BOSS

BOSS


Format: Renzoku
Genre: Detective

This series revolves around a group of peculiar detectives in a new division created to fight against an increase in atrocious crimes. Osawa Eriko is a beautiful career woman who has just returned from training in the U.S. and is appointed as the "boss" of this division. But despite her intelligence and capabilities, she can never understand a man's heart, so she remains unable to find a husband. In fact, her assignment in the U.S. was really a demotion after she ruined her career track over a man. So why was she chosen as the boss of the new division? Even though the detectives are talented, they all have some kind of issue or flaw, and they are considered to be the "problem children" of the police force. In the end, the division's true purpose is just to isolate these problematic detectives.

--Tokyograph

It has Amami Yuki, and Takenouchi Yutaka so it better be good! I was expecting quite a show from these veterans, being a capable actors themselves. Tamayama Tetsuji is an extra bonus of an eye candy. And for the younger generation they might connect with Mizobata Junpei ( whom I adore in Akai Ito), and for the guys it has the current generation idol - Toda Erika.

My high expectation was mostly attributed to Yuki and Yutaka but it's fair to say that when that expectation is concerned it is not surpassed. It is still a decent watch however.

The direction is pretty, I like its style of editing, the picture-to-actualscene approach is nice. Basically cinematography is very likeable.

But storywise, it lacks magic. Osawa Eriko's character is not convincingly impressive. The drama tries to make her character appeal to audiences as a higly intelligent, experience, impressive detective, but I didn't buy it. The psychological method used to interrogate criminals is not that impressive either. The cases are mostly mediocre. Saved for few last episodes, though not impressively great, been pretty entertaining watch for the twist, and comedic element which is aplenty compared to earlier episodes.

Character to note is Yutaka's as Nodate, a weird character, which is something I don't expect coming from Yutaka. I never know he could actually carry such comedic role, and he did it pretty well. Though I've read some comments that his character was annoying to some extent, but to me it works.

This is a drama that rides on star power not on its storyline and plot. It has quite high viewership rating and Japan I see it as something attributable with the stars and also pretty editing + comedic elements but MINUS on its storyline.

My expectation is not surpassed. I was expecting a memorable great drama. But I didn't get that. Despite saying that, I was entertained. And in the end that's all that matters, no?

p/s: it seems like there is possibility of season 2

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Smile / スマイル

Smile / スマイル

Format: Renzoku

Genre: Romance / Suspense / Legal

Hayakawa Bito has a Filipino father and a Japanese mother, but he was born and raised in Japan and has never visited the Philippines. The ever-smiling Bito works at Machimura Foods during the day, and at night, he works a part-time job trying to make his dreams come true. One day during an incident at a bookstore, he meets a girl named Mishima Hana, who lost her ability to speak due to an accident. But even though she can't speak, Bito is drawn to her beautiful smile. However, Bito becomes wrongly suspected by the police for a crime, and after meeting the lawyer Kazuma, the issue begins to grow... Together, Bito, Hana, and Kazuma will go through challenging times and have to overcome many obstacles.

-tokyograph

A drama that strike a chord. It touches upon the issue of discrimination and prejudice in Japan. There is this prejudice on people of half-blood, who are not pure Japanese. There is also this prejudice to relative of criminal irrespective of him or her being innocent. These are the issues prevalent in this drama. Though the genre came across by the producer as romance which is rightly so in regards to the romance between Vito and Hana, issue of discrimination and prejudice is of vital importance that sculpted the series. It is not injected just to spice up or give some definition to character, but it is there as part of the storyline. The drama revolves around that line.

It can be slow at times, but I appreciate that since it works well with the issue which need some of the slow attribute. It can be cheesy at times but it doesn't spoil the drama for me. Acting wise, Nakai Kiichi delivered very good performance. While Matsumoto Jun and Aragaki Yui has lots to improve. Jun is good in certain scene but when crying is concerned it looks very forced. Yui on the other hand didn't convince me much on her acting ability, though she is very decent to watch mostly because of her beauty, but definitely not her acting ability. Oguri Shun to me is very convincing as the villain, his way of walking, his stare gave me the creep of a criminal. I think he is one versatile actor because he pretty nail down different character quite convincingly in most of his works if not all.

There are mixed reviews on this drama, with some review saying that the discrimination is overly portrayed and there is no such thing in Japan to such extent. We see Vito is subjected to sudden ID check by the police patrol. But... that is actually the law in Japan where foreigner can be checked for their ID/working permit at any time. Vito is subjected to that because he doesn't look like a Japanese when he was born, raised and speak only Japanese and he is of Japanese nationality. Not only that he will become the very suspect if there's nearby crime happens because he looks like a migrant, and generally there is this belief that large amount of migrant are criminal. This sort of generalization do happen all over the world unfortunately though it must be acknowledged that not everyone is the same. We see how mexicans are looked down like that in Americas because most of them are illegal migrants, we can also see the same for the high percentage of Indonesian migrants in Malaysia, such as also of Filipinos with high percentage of illegal migrants which come about this generalization thingy. And facts shown that in each country, many crimes are conducted by these illegal migrants. BUT it is not right that this generalization and prejudices is making human blind and use that reason to cloud their action and decision towards these minority. because not everyone will fit into such generalization. When this prejudices and generalization is internalized and not controlled that we are allowing them to form our overt action of discrimination when they don't deserve such treatment.

It is impossible to shed all this prejudices because of human nature, but I believe that the drama choose to highlight such issue is for us to be able to be aware of such and thus make attempt not to be clouded and blinded of such prejudices. We need to have a control mechanism.

Other branch of the issue is not only on racial but also when someone is a relative of a criminal. I remember having the same 'what???' sentiment when watching a jmovie, Tegami, which somehow touch upon this. Does having a relative, a criminal, warrant them being looked down and casted off when they did nothing wrong and are completely innocent. Like keep getting bullied in school because your father or brother is in jail, the society talks about you, cast you off. While bullying is not right, at least you can see that they are done by child, who in some incidents is immature in their action. But such bullying is also evidently practiced by adult. If adult unfairly treated others like this, what more the younger generation? I know it is somehow oh human nature to be wary of someone but does that warrant the treatment like what have been received by a character in Smile just because she is a relative of a criminal. People look at her like 'she can't be believed because she is related to a criminal', 'birds of the same group flocked together', 'she must be rotten because the relative is rotten' thus putting a pressure on a completely innocent person who find that living is extremely hard because of the society.

To some extent, in parts of Japan these discrimination do happen. I've read about such experience of a foreigner living in Japan. There is also an experience of a naturalized Japanese who is not Japanese by race but with Japanese nationality being subjected to 'Japanese Only signs' in some public places. The issue of sudden check of ID towards foreigner is also the law in Japan. And recently the issue of half-filipino somehow made it big in Japan news, over nationality and all. Sometimes this filipino might even been treated with a insulting remark of 'filipino yarou'. These all happens. And there are lots of such things on the news recently. While it is true that some of the foreigners created ruckus or are involved in crime in Japan, to treat everyone because of race with much hostility without clear ground is simply unfair.

While someone who is not familiar with this fact might see that Vito's dream of opening up a restaurant with menus from different countries where people of different national can eat together regardless of their race, ex and nationality, to be cheesy - Do you know that in Japan there are establishment which clearly prohibit foreigners, but only Japanese? some even excludes naturalized Japanese (people from different country or born in Japan but with different race who applied for Japanese Nationality and accepted as Japanese national). This prohibition ranges from onsen, restaurant, public bath etc.

This drama shed a light on these issue of prejudices and discrimination, and hopefully so that we can somehow get something from it. Sometimes it can be a bit preachy. But in the end, the issue is a genuine one;

there is discrimination and prejudice.

And now what is the best that we can do to handle this?
It must start from within us, individuals.

I mostly love the drama because of the issue it tackled, and how it glued me on the seat waiting for events to unfold. The style of directing is keeping the drama seeming real though to some it might be kind of slow.

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I'm on my semester break. I've been treating this space very poorly, my bad. I've been watching few dramas in the holiday but nothing really impressed me hard enough. Though there are few decent dramas that managed to kept me glued until the ending, not less those which just didn't work for me, founding its way out of my watchlist a.k.a permanently dropped only after first few episode - most prominent example recently being Karei Naru Spy. Even my longing to see Nagase Tomoya in a new drama couldn't assure me to waste time on such drama. Maybe I'm just not in the mood of slapstick comedy? I don't know.

On the other hand i finally finish Atashinchi no Danshi after a long pause *peek at the date I posted about it on the blog, it's so long time ago*. It's quite a nice show in the comedy genre. What I like most must be the interaction between the characters, the six brothers. It might not be a very memorable drama in the long run, but it has been enjoyable enough while watching.

Recently also watched Bloody Monday, Majo Saiban, Mr. Brain and BOSS. All of which has something to do with mystery, suspense and thriller. Let's see whether I'll dedicate post to comment about the drama. Can't afford to promise though, since lots of updating-promise seems unfulfilled, my bad.

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Akai Ito / 赤い糸

Akai Ito / 赤い糸

Format: Renzoku
Genre: Romance

The story was one of the best-selling novels of 2007, it revolves around the "red thread of fate" connecting the young pair Mei and Atsushi and the trials they face.

--Tokyograph

Here comes the innocent, sweer love story founded by fate.

Akai Ito is a love story founded and rooted in the belief of fate and destiny. Akai Ito literally means Red Thread. The Japanese believe that there is an invisible red thread which connects two persons, making them lovers by destiny.

I was quite sceptical at first, as this drama is based from keitai-novel - just like the movie and drama, Koizora; which I didn't enjoy (only watched the movie though). There are even some reviews I read that somehow compare it with Koizora. But then the comparison stops only at the general foundation of the story that is founded on teenage angst, teenage love story which also deals with some serious stuff like teenage pregnancy, drugs, violence etc. Thankfully it stops there.

That being said, I am surprised at how much I found this drama compelling. I am enjoying most of the episodes. It is not a fast-paced drama but I am not complaining as some times not only fast-paced drama is good watch, no?

I find the main characters very likeable. Atsushi is strong,'unselfish' and kind. Mei is likable; I like her smile. I found myself rooting for them. Sweet couple. I find the love to be a sweet, innocent love. I'm a sucker for innocent love.

But their love is met with obstacle; their parents' past. I don't walk to talk much about this, I let you the discretion to find it out yourself. Besides the sweet and 'fated' love between the two, the drama as previously mentioned also deals with serious issues like drugs, teenage pregnancy, suicide and violence. The attempt is okay though it is not dealt with deeply. They are dealt with only on the surface. I guess the short around-half-an-hour episodes might be a reason.Some of the scenes also can be pretty unrealistic and drama-cliche to some people.

Despite the shortcomings, I found it pretty enjoyable.I marathoned the episodes in one go as each episode compel me to which another and this goes on until I finish the whole thing.I like the drama. Prior to watching I had quite low expectation due to my dislike on Koizora.But am proven wrong.

btw I learnt that the drama adaptation and the original novel is very different. Have read a few chapter, and found that IF they actually adapted the novel faithfully then I'm pretty sure that I'm not going to like it. Atsushi's character is different in the novel, and so does Mei. I mean the innocence portrayed in the drama is not in the novel. And I never found a story of a girl surrendering their body out of so called love to actually be a sweet love story especially when the hero and heroin is in school (might be a reason why I just can't enjoy Koizora). The novel is darker, also in term of the characters. If it's adapted like that straightly the it will be just another Koizora to me. Gladly they tone down a lot for the drama, changing Atsushi and Mei's characters to inject innocence in them, which is one of the reason I found the couple and story to be sweet. they gave me a very warm feeling. :)

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Love Shuffle / ラブシャッフル - impression up to ep 7.

Love Shuffle / ラブシャッフル

• Format: Renzoku
• Genre: Romance, Comedy

Usami Kei is a salaryman who has risen in status due to his engagement with Mei, the wealthy daughter of his company's president. Shortly after she breaks off the engagement, a power failure leaves him stuck in the elevator of his apartment building. Trapped with him are three others living on the same floor - Airu, a trilingual interpreter, Ojiro, a model photographer, and Masato, a psychiatrist. While waiting, their conversation hits upon their love lives and the question of whether there is truly only one fated partner for everyone. As a result, they decide to try "shuffling" their relationships with each other.

-- Tokyograph

I'm currently watching love shuffle which to me the basic plot of changing partner every week is quite hard to digest. Maybe I'm conservative at that. So far I'm already on episode 7. It potrayed many love ideals, the relationship between man and woman and though some of the ideals portrayed are quite taboo for my liking and totally opposite to the values I hold, the drama is an interesting watch. There is even some love, jealousy, adultery ideal that made me feel like vomitting, seriously! I personally found it eerie.

Watching a low-quality videos might be detracting the enjoyment of a drama but surprisingly despite the bleached out videos I'm watching though it gave me quite a boring impression has so far made me want to watch more and more of the episodes.

This is not a drama for everyone though. Though there's comedic scense and jokes thrown it, the basic plot is of something deep and serious but portrayed in somehow funny environment as it's embedded right in the drama characters. I don't know if this is comprehensible or not but I see it as injecting 'funny' in the characters not injecting 'funny' in scenes. which so far has work well. The shinigami thingy is eerie though :P, you'll know if you watch, don't want to talk much about it.

I like the acting, I somwhow found the character believable; in the drama set of course since sometimes I wonder is there is such such person living in this world. Well I can't be sure since the world is sure full of diversity. The characteristic in each actors are maintained throughout and doesn't slip off which help to believe the drama.

While this might not be a drama I'd want to watch on repeat, it's a drama of ideals which entice me to think and I really appreciate that. though sometimes it left me with a depressed and mixed feeling.

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Ryusei no Kizuna / 流星の絆 - Completed

Ryusei no Kizuna / 流星の絆

• Format: Renzoku
• Genre: Suspense, bonds, comedy

This will be just a general review.

I don't know whether to say I'm liking this or not. I've always been a fan of thriller but this drama is just different. I've stated in my previous post that the mixture of suspense with comedy in this drama just didn't really work for me.

While the comedic element is prevalent in the earlier episodes, it was getting lesser as the stroy progress, which to me is a good thing. I believe the earlier comedic scenes are somehow forced and the different sub-plot becomes an unnecessary lenghty attempt to build into the development to the motive of avenging the parents' death. It can be shorten down and yet serve the purpose.

I watched this with quite an expectation. besides, the synopsis led me into believing that this is a serious, mystery drama. I should check the genre first. *sigh* It's not nice you know when you put expectation but it's not being surpassed. At least on the line is ol

I don't feel like talking much about the storyline. The ending was a bit unpredictable until the very latest episodes, but the killing motive is not something 'shiny' to add into the drama resume. And I'm quite sure I've somehow seen that killing+motive scenes in another series I can't remember. But the feeling of the scene is exactly the same.

Nutshell; I don't really enjoy it much though it's decent.

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Ryusei no Kizuna / 流星の絆 . 3 eps viewing - impression

Ryusei no Kizuna / 流星の絆

Based on the popular novel of the same name, Ryusei no Kizuna tells the story of three orphans, whose parents were murdered long ago. Together, the three vowed on a shooting star to one day avenge their parents. After many years, the two brothers have found the murderers, and are set to carry out their plan for vengeance when they realize they've made a serious miscalculation; you see, their sister...

-- jdorama.com

So I started on this drama in the middle of waiting for the new episodes of Atashinchin no
Danshi which so far has been an interesting watch to me. My opinion here on Ryusei no Kizuna will be based on the three episodes I've seen so far.

From the synopsis above, you'd think that it is a dark mystery thriller. I've always been a fan of dark thriller so I was expecting to enjoy this especially after looking at its decent viewership rating. I'm expecting a thriller where I'd be kept glued on seat, adrenaline pumping scenes, guess-who's-the-criminal game, and all that trademark hanging ending of each episodes of a thriller;

but boy was I proven wrong.


While stress has been put on the murder of the parents, many other plots are sewn in together and funny thing is; that there are comedic scenes! Kudo Kankuro style has always been eccentric. Here, I personally feel that having the somewhate revenge-ridden 'basic' plot is not fitted to be executed right alongside comedic/funny scenes as how've been executed in this drama. Some scenes I believe is best left out. The moods are just being mixmashed together to form I don't know... an unlikely dish of dark yet comedic flavoured drama. It might work well to other people, but it doesn't seems so to me.

I'd love it better if it's kept a strict thriller with serious undertone substracting the random funny subplot which sometimes I found a bit distracting.

But still, I am going to continue watching as I'd love to know who killed the parents, the motives. And maybe 3 episodes are just to early to make an overall judgment.

Whatever it is, I like Nishikido Ryo. XD haha. k. cut that.

Whatever it is, we'll see how the rest of the episodes fare.

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アタシんちの男子 / Atashinchi no Danshi

アタシんちの男子 / Atashinchi no Danshi

• Format: Renzoku
• Genre: Comedy

Chisato (Horikita Maki) is a 20 years old homeless girl burdened by debt left on her shoulder by her irresponsible father. Until one day she met a strange old man who kind of rescued her from a gang of Yakuza and paid all the debt. To pay back the debt is to be his wife for a month, and to be a monther for his six adopted sons all with different strange personality.

I know I've been on quite a long hiatus. Been watching lots but just don't seem to find times to update and review. I know I've been promising to update this and that, but forgive me for that unfulfilled promise.

I just started on the drama Atashinchi no Danshi, and awesomely it starred quite numbers of actors I like; Kaname Jun, Okada Yoshinori and Mukai Osamu to name a few. Plus few other fresh faces.

For a drama in the genre comedy, it does made me laugh here and there. But at the same time the first two episodes somehow is filled with few quote that teach us about life. Which is what I find special in japanese dramas.


So far, the drama is quite interesting. I won't call it great but it's definitely not a downer for me. It's an average drama with fun-filled moments. The interactions between the brothers are nice to watch. And the strange ideas and toys the old man was inventing though strange I found it creative and fits well with the certain objective of certain episode.

"I tried to blame my misfortune on other people,
And I always thought, "This is not the real me"
Living like that is pretty tiring you know?
Everyday is hard and painful,
I just started hating everything,
I never thought I'd have a future,

Alone, I would have never learn that,

If you take one step forward, the world will change!
.
.
.
... maybe"

-- Chisato from Atashinchi no Danshi

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薔薇のない花屋 / Bara no Nai Hanaya

BARA NO NAI HANAYA

If you can only watch one drama this season, make it Bara no nai hanaya.

last season and the last last season is full of manga adaptation. and those comical sort of dramas (with few as exception of course). I've been waiting for a drama like Bara no Nai Hanaya. How to describe it? it's quite hard actually.

taken from wiki.

Shiomi Eiji is forced to become a single father when his girlfriend passes away while giving birth to their daughter, Shizuku. Desolate after the loss of the woman he loved, Eiji has little time or desire to even consider remarrying, working part-time jobs just to make ends meet. The one thing that gives meaning and joy to his life is Shizuku, but even that begins to trouble him when Shizuku begins acting strange, hiding her face by putting a cloth over her head when around other people.

One day after opening his flower shop, Eiji comes across a blind woman standing by the door, taking shelter from the rain. When he invites her to come inside the shop, she at first refuses, but later gives in to Eiji's kindness. They become intimate friends and she slowly grows to depend on Eiji's sincerity and goodheartedness. After rescuing her a following evening when she walks into the street and is nearly struck by traffic, Eiji himself inexplicably discovers the cold of winter that has saddled his heart all these years slowly melting away...

seems like a simple storyline? that's just the tip of the iceberg. yes, ONLY the TIP. It's more than that, with mystery surrounding eveything. To talk about this drama is to spoil it. because one by one thing is revealed in each episode. and it's hard to describe the core of this drama, what it's really about without revealing some of the mystery.


I have to praise the little girl playing Eiji's daughter. She's wonderful. His acting is so natural. It's really amazing for someone of that young age. If you watch a drama because of the actors/actress, and not because of the storyline (this one is very good), and you don't bother much about Katori Shingo, nor Matsuda Shota, nor Takeuchi Yuko (whom all three I adore), then try watching it for the young cutie with acting skill ;)

if I have time, I'll type my comments about this drama. currently, I don't have much of the comfort of typing things much. so till then.

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弁護士のくず / Bengoshi no Kuzu

BENGOSHI NO KUZU

Toyokawa Etsushi and Ito Hideaki appear together for the first time in what is a never-before-seen lawyer-oriented drama. The original work by Iura Hideo, "Bengoshi no Kuzu," is currently being published by Big Comic Original. Our main character, Kuzu Motohito--aka "scum lawyer"--will do just about anything if it means he can win in court. Lawyers aren't on the side of justice! The law isn't meant to punish people, it's meant to save them! At least, that's this guy's secret motto. High school drop-out, lover of money and women, rude demeanor, and a vulgar mouth. This ridiculous excuse for a lawyer (played by Toyokawa Etsushi) has his first challenge in this comedy as the character Kuzu Motohito. And then there's Takeda Masami (played by Ito Hideaki) who works with Kuzu; Takeda Masami is a wet behind the ears lawyer who is touched by the very idea of justice. Takashima Reiko plays the capable female lawyer, Kato Tetsuko. "You'll laugh, you'll cry...a satisfying Legal Human Comedy that breaks through all the rules of the legal world.

---wiki

Kuzu means scum. So 'bengoshi no kuzu' means 'scum lawyer. And the main character here is Kuzu. I have to agree with the last sentence of the short review/summary at wiki. "You'll laugh, you'll cry...a satisfying Legal Human Comedy that breaks through all the rules of the legal world"

This is a comedy. Toyokawa Etsushi is GREAT. He nails down his weird character PERFECTLY. the way he walks, talk, his gesture and everything just build a perfect weird eccentric Kuzu-style character. I've never read the manga so I do't really know how it's portrayed there. but judging only with what I've seen I'm totally impressed by Etsushi. He's really good in such comedic role. Kuzu is a pervert, aloof, free and easy lawyer, he's just hilarious.

Then there's Hideaki Ito, a man of dream. yes I ship him. I love Ito. he's one hot actor in the industry. He's playing alongside Etsushi, and he's also good.

I really don't know how to describe this drama. You will love it more on the comedic aspect than the lawsuit/case. The case can be very simple and predictable. But I love episode 10, I found the case very interesting. other than that, the other case is just okay. It's Kuzu's gross personality and the interaction with the people in that firm that colours this drama in overall! that's the highlight.

might be spoiler but not really?
oh, and I love how they give Kuzu a daughter! their bickering is humorous mainly because of their different personality and thinking. while Mizuki is a brainy, wise little girl, Kuzu is kuzu (scum), gross so yeah... :p

p/s: I like this drama. although some of the 'pervertness', I can't handle too well -__-

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有閑倶楽部 / Yukan Club

YUKAN CLUB

Wiki

"Turning impossibilities to possibilities is what Yukan Club is about"

Yukan Club is cheesy, colourful, over-the-top drama. It's not a drama based of reality, with illogical scenes thrown in. This is a comedy. If you ask me, I don't know whether to say that I like or dislike this drama. It turns me off at the earlier episode especially the first one. I think it's bad to the extreme! true the props, settings are wonderful but the stryline and the characters' acting was bad. I even contemplate whether to drop this series or not. But then as I continue watching, the drama slowly gotten into me. I mean, it's nothing really good but it can kick some akward entertainment to you. good, no?

I learnt of people dissing this drama because of the actors. especially when all three guys are johnnys so they're open to more criticism to the one who's not at all johnnys' fans. it's like putting idols in drama and see them gaining views from fangirls without acting abilities.

but then, it's a good thing that Yukan Club is made to be an over-the-top drama, because lack of acting ability won't be much of a concern here. I mean, I'm impressed with Yokoyama Yu's character, and Junno's over the top portrayal of Bido Granmarie. They make me enjoy the drama in a way. That's saying something because I shriek at Yu's performance in Kemarishi, and Junno's in Hanayome to papa, Happy, and Ganbatte Ikimashoi. To me they're bad actors. Now after watching Yukan Club, I think maybe they're fit to be characters in such comical environment.

I like Kashi Yuu. and I enjoy watching her too. I don't quite like Karen's character, and so the actress playing it. For Akanishi Jin, another johnny idol, as some of the viewer already comment, he's playing himself and sometimes he seems distance to the other characters. the other characaters seems like a comic character, but Miroku is the only one that doesn't really have that feels. I say it's on Jin's portrayal.

if you are me, you'll shrieeeekk watching the earlier episodes, but still continue and then getting familiar with it and then found it to be entertaining in a way.

It's a drama I won't think much after it ends. it just end like that.
but on the ride, it's actually something. but that's that.
^^

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探偵学園Q / Tantei Gakuen Q

TANTEI GAKUEN Q

Finally.I did a Tantei Gakuen Q marathon, and I actually enjoy the drama. The fact that I really like mystery/detective genre probably explain this. I actually enjoy most of all the dramas with this genre except saved from some really bad one, like Puzzle though for example.

Besides Tantei Gakuen Q has enough element to keep me going, especially regarding the cold and dark personality revolving around Ryuu. besides, he's cute! The involvement of a dark organization, Pluto, is also one of the element that interest me. Some of the cases might be predictable, but I found them enjoyable still. Did I mention how cute Ryuu is? lol.

I watched this with the so-called alpha subtitle from littlix. but I think the subtitle is perfect. maybe they named it alpha because of the lack of typesetting. I don't mind because it's the translation that's most important :P

I'm in the mood of babbling on the actors and characters.



He's Kyuu. You can say he's quite the most prominent role in the drama, besides Ryuu. He's too optimistic. He's someone who appreciate friendship very much. Although all the 5 students are being evaluated as successor of the famous detective, Dan Morihiko, Kyuu didn't treat them as rivals, but as colleague who share the same dream. On the actor who play Kyuu, he's Kamiki Ryunosuke. I've seen him in many dramas before such as Mukodono, Tantei Kazoku, Psycho Doctor and few others, and it was back then when he was still a child. He was such a cute kid with good acting. However I'm actually not much impressed with his acting in this drama, it feels like something is lacking. Maybe it's the expectation. I expect him to be better than that after watching his previous work as a small kid.


He's Ryuu. He's cold. he's cool. and it's like there's some dark mystery surrounding him which you'll learn as the story progress. He loves solving mystery, and he's concerned only in solving the mystery, but not much of a person's heart. The one who played him is Yamada Ryosuke. I learn he is a johnny. he has a typical Johnny face afterall... pretty. lol. but he's really cute I want to pinch his quite chubby cheek. I think he's good. IMO I think he's better than Ryunosuke in this drama which is not what I expected actually because I thought Ryunosuke should be a better actor. well, maybe it's the character.


She's Megu. She has photogrphic-bla-bla-bla-memory skill. Means she can look at something and remember it right away. That's a great skill but painful too, as she can't forget the scene before her eyes, e.g murder scene. Kyuu always calm her down. I love Shida Mirai. She was awesome in 14 Sai no Haha, Watashitachi no Kyokasho etc. and although I don't like how she always bulged her eyes she was great in Queen's Classroom. She's an actress with great potential ahead.


He's Kinta. He's the adult among all of the Q's detectives. He's like an elder brother. And he's strong. And I looikke Kaname Jun.. xD


He's Kazuma. He's a computer-genius. He create games. And he always wear torn out shirts kind of. I think he's the one of the 5 Q detectives that lack presence on the screen. He got not much screen time as compared to others.

The main antagonist would be the Pluto organisation, and this one Cerberus, he looks evil, you can tell just by looking at the face. He's the guest playing in Liar Game as the opponent in the smuggling game. Their main skills? hypnotism.

ooh, and I actually don't really like how it ends. not a big issue though.

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ライフ/LIFE

Sorry for the long hiatus.
I don't know if I can keep up in updating few dramas like I promised e.g Liar Game, etc.

LIFE

I can't put into words how awesome LIFE is! I'm sucked in. Not just the story, the actors are wonderful. They're newbies but delivered a very good performance. It's only 30 minutes per episode. It might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I definitely love it. The one that you feel like marathoning in a single viewing (although it's impossible for me because of stuffs and all, housework etc but the intention exist).

Adapted from Keiko Suenobu's manga "LIFE," this drama delves into the dark side of high school life. The story focuses mainly on bullying, but the manga also touches on subjects such as self-mutilation, suicide, and rape.

----drama wiki

no spoiler.


It's a dark drama, not those shiny one. The colour-tone plays part as well. This drama focuses mainly on bullying but not the typical portrayal as you can see in other school drama. well, bullying can be seen in many school dramas it exist in most school-related drama even if the focus is not on bullying e.g GTO, Nobuta Wo Produce, Hana Yori Dango, Seito Shokun and many more. Watashitachi no Kyokasho is one that dwell mostly on bullying issues, but both have different approach. LIFE shows how extreme bullying can be ( and this drama is actually a bit violent), and how the victim grow stronger in every each episode. Unlike most case when the victim of bullying gave in to the pressure or is saved cheesily by other people (e.g teacher, or friends), Shiiba Ayumu the main character shows the viewer how she learn to fight it as the story progress. She grew stronger is also because of an influence from a friend, but still we can really see her effort. LIFE make you see how scary it is to be bullied, especially to such extent which they adapt to the drama. Have I mention how wonderful the new actors were? and I even get to completely hate some person's gut.

As far as now, only three episodes are subtitled online. But because I'm really sucked in, I'm continuing the drama RAW, which I never seriously did for other dramas. With my limited comprehension of the Japanese language, I still hope I can understand the gist of it and still enjoy the drama. Because I just can't wait for subtitle. It's addicting.

Now I have no wonder why LIFE has been voted as the most satisfying drama in its drama season. This is the same drama slot for the ever great Liar Game, and currently its SP.

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hanakimi vs hanakimi?

I've read mixed review on the first ep of Hana Kimi. A side that love it and another side which found the episode so disappointing. I already have the episode on my HD but atm not feeling like watching it. After reading all those comments... I don't know but I just don't feel excited as before. And to think that they change many things in the Japanese version *sigh*. I've watched the Taiwanese version until episode 10. I don't like Taiwanese drama much in fact I was lured in to watch it by a friend who downloaded it and then gave it to me but I think their Hana Kimi is quite okay putting aside I do fast forward it, oHHkay...in fact I also fast forward 'corner with love' which I found pretty interesting. and ooh.. I did a lot of fast-forwarding for MARS, I guess there's no single Twdrama that I watched in a normal pace :p

but yeah... will comment once I lay my eyes on the 1st episode of the Jversion.

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New Drama season from my eyes..

NEW DRAMA SEASON :)
*what's with so many novel and manga adaptation these days?! not that I don't enjoy them, but I'm afraid this might become a trend and reduce the creativity of Japanese producer and scriptwriter..


FIRST KISS

"In this romantic comedy, Mao Inoue stars as a selfish girl named Mio Fukunaga. Because of a serious illness, she lives in the U.S. for medical treatment. Before undergoing an important operation, she returns to Japan, where she meets the older brother she has been separated from since her parents' divorce. She finds Kazuki (Hideaki Ito) leading a good-for-nothing life, but he shows his seriousness when he resolves to find a way for Mio to experience her first kiss. Yuta Hiraoka plays the love interest, a rookie doctor." t--okyograph

strong point: for me, it's TOTALLY ITO!!! <3 I might be complaining later on for his currrly hair. but atm it's Ito that matter the most. and better yet, Mao and Yuuta are in it too.. and yes, they come second after hot sizzling Ito (...fuurrget the hair...>.>)
weak point: ITO's HAIR
zaza-o-meter: HIGH on list. 4 the sake of Ito :3 <3

* * * * *


HANAZAKI NO KIMITACHI E

"The drama is based on the popular manga of the same name by Nakajo Hisaya, which has already been dramatized in Taiwan. Horikita plays the protagonist Ashiya Mizuki, a Japanese girl in the U.S. who one day sees the young athlete Sano Izumi (Oguri) compete in the high jump on television. She begins to idolize him, and decides to move to Japan to attend the same school as him. However, Izumi goes to an all-boys school, so Mizuki disguises herself as a boy to achieve her dream of being with her idol."--tokyograph

strong point: eyecandies galore, famous manga.... droolistic Shun and Toma! it's like in MOST of everyone's wanted-to-see-NOW list.
zaza-o-meter: HIGH on list.

* * * * *


USHI NI NEGAI WO

"Six agriculture students travel north to Hokkaido for first-hand training and experience in a farm setting. The story focuses not only on their daily life and their growth as young men and women, but also on the economic situation in the region, which received national attention earlier this year when the national government cut off aid to the struggling city of Yubari. --tokyograph

strong point: Tamayama tetsuji & Koide Keisuke.
weak point: the storyline just ok-ok lah.. and it doesn't tempted me much
zaza-o-meter: If I have time.

* * * * *


TANTEI GAKUEN Q

"Adapted from the manga by Tadashi Agi(Seimaru Amagi), Tantei Gakuen Q revolves around a team of genius students studying in a detective academy run by a famous detective, Morihiko Dan." --dramawiki

strong point: detective.mysteries. I'm a sucker for this genre. KANAME JUN!! <3 having Shida Mirai is also a plus, and that cute Johnny Jr., Yamada Ryousuke. I miss younger Kamiki Ryunosuke... he's really growing up.
weak point: although I don't really mind Kamiki Ryunosuke take the lead character, I honestly not all that impressed with his performance in the SP. I hope he do well in the series though.
zaza-o-meter: HIGH on list

* * * * *


HOTARU NO HIKARI

"Haruka Ayase stars as the title character, Hotaru Amemiya, in this adaptation of Satoru Hiura's "Hotaru no Hikari" manga series. Hotaru is a twenty-something office lady who has become a "dried fish" - she has "retired" from love, and she prefers to spend her time lazily at home. Then one day, her world gets shaken up when she unexpectedly ends up living with her boss (Fujiki Naohito). To complicate her life even further, she begins to find romance with a new employee named Makoto (Kazuki Kato)."

strong point: I think the story is kinda interesting. and we have Fujiki Naohito here ;D
weak point: I never watch Kazuki Kato, the only thing I know is he's in Kamen Rider *not sure which one*, and my brother doesn't like him, so even though I don't know him I'm kinda influenced. (because my bro talks bad about him a lot in front of me XD lol)
zaza-o-meter: averageee..

* * * * *


JIGOKU NO SATA MO YOME SHIDAI

"In this home comedy, Makiko Esumi stars as Makoto Tachibana, a manager of an omusubi cafe. One day, she meets Sanshiro (Ikki Sawamura), a secretary at a paper shredder company, and half a year later, they already decide to get married. But when Makoto meets Sanshiro's family, a battle begins between her and her mother-in-law (Yoko Nogiwa). Their conflict is rooted in the opposing ideals of "working woman" and "housewife," which has previously been explored in dramas such as "Double Kitchen" and "Triple Kitchen" (in which Esumi and Nogiwa played similar roles)."--tokyograph

strong point: Esumi Makiko.
weak point: I've been showered with so many daughter-in-law vs mother-in-law kind of drama a lot since I started becoming a Jdrama fans. I've the feeling this might be so predictable that it might bore me.
zaza-o-meter: if I have time..

* * * * *

KIKUJIRO TO SAKI 2007
I didn't really interested with this at first but... hey.. they got.. Tsukamoto Takashi, Kurokawa Tomoka and Abe Tsuyoshi. I'm not a fan of Abe Tsuyoshi, but I really want to see him in another role after HYD.

* * * * *


YAMA ONNA KABE ONNA

"Based on Atsuko Takakura's manga of the same name, "Yama Onna Kabe Onna" tells the story of a department store girl (Misaki Ito) who is good at her job but suffers from a complex, due to the flat chest that has earned her the name of "kabe onna" ("kabe" meaning "wall"). Her situation only worsens when she is joined by a new girl (Kyoko Fukada), who is a much more well-endowed "yama onna" ("yama" meaning "mountain")." -- tokyograph

strong point: -
weak point: I never think Itoh Misaki can really act.. moreover Fukakyon.
zaza-o-meter: still, even if it doesn't even ring an interested bell in me, if I have time... might give this a chance.

* * * * *


KATAGOSHI NO KOIBITO

"This series is adapted from Kei Yuikawa's novel "Katagoshi no Koibito," which won the prestigious Naoki Prize for the second half of 2001. It centers on two 30-year-old women who have been friends for many years. The two are total opposites in the realm of love - Moe Hayasaka (Ryoko Yonekura) is unable to become absorbed in love, while Ruriko Murono (Saki Takaoka) is always involved with someone and is already close to her third marriage. The question is, will either of them find happiness?" -- tokyograph

strong point: kaname jun.
weak point: the synopsis doesn't sound that interesting..
zaza-o-meter: if I have time

* * * * *


JOTEI

"Kato Rosa stars as Ayaka Tachibana, a young woman whose life has been ruined after she lost her boyfriend then her mother became gravely ill. Looking for revenge, she starts out as a hostess with the goal of rising to become the "empress" of the Osaka nightlife scene. Matsuda Shota plays a member of the underworld who becomes Ayaka's ally"--tokyograph

Strong point: give me Shota anytime. I don't care if his acting abilities might not be that of top-notch thingy I still can live with it XD what more, double shota! Saito Shota <3 and the banner is cool.
weak point: shota blinds me. what weak point?
zaza-o-meter: HIGH on list.

* * * * *


YAMADA TARO MONOGATARI

"Arashi members Ninomiya Kazunari and Sakurai Sho star in this comedy series based on "Yamada Taro Monogatari" by mangaka Ai Morinaga. Ninomiya plays the title character, Taro Yamada, whose family lives in extreme poverty. But because of his looks, intelligence, and athleticism, others mistakenly believe that Taro comes from a prosperous family. In contrast, Sakurai plays Taro's best friend Takuya, who really is from a successful family and who often helps out Taro in various ways" --Tokyograph

Strong point: Sho baby~ and Oshinari Shugo to me. The synopsis sound good and 'comicy'. manga adaptation afterall.
zaza-o-meter: averagely HIGH

* * * * *


Sushi Oji

"KinKi Kids member Domoto Koichi stars in this action comedy series. Domoto plays Tsukasa Maizu, who was known for being a gifted sushi maker when he was younger. Now skilled as a martial artist, he returns to the world of sushi and travels across the country for training, fighting evil along the way. KAT-TUN's Nakamaru Yuichi takes on the role of Tsukasa's companion, Taro. -" -- tokyograph

Strong point: SUSHI OISHII!!
zaza-o-meter: SO-SO. might give it a chance because of it's SUSHI. give me an option, I'll always pick tsuyo over koichi anytine. I don't hate him, but I don't adore him either. it's just... I don't know, unexplainable.

* * * * *


JUKEN NO KAMISAMA

"In this original series, TOKIO's Yamaguchi Tatsuya stars as Isamu, a businessman who divorced from his wife five years earlier and currently lives with his son Hiro (Nagashima Mitsuki), a sixth-grader. One day, Hiro tells his father that he wants to take entrance exams for a private junior high school. Isamu, who only ever attended public schooling, is clueless about preparing for the tests. So he seeks out the help of the genius junior high schooler Michiko (Narumi Riko), who is known as the "exam god" for her abilities as a tutor - all of the students she trains pass their exams." -tokyograph

strong point: It's Narumi Riko. I love her. and the story is original and seems very interesting---what with so many adaptation these days??
zaza-o-meter: HIGH

* * * * *

LIFE

"Adapted from Keiko Suenobu's manga "LIFE," this drama delves into the dark side of high school life. The story focuses mainly on bullying, but the manga also touches on subjects such as self-mutilation, suicide, and rape. Kitano Kii stars as Ayumu Shiiba, one of the students bullied by a group of classmates led by Ayumu's former friend, Manami Anzai" -- tokyograph

strong point: when it comes to school-student genre of drama, I always find a darker and deep genre to be very interesting (such as Kinpachi Sensei, Watashitachi no Kyokasho, Queen's Classroom in contrast to cheesy--although I still enjoy them in a way-GTO, Gokusen etc) and this seems like those deeper and darker type.
zaza-o-meter: HIGH

* * * * *


PAPA TO MUSUME NANOKAN

"This home comedy tells the story of Kyoichiro (Tachi Hiroshi) and his teenage daughter Koume (Aragaki Yui). One day, the two ride a train together after visiting Kyoichiro's mother-in-law. He sees it as a chance to get to know his daughter better, but he ends up getting more than that - by some mysterious force, both Kyoichiro and Koume end up with their mind in the other's body! Unfortunately, they have no choice but to swap lives, pretending to be each other at school and work"

strong point: this seems so interesting no matter how overused the theme: body-trade has been played in movies, drama or even manga.
zaza-o-meter: HIGH

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夜王 （やおう） / Yaoh

夜王 （やおう） / Yaoh
[official site] [wiki] [d/l torrents] [softsubs]

I've problem accepting the ideals in Yaoh because it's just BIG PLAIN LIE. Nevertheless I still find the drama pretty interesting. In fact, I did an ep1-10 marathon for this. Yet waiting for ep 11's subtitle though.

The premise is all about host life. And it's depicting this dark world with two conflicting eyes, an eye for the usual negative perception, and another for a positive one, which was put to Ryosuke's shoulder to prove it. There's no way I'll approve of the positive ideal. Call me discriminating and all, but I hold the same initial perception of Karina's character that HOST IS HOST. They're the worst, playing and lying with woman's heart. However in this drama, Ryosuke is a character which is being appealed as a righteous host, who'll strive to make women's happy. How cheesy that is? In this drama, it looks at another side of being a host that the job is actually a 'supposedly' good job -- to give woman a chance to dream and make them happy. Although I'm not buying into this, and I believe that is also the case for many women's out there, I still follow the drama because it kept me wanting for the next episode.. for what reason I'm not sure. It's not a really GREAT drama but it's not BAD either. At least we can try looking how they made Hosts' job a dignified job? lol..


p/s:Kaname Jun = <3 eyebrow="double">

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Liar Game

I know I've been praising Proposal Daisakusen non-stop lately that I was neglecting talking about Liar Game. Whatever you might think of me, this is still one of my favourite drama. Will update later on Liar Game when I've free times. Going to be my thought on episode... humm.. 5 to 9 ! XD

sorry Liar Game, I've not been giving you the attention you deserves.

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プロポーズ大作戦 9 / Proposal Daisakusen 9

プロポーズ大作戦 9 / Proposal Daisakusen 9
[official site] [wiki] [d/l torrents] [direct d/l] [softsubs]

I must say that Proposal Daisakusen might as well be my most favourite drama this season. I loved liar game, but there's not enough word how to describe my growing love for Proposal Daisakusen. Earlier when the season just started, I thought that Liar Game would be my 1st for this season, but who thought that ProDai is this good? I can really relate to Ken. I'm those person who'll try to find the right moment and location, I'm those person who'll keep waiting because I believe there's still time left, I'm those person who can't really express my feeling, I'm those...... I don't need to say more... I'm just Iwase Ken. Although I don't know if I'll be able to have Ken's courage when being presented with second chance.

On to my thought on ep 9. Warning: Spoiler

"Try. There's nothing to lose"
"Though you fail, it's expected. But succeeding it you'll become more a man"
Yes, there's nothing to lose. Maybe losing face one can say... but do question, is that enough to let the chance slip away? more that I watch ProDai, more that i feel I'm being mocked. It went straight to the heart. But that's what make this drama so special.

When Ken asked Rei, is it okay for her to accept Tada even they only know each other for a short time? one thing rang my head, how short is short? how long is long? that's us human, we often miscalculated. We often make up reasons. no, this is not the time, it's still early. Look at Ken, he has been with Rei for so long, yet he never get to express those special feeling. That's why I admire Tada's 'for how long I stand, it's still the same answer', what made the difference is to let the other party know the answer. Yeah, whatever... but I still want Rei to be with Ken. obviously.

and I just can't bear 'miss' scene. I just can't. those scene when you do something admirably but people won't get to know about it. like the depressing scene where Ken missed Rei, Rei missed Ken -- the one where Ken waited in front of the post office and bought champagne to celebrate Rei. And now, the ring. When he left it, it's sparkling lonely the way I see it.

If I'm Rei, I don't know if I'm able to accept Tada that fast after being hugged and surprisingly confessed by Ken. Although I sort of understand why she said Ken don't understand a thing. All those time together, why must this moment? Why must the time I'm put in a situation that'll decide my life. Why when I've decided to let go? it's a hard decision. But Rei must have her own logic.

This is supposedly be the last picture Ken time-slipped. But I've expected that Mikio will do something about it.... when Ken complained to Mikio about the last photo Mikio chose is making it hard on him. I knew there'll be extra picture at the end...

I love this series.
I really do.

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Hanazakari no Kimitachi e preview

I can't wait for HanaKimi xD .


sleeping shun *faints*

Some preview of the series here

this better be good! ;)

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プロポーズ大作戦 8 / Proposal Daisakusen8
[official site] [wiki] [d/l torrents] [direct d/l] [softsubs]

Nothing much happen in this episode. It's like Ken is doing nothing. But still I believe it's in a way essential for the story. This is mainly about putting a hole in someone's heart... the feeling like something is missing...
Spoiler....


It's not like Ken can think of extra wonderful plan for this mission especially when Rei decided to tell him that she has decided to date Tada Sensei. And more heartbroken he is when Rei told him that she once love him. This is really depressing, imagining ourselves overseeing the importance of existence of someone and when we start to realize it we're losing them and it's much more sad that all this while we've been ignoring their importance they were in fact having a feeling to us.. REGRET. yeps. the regret. Although Ken decided he can't do anything, refused to celebrate the New Years with friends... and in a corner of my heart I hope he can do something.. but I guess by doing nothing is actually a fine way. With that, on Rei's part, she'll feel a hole... Ken's missing and it's not fun without him. Heart is complicated. So eventhough she has started dating Tada, for Ken to be able to give this impact to Rei is actually important... she and Tada is just dating.... the 'there's something missing' feeling can somehow interfere with the development of Tada and Rei. Doing nothing can actually mean doing something....

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