Japan Drama Story:
Haga Ineko (Kichise Michiko) 吉瀬美智子 used to be a school teacher before she quits her job and trying to get married. Instead her supposed to be husband dump her at the last minute right before the wedding. While she’s wondering what to do with her life without a husband and a job, her friend persuade her to become a substitute teacher for a trouble class, a class which not a single teacher can stay on for long. Many of them gave up or transferred without any reasons. As Haga Ineko (Kichise Michiko) 吉瀬美智子 steps into the class, she instantly felt the threats and difficulties from the children.
Feelings and comments:
There is nothing new about the story of this drama. It’s just a story about a responsible teacher trying to fix a problematic class. Although Haga Ineko (Kichise Michiko) 吉瀬美智子 is the main cast in this drama but still the attention is on the children. These children really are good in acting. Some of the bully actions might not so comfortable to watch, especially when it’s carry out by the children. Even so this drama is still nice to watch. We just love to watch how the teacher working hard to direct each and every children into the right path. There is nothing special about the teacher but with a nickname call steel.
Things that caught my eyes:
Children are the main focus in this drama. You’ll find lots of familiar faces within as some of the kids often appeared in other dramas too.
Japan Drama Rating: Nice to watch. This is a typical drama about a teacher trying to teach or educate a class of children. It’s another tough mission with problematic children. But still, audiences able to witness the success of teacher at the end.
Japan Drama Story:
Tsutsumi Shinko (Shinohara Ryoko) 篠原涼子 was just release from prison for deceiving charges. Due to her criminal record, she was unable to find a job. Tsutsumi Shinko (Shinohara Ryoko) 篠原涼子 was then specially hired by government to audit and investigate civil servants who spend government funds for their own benefits. Tsutsumi Shinko (Shinohara Ryoko) 篠原涼子 was specially hired to deal with high ranking civil servants who are good in manipulate the laws. As it is very difficult for the board of audit special investigations division to go against and bring down high ranking crooked ministers, Tsutsumi Shinko (Shinohara Ryoko) 篠原涼子 has to fight from a different way, a way which she is very good in before she goes to prison.
Feelings and comments:
This is another drama created for Shinohara Ryoko (篠原涼子). You’ll find lots of similarities when compare with previous Shinohara Ryoko (篠原涼子) drama. If you like her previous drama, then this drama is for you. Although there won’t be much surprises and new stuff, it’s still nice to watch. This is not the first time Shinohara Ryoko (篠原涼子) pair with Oizumi Yo (大泉洋) and their interaction of jokes still as good as before. This time, there is couple of new actors which brings in a lot of new ingredients.
There are some parts of this drama that are difficult to understand when it comes to accounting and calculation explanation. But still we can understand clearly which of the areas government civil servants tend to take the people’s money legally.
Things that caught my eyes:
The flashing huge calculator looks nice. But still I think this drama exposes ways of how government servants spend taxes for personal benefits.
Japan Drama Rating: Nice to watch. Although the topic of this drama is a bit bored as it’s related to taxes, accounts and calculator, but still it is interesting to watch. The drama gives you a feeling of fighting evil with evil.
Japan Drama Story:
Miyazawa Tomomi (Kuroki Hitomi) 黒木瞳 just move to a smaller house due to financial problem as her husband lost his job for about a year. Life has been difficult for Miyazawa Tomomi (Kuroki Hitomi) 黒木瞳 lately so she decided to attend her class reunion party to cheer herself up. It has been around 30 years since she graduated from the school which soon to be united and combine with other school. At the party she reunite with her old friends Sugiyama Kosuke (Takahashi Katsunori) 高橋克典, Nishikawa Yoko (Saito Yuki) 斉藤由貴, Okubo Shinichi (Mikami Hiroshi) 三上博史 and many more. They have a good time catching up with the old times even though they are going through difficulties. Everything seems normal that night as they went back home separately. The next day morning Miyazawa Tomomi (Kuroki Hitomi) 黒木瞳 was told two of her friends did not went home but has run away from home as lovers. She was shock as why people can just leave everything behind without considering the consequences.
Feelings and comments:
This drama is about love. A group of friends and classmates are trying to recall the feeling of love which they experienced back in high school. Love is essential at any time, any age. Even if at middle age, people are still hunger for love. Just that as we live through half of our life, any decision we make are crucial because we have too many things on our shoulder. We cannot simply just follow our heart and pursuit for love without thinking about consequences.
The relationship and love in this drama is complex but yet simple. As this is not love in first sight drama, it takes time to interpret the relationship between characters. I suppose the acting ability of the actors has successfully brought out the complicated feelings among each other.
Things that caught my eyes:
No doubt these actors look very much younger than their age. I suppose makeups and skin care products play a significant role in preserving their youth.
Japan Drama Rating: Nice to watch. Although there aren’t any leading young actors in this drama but the performance of these matured actors are brilliant. Love stories are always interesting and fascinating regardless of any ages.
Japan Drama Story:
Tamura Katsuhiro (Sakurai Sho) 櫻井翔 works as a legal assistance whose job is to prepare legal documents. As he is still an intern with a warm helpful heart, people around always come to him for legal advices. Although he is not be a lawyer but his preparation for the legal assistance entrance examination is sufficient enough for him to handle simple legal issues. While he was handling a legal case for his neighbor, he met Sumiyoshi Misuzu (Horikita Maki) 堀北真希 who will do anything to win the case for her client. She too works as a legal assistance, but already a licensed and expert in the field. Both of them always have different opinion and point of views but eventually they make a good team.
Feelings and comments:
When it comes of legal issues, those who don’t have any knowledge about the laws and rules always ends up as victims. You don’t need to know the legal system, but you definitely need to know who to look for if you need help. This drama presented a lot of good legal examples which related to our daily life. Some of the cases are divorce, personal debt, property, inheritance and many more. Most important of all, you get to know your basic rights as a consumer, citizen and human being.
I suppose all the cartoon sketch makes it fun and interesting to watch even though the drama is about legal rights and legal issues. But still the drama shows that it’s difficult to make everybody happy because the legal system cannot solve everything. This drama shows it all by bring in two characters who deals with problems in two different ways. Depending on the solution, the quality of life for a person can be affected.
Things that caught my eyes:
The quiz method of explaining the legal issue makes it fun, simple and easy to understand. There are lots of legal issues discussed in this drama which related to our daily life. Most of the legal cases involve money.
Japan Drama Rating: Niceto watch. There are lots of legal issues in this drama which we can learn. At some point it can be boring but the drama uses a different approach to make it entertaining. It is still an enjoyable drama as the couple is very good in acting.
Japan Drama Story:
Taguchi Kohei (Ito Atsushi) 伊藤淳史 and Shiratori Keisuke (Nakamura Toru) 仲村トオル is back again for another medical investigation. As the hospital has suffer a lot of damage due to the previous medical incident which both of them solved, Shiratori Keisuke (Nakamura Toru) 仲村トオル has been assigned to perform yearly spot check to make sure similar case does not reoccur. As Shiratori Keisuke (Nakamura Toru) 仲村トオル set his eyes on the emergency room department, he discovered some unusual activities. It was then he met a talented general surgeon call “General Rouge” who was also his former medical schoolmate.
Feelings and comments:
Honestly I think the second series is not as exciting as the first series. Although it did get my attention on the “General Rouge” character, the rest of the stuff is just normal. Plus the first episode is just too boring to get me excited to keep on watching the drama. There are just too much medical terms and not many characters that really stand out.
One thing for sure, there won’t be as many surprises and unpredictable scenario. It’s just like another similar medical criminal case. The second series is a production created especially for fans that haven’t get enough from the first series and urge for more. You won’t be disappointed from the second series but don’t put too much expectation.
Things that caught my eyes:
Just like the previous series before, combination and interaction between Taguchi Kohei (Ito Atsushi) 伊藤淳史 and Shiratori Keisuke (Nakamura Toru) 仲村トオル has successfully builds up the mystery and excitement of complicated medical investigation case.
Japan Drama Rating: Nice to watch. If you like the first series of this drama, you’ll definitely have to check out the second series. It might not be as interesting and exciting as the first series, but it still worth checking out.
Japan Drama Story:
Shinagawa Daichi (Narimiya Hiroki) 成宮寛貴 used to be an ordinary student who is good in study. He always fights with his sister and trained by his father when he was a kid. As a result he became very good in street fight. Due to some misunderstanding he becomes a target for picking a fight. Thus he is known as a gangster student because always involving in street fights. One day he met a female student name Adachi Hana (Naka Riisa)仲里依紗 who wears glasses and always bugging him. Seems like Adachi Hana (Naka Riisa)仲里依紗 has a similar experience just like Shinagawa Daichi (Narimiya Hiroki) 成宮寛貴. Both of them have the same goal, which is trying to erase their bad image of gangster student.
Feelings and comments:
There are two choices which we can pick for our life. We can either take control of our life by doing what we can to have it the way we like, or we can let the environment take control of our life and accept whatever given. I think either way is good as long as you’re happy with your life.
Perhaps it might be the reason that I’ve read the manga version of the story, I just don’t feel the excitement within this drama. There are some laughter and funny scene but overall this drama just has an average good rating from me. I suppose those who haven’t read the manga version of this story might find it interesting.
Things that caught my eyes:
Adachi Hana (Naka Riisa) 仲里依紗 super kick is the best part of this drama. It is just as powerful as we seen in manga.
Japan Drama Rating: Nice to watch. This drama is based on a popular Japanese manga. Although some of the scene might be over exaggerated, but still it’s under acceptable level. Fans of this popular Japanese manga should be exciting to watch this drama.
Purchase: 2010 Japanese Drama : Yankee-kun to Megane-chan w/ Eng
Drama Theme Song: Loose Leaf by Hilcrhyme Check out the MV at Youtube
Japan Drama Story:
Ryo Naruse (Ohno Satoshi) 大野智 is a brilliant lawyer who helps people who are poor and innocent. He was given a nick name “Angle” by mass media for representing poor people in court. Ryo Naruse (Ohno Satoshi) 大野智 has a dark evil side driven by revenge, a revenge of getting back to those who are responsible for the death of his brother. The person responsible for the death of his brother is Serizawa Naoto (Ikuta Toma) 生田斗真 who is also a police detective. It has been 11 years since the death of Ryo Naruse (Ohno Satoshi) 大野智’s brother but he has been monitor closely at Serizawa Naoto (Ikuta Toma) 生田斗真. When a serial murder case which involves victims related to people close by with Serizawa Naoto (Ikuta Toma) 生田斗真, it seems like justice starts to catch up with what he did 11 years ago. Is it revenge, karma or just pure murder? With the help of Sakita Shiori (Kobayashi Ryoko) 小林涼子, Serizawa Naoto (Ikuta Toma) 生田斗真 must solve the serial murder case before people around him getting hurt, and that includes himself.
Feelings and comments:
This drama is a remake of a popular Korean drama “The Devil”. It seems like it’s able to receive good rating and viewer rates in Japan too. Although the drama looks interesting and nice to watch, there is one thing that makes me feel not right. It seems like the police are hopeless but have to rely on the psychic power of a girl. Plus, Serizawa Naoto (Ikuta Toma) 生田斗真 definitely does not have the looks and behavior of a detective. He looks more like a runner that always chasing criminal instead of solving cases. In the other hand, the role of Ryo Naruse (Ohno Satoshi) 大野智 is very persuasive with a brilliant, disturb, sad, good and evil characteristic.
I suppose the Korean version of “The Devil” is much more interesting than this drama. I’ll let those of you that watched both Korean and Japanese version decided on that. I think the best version comes if the role of Ryo Naruse and Serizawa Naoto are played well by the actors.
There are reasons we are who we are today. That includes choosing the path of our life and occupation. We always have the choice and option to do good or bad. It does not matter what happens to us, we always still have the choice. Don’t make any incident that happens to us becomes an excuse of who we become today. In fact see it as an experience which helps us to choose and become a better person.
Things that caught my eyes:
The tarot cards and psychic power of Sakita Shiori (Kobayashi Ryoko) 小林涼子 definitely increases the mystery within the drama. By the way the coffee seems tasty at the coffee house where Sakita Shiori (Kobayashi Ryoko) 小林涼子 stays.
Japan Drama Rating: Nice to Watch. This drama is exciting, suspense and interesting but I just felt that the police was unable to do anything but running around. The overall sense of mystery and evil plot throughout the drama is great.
Purchase: 2008 Japanese Drama: Maou w/ English Subtitle
Japan Drama Story:
Murakami Shinsuke (Sakaguchi Kenji) 坂口憲二 works as a consultant in a company which specializes in lay off and company restructuring. Murakami Shinsuke (Sakaguchi Kenji) 坂口憲二 is very good at his job and always received top performance in his work. Although he is very successful in his career, he often doubts his work of laying off employees is the right thing to do. One day Murakami Shinsuke (Sakaguchi Kenji) 坂口憲二 was assign on a job to lay off 200 employees from a building material company. He met a female employee name Serizawa Yoko (Tanaka Misako) 田中美佐子 who is on the list of lay off. As Murakami Shinsuke (Sakaguchi Kenji) 坂口憲二 has strong feelings towards Serizawa Yoko (Tanaka Misako) 田中美佐子, Murakami Shinsuke (Sakaguchi Kenji) 坂口憲二 is facing a hard performing his task of laying off her.
Feelings and comments:
Although the drama includes love story but still the main focus is on lay off and company restructuring. We often read news about lay off, voluntary retirement and company restructuring, especially during economic downturn couple of years ago. Have you ever wonder why a company needs to go through restructuring? And why you’re being lay off? Before looking for the answers, it will be best to think about some of the basic terms like company, job position and work responsibility. Company which does not generate revenue will face restructuring or shut down eventually. A job position which does not help company to grow or generate income will be deleted. An employee who does not carry out or perform their work responsibility will be deleted. All the above are link to the growth and revenue of a company. So if you’re trying to avoid getting lay off, find a company that makes money, secure an important job position and carry out the work responsibility accordingly.
It is interesting to listen to their conversation during the interview of voluntary retirement. We can find out lots of evil tactics company use to force an individual to accept the deal. I actually enjoyed looking at Murakami Shinsuke (Sakaguchi Kenji) 坂口憲二 facial expression when he confronts the employees.
Things that caught my eyes:
It is interesting to take a look at how a company which specializes in lay off and restructuring works. Especially when the consultant trying to persuade an employee to voluntary resign, that’s actually brilliant.
Japan Drama Rating: Nice to watch. This is an interesting drama about lay off and company restructuring. As an employee, it’s a must to watch.
Japan Drama Story:
Azuma Wataru (Yamamoto Yusuke) 山本裕典 is a student that don’t like to study nor involve in school activities. His is only good in gang fighting. One day his teacher told him there are not enough school attendance points and he might need to repeat the same year of study. The only two options available for Azuma Wataru (Yamamoto Yusuke) 山本裕典 is either take on additional tuitions or participate in school club activities to make up with the points. Azuma Wataru (Yamamoto Yusuke) 山本裕典 chooses to take on activities in school club but it seems like none of the club suits him. However he finally chooses to join rhythmic gymnastics club because he wants to impress a girl that he likes. At the end of the day rhythmic gymnastics turns out to be an activity that he is passion of.
Feelings and comments:
This drama is all about male rhythmic gymnastics. There aren’t any popular actors in the drama. The main focus of this drama is in the rhythmic gymnastics. You’ll get to learn and understand rhythmic gymnastics as you watch the drama. Honestly I think that’s the main purpose of this drama. That is to promote and introduce rhythmic gymnastics.
I think most of you that watched the animation “Slam Dunk” will instantly smell a sense of similarities in this drama. The story and script is about the same just that the drama changes the basket ball into rhythmic gymnastics. But still it’s a good way of getting lots of attention and interest. The first episode looks good and promising but it doesn’t seem so after that. I suppose those of you who are interested in rhythmic gymnastics will love to watch this drama.
Things that caught my eyes:
My first impression is the red head, student gangster, fighting champ but participating in rhythmic gymnastics. No doubt it’s a rhythmic gymnastics version of “Slam Dunk”. I’m just interested to see how much similarity the drama is produced.
Japan Drama Rating: Nice to watch. This drama is just like any other passionate and energetic sports drama which focuses on rhythmic gymnastics. You’ll notice a lot of similarities between this drama and the popular basketball animation “Slam Dunk”.
Japan Drama Story:
Hazuki Rensuke (Kimura Takuya) 木村拓哉 is the president of a furniture company call Regolith. His vision is to supply furniture to every corner in the world under the name of Regolith. As his company launches the first outlet and factory in Shanghai China, Hazuki Rensuke (Kimura Takuya) 木村拓哉 met a poor factor worker name Liu Xiu Mei (Lin Chi Ling) 林志玲 and instantly falls in love with her. Hazuki Rensuke (Kimura Takuya) 木村拓哉 brought her back to Japan and trained her to be the company model. Besides Liu Xiu Mei (Lin Chi Ling) 林志玲 there are two other women that falls in love with Hazuki Rensuke (Kimura Takuya) 木村拓哉, Onuki Yuzuki (Kitagawa Keiko) 北川景子, the daughter of his rival company and Ninomiya Maemi (Shinohara Ryoko) 篠原涼子, the top furniture designer. As Hazuki Rensuke (Kimura Takuya) 木村拓哉 strive to expand his company in the competitive market, he faces lots of obstacles not just from his rival company but also his own employees. The success and falls of Hazuki Rensuke (Kimura Takuya) 木村拓哉 are related very much to the 3 women who love him. At the end who will Hazuki Rensuke (Kimura Takuya) 木村拓哉 choose for his partner of life?
Feelings and comments:
I have to admit the biggest attraction of this drama is to watch Lin Chi Ling (林志玲) interacts with other Japanese actors especially Kimura Takuya (木村拓哉). Perhaps all the other main actors are too talented and thus it magnifies the lack of acting experience within Lin Chi Ling (林志玲). Hopefully we can see more of Lin Chi Ling (林志玲) in the coming Japanese drama.
The drama looks pretty good from all aspect but still it doesn’t feel good enough. Perhaps we have high hope that this drama can bring out a very romantic feeling but instead it shows more reality pressure and struggling to overcome obstacles. I think with the same group of actors and production stuff but with a different story and script, this drama can be a hit. This also proves that if you use the best ingredients to produce a drama, it might not turn out as good as we expected.
Things that caught my eyes:
No doubt Liu Xiu Mei (Lin Chi Ling) 林志玲 is the focus in this drama. This is her first debut in Japan Drama. Although her acting performance still needs lots of improvement but we can see that she’s giving her best shot, especially at the beginning of the drama where she is able to put aside her beauty image for acting.
Japan Drama Rating: Nice to Watch. This drama has great actors, great scene, great car, great song and great music but unfortunately lack of a great story line or script. I just felt a bit disappointed as this drama can be better.
Japan Drama Story:
Kuraishi Yoshio (Uchino Masaaki) 内野聖陽 is a forensic expert who is very good in picking up details and finding out the truth. Kuraishi Yoshio (Uchino Masaaki) 内野聖陽 and his team is responsible in analyzing crime scene initially and determine if it is a suicidal case or murder case. Kuraishi Yoshio (Uchino Masaaki) 内野聖陽 has the habit of digging out the truth no matter what it takes. Sometimes he even goes beyond his authority to get the answer. Thus he always picks up fights with people in police department.
Feelings and comments:
The crime scene is still as interesting as the first season but there is just not much excitement within. You can feel the second season seems to put in more budgets to produce a much better drama. Just like the first season, the investigation teams are able to solve one criminal case in one episode. Honestly there aren’t many changes compare to the first season. In the second season the investigation teams get a new boss and Kuraishi Yoshio (Uchino Masaaki) 内野聖陽 gets a new stuff as one of his subordinate gets transfer back to the original investigation team. Overall if you like the first season of this drama, you’ll be interested to take a look at the second season. I suppose the most interesting part in the second season is the unsolved case which involved the new guy that transferred to Kuraishi Yoshio (Uchino Masaaki) 内野聖陽’s team.
Things that caught my eyes:
Seems like most of the cases are solved by Kuraishi Yoshio (Uchino Masaaki) 内野聖陽. But his working attitude of sleeping in the office is not so encouraging.
Japan Drama Rating: Nice to watch. The second season still maintains the same quality and excitement. Although there is not much change in the story but there are improvements in overall production especially in music and theme song.
Japan Drama Story:
Young surgical interns Aizawa Kosaku (Yamashita Tomohisa) 山下智久, Shiraishi Megumi (Aragaki Yui) 新垣結衣, Hiyama Mihoko (Toda Erika) 戸田恵梨香 and Fujikawa Kazuo (Asari Yosuke) 浅利陽介almost completed their internship in Shoyo University’s North Hospital. This is the time they need to seriously consider their next destination in their surgical career. Some of them might graduate in flying colors and some might need to repeat their internship depending on their field performance. Despite surgical occupation is very challenging and tension, each of them has yet to deal with their personal problems.
Feelings and comments:
I preferred the first season better. The second season has more tears and sadness than expected. It just felt that doctors sacrifice a lot of things to rescue lives. It will be better if the drama shows how these doctors release their tension and pressure. That should balance up the negative aura which viewers felt throughout the entire drama. I suppose humor is the best solution.
The second season focus more on each characters personal problems. They are able to deal with the problems successfully, but still it does not categorize as a happy ending. It’s more towards able to get over the things happened. I suppose this is what we call reality of getting through life. Surviving today and hopping for a better tomorrow.
Things that caught my eyes:
It seems like the Pub which belongs to Shiraishi Megumi (Aragaki Yui) 新垣結衣’s friend is the only place that they hang out other than hospital. This indicates doctors spend lots of time in Hospital, right?
Japan Drama Rating: Nice to watch. Just like the first season with lots of medical cases and surgery. Unfortunately there are just too much tears and sadness.
Japan Drama Story:
This is a 4 part episodes drama with independent story line but with same graduation topic. The first story is about high school graduation which we normally referred. The second story is about youngsters graduate from home and started to create their own new home. The third story is about a couple graduated from their relationship to pursuit their dreams. The fourth and final story is about a radio DJ graduated from a radio program. All 4 episodes are link to the radio DJ Tachibana Hitomi (Nagasawa Masami) 長澤まさみ. Takano Ayumi (Shida Mirai) 志田未来, Yamazaki Mariko (Kuninaka Ryoko) 国仲涼子 and Maejima Yurika (Kitano Kii) 北乃きい are actually the main characters of the first 3 episodes and fans of Tachibana Hitomi (Nagasawa Masami) 長澤まさみ. Tachibana Hitomi (Nagasawa Masami) 長澤まさみ just share their stories on the radio program together with the right graduation songs.
Feelings and comments:
All 4 stories in this series of drama are very simple. It basically explains how people deal with an end of a relationship, journey or a process in life. Nothing is forever which is why we have the word graduation. It’s basically a review or a conclusion towards the things that we have done. It’s a turning point between an end and a beginning. It’s a changing point in life that we have to face and move on. In such situation we normally say “It’s time to grow up.”
Graduation is a path that we all go through in life. Only those who are able to overcome the obstacles and brave enough to face the changes can really understand and feel the spirit of graduation. If you have gone through lots of graduation, which means you’ve accomplish lots of things in your life. That’s a life that fills with stories and episodes. Graduation is simply the trophies that you gain.
Things that caught my eyes:
4 episodes of the stories are not related but all of them are connected through a radio DJ with the topic graduation. All of them are not related but they share the same thoughts from the beautiful graduation songs.
Japan Drama Rating: Nice to watch. It’s all about graduation. It’s not just about typical normal school graduation but includes different types of graduation within the journey in our life. It’s an end and beginning on part of our journey in life.
Purchase: Graduation Song / Sotsu uta Japanese Movie Dvd English Sub NTSC All Region,
Drama Theme Song:
Best Friend by Kiroro
Michi by Exile
Kanade by Sukima Switch
Sotsugyo Shashin by Matsutoya Yumi
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.
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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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.
Japan Drama Story:
Takano Kyohei (Kamenashi Kazuya) 亀梨和也 stays in a mansion together with 3 other housemates and a young mansion keeper. Takano Kyohei (Kamenashi Kazuya) 亀梨和也 was actually force to move out from his own house because of his charming face that draws attention. The attention eventually turns into harassment and stalking to him and his parents. One day the owner of the mansion introduce her niece Nakahara Sunako (Omasa Aya) 大政絢 to the members who live in the mansion. The mansion owner offers to void their rental if they are able to turn Nakahara Sunako (Omasa Aya) 大政絢 into a lady. They accepted the challenge before getting to know who Nakahara Sunako (Omasa Aya) 大政絢 actually is. It turns out it wasn’t as easy as they think because Nakahara Sunako (Omasa Aya) 大政絢 is a spooky girl who loves horror stuff, do not mix with people and always hides in her room.
Feelings and comments:
If you watch the animation version of Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge first before this drama, perhaps you might be a little bit disappointed. There is just not enough excitement and entertaining stuff in this drama compare to the animation. This is a story of four charming handsome young man with each of their own complicated trouble. Not to mention the drama has one special unique spooky girl who cooks for them. They have a mission to turn Nakahara Sunako (Omasa Aya) 大政絢 into a lady but during the process they each started to face their own problems. Most of the scenes are in the mansion. So it kind of feels a bit boring too.
Everybody have their own issues and problems. That’s including charming and handsome boys and girls. In some ways we all hope that we can be good looking and charming. Sometimes we even dream of being the most beautiful person in the world. In reality that might not be a good thing. If you’re that one special person, then you risk being a normal person. That means you might not be able to have burgers or hotdogs in the middle of the street without having people and cameras disturbing you. In this case, normal is something special to them. As majority people are in the category of normal. It becomes a common factor.
Takano Kyohei (Kamenashi Kazuya) 亀梨和也 and Nakahara Sunako (Omasa Aya) 大政絢 acting ability is outstanding in this drama. Their interaction is part of the interesting scene in this drama. If you’ve seen them in previous drama, I think you can tell the difference in their acting. No doubt we’ll be seeing more of them in the coming dramas.
Things that caught my eyes:
It seems they always use this same mansion in most of the drama lately. The special ability of thunder strike is hilarious but I think that’s no match for the numbers of girls they can gather. I suppose all of them are actual fans.
Japan Drama Rating: Nice to watch. The animation version is much funnier but still there is something else that we can watch in this drama. That is the acting ability of the actors. And there is couple of them which is very good.
Japan Drama Story:
Tsunoda Miki (Eikura Nana) 榮倉奈々just graduated from university and was lucky to get hired by a big company. Tsunoda Miki (Eikura Nana) 榮倉奈々 is very happy and looking forward to start her working life anxiously. Now that Tsunoda Miki (Eikura Nana) 榮倉奈々 already secured a job in a big company, her future seems bright and things will be great. Unfortunately she learned that working place is totally the opposite of what she imagined in the first working day. Since the first day she starts working, Tsunoda Miki (Eikura Nana) 榮倉奈々 did not mix well with her colleague and worst of all becomes the target of bullies. Even her friend that she met who starts working in the company same time gives her a hard time without her noticing. As she started to lose faith and decided to quit her job, she realized that despite so many people did not believe her and hate her, there is still someone who can understand her and recognize her ability. From that day onwards, Tsunoda Miki (Eikura Nana) 榮倉奈々decided to stop crying and start fighting to win her spot in the company. She will not quit as her family is depending on her.
Feelings and comments:
I suppose the first important ability the main cast must have is cry. No doubt Eikura Nana (榮倉奈々) fits the criteria as she’s always been the one that cry easily in most emotional functions. There are total of 8 episodes in this drama. It’s a bit short but still I think it’s just enough as the story is simple. No point to drag on the bully scene as that’s just going to make viewers uncomfortable to keep on watching.
The first job in our first year of working in a company, especially a big company is always the toughest time. That’s because we have to adjust from study life to working life. Normally it takes at least few weeks or months. It’s not just physically needs to adjust to the 8am~5pm working stamina, mentally we need to take on learning, lecturing, pressuring, forcing and sacrificing situation. These are just some of the changes occur that we need to face. At the end of the day, there can be only two results. Either we are able to fit in to the working society and find a spot which we have a value towards company or we surrender the fight and quit. I still remember the first month that I work in the big company SONY. For the first week of work, I slept right after I’m off at 5:30pm. I fall sick a lot for the first 6 month as my body are not use to the working environment. I made lots of crazy and stupid mistakes that cost millions of dollars to the company. My immediate superior spends lots of time lecturing me because when I cause a trouble or a mistake, he is responsible for it. It was quite an experience but right after I get through it, things become a lot easier. It might be hash and difficult at the beginning, but when you stand strong and don’t quit easily, good things will happen eventually. When that happens, it is considered a priceless treasure to you.
There are lots of things that cannot be done in just one day. We just have to keep on working on it step by step until we complete it. The basic concept of working in a company is team work. It’s mostly impossible to get your job done by just yourself. Even if you’re capable of doing it alone, it’s going to be tough and time consuming. You need to work as a team member and get help from other colleagues so that the work can be done in shorter time, better quality, easily and most of all fun working on it.
Things that caught my eyes:
It’s great to be able to go up until the top floor of the building. Especially during working hour, it sure is a great place to release tension. Normally I don’t think security of the building will allow any people to go up there as those are the spots where people commit suicide.
Japan Drama Rating: Nice to watch. A simple story that translates first working year is the most difficult period. Still we cannot run away but continue to fight for a spot to survive in the working society.
Japan Drama Story:
Aoi Ryosuke (Nishikido Ryo) 錦戸亮 has the ability to kill a person by just touching the victims. He is known as the person who possesses “The Hand of Demon”. As Aoi Ryosuke (Nishikido Ryo) 錦戸亮 tries to help a female detective name Hasebe Nagisa (Mizukawa Asami) 水川あさみ, he uses his power to kill a person. That is when his power is reveal to Hasebe Nagisa (Mizukawa Asami) 水川あさみ. With this enormous ability, lucky that Aoi Ryosuke (Nishikido Ryo) 錦戸亮 is just a high school teacher rather than a serial killer. He even turns himself in to the police but no conviction is done as there is no way to confirm his killing method. As detective Hasebe Nagisa (Mizukawa Asami) 水川あさみ digs deeply into this incident, she found out there is another person name Ryuzaki Shinji (Takizawa Hideaki) 滝沢秀明who possesses similar ability but in an opposite way. Ryuzaki Shinji (Takizawa Hideaki) 滝沢秀明 who is imprison by the authorities under death row has the ability to heal by touching. He is known as the person who possesses “The Hand of God”. When detective Hasebe Nagisa (Mizukawa Asami) 水川あさみ brought both “The Hand of God” and “The Hand of Demon” together to solve the mystery within she initialize an enormous disaster to human being.
Feelings and comments:
Sometimes I’m amazed by the ability of some actors that can bring out the best of a simple drama story or script. To be honest the story of this drama is predictable and similar stories have been told over thousands of times but still the outcome of this drama is not as bad as I think. Perhaps we just can’t really predict the results until the drama is air. That goes the same to movies. Some low budget and poor rating movies or dramas might just create unexpected high viewing rates.
It’s interesting to imagine a person that has healing power or killing ability. It’s natural that public will reject the one that has killing ability and afraid of it. The public will accept the one with healing ability. It’s just a normal human nature reaction. Having the ability to heal and kill can actually create a large disturbance. It will affect the balance of the society and the concept of life we have. As there is someone that can heal and cure any injuries and diseases, we might not be careful with our life. People will start taking higher risk. Medical treatment might not be necessary and a must. Lots and lots of changes will take place if such a person with healing power existed. Is it a good thing or a bad thing? I’m not sure but definitely it will create some impact.
Similarly scenario can be applied to those who have special ability and talent. For sure people will make full use or take advantage on the special ability or talent. When one is needed, then there is a value towards others. I suppose in another way of speaking, the value is define as salary. But still the only one that decides whether to use the ability or talent reminds within the person. The larger the impact or effect of the ability or talent, the greater the value it is.
Things that caught my eyes:
The cell that used to imprison Ryuzaki Shinji (Takizawa Hideaki) 滝沢秀明 reminds me of an Academy Awards winning picture The Silence of The Lambs. Trigger by the similarities between the famous movie and this drama, it increases the mysterious aura within. The conversation, the intention, the mystery and of cause the ability of the actors makes this drama successful.
Japan Drama Rating: Nice to watch. It’s a clear simple story, pretty much like a fictional comic style story but what’s make it special is the actors. It’s their acting performance that keeps me continue watching this drama until the end.
Japan Drama Story:
The Quiz Show is a place that helps people to achieve their dream. In each episode a contestant is chosen carefully to take on the challenge. Contestant needs to answer 7 questions correctly before they are able to take on the final question that can make their dream comes true. The challenge might seems easy if one is well prepare and knowledgeable. But The Quiz Show is not just a plain simple entertainment show. Every contestant is chosen carefully and the plot is carefully design. The combination between the host Kamiyama Satoru (Sakurai Sho) 櫻井翔 and the director Honma Toshio (Yokoyama Yu) 横山裕 successfully brings the show to the top by capturing the audience attention. The Quiz Show started out with a high viewing rate with extraordinary excitement that reveals secrets and dark side of contestant. No doubt high viewing rate is what TV network wants, but as the show continues…
Feelings and comments:
The first thing that comes to my mind after watching this Japanese drama is the popular game show “The Moment of Truth”. The questions ask in the show are personal and sensitive. I suppose what attracts the audience is the unexpected facial expression of the contestants, plus the naked truth and secrets. In addition if the show comes out live, anything can happen. The temptation of waiting and hoping something goes wrong or unexpected scene is irresistible.
There are some connection between season 2 and season 1. Both of them seem to focus in one particular topic – The Seven Deadly Sin. You may find some old faces that are from season 1 but still the storyline can be understood even if you didn’t watch the first season. Each episode in this drama builds up the mystery behind by revealing pieces of puzzle one by one.
One thing for sure, the conversation and interacting between the host Kamiyama Satoru (Sakurai Sho) 櫻井翔 and the contestants are fascinating. I suppose that’s the most interesting part in each episode. It’s where you can really see the acting ability.
Things that caught my eyes:
The person who invites all the contestants seems to know his way around. Well, at least he’s able to show up in the appropriate time and location to present the invitation card. This is a quiz show. Everything is plan accordingly.
Japan Drama Rating: Nice to watch. It’s a new kind of excitement which happens within the one hour of live quiz program.
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