) 大倉孝二. The one that crown as king will win the apartment.

Feelings and comments:
It’s actually nothing special about this drama. All we have here is the lifestyle and story of 9 different people. Each person has their own problems and sometimes meeting the right people can help solve it. We survive by helping each other.
Another thing to expect is who will first become successful in their career and crown as king. It seems that no matter what job we hold has the opportunity to end up good. Like is just full of surprises. Well, perhaps the story that we heard or watched might be too perfect compare to real life.

Things that caught my eyes:
The only thing that interests me is the apartment with 9 rooms. Sadly the apartment doesn’t seem as grand as I expected.

Japan Drama Rating:
Fan of Mizushima Hiro (水嶋ヒロ) should watch it. If not watch it only when free.

Purchase:
2008 Japanese Drama : Room of King w/ English Subtitle

Drama Theme Song: Ai NEED by kimaguren

Japan Drama Preview:
Sorry, not available.

Lotto 6 de 3 oku 2 senman En Ateta Otokoロト6で3億2千万円当てた男 – Release July 08

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:
Tachibana Satoru (Sorimachi Takashi) 反町隆史is the lucky guy that won the lottery ticket of 320 million yen. He is a poor salary man with no savings and a divorce marriage. He has no talent and nothing good that he is proud of. Basically he is a loser. He even writes a blog diary about his pathetic life. The only treasure that he has is his son. Perhaps the time that he spends with his son is the only happy moment. On day he bought a lottery ticket when he’s with his son. That’s when his life changes. That’s the day he strikes lottery first prize of 320 million yen.

Feelings and comments:
Money is not everything but life can be difficult without money. Tachibana Satoru‘s income can be considered low. Compare to his yearly salary of about 3.5 million yen, the lottery money is almost 100 times of his yearly income. In other words, it takes 100 years for him to earn that amount of money. It’s not really a good thing in getting that much of money in short time. Psychologically people might not prepare for it. Either you might be too happy and spend as much as you can or afraid and cautious towards anything or everyone that might steal your money. I’m sure most of us will go crazy winning that lottery ticket. It’s not a surprise that they recommended an adviser on how to deal with that much of money.
One thing for sure that there are things that money can’t buy. That’s happiness. We have to really work for it.

Things that caught my eyes:
Definitely the money, plus sleeping and taking pictures with money.

Japan Drama Rating:
Fan of (Sorimachi Takashi) 反町隆史 should watch it. Frankly speaking, it’s unbearable to watch how to lose money.

Purchase:
TV series, 2008 Japanese Drama : Lotto 6 de San-oku Ni-senman En Ateta Otoko w/ English Subtitle

Drama Theme Song: My Fantasy by Exile


Japan Drama Preview:
Not available.

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

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:

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):

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:

Honey and Clover ハチミツとクローバー – Release Jan 08

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Japan Drama Story:

This is a drama about the life of 5 art students. Each of them with their unique characteristics has their own story to tell. All of their stories are surrounded with topics like friendship, love and career. No matter how things changes and what problems they face and went through, 5 of them still hangs out together at the end of the day. That includes their complicated love relationship with each other. This group of friends are Hanamoto Hagumi (Narumi Riko) 成海璃子, Takemoto Yuta (Ikuta Toma) 生田斗真, Yamada Ayumi (Harada Natsuki) 原田夏希, Mayama Takumi (Mukai Osamu) 向井理 and Morita Shinobu (Narimiya Hiroki) 成宮寛貴.

Feelings and comments:

If you’re going to watch this drama because you’ve seen the anime version, then you’re going to regret it. The story line is pretty much the same as the anime version. Due to this it won’t be any surprises from the story. I’ve seen the anime version and that makes me compare this drama with it. Honestly the only thing that keeps me continues watching this drama is the good looking boys and girls. There are a lot of new faces in this drama as there is no main character in it. You can see some new talented actors and some that still needs improving. Well, it’s really hard for them to act as people will compare them with the anime version.

Things that caught my eyes:

As this is the story of a group of art students, you get to see some paintings, crafting and other art design. I just wonder if those pieces of arts are real.

Japan Drama Rating:

Fan of anime series Honey & Clover should skip it. Watch it if you haven’t heard of it and if you’re free.

Purchase:

TV series.

Japan Drama Preview:

Japan Drama NG Scene:

Edison no Haha エジソンの母 – Release Jan 08

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:

A so call trouble maker boy was transferred to a school where Ayukawa Noriko (Ito Misaki) 伊東美咲 teaches. It has not been a good year for Ayukawa Noriko as her marriage was cancel and having a trouble maker boy in her class. No doubt that the boy did get the attention from teachers and families in the first day at school. Many suggested that the boy should be transferred as he is such a trouble maker, but there are some judged that he might be a genius. His curiosity and hunger for knowledge gets him into troubles most of the time. The great inventor Thomas Edison used to be like that when he was young. As people are debating if the boy is really a genius, Ayukawa Noriko has to deal with the trouble cause by the boy and the pressure from other children’s parents.

Feelings and Comments:

I think most of the parents hope their children are genius. Parents dream one day their children will be somebody great, famous and successful. That is why lots of parents started to educate their children seriously when they are young. Thus the word genius is sometimes added on to children that shows great results in academic. Some of the children that do not show interest in studies and always creates problems will normally catheterize as trouble maker. Actually nobody knows if they really are genius or not. You might be surprise to see some of the children turn out as a successful person after 20 years. It doesn’t matter if the child is a genius or not, as long as they are able to learn and live a good live then eventually they will turn out great. Genius or not it doesn’t matter as parents will always give the best to their children.

People started to call Thomas Edison a genius when he’s an adult. He was called as a problem or crazy child when he is young. So don’t try to figure it out if your child is a genius or not. Decide it after your child grows up to be an adult.

Things that caught my eyes:

It must be though for those kids to memorize the script. Lots of conversations are related to scientific theories.

Japan Drama Rating:

Fan of (Itoh Misaki 伊東美咲) will love it. This drama is suitable to watch for families with kids also.

Purchase:

TV series, 2008 Japanese Tv Series: Edison No Haha

Japan Drama Preview:

Joshi Deka! ジョシデカ！- Release Oct 07

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:

Hatakeyama Kurumi (Nakama Yukie) 仲間由紀惠 is a young detective assign to partner with Sakura Hanako (Izumi Pinko) 泉ピン子, an experienced veteran detective that difficult to catch up with. They are the only 2 women detectives in that area. The only thing that Hatakeyama Kurumi (Nakama Yukie) 仲間由紀惠 good at is her vision and shooting. That makes it difficult for Sakura Hanako (Izumi Pinko) 泉ピン子 as she needs to put an eye on her and guide her at the same time. Both of them have a hard time getting along but still able to work together and solve the crimes.

Feelings and Comments:

This is surely a detective drama with plan tone (boring). The cases presented are not interesting at all. Even after finishing the first 3 episodes still unable to build up the momentum to rush for the story. The only thing that keeps me watching the drama is no other then Nakama Yukie (仲間由紀惠).

It was interesting to have a Korean actor - Ryu Shi Won (류시원) in the drama but his acting is just not into it. His tone of voice is just the same from the beginning until the end. Maybe it’s because of the language barrier.

Things that caught my eyes:

The small police gun that was used by Hatakeyama Kurumi is very handy in knocking down things.

Japan Drama Rating:

Fan of Nakama Yukie (仲間由紀惠) should watch. If not then skip it.

Purchase:
TV series

Japan Drama Preview:

Yukinojo Henge 雪之丞変化 – Release Jan 08

No picture and Japan Drama sneak!!(sorry)

Japan Drama Story:

Nakamura Yukinojo (Takizawa Hideaki) 滝沢秀明 is a famous actor in traditional Japanese theatre. Beneath his white actor face, he is actually searching for the men that responsible for the death of his parents. One day he finally met these people as he was performing on stage. He started his revenge when the daughter (Toda Erika) 戸田恵梨香of the man he supposes to kill falls in love with him. With the help of a local thief who steal from the rich and give to the poor, he takes his revenge one step at a time.

Feelings and Comments:

This is actually a very famous old film reproduced. Not much surprise if you already know the story. The drama brings in Takizawa Hideaki 滝沢秀明 and Toda Erika 戸田恵梨香, and that is enough to get a lot of viewers. Both of them are very good in the drama indeed. You can also witness a few kabuki scenes that are beautifully created for this drama. Sometimes it’s nice to watch drama that sets the stage back in time. A lot of historical cloths, buildings and culture can be seen.

Things that caught my eyes:

Takizawa Hideaki 滝沢秀明 takes on 2 roles as Nakamura Yukinojo and Yamitaro. It’s quite interesting to see his acting as he switch from there 2 roles.

Japan Drama Rating:

Fan of Takizawa Hideaki 滝沢秀明 and Toda Erika 戸田恵梨香 is a must to watch. It’s an old film reproduced.

Purchase:
Not available yet.

Japan Drama Preview:

Yukan Club有閑倶楽部 – Release Oct 07

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:

This drama is about a club that forms by 6 students with rich and famous background. The purpose of this club is to kill time and make the impossible become possible. The club members are Shochikubai Miroku (Akanishi Jin) 赤西仁, Kikumasamune Seishiro (Yokoyama Yu) 横山裕, Bido Granmarie (Taguchi Junnosuke) 田口淳之介, Kenbishi Yuri (Minami) 美波, Hakushika Noriko (Kashii Yu) 香椎由宇 and Kizakura Karen (Suzuki Emi) 鈴木えみ. All of them have strong and special family background but it is their personality, talent and ability that puts them as elite. The activities of the club are to help others, solves special cases and most important of all is to have fun killing time.

Feelings and Comments:

Each episode has a case that the club needs to solve and handle but that is not the part that you’ll be interested in. The only reason that you’ll continue to watch this drama is the 6 main characters. Beautiful girls and handsome boys are the spotlight. Having to watch them in different dresses and costumes is the best part of this drama.

This drama also reminds me of a famous US comedy “Friends”. It’s fun to have a group of friends that hangs out together.

Things that caught my eyes:

The big houses and the grand decoration are never bored to look at.

Japan Drama Rating:

Fan of the 6 characters only. If not, watch it only you’re free.

Purchase:
TV series.

Japan Drama Preview: