Hanzawa Naoki半沢直樹– Release July 2013

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Japan Drama Story:
Hanzawa Naoki (Sakai Masato) 堺雅人 joins Tokyo Chuo Bank and determine to climb to the top position of the banking industry. His goal is to find the banker who causes the death of his father indirectly by denying loan to help overcome his father’s factory financial crisis. He also vows to change the banking system in order to help factories or companies which are facing financial crisis over come and survive challenges. In order to achieve his goals, being a top elite employee is just not enough. Especially when he is working in banking industry, one single mistake is enough to remove him from the front line elite work force.

After working in the bank for several years, Hanzawa Naoki (Sakai Masato) 堺雅人 manage to become division head at Osaka Nishi branch. This is where he starts to face real challenge or career threatening situation from his manager. He was forced by the branch manager to grant an unsecured loan to a factory which later ends up bankrupt. In order to continue his career as a banker, he must find a way to recover the money loaned regardless of whose fault it is. This is the first case he encounter which exposes the unethical deal within banking industry.

Feelings and comments:
The first thing that comes in mind after watching the drama for few minutes is the work passion and the determination to solve problems. It just seems like Hanzawa Naoki is working day and night without getting any rest. Although the biggest satisfactory is watching Hanzawa Naoki out beat his boss with his outstanding working ability and intelligent, it is also very comforting to watch Hanzawa Naoki help his customers or clients restructuring their business or company. I suppose many employees dream of becoming just like Hanzawa Naoki but in reality boss usually is the winner. Going against boss or employer usually ends up badly. The truth is you won’t be able to perform well and advance in the company if the boss does not like you. Even if you are just being professional in your work, you still won’t get the opportunity. The best is just change job or switch to other company.

In this drama series, Hanzawa Naoki successfully beaten two bosses and he did it with the help of his friends and colleagues. Even his wife contributes a lot in his success. In other words, he is not alone in his path to success and he chooses to believe in the people he work with, even when one of his friends betrays him.

Although Hanzawa Naoki (Sakai Masato) 堺雅人 is the main character which most viewers are focusing on, his opponent such as Asano Tadasu, Kurosaki Shunichi and Ohwada Akira plays a big role in making this drama successful. Their arguments and speeches make up the best part of this drama.

Things that caught my eyes:
No doubt the facial impressions of several actors are impressive. You might even feel the heat or flame when they are having arguments. “An eye for an eye.” That’s the quote Hanzawa Naoki半沢直樹 often uses when he speaks of his enemy or the person who framed him. And it’s not just an eye that he is trying to get back, but 10 times or 100 times of repay. The determination, anger, patient, intelligent and faith are well express as Hanzawa Naoki半沢直樹 deals with his opponents.

Japan Drama Rating:
Worth watching. This is a typical drama about an employee who goes against corrupted boss and win. Especially if you are an employee or salary man who dislikes your boss or has opinions about the way your boss run things, this drama really can brighten your day. I suppose this is the reason why this drama receives a high viewing rate in Japan.

Purchase:
TV series, Original Soundtrack

Drama Theme Song: Theme of Hanzawa Naoki ~Main Title~ by Hattori Takayuki

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Hagane no Onnaハガネの女 – Release May 10

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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.

Purchase:
2010 Japanese Drama : Hagane no Onna w/ Eng Sub

Drama Theme Song: Nakama by Ketsumeishi

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Ogon no Buta黄金の豚 – Release Oct 10

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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.

Purchase:

2010 Japanese Drama : Ogon No Buta w/ English Subtitle

Drama Theme Song: Mamotte Agetai by Yuna Ito

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Dosokai同窓会 – Release April 10

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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.

Purchase:
2010 Japanese Drama: Dosokai (Love Again Shokogun) w/Eng

Drama Theme Song: ex-lover by Sakai Ayumi
Watch at Youtube
Japan Drama Preview:

Jotei Kaoruko女帝 薫子 – Release April 10

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Japan Drama Story:
Nishimura Saya (Kiritani Mirei) 桐谷美玲 becomes a Ginza hostess right after graduating high school. Her intention is to find her long lost mother who used to work in a nightclub call Kaoruko. Minamino Miki (Kurokawa Tomoka) 黒川智花 at the same time also decided to become a Ginza hostess right after graduating high school. Her intention is to find her long lost father. The only clue that both of them has is a mysterious lady name Kaoruko which has the same title with the nightclub. In order to achieve their goal, they need to become number one Ginza hostess so that they can make use of the resources. Thus both of them compete for the number one title of Ginza hostess.

Feelings and comments:
If you watched the previous series of Jotei 4 years ago, I’m sure you’ll be familiar with the type of story presented in this drama. Instead of having one, this drama has two starters who aim to achieve the number one title of Ginza hostess. As both of them have different personality and characteristics, viewers are able to see a comparison of dealing with things differently.
    Both of the main characters are new faces but I think that doesn’t matter because the main focus is the story. The story of the training and obstacles they need to face in order to become number one Ginza hostess is fascinating. It is interesting because you don’t get to learn that from school. Although the story is much like the ugly duckling which turns out to be a swan at the end, it begins with little swan instead of ugly duckling.

Things that caught my eyes:
Obviously beauty and fashion is the most eyes capturing point in this drama. But still the different style of game played by both girls draws my attention.

Japan Drama Rating:
Interesting to watch. This is another similar drama just like Jotei but with a different story. Again this is another story about how a girl survives the world of hostess and became success at the end. Well, in this drama there are two girls actually.

Purchase:
TV series, Original Soundtrack, Special
Drama Theme Song: Freedom by GIRL NEXT DOOR

Japan Drama Preview:
sorry, only interview clips available

clip 1

Clip 2

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

Japan Drama Preview:

Natsu no Koi wa Nijiiro ni Kagayaku 夏の恋は虹色に輝く– Release July 10

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Japan Drama Story:
Kusunoki Taiga (Matsumoto Jun) 松本潤 is the second child of a famous actor in Japan. His dream since a child is to become a famous actor just like his father. Right after graduated from college, he begins his acting career with the help of his father. Although he managed to appear in variety shows but he never did landed in any leading role neither in drama nor movie. While spending most of his free time skydiving, he met a girl name Kitamura Shiori (Takeuchi Yuko) 竹内結子, a beautiful cheerful girl who captures his heart instantly.
Feelings and comments:
This is another romantic drama with lots of comedy within. Honestly this is the type of drama I like best. It’s really heart comforting with jokes all around. The story is very simple but the way that it kept the profile and details of each character until the very last minute triggers everybody’s curiosity. I just get a feeling that says “If you want to know more about this character, then stay tune.” But the biggest catch in this drama is Kitamura Shiori (Takeuchi Yuko) 竹内結子. There isn’t much information reveal in the first episode but her action, personality and the child did create enough curiosity to capture viewers’ interest. Once you continue to watch the drama, the interaction between Kusunoki Taiga (Matsumoto Jun) 松本潤 and Kitamura Shiori (Takeuchi Yuko) 竹内結子 will become the main entertainment.

Things that caught my eyes:
The famous quote which Kusunoki Taiga (Matsumoto Jun) 松本潤’ s father speaks a lot kept my mind busy for some time. The quote is about life and I like the last couple of words “Happy, Happy”.

Japan Drama Rating:
Worth watching. A simple love story about a young man struggling to build his acting career meets a cheerful girl who is a loyal fan of his father. The story is simple but it’s the chemistry between the couple forms the best scene in this drama.

Purchase:
2010 Japanese Drama : Natsu No Koi Wa Nijiiro Ni Kagayaku w/ English Subtitle, NATSU NO KOI WA NIJIIRO NI KAGAYAKU OST,Original Soundtrack

Drama Theme Song: Love Rainbow by Arashi

Drama Insert Song: Please Stay With Me by YUI

Japan Drama Preview:

Gold – Release July 10

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Japan Drama Story:
Saotome Yuri (Amami Yuki) 天海祐希 is a successful career woman who owns businesses involves sports and beautician. She is also a well known icon who often appears on mass media influencing the life style of many people. Saotome Yuri (Amami Yuki) 天海祐希 has four children and three of them have the athletic ability to win gold medal in Olympic. The father of the children is a wrestling gold medalist winner but has been staying separated from the family. The children have inherited the ability of a gold medalist champion and Saotome Yuri (Amami Yuki) 天海祐希 has intended to raise them as champions. It has been the intention or mission of Saotome Yuri (Amami Yuki) 天海祐希 to fulfill the dream of her brother to reach for gold but who died in an accident. She has trained and prepared her children well as potential gold medalist winner but she has not been successful in playing the role of a mother.

Feelings and comments:
The first impression given from the first episode is enough to convince me to finish the whole series. There are at least 3 of my favorite actors in the drama and each of them has strong personality, characteristic and important role in the drama. The story is not so special or unique but it does create a stage or platform for the actors to perform and shows their strong characteristic.
    This drama really motivates people with lots of information on career building, entrepreneurship, achieving the best and fighting to reach our goals. You’ll get lots of guide from Saotome Yuri (Amami Yuki) 天海祐希 on what it takes to become a successful career woman and the so call mother. Although lots of her methods on managing her family and the role of a mother is a bit extreme and practical but still she faces lots of problems which normal family has. There is an opposite mother figure in the drama which you can compare and see the differences.
    In this drama we can see a strong side of a career woman and a soft side of family mother. That means the main focus of this drama will be on Saotome Yuri (Amami Yuki) 天海祐希.
Things that caught my eyes:
I suppose the interaction between Secretary Nikura Rika (Nagasawa Masami) 長澤まさみ and Saotome Yuri (Amami Yuki) 天海祐希 is the most interesting and attractive part within this drama. Especially when the Secretary successfully gets to her boss, that’s a relieve feeling.

Japan Drama Rating:
Worth watching. The strong talented casts are enough to keep me watching this drama till the end. Although the story of the drama is simple but the interaction between the characters stand out unique.

Purchase:
2010 Japanese Drama : Gold w/ English Subtitle, Original Soundtrack

Drama Theme Song: Wildflower by SUPERFLY

Japan Drama Preview:

NG Scene:

ROMES空港防御システム – Release Oct 09

 

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Japan Drama Story:
Narushima Yuya (Okura Tadayoshi) 大倉忠義 is the creator of ROMES or top security system for Tokyo Bay International Airport. One day he was summon back to stand by and monitor his creation due to a criminal threat. An international thief organization call Silverfox send out a letter of challenge to the airport for a forecast of stealing the “Goddess of Temptation”. The golden statue “Goddess of Temptation” is a special exhibition organize to celebrate the first anniversary of the launched of new international airport. As soon as Narushima Yuya (Okura Tadayoshi) 大倉忠義 arrive at the airport, the atmosphere around the airport begans to tense up with incidents and excitement.

Feelings and comments:
Basically this drama is about the high tech security system with a group of criminal organization trying to challenge and take down the security.  That means we have a group of people trying to defend and protect using the security system and we have another group trying to attack and bring down the system. Through this drama we also learn and understand how security system should work and implement. There is a comparison between security carry out by sophisticated high tech facilities and security carry out by human sense of alert and intelligent. At the end, it’s the combination of both works best.
Other than the main character Narushima Yuya (Okura Tadayoshi) 大倉忠義, the main focus in this drama will be ROMES and the criminal cases happens in the airport. Although the drama has a talented sidekick female security Aasaka Aoi (Kuninaka Ryoko) 国仲涼子, it still doesn’t bring much excitement.

Things that caught my eyes:
It’s all about the cats and dogs between high tech security system and the alert driven by human security. There is also some interesting occupation and security hired personal within this drama. Sometimes I just question the responsibility of the hired position whether it is necessary or not.

Japan Drama Rating:
Interesting to watch. Although this drama is fictional, it gives us an idea of how airport security should work.

Purchase:
2009 Japanese Drama : Romes w/ Eng Sub

Drama Theme Song: Mata Asa ga Kuru by TOKIO

Japan Drama Preview:

Tokujo Kabachi!! 特上カバチ!! – Release Jan 10

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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:
Nice to 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.

Purchase:
Tokujo Kabachi!!, Original Soundtrack

Drama Theme Song: Troublemaker by Arashi

Japan Drama Preview:

General Rouge no Gaisenジェネラルルージュの凱旋 – Release April 10

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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.

Purchase:
2010 Japanese Drama: General Rouge no Gaisen w/ Eng Sub

Drama Theme Song: Ikutsu no Yoake wo Kazoetara by Matsuda Seiko

Japan Drama Preview:

The Preview is Movie version but the story line is almost the same.

Yankee-kun to Megane-chanヤンキー君とメガネちゃん – Release April 10

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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 Preview:

Shokojo Seira小公女セイラ – Release Oct 09

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Japan Drama Story:
Kuroda Seira (Shida Mirai) 志田未来 is the daughter of a rich family who owns a diamond production company in India. She lives in a beautiful mansion with her father before decided to attend a boarding school in Japan. It’s the same school which her mother used to study. Although Kuroda Seira (Shida Mirai) 志田未来 came from a rich family, she treats everybody around her equally with respect. Her mother used to tell her that every girl is a princess and should be treated as one. Right after Kuroda Seira (Shida Mirai) 志田未来 attended the school in Japan, her father died in an accident during work. It was her 16th birthday when she received the news. From that day onwards, she became a servant as she lost her only parent and fortune.


Feelings and comments:
There has been a lot of dramas and movies on “A Little Princess” and I’ve seem lots of version in different languages. But still the story never fails to amaze me. I guess this is what we call famous children novel. Imagination is a very powerful mind tool which can be very helpful if we use it correctly.
    Every girl is a princess. That’s the main quote in this drama, in this story. It’s the one common thing that you’ll hear in every “A Little Princess” drama or movie. We might not be able to control everything that happens around us, but we can surely control the things that going on in our mind. Everything can be taken away from you but not your mind and your imagination. One thing that we can see in this drama is that Kuroda Seira (Shida Mirai) 志田未来 always has a positive mind, a strong believe that she and every girl is a princess.

Things that caught my eyes:
Kuroda Seira (Shida Mirai) 志田未来 just does not seem to have the sense of a princess. She looks more like a girl next door.

Japan Drama Rating:
Interesting to Watch. This is a Japanese version of “A Little Princess”. Although most of the main story remains the same but still you’ll still find unexpected events. You may consider this as a different version of “A little Princess” with different set of storyline.

Purchase:
Little Princess / Shokojo Seira Japanese Tv Drama Dvd Digipak Boxset English Sub

Drama Theme Song: Kanashimi wa Kitto by UVERworld

Japan Drama Preview:

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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Shukumei 1969-2010宿命 1969-2010 – Release Jan 10

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Japan Drama Story:
Arikawa Takashi (Kitamura Kazuki) 北村一輝 is the elder son of a wealthy family which runs 50 hospital across Japan. Instead of preparing himself to inherit family business, Arikawa Takashi (Kitamura Kazuki) 北村一輝 choose to become a financial analyzer under government financial department determine to participate in politics. One day Arikawa Takashi (Kitamura Kazuki) 北村一輝 is offered a marriage proposal which can open up the door way in his political career. His marriage opponent is Shirai Naoko (Uehara Misa) 上原美佐 who is the eldest daughter of the chairman of a political party. In the other hand, Arikawa Takashi (Kitamura Kazuki) 北村一輝 has a relationship with Sasayama Nobuko (Koike Eiko) 小池栄子 that has been going on for 10 years. Although it seems that Sasayama Nobuko (Koike Eiko) 小池栄子 is the only problem that Arikawa Takashi (Kitamura Kazuki) 北村一輝 has to deal with in order to carry out the marriage successfully, there is another hidden pitfall yet to be reveal.

Feelings and comments:
In this drama we can see that marriage is just a tool for political and wealth purposes. When it comes to pursuing personal goal and wealth fair, love seems to put a side. Love is not a priority consideration for people whose background is from rich family and political family. They have the responsibility to inherit their family mission and status by all means. But still we can see the characters in this drama are struggling to choose between pursuing personal intention without having to sacrifice happiness.
Sometimes faith has a way to get on us even if we are well prepared. I suppose we call it destiny, either we are destine to fail or destine to success. But for sure we will not give up that easily without a fight.

Things that caught my eyes:
It is interesting to watch how they make decisions based on political benefits, financial benefits and personal goal. Marriage, love, relationship are expendable for the sake of fulfilling one desire and destiny.

Japan Drama Rating:
Interesting to watch. Destiny and fate brought two generation from a political family and a wealthy family together as they are pursuing the same goal. The political marriage between two families looks good but carries lots of pitfalls and uncertainties.

Purchase:
2010 Japanese Drama : Shukumei 1969-2010 w/ Eng Sub

Drama Theme Song: Hitomi no oku wo nozokasete by Porno Graffitti

Japan Drama Preview:
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Maou魔王 – Release July 08

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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

Drama Theme Song: Truth by Arashi

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Kimitachi ni Asu wa na君たちに明日はない – Release Jan 10

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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.

Purchase:
2010 Japanese Drama: Kimitachi ni Asu wa nai w/ Eng Sub

Drama Theme Song: Tomorrow Waltz by Toshinobu Kubota

Japan Drama Preview:
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Hidarime Tantei EYE左目探偵ＥＹＥ – Release Jan 10

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Japan Drama Story:
Tanaka Ainosuke (Yamada Ryosuke) 山田涼介 received cornea transplant for his left eye from his brother Tanaka Yumehito (Yokoyama Yu) 横山裕 when his brother pass away. Ever since the transplant Tanaka Ainosuke (Yamada Ryosuke) 山田涼介 begins to receive mysterious images which related to his brother. It turns out his brother Tanaka Yumehito (Yokoyama Yu) 横山裕 fake his death. Tanaka Ainosuke (Yamada Ryosuke) 山田涼介 also discovered that his brother is actually the master mind of a criminal organization. With the help of his teacher Sayama Hitomi (Ishihara Satomi) 石原さとみ and the images received from his left eye, Tanaka Ainosuke (Yamada Ryosuke) 山田涼介 begins to track down his brother and determine to stop his criminal plot and activities.

Feelings and comments:
Before you watch this drama, it will be better to go over the single initial episode that aired last year October. Although the drama did flashback the previous story at the beginning of the first episode but you’ll still have a feeling that you’ve miss out a big chunk of the story.
I suppose the most interesting part in this drama is how Tanaka Yumehito (Yokoyama Yu) 横山裕 plans his perfect crime. The main focus in this drama is the show of perfect crimes. There is not much investigation or detective work. It’s mostly the wait for the images from the left eye. The big suspense in this drama is the game that the two brothers are playing. Sometimes we just might not know or understand how a person thinks, including the one that closes to us.
The funny part in this drama is around the teacher Sayama Hitomi (Ishihara Satomi) 石原さとみ. Her role is actually to ease out the serious part of this drama with lots of jokes. Other than that, you’ll see the hand on the left eye pose just like the picture above. Plus you’ll see lots of punching on the left eye because that’s how the images are produced. Honestly the most interesting part of the story already been told in the previous initial single episode. This drama is basically the illustration of all the plots of so call perfect crime.

Things that caught my eyes:
Tanaka Ainosuke (Yamada Ryosuke) 山田涼介 is able to maintain his handsome face without any scar or injuries after receiving so many punches from Sayama Hitomi (Ishihara Satomi) 石原さとみ.

Japan Drama Rating:
Interesting to watch. This drama is not really a detective or crime investigation drama. It’s basically a story about a younger brother who keeps on pursuing the old brother who plans and organizes multiple perfect crimes.

Purchase:
2010 Japanese Drama : Hidarime Tantei EYE w/ Eng Sub, Original Soundtrack

Drama Theme Song: Hitomi no Screen by Hey! Say! JUMP

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Mother – Release April 10

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Japan Drama Story:
Suzuhara Nao (Matsuyuki Yasuko) 松雪泰子 works as a temporally elementary school teacher who likes birds watching. She even tries to apply for a job in university that related to bird watching research. One day she met a young female student name Michiki Reina(Ashida Mana) 芦田愛菜 who behaves differently from other students. Michiki Reina(Ashida Mana) 芦田愛菜 seems to be more mature compare to other students. Suzuhara Nao (Matsuyuki Yasuko) 松雪泰子 also sense that Michiki Reina(Ashida Mana) 芦田愛菜 has family problems and was abuse by somebody at home. As there is very least Suzuhara Nao (Matsuyuki Yasuko) 松雪泰子can do legally, she decided to volunteer herself as Michiki Reina(Ashida Mana) 芦田愛菜 substitute mother and take her away from Hokkaido to start a new life in Tokyo. Thus they start a journey which changes their entire life.

Feelings and comments:
This drama is about motherhood or to be precise it’s about maternal instincts. Plus this drama emphasize that motherhood has nothing to do with bloodline. A mother love is natural towards any child. This drama is not just about the story between both Suzuhara Nao (Matsuyuki Yasuko) 松雪泰子 and Michiki Reina(Ashida Mana) 芦田愛菜 but also people around them. That includes the people and events that they went through along their journey.
My first impression about this drama is sad and cold but as the drama continues, it’s more about thinking positive no matter what situation we are in. Plus a lot of warm and comfortable love from mothers. A good advice from Michiki Reina(Ashida Mana) 芦田愛菜 the little girl is to think about the things that you like always.

Things that caught my eyes:
The conversation between Suzuhara Nao (Matsuyuki Yasuko) 松雪泰子 and Michiki Reina (Ashida Mana) 芦田愛菜 is really interesting because it shows lots of sensible talk which kids normally won’t do. I suppose that’s the attraction of this drama. There are also lots of beautiful scenes captured in this drama.

Japan Drama Rating:
Worth watching. The theme of this drama is about motherhood and maternal instincts. The story is simple but the drama is able to create the atmosphere that brings out the love, especially when there is no bloodline related.

Purchase:
 2010 Japanese Drama : Mother w/ Eng Sub


Drama Theme Song: Nakigao Smile by hinaco

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Tumblingタンブリング – Release April 10

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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”.

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

Drama Theme Song: Manazashi by Honey L Days

Japan Drama Preview: