Unubore Dekaうぬぼれ刑事 – Release July 10

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Japan Drama Story:
Unubore(Nagase Tomoya)長瀬智也 is a talented police detective but never did get promoted to higher rank. There hasn’t been any improvement in his career because he always falls in love with ladies around him including criminal suspect. Although he always prioritizes his love life and flirting with females while investigating cases, he still able to solve cases and capture the criminal. His closings are a bit unusual, shinning, romantic and funny. Plus most of the ladies he falls in love eventually turn out to be criminals. Thus he always presented a choice for the ladies to either marry him or arrested by him.

Feelings and comments:
Honestly, I think the whole drama is a joke. Well, I meant almost every single moment in the drama is fills with jokes and humor. The problem is that most of time the plots aren’t really that funny. I suppose the words over exaggerate can be best describe this drama. Although this is a comedy drama, but still the crimes illustrated are reasonable. Throughout the entire drama, Unubore(Nagase Tomoya)長瀬智也 acting and facial expression really stands out a lot compare to other actors. He actually did remind me of the popular actor Jim Carrey. The drama has a strong list of guest stars and some of them are actually very popular. Unfortunately it is still unable to increase much point for the drama. I think the effects can better if this is a serious criminal investigation drama as some of the guest stars are not comedian.

Things that caught my eyes:
The white suit which Unubore(Nagase Tomoya)長瀬智也 puts on when creaking the case really stands out. The drama also invites lots of popular actors as their guest stars.

Japan Drama Rating:
Fun to watch. No doubt this is an investigation detective drama, but the script is specially written to focus on crazy hilarious jokes and humor.

Purchase:
2010 Japanese Drama: Conceited Detective w/ Eng Sub

Drama Theme Song: NaNaNa (Taiyou nante Irane) TOKIO
Watch the video in YouTube-
Drama Insert Song: Ichiban Kirei na Watashi o by Nakashima Mika

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Kaibutsu kun怪物くん – Release April 10

 

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Japan Drama Story:
Kaibutsu-kun (Ohno Satoshi) 大野智 is the prince of Monster world. He was send to Human world by his father who is the Ruler of Monster world. Kaibutsu-kun (Ohno Satoshi) 大野智 needs to learn from the human and prove himself as the crown successor before he can return to the Monster world. It may seem like a simple training for Kaibutsu-kun (Ohno Satoshi) 大野智 to prepare himself to be king of Monster world, there is couple of unpredictable outcome which might interfere with his training. One of the threats Kaibutsu-kun (Ohno Satoshi) 大野智 has to face is the servants from the demon world.

Feelings and comments:
This drama is not just for kids, but also for adults who used to watch the animation and manga version of Kaibutsu-kun many years ago. Thanks to the high tech special effects and costumes design, the drama is able to make monsters and creatures alive. It also creates a fantasy world just like the magical world of Harry Potter. I suppose it’s just a matter of time when they produce a Doraemon drama.
Kaibutsu-kun (Ohno Satoshi) 大野智 really did a good job in making the character alive. It’s not easy taking the role of an animated character, especially a popular character with lots of fans. If fans are unable to accept the character in the drama, then there will be lots of bad critics. But it seems like fans are impressed with Kaibutsu-kun (Ohno Satoshi) 大野智 as the viewing rating is high.

Things that caught my eyes:
The special effects and monster costumes are the most interesting part in this drama.

Japan Drama Rating:
Fun to watch. This drama is based on an old children manga or animation. The manga artist who created this manga is Fujiko Fujio, who is also the creator of the popular Doraemon. Children who used to watch these animation and manga are now grownups. It really brings back lots of childhood memory watching this drama.

Purchase:
TV series, Original Soundtrack, 2010 Japanese Drama : Kaibutsu-kun w/ Eng Sub

Drama Theme Song: Monster by Arashi

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Massugu na Otokoまっすぐな男 – Release Jan 10

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Japan Drama Story:
Matsushima Kenichiro (Sato Ryuta) 佐藤隆太 works in a construction company. He is a straight honest man who will take action on things that he feels right. One day Matsushima Kenichiro (Sato Ryuta) 佐藤隆太 met Kurita Narumi (深田恭子) Fukada Kyoko in a party where she uses his identity to participate. Kurita Narumi (深田恭子) Fukada Kyoko is a mysterious girl who has a totally opposite character of Matsushima Kenichiro (Sato Ryuta) 佐藤隆太. Although both of them have lots of disagreement and argument but they keeps on bounce into each other. It seems like they don’t get along well but they always watch each other’s back. In fact they learn to see things differently from their different points of view towards life. As they are searching for partners and pursuing happiness in different ways, they find themselves attracted to each other as days goes by.

Feelings and comments:
I just felt that this drama has a flat tone. I’ve gone through 5 episodes of the drama but yet to find any excitement within. There are some jokes here and there but still that isn’t enough to make me continue watching nonstop. I think the way this drama presented does not lead viewers like a roller coaster but just a simple normal ride on a flat road. There are few talented actors in this drama but still it just feels like it doesn’t mix well and the flavors aren’t there.
    Basically this is a simple love comedy. Just that the story line did not focus much on the details. Sometimes you might wonder how the scene gets to this point and so on. Even the love story part starts to kick in only after couple of episodes.
    There is one part of the drama which I’m absolutely agreed about. Sometimes things aren’t what we think it is. The logic and realistic way of thinking that man always did can not apply to woman. Some women just have a different way of thinking which cannot be explain clearly. Instead of having only 2 options of judging things right and wrong. Women tend to have a 3rd option of neither right nor wrong. I think call it the grey area.

Things that caught my eyes:
The straight honest guy Matsushima Kenichiro (Sato Ryuta) 佐藤隆太 does not stand out as it suppose to be in this drama. Instead I find Kurita Narumi (深田恭子) Fukada Kyoko which always has unexpected action and conversation much more appealing.

Japan Drama Rating:
Fun to watch. Although there are lots of things that doesn’t make sense but still it’s good for a laugh.

Purchase:
Original Soundtrack, 2010 Japanese Drama: Massugu Na Otoko w/ Eng Sub

Drama Theme Song: Straight by Tortoise Matsumoto

Japan Drama Preview:
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サムライ・ハイスクールSamurai High School – Release Oct 09

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Japan Drama Story:
Mochizuki Kotaro (Miura Haruma) 三浦春馬 is a simple high school student who is not serious about anything including his life. One day he came to a strange library and was introduce to an ancient book regarding a young samurai who die 400 years ago. The young samurai has the same name as Mochizuki Kotaro (Miura Haruma) 三浦春馬. As he started to read the book, strange things began to happen. According to his father Mochizuki Shinji (Kishitani Goro) 岸谷五朗, their ancestors seems to be a brave samurai who has the same name as Mochizuki Kotaro. Later Mochizuki Kotaro (Miura Haruma) 三浦春馬 was involved in an accident when trying to help his friends Nakamura Tsuyoshi (Shirota Yu) 城田優 and Nagasawa Ai (Anne) 杏. During the accident Mochizuki Kotaro (Miura Haruma) 三浦春馬 was unconscious and his body was taken over by the spirit of his ancestor samurai.

Feelings and comments:
The topic of personality change or character switch within a body is always a favorite idea for TV drama or movie. In this drama you can see a change within 2 souls in a body. No doubt this type of story has a certain guarantee of viewing rate. People are always curious on how it happens.
    I’m a bit disappointed in this drama because this type of topic can be very funny and fun to watch. Lots of humors and jokes can be included when an ancient samurai 400 years old was brought back to present. Instead this drama chooses to have serious teaching and lesson about life as the main theme. Unfortunately the drama is still unable to make a big impression with the couching from Mr. Samurai. 
    It doesn’t matter which year or which era you’re living. Life itself is a nonstop continues fighting from the day we’re born. We either confront the challenge and fight to survive or we just let things around run our life. We often said that history repeats itself. That is why we study history. So that we don’t make the same mistakes again, and we also learned that we have to fight in order to survive.

Things that caught my eyes:
It seems the makeup and dresses really help in changing a person. No doubt the acting ability comes first but still you can see the difference instantly if you add up all the small details. This drama really tests the acting ability of the main cast.

Japan Drama Rating:
Fun to watch. This is another character switch type drama. The main focus on this type of drama is the ability of main cast who can act between two different people.

Purchase:
2009 Japanese Drama : Samurai High School w/ Eng Sub

Drama Theme Song: Kodoku no Taiyo by monobright

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オトメンOtomen – Release Aug 09

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Japan Drama Story:
Masamune Asuka (Okada Masaki) 岡田将生 is the champion of Kendo sport within high school in Japan. Masamune Asuka (Okada Masaki) 岡田将生 is raise by his mother alone after his father left in pursuit of own ambition. The mother wanted to raise Masamune Asuka (Okada Masaki) 岡田将生 to become a true successful manly Japanese. Despite that Masamune Asuka (Okada Masaki) 岡田将生 has a gentle polite personality who also enjoys sweets, sewing, cooking and love to read girl’s comic. Masamune Asuka (Okada Masaki) 岡田将生 is able to keep his hobby and personality secret until he met Miyakozuka Ryo (Kaho) 夏帆 who he falls in love with. Ironically Miyakozuka Ryo (Kaho) 夏帆 personality is just the opposite side of Masamune Asuka (Okada Masaki) 岡田将生.

Feelings and comments:
This drama is full of jokes and laughter. Some of the jokes are related to current issue and Japan culture. So many viewers might not get the jokes. I personally think the jokes are a bit over doing, which creates lots of silent moment when it’s supposed to be laughter all around.
    There are lots of talented actors in this drama but it just seems like everybody are equally good. It’s not a good thing actually because there is no outstanding performance which can lead this drama and creates high emotional scene. I hate to say but I think the best part of this drama is the ending clip.
    I think it’s not just Japan. There are lots of Otomen the whole world. There are simply a lot of men that are able to do sewing, cooking, makeup and likes girl stuff. In other words, they can do almost everything. Honestly, Otomen are very popular among girls. One of my female friends even told me that it’s a relieved because her husband basically covers everything, including cooking, cleaning house, taking care of kids and making a living. Well, I suppose there is no absolute rule that says what man can and cannot do. One thing for sure, we do anything just to survive.

Things that caught my eyes:
The ending clip is nice, something totally different from the drama but it’s an eye appealing. There is one student in this drama that is the victim of jokes and always sacrifices for laughter. I think he shines more than the main cast.

Japan Drama Rating:
Fun to watch. There are lots of crazy jokes and fooling around in the drama. The story is simple. It’s the laughing stuff that makes me finish watching it.

Purchase:
Original Soundtrack, 2009 Japanese Drama : Otomen w/ Eng Sub

Drama Theme Song: lover soul by Shibasaki Kou

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Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Koen-mae Hashutsujoこちら葛飾区亀有公園前派出所 – Release Aug 09

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Japan Drama Story:
This drama is base on a popular manga in Japan. Ryotsu Kankichi (Katori Shingo) 香取慎吾 is an ordinary policeman that station at Katsushika area. There are lots of stories and adventures surrounding Ryotsu Kankichi (Katori Shingo) 香取慎吾 because he always has crazy ideas to earn more money. Even so he never forgets his job to help the neighborhoods and solve their problems.

Feelings and comments:
This drama is base on a popular manga. The anime version of this manga also received a good viewing result. Unfortunately when they make it a real person drama, the viewing rate is not as good as expected. Perhaps it just doesn’t feel right.
    Honestly, I think the production of this drama really puts in a lot of effort to make it big. The main character Ryotsu Kankichi (Katori Shingo) 香取慎吾even appeared in NHK’s 2009 Kohaku Red and White Music Festival. Besides that the drama has special guest stars like Ishihara Satomi (石原さとみ), Mizuki Alisa (観月ありさ) and SPEED member Shimabukuro Hiroko (島袋寛子). Some of the scenes are taken at large crowds or within large area of outdoor scene.
    Honestly I think the drama tries too hard to make it close to the Manga. I can see the effort on trying to make this drama a big success but it just lack the feelings. Perhaps the magic only works when it is in Manga or Anime version.

Things that caught my eyes:
There are lots of scenes which I think the producer really gives it a 100% to make it looks “Wow”. One of the scenes is that they have few minutes of live telecast right before the drama starts. Each time they pick an event and sing the main theme of the drama.

Japan Drama Rating:
Fun to watch. This drama looks more like a kids show. I suppose not all manga story can be brought into TV screen or theater. The feelings are just not right or different.

Purchase:
Original Soundtrack,

Drama Theme Song: Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Koen-mae Hashutsujo by Ryotsu Kankichi

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Karei naru Spy華麗なるスパイ– Release July 09

 

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Japan Drama Story:
Yoroi Kyosuke (Nagase Tomoya) 長瀬智也 used to be a swindler who cons people for their money. He was later captured and found guilty of 13 felonies. One day Japan government approached Yoroi Kyosuke (Nagase Tomoya) 長瀬智也 and offers him a deal of eliminating all his felonies if he works as a spy for the government. His job is to protect Japan from the threats of terrorist. Using his imitation ability, he started to work with government top secret agents. His partner Dorothy (Fukada Kyoko) 深田恭子 is one of the elite international spy. Together they stop the attacks of terrorist against Japan.

Feelings and comments:
No doubt Nagase Tomoya (長瀬智也) is funny. The problem with this drama is that the title and story line are too dull. Some of the jokes are very cold too. Still this drama is able to squeeze some laughing face out from you. Another attraction is Fukada Kyoko (深田恭子) with her sexy outfits. Just calculate how many cloths and costumes that she wears throughout the entire drama and you’ll be surprise.
    We often listen or watch news about terrorist incident happens around the world. The only thing that I can feel about it is fear. I suppose the threats of terrorist are no difference than natural disasters.

Things that caught my eyes:
The cross necklaces around Yoroi Kyosuke (Nagase Tomoya) 長瀬智也 really bugs me. He has to grab the cross before using his imitation ability. That just looks almost the same like the transformation of Kamen rider.

Japan Drama Rating:
Fun to watch. Nagase Tomoya (長瀬智也) is very good at comedy drama. His reaction always gives me a good laugh.

Purchase:
Original Soundtrack, 2009 Japanese Drama : Karei Naru Spy w/ Eng Sub

Drama Theme Song: Taiyo to Sabaku no Bara by TOKIO

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Haken no Oscar派遣のオスカル – Release Aug 09

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Japan Drama Story:
Misawa Katsuko (Tanaka Rena) 田中麗奈 is a big fan of girl’s manga “The Rose of Versailles”. She’s always dream herself in the world of manga in order to escape the reality. She did try to apply jobs that related to manga but was turn down. As a result she works as a temporally worker in a body cleansing product company. The company did not do well and is facing financial crisis at the moment. When the company started to implement unreasonable policy towards the employees, Misawa Katsuko (Tanaka Rena) 田中麗奈 decided to do something about it because she feels that she is in a situation the same as in the manga “The Rose of Versailles”. She seems to hear the voice of Oscar (Main character of “The Rose of Versailles”) telling her to fight for her rights and to save the company.

Feelings and comments:
I think most of us growing up reading one or two favorite manga. You can’t really forget the exciting feeling even if you have become an adult. That goes the same as playing video games. Some of us still continue to read manga and playing video games. It might seem a bit childish to still falling for these things but still it is acceptable. A childhood favorite can be the best hobby to escape from reality. It’s a good way to get away from work pressure and release tension temporally. So just give us all a break.
The question of produce quality product or produce product that sells kept me thinking for a while. I suppose keeping a balance between the two concepts is the best. Taking just only one side won’t be enough to survive. The best example that I can think of is George Clooney. The actor has created some movies that sell, for example “Ocean’s Eleven/Twelve/Thirteen” and quality movies like “Good Night, and Good Luck” and “Michael Clayton”.
Tanaka Rena (田中麗奈) appears mostly in movies rather than drama. No doubt her acting is good but still I just feel that she still missing something. Perhaps a fine tune towards her acting or maybe an opponent that can bring out the best of her is what she needs.

Things that caught my eyes:
I think I might understand better if I had gone through the manga “The Rose of Versailles”. Still it’s never too late to catch up with it. Just that this is a 36 year old girl’s manga. I’m just not so sure if I’ll like it.

Japan Drama Rating:
Fun to watch. A stuff that always imagine herself as a hero in the manga sure creates lots of laughter around.

Purchase:
Not Available yet.

Drama Theme Song: DREAM GOES ON by Every Little Thing

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Uta no Onii-san歌のおにいさん – Release Jan 09

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Japan Drama Story:
Yano Kenta (Ohno Satoshi) 大野智 lost his job before he even starts working. On top of that his girl friend dumped him, his band breaks up without his knowledge and he lost couple of friends because of the band. Yano Kenta (Ohno Satoshi) 大野智 is going through the worst time in his life. As he starts looking for a job, he was accidentally hired as a character in kid’s show name “Minna De Utao!” As much as he dislike the job and working with his face showing miserably, Yano Kenta (Ohno Satoshi) 大野智 began to accept the show as time goes by.

Feelings and comments:
At first I thought this drama is some sort of kids show. Perhaps that’s because of the title and the picture with Yano Kenta (Ohno Satoshi) 大野智 dress up like that. It turns out this drama is a comedy with lots of kids acting.
Sometimes life sucks. You might just get hit by lots of bad news and end up in a position that you never imagine it would be. Especially in recession time you might just find yourself in a job that you never expected. That’s better than jobless. Life is no easy and will never be easy. Just don’t hate it and try to enjoy it. You never know what you’ll get even if at worst time. Life is like a box of chocolate, you’ll never know what’s inside unless you taste it.

Things that caught my eyes:
It’s fun to see Yano Kenta (Ohno Satoshi) 大野智 get mob by kids. His “refuse to smile” face really looks funny. By the way you'll see some special guest star in this drama.

Japan Drama Rating:
Fun to watch. This drama is not a kid’s show but actually a funny motivation drama, but you’ll see lots of kids in it.

Purchase:
TV series, Original Soundtrack, 2009 Japanese Drama : - Uta No Onii-san - W/ English Subtitle

Drama Theme Song: Kumorinochi, Kaisei by Yano Kenta

Japan Drama Preview:
Not available.

Atashinchi no Danshiアタシんちの男子 – Release April 09

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Japan Drama Story:
Mineta Chisato (Horikita Maki) 堀北真希 is a “homeless” that lives in the park and takes her bath in net café. Her mother died when she was young and her father ran away leaving a huge debt. One day as Mineta Chisato (Horikita Maki) 堀北真希was chase by the debt collector, she was rescue by a rich man name Okura Shinzo (Kusakari Masao) 草刈正雄. Okura Shinzo (Kusakari Masao) 草刈正雄 offers to settle all her debt, in return she has to become his wife for one month. As soon as Mineta Chisato (Horikita Maki) 堀北真希 signs the agreement, she found herself stuck with an old man with only a month to live. Plus, the agreement that she signed includes other details that acquired her to become mother of Okura Shinzo (Kusakari Masao) 草刈正雄’s sons for three month. There are six of them and each of them has different personality which doesn’t get along well.

Feelings and comments:
This drama is all about homeless and family. It started out with Mineta Chisato (Horikita Maki) 堀北真希as a homeless girl with huge amount of debts and ended up with a big family of six members. There are a lot of crazy jokes and scenario but all stress on the important of family. There is couple of things that I think is well said and important. First of all blood line related is not necessary important in justifying as family. There are a lot of families with bloodline related but still act as strangers and killing each other because of money. Sometimes friends are closer compare to family members. I suppose we considered it family when group of people help each other and experience life, work, fun or worst time together. Another thing is the place call funfair. I use to think funfair is a place where the whole families can have fun. Turns out it’s a place for families to hang out and discover different faces or identities that mom and dad never expose within busy days. Perhaps that‘s the fun and treasure that kids are looking for when visiting funfair.

Things that caught my eyes:
The crazy invention and the mansion is the most interesting part in this drama. It must be fun to have those inventions around. The mansion might not be a good place to live but it sure is a fun place to hang out. By the way, the six guys always in sauna with just towels on.

Japan Drama Rating:
Fun to watch. There are a lot of crazy stuffs in the drama. It’s good for a laugh.

Purchase:
Original Soundtrack, 2009 Japanese Drama : - Atashinchi No Danshi - W/ English Subtitle

Drama Theme Song: Infinity by GIRL NEXT DOOR

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Walkin' Butterflyウォーキン・バタフライ– Release July 08

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Japan Drama Story:
Torayasu Michiko (Nakabeppu Aoi) 中別府葵 hates being tall. Ever since she’s in high school her height is the main reason that she can’t get a boy friend. After graduated she seems to have difficulties in getting jobs because of her height too. Her life was miserable until she met Mihara Ko (Toba Jun) 鳥羽潤, a fashion designer that triggers Torayasu Michiko (Nakabeppu Aoi) 中別府葵 to step foot into the world of modeling. Her life began to change from that moment onwards.

Feelings and comments:
Being a model is not easy. Just take a look at America’s next top model and you’ll know how difficult it is to survive in this industry. I suppose the first criteria that you need to become a model are height. You can work hard in everything but the height. In this drama we can see how a model is created and trained.
This drama reminds me of the story of ugly duckling. I suppose there is actually no ugly person but only lazy person. If you put your mind into it and work hard, anybody can be good looking. It’s not just the appearance that we have to work hard but also our own personality and characteristic. This is what we call the inner beauty which can be obtained from knowledge and experience.

Things that caught my eyes:
This drama makes Torayasu Michiko (Nakabeppu Aoi) 中別府葵 “tall”, really “tall”. It is interesting to link this drama with the movie Flying Rabbits. Each char in the movie can be seen in each episode of the drama.

Japan Drama Rating:
Fun to watch. The reaction and acting of Torayasu Michiko (Nakabeppu Aoi) 中別府葵 in this drama really is funny.

Purchase:
TV series, 2008 Japanese Drama : Walkin' Butterfly w/ English Subtitle

Drama Theme Song: Seiippai, Bokura no Uta by ghostnote

Japan Drama Preview:

Mei Chan no Shitsujiメイちゃんの執事– Release Jan 09

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Japan Drama Story:
Shinonome Mei (Eikura Nana) 榮倉奈々once lives as daughter of a poor family that sells ramen. After the sudden death of both her parents, a butler name Shibata Rihito (Mizushima Hiro) 水嶋ヒロ came to her. She was informed that she is the granddaughter of a rich and famous family. Suddenly her life changes as she needs to transfer to St. Lucia Girls' Academy where all the daughters of the rich and famous learn to become lady. With the help of her talented butler and her childhood friend Shibata Kento (Sato Takeru) 佐藤健, she starts her first school day wearing a pair of glasses with long jersey pants under the skirt.

Feelings and comments:
Lately the butler trend seems to be all around anime, manga and drama. The topic about talented butler that can handle almost anything seems to be attracting a lot of fans. I suppose it’s every girls dream to have a talented handsome butler that able to serve you any way you want. Normally only the rich and famous are able to hire such expensive butler service. It might seem to be really cool to have a butler but that might not be a good thing. A butler is needed because parents don’t have much time around or unable to take care of their kids. Perhaps butler is the closes person compare to families. This we can see it from the drama.
Being the lady of rich and famous is not easy. One thing for sure, expectation is high thus things that you’ll need to learn will be very much different from ordinary person. That’s the same as being the prince or princess of a country. You’re not just learning to survive in this world but also to face the world as everybody will be watching.

Things that caught my eyes:
The formal dress code of butler and the school uniform is very fashionable and attractive, especially the skirts. As for the butlers, they all dress up differently but still look formal and nice.

Japan Drama Rating:
Fun to watch. It’s like the girl version of Hanazakari no Kimitachi e. The difference is that this drama has both good looking young girls and boys too.

Purchase:
Original Soundtrack, 2009 Japanese Drama : - Mei-chan No Shitsuji - W/ English Subtitle

Drama Theme Song: My SunShine by ROCK｀A´TRENCH

Japan Drama Preview:

Yume wo Kanaeru Zo夢をかなえるゾウ– Release Oct 08

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Japan Drama Story:
Hoshino Asuka (Mizukawa Asami) 水川あさみis a young office lady that always dreams to marry a fine young man and live a happy life. At her 25th birthday as things seems to be going well, everything changes over night as she lost his boy friend and her apartment. What’s left for her is an unsecure job, a bag of cloths and a small old temporally apartment. As she is crying out loud for her bad luck and the losses, the elephant god Ganesha (Furuta Arata) 古田新太 appears. Apparently this is the same old apartment that the elephant god Ganesha (Furuta Arata) 古田新太helps Nogami Kohei (Oguri Shun) 小栗旬few years ago. This time it is Hoshino Asuka (Mizukawa Asami) 水川あさみthat needs help to regain her happiness.

Feelings and comments:
No doubt that the story of this drama is crazy and interesting. You can find a lot of teaching in this drama that is useful in our daily life. Honestly I really have a hard time watching this drama at the beginning. Perhaps maybe it is because of Oguri Shun (小栗旬). I was expecting to see more of Oguri Shun (小栗旬) but instead he only appears few minutes in the first episode only. Maybe due to this disappointment that makes me difficult to continue watching this drama. After dragging this drama to episode 2 and 3, I finally get into it as the story seems interesting.
I suppose the special edition of this drama should move to the end until this drama finish. That will give Mizukawa Asami (水川あさみ) a chance to actually build up her character into the audience.

Sometimes we are taught by our grandparents about things that we should do and should not do. These teaching are difficult to understand by youngsters as it only can be justified later. These teaching have been passing on from generation to generation as it was proven by time and experience that it is meant for good. As time passes by, a lot of these teaching disappear and lost as they are no longer suitable nowadays. Still we have to remember it. We don’t have to practice them but at least we need to preserve these teaching as it is evidence or a historical proved that our grandparents existed.

Things that caught my eyes:
The elephant face with the long nose sure is interesting. But I’m more curious about the quotes and the famous historical people. Especially the quote “If you don't have bread eat cake".

Japan Drama Rating:
Fun to watch. There are lots of crazy ideas towards the pursuit of happiness.

Purchase:
Original Soundtrack, Special, 2008 Japanese Drama: Yume Wo Kanaeru Zo w/ Eng Sub

Drama Theme Song: Continue by SEAMO

Japan Drama Preview:

Celeb to Binbo Taroセレブと貧乏太郎 – Release Oct 08

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Japan Drama Story:
Mitazono Alice (Ueto Aya) 上戸彩 comes from a rich family. She is young, beautiful and fashion talented. She is a fashion icon and owns a fashion company. She is a famous celebrity in Japan. Sato Taro (Kamiji Yusuke) 上地雄輔 is a poor father that has no permanent job. He is also a single parent of 3 children. The 2 different people from totally different background met and started out a relationship between a poor and a rich.

Feelings and comments:
The story is not much interesting as it’s basically a relationship between a celebrity girl and a poor father. The question that might keep you into the drama is that “Will both of them be together at the end?” As you start to watch the drama, that question won’t be the main thing that keeps you watching it.
If you’re a fan of Ueto Aya (上戸彩) then you’ll definitely love this drama. It’s pretty much about having Ueto Aya (上戸彩) doing all the stuff that she’s good at and making the story go around her. In the end you have a fun and enjoyable sort of fairy tale, which is good to view for family and all ages.

Things that caught my eyes:
Having fresh egg for breakfast is really something special. It’s definitely different form the one that we bought from the market because you still can feel the warm temperature from the egg. That is if the drama really uses fresh new eggs, but I doubt it.

Japan Drama Rating:
Fun to watch. It’s always fun to watch Ueto Aya (上戸彩) in different costumes.

Purchase:
TV series, Original Soundtrack, 2008 Japanese Drama: Celeb to Binbo Taro w/ Eng Sub

Drama Theme Song: Kimagure Romantic by Ikimono-gakari
Japan Drama Preview:
Japan Drama NG Scenes:

Yasuko to Kenjiヤスコとケンジ – Release July 08

Kumo Japan Drama sneak!!

Japan Drama Story:
Yasuko (Tabe Mikako) 多部未華子 lives with his brother Oki Kenji (Matsuoka Masahiro) 松岡昌宏 ever since their parents died. His brother takes up the responsibility to raise Yasuko and work as girl comic writer (shojo mangaka). Before that he was a leader of a motorcycle gang rider. After the death of their parent, he then quit the gang to take care of his sister. After 10 years his so call rival or the lady gang rider Tsubaki Erika (Hirosue Ryoko) 広末涼子appear in his life again wanted to capture his heart one more time. She has been in love with Oki Kenji 10 years before. At this time Yasuko (Tabe Mikako) 多部未華子already grown to be a young high school girl hopping for a romance teenage life. As his brother Oki Kenji (Matsuoka Masahiro) 松岡昌宏 is very strict with her social life and everything else, it will be hard for Yasuko to have a normal high school life.

Feelings and comments:
Having strict parents that watches your moves all the time really does feel annoying, but then that’s because they care too much until about you. After all about family and everything can be discuss and solved. Seriously it’s tough being in the position of Oki Kenji (Matsuoka Masahiro) 松岡昌宏 where he has to take care of the sister in his young age.
Tsubaki Erika (Hirosue Ryoko) 広末涼子 and Yasuko (Tabe Mikako) 多部未華子is the only 2 actresses that is really good in this drama. Their acting can be consider natural enough to keep me continue to finish the drama. Especially for Tabe Mikako 多部未華子 I think she is going to do well in the coming drama.

Things that caught my eyes:
The brother Oki Kenji (Matsuoka Masahiro) 松岡昌宏 seems to know their location at the end of each episode.

Japan Drama Rating:
Fun to watch. If you’re a fan of Hirosue Ryoko広末涼子 then you must watch it.

Purchase:
TV series, Original Soundtrack, 2008 Japanese Drama : Yasuko to Kenji w/ English Subtitle, Yasuko to Kenji

Drama Theme Song: Amagasa by TOKIO

Japan Drama Preview:

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:

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:

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: