That's true! Fans being lenient about choreography only gives them more room to just mess around during concerts, which is always fun to watch! One thing I really enjoy about K8 DVDs is probably how they're just as much about having fun and raising the audience's tension as singing moving songs. Probably why I never get tired of re-watching them.
Yasu XD I guess writing lyrics is a lot different from talking! I think it's just, during MCs, he usually zones out so his responses are always a bit awkward, but with lyrics, he gets to think it through and as you said, get someone else to look over it. Which reminds me... in the 47 Neoki Dokkiri, when they read Yasu's "Aitai (?)", the rest of the members giggled through the whole thing. Is it because of his weak Japanese or is it just too sappy in general XD?
Haha I didn't think MC were such a big deal until I start following K8 :) True, Yoko directs the MC but he's hilarious so I don't mind~ He does find topics to tempt the quieter members to talk though. It just shows how all the members have time to shine during concerts! (It's cute how Yoko dotes on his brothers, he's such a family person <3) Ohkura has been more active during MCs since ExE and I'm glad. I like his dynamic with Yoko; sometimes, Yoko ends up behaving like the younger one lol.
Same! I haven't watched many dramas with K8 (or any Johnnys in them) in general :\ But I'm really enjoying Yakou Kanransha right now. The way the drama unfolds is really captiviating, and Yasu has done a pretty good job as Yoshiyuki. I didn't care for Nakuna Hara-chan much from its summary but many ppl likes it so I'm a bit curious now. There's so many dramas I want to watch, like Ryuusei, but never find time for (this is a reoccuring theme for me lol) @_@ I watched 1 Liter of Tears and while the story is touching, it wasn't anything... special? It always comes up as recommendation for jdramas though XD Personally, if I have to recommend anything, it would be Last Friends :p
And thank you for always replying with equally long responses! I literally don't have anyone to talk about K8 to, so I always look forward to your posts, whether for this project or for Janiben ^^
One thing I really enjoy about K8 DVDs is probably how they're just as much about having fun and raising the audience's tension as singing moving songs. Yup, that about sums them up! That's why I love them so much. They're less worried about looking cool and more interested in whether or not their fans are having fun with them.
Yasu does tend to zone out when they talk! But I think by the time MC rolls around, he's one of the guys who looks like he's tired even though he has a lot of stamina. Oh, they laughed at his lyrics because they were sappy. The lyrics were pretty good because they're like about how he wants to see someone and he wants to know why they have to part.
MCs are totally a big deal to many Eighters. Sometimes when I'm knitting and I want to listen to stuff but can't be bothered with music, I'll put in their MC digest disc in and listen to it. That, or Wink Killer. They all have such an interesting dynamic when you break them down into pairs. Yoko and Ohkura get along because they both like to eat, but their relationship is different from either of them with Maru because unlike Maru, they're not total weirdoes and they're pretty serious when removed from the weird guys. I think Yoko just acts like a child because he probably didn't get to do a lot of that growing up. He had to grow up really quickly and take care of his family, so now that he has more leeway to be a brat, he'll do it.
Yakou Kanransha is my #1 this season and not just because Yasu is in it. The story is so weird yet realistic. In my middle class neighbourhood in Shizuoka, even there, you kind of see the housewives who like to gossip and are passively critical of other people. Take a very inclusive and rich neighbourhood and I'm sure the tendency to gossip and pass judgment multiplies tenfold. Hara-chan is just for me to laugh, so out of the comedies this season, it's my favourite. The actors are pretty good and the story is cute, but I don't know if I'd want to watch the whole season again. Haha, I like Last Friends, but sometimes there's too much drama (like Ueno Juri's character). I think for those of us who don't favour 1L, it's mostly because we see that there's very little to connect with in terms of viewers versus characters.
No problem! The people I do talk to about K8 are all off at grad school or getting their PhDs, so they're always busy. I'm glad to be able to talk with other fans.
That's why I think it's almost a blessing that K8 isn't packaged like most Johnny's group, and that they're less worried about looking cool which sounds harsh, almost. But it makes their anniversary ever the more amazing, how they're able to overcome early struggles and pretty much re-define "Johnny's" for themselves.
I do that sometimes too! I often rewatch Wink Killer or some random backstage footage when I'm bored. I love breaking K8 down into pairs haha, not to ship them, but like you said, they all have such interesting dynamic. True, Ohkura's letter for Yoko during Sugohachi was pretty serious and earnest; it was interesting for me because I don't recall seeing them interact as much until recently. Aw Maru <3 He tends to be the same regardless of who he's with lol except with maybe Ryo? But then Ryo's not entirely immune to Maru so we get some awesome Team Sunshine moments too <3
I started watching Yakou Kanransha because of Yasu, but then, I'm totally hooked now because of the plot (although, up until the recent episode, Ayaka's problem annoys me :\ like, why put yourself in a situation to be bullied continually?). Yeah I can totally see the gossiping and judging happening, it's very realistic in that sense for sure. I see your point, but I love Ueno as an actress so it didn't bother me as much. That makes sense about 1L, I just feel bad when people say they cried a lot over and I'm like, I almost cried once XD?
Yup, you're right! The fact that they aren't expected to be super squeaky clean, cookie-cutter idols probably also makes their lives SO easy. I don't think it sounds harsh to say that they're less worried about looking cool because it's true and there's no shame in that.
I think Ohkura really started opening up more to the older members around Sugohachi and after. I'm not sure what started it, but he really just gets in there and makes fun of Yoko in many of the MC portions from 8EST disc 4. I don't really know what Maru's deal with Ryo might be... it almost feels like he's either just a bit more cautious or even a bit afraid of Ryo... which is hilarious because Ryo is like the loser of the group since nobody ever wants to hang out with him!
Yakou Kanransha is amazing! It's so creepy to have this microscopic look at a high-class enclosed community. Ah, actually, Ayaka's problems are really common in Japan, especially at the junior high level. If we look at it from a more realistic perspective, I'd really question what the teachers are doing because that kind of bullying has got to be apparent to even ONE teacher... but if you think about it, Shiho and her brainless followers bully Ayaka out of jealousy. They might say that her house is small, but owning a house in Japan, especially one that you built and in an exclusive community, is exceptionally hard to do (and they live in Yokohama, too. If they lived in the country, it wouldn't be hard). Shiho's bullying comes all out of jealousy and I'm not defending what she's doing because I've seen it and stopped it several times being a teacher myself, but when Ayaka doesn't get into private school, it's a small victory for Shiho who isn't able to move up from her situation.
HAHA, yeah, I think I ALMOST cried for 1L, but I don't remember it. After I finished the last episode, I deleted the entire folder because I knew I'm never, ever watching it again. You know another one that makes those best-of lists? Nobuta. That was a waste of my time, too. I think I was already almost done uni by then, so I felt zero connection to the story.
Haha I think it's awesome that Ohkura, teaming up with Ryo often, tease Yoko during MCs, which usually ends in swapping lines for songs XD I laughed so hard when Yoko/Ohkura swapped line in ExE, and I'm so happy they did it again in 8EST! I thought Yoko did pretty well with Subaru's part in Naniwa XD Yeah I get that feeling from Maru too, maybe he's a bit cautious because it's harder to get a reaction from Ryo? Although Hohoemi Date turned out awesome! The pairing is ironic because it's Maru who keeps dodging Ryo's invite to hang out too XD
Hmm, that's an interesting analysis! I feel like I'm learning a lot about the Japanese culture just from watching Yakou Kanransha, from the gossiping to bullying to expectations etc. Ayaka's story isn't as relatable for me, but to know bullying is still common in Japan is a bit disappointing (not saying that bullying is completely gone in Vancouver, but there has been much news and awareness on the issue which I feel isn't the same in Asian countries? I may be wrong though.) I see you mentioning Shizuoka a few times, did you teach there?
I watched one or two episodes of Nobuta since it was playing on TV, but I wasn't interested in the plot to finish the series. I don't see the appeal of it tbh. I'm impressed with your ability to finish dramas you don't like! XD I think it's only popular because it has Kame AND Yamapi in it? and aired during what was arguably the height of their popularity. I'm... okay with Kame/Yamapi so :\
I wonder if the members keep score of how many times they can insult Yoko in public. I guess it would be moot since everyone does it as often as possible! Maru... haha, that guy dodges everyone's invitations! Ryo is a loner not by choice, but Maru is, which I find really, really strange!
Yoko surprises me every now and then with his voice. I mean, honestly, as tone-deaf as he is, I can forgive him for that and a lot of other things just because I know he's actually trying (typical Type A personality!). He wants to be a better singer and he's definitely improved from when they debuted (uh... who actually knows what he sounds like since they didn't let him sing!).
Well, I have a degree in teaching, so I'm pretty well-informed about bullying in schools. The only reason I analyzed it that way is because Shiho says to Ayaka a few times times, "I'm glad you failed your entrance exam for that private school. You can be with us now." Shiho also found out that Ayaka wants to take the entrance exam for private high school but she tells her, "You're going to public high school with us, aren't you?" Also, remember early on when the girls found out that Ayaka lives close to and is friendly with Shinji? That's another reason to add to the list. And yes, I taught in Shizuoka, but I lived there and I also have family all over the prefecture.
Even I'm impressed with my ability to finish dramas! I hardly ever give up unless something really creeps me out or I'm just dying of boredom. I kept hoping that Nobuta would get better but it didn't. I'm ashamed to admit that I watched a LOT of stupid dramas in their entirety.... :( I guess part of the reason is also because I'm always analyzing dramas, so I stick it out to see if writers can pull off a good story or if they failed completely.
It's impossible to count - especially if you consider Janiben episodes as well (SHY BOY!!! XD)! I think, since Yoko's usually the one dishing out embarrassing stories, the rest of the members take whatever opportunity they can get for revenge lol. Maru... I wonder what he's really like off-screen sometimes! Sometimes the rest of the members would say he's totally different, but then he's still weird enough to do the red underwear thing every year XD
I prefer Yoko's voice over Hina's :p since tone-deafness can be conquered through practice. Although, Yoko do get out of breath while singing easily too. But yes! He definitely improved, and is getting more lines in their newer songs too, which is great :) HAHA oh the clapping story for Naniwa.... never gets old.
I see! I didn't take those quotes that way at first, because I felt the tension between Ayaka and Shiho was initiated by Ayaka. Her failing the examination is a huge blow to her self-esteem, especially after her mother mentions her wish for Ayaka to enter the private school to Takahashi, and her own failure is amplified by Shiho's words, especially when Shinji is mentioned. But now I totally understand what you mean, how Shiho is jealous from the very beginning, which leads to the bullying escalating so quickly. I need to rewatch Yakou Kanransha! It's ending soon :'(
Did you watch/finish Papadoru? I... can't make up my mind if I should try getting through it just for K8 and random Johnnys cameos, but definitely not for the storyline, in any case. I'll be honest, I'm a lazy drama audience. But Yakou Kanransha sparked a lot of interest and analysis for me, which ends up -imo- helping me in my schoolwork when I have to analyze readings as well XD
True about Yoko. At least he's a good sport because if he dishes it out, he has to be able to take it, too. I think they've all said that Maru in real life is totally different. In the MC digest for 8EST, Yoko says at one point that Maru, when drunk, is totally boring. He's just really weird on all levels, but that's totally part of his charm ^_^
Yoko... is out of shape. Haha. He might be okay to do choreography, but I think beyond that, he has no stamina to do both dancing and singing. That's one of the reasons why the guys always tell him to go exercise (also because they think he's chubby but I think he's perfect) and I guess also because he's ALWAYS complaining about being constipated. I guess if he doesn't move much and he eats unhealthy (truth be told, nobody really knows what he eats except that he's got a sweet tooth and won't ever opt to eat the low-fat version of anything), then he can't really go to the bathroom well. SIGH, Yoko.
Oh no, you're totally free to interpret Yakou Kanransha whichever way you want! Sorry, I hope I didn't sound like I was telling you, "This is how it is!" But yeah, many Japanese kids that age have a lot of pressure to enter the "right" school, so while Ayaka takes her own failure very poorly (I have ALL kinds of complaints about that, too...), Shiho's jealousy really does amplify everything. Man, I could really talk about Yakou Kanransha at length because there are so many places where I want to know exactly what a character's reasoning was for doing whatever it is s/he did in the first place.
Yup, I saw all of Papadoru. It's... I don't know. I have it stored on my external HD for now, but if I ever end up running out of space, I wonder if it'll go on my delete list. It's a flawed drama in many ways, but Ryo's really playing true to himself (he's all kinds of fail and if any of that stuff ever happened in real life, I can just imagine how badly Yoko would rip into him) and the K8 cameos get bigger and more important in the last few episodes. Otherwise, I don't know if I'd really recommend it to other people as a must-watch (I actually only saw the whole thing because I was bored and had nothing else to do).
I'd suggest that you watch Strawberry Night first and save Papadoru for when you're really bored and have a lot of time. If you do kind of like it, then you can just marathon watch without worrying how you'll make time for other episodes. I'm glad to hear that you're starting to watch dramas more seriously! I wish other fans would too instead of recommending crappy series that don't deserve half the recognition they ended up getting...
Outside the 3baka, it sounds like Yoko is the closest with Maru, and Maru's always bugging him somehow during the backstage footage, even in the Making for 8EST! I agree, Maru is precious <3 I love how the members protect his weird side too! (Like, I was just watching them on Shabekuri 007 for 24H, and one of the host was saying how Maru's high tension is strange, but Subaru kept saying it's part of Maru's charm too!)
...but ironically, Yoko fails at the choreography too XD But your point must be true to an extent, if the members keep telling him to exercise. But even in some recordings, Yoko sounds short on breath (but not as obvious), so I'm wondering if it's something more than stamina? I thought it could be because he used to smoke (and quit, good for him!) and it had more effect on him than on the other members. (Btw, do you know who still smokes? This is so random, but I've been wondering for a while. I know Hina, Subaru, and Ryo does. I think Yasu does too?)
Don't worry, you didn't sound like that! In fact, I enjoy listening to other's interpretations - it opens up way more perspectives! I thought Yoshiyuki turned out to be one of the most interesting characters in the drama - regardless of his few appearances from the earlier episodes. (I'm trying to look past the fact that he was played by Yasu, and I think I have a solid argument XD) He was put in probably the most difficult situation by the end, and all his decisions are controversial yet very understandable.
That's my plan! Now that Yakou Kanransha's finished, I'll watch Strawberry Night. I think the last time I watched Yamada act was in Room 0, so I'm extremely curiuos to see how Maru is now - especially after Yasu's performance with Yakou Kanransha! Haha true, but it's hard, since everyone's preferences is different. Prior to this, I was searching around for good dramas to watch, and the dramas ppl recommend are either ones I know aren't that good/"cliche", or ones that I have no clue who any of the actors are :S
Yeah, I was actually translating one of the MCs and Yoko really is very close to Maru. They get along well on a lot of levels and I guess every now and then, Yoko needs someone who isn't going to hit him or insult him. Maru almost always has nice things to say about Yoko even though the same isn't always true in reverse.
Hmm... I think it almost totally has to do with stamina. From what I've read (I also just googled it to check more recent news ^_^), Yoko used to smoke a really long time ago and he quit not long after, so it's probably been a while since he's done it. I think maybe his mom passing at a relatively young age might also have really hit home that he's now the only one left to take care of his family, so if anything, he probably wouldn't pick up smoking again to jeopardize that. As for the others... Subaru quit a while back, too. Not as long ago as Yoko, but he quit probably after Tsubusa (if you saw the making of, there's 2-3 seconds of him just casually sitting back and smoking while they watch replays). Hina is apparently a crazy heavy smoker, but people guess that it's because he's really stressed out (he's the only one with a ton of side projects) and perhaps that's why he plays a lot of soccer/futsal to sort of... counter all the smoking. Ryo is definitely still a smoker, Yasu is, too, but I don't think Yasu's that bad because I haven't heard it in his voice at all and there isn't a single picture or video of him doing it, so I'm guessing he might be a social smoker. I didn't even know this, but Ohkura smokes nearly as much as Hina which sort of surprises me but I can't really explain why. Maru is the only one who hasn't smoked because, according to fans, he feels like he needs to be a good role model to his younger sister and brother (aww!). Half of this is hearsay, so I can't stand by anything except that I know for sure that Hina and Ryo still smoke quite frequently and that Yoko and Subaru have quit.
Haha, oh, good. I'm glad I didn't sound that way to you. No, you know, you're pretty justified in viewing Yasu that way because as I was watching, there wasn't even a second where I thought, "Aww, Yasu." If you read my Janiben summaries, I'm always calling him cute or adorable and that's sort of his existence to me, but I guess coupled with the fact that Yoshiyuki is not supposed to be a cute character (he's wayyy too serious and hardworking) and Yasu probably trying to be taken as an actor (not an idol who just wants to act, too), it makes for a very different feeling we get when we see Yoshiyuki. Yeah, I was wondering about the ending because I can understand why he did it, but like Hinako, I also felt that it was a cold decision to make. However, if one of the last messages is that we all have difficult choices to make and that we have to live with them, then what he did was right because he has a duty to take care of his family now rather than relying on people to help them out. I thought the end was so cute when the kids are going to high school and Ayaka really gives it to those snooty girls heading up the hill.
Whoa, I haven't even seen Room 0. Is it worth watching? Heck, I've watched much worse, so I guess if I'm really bored and have time (which I don't T_T) I'll watch it. I hope you enjoy Strawberry Night! It's really NOT cute, so I guess that's why a bunch of K8 fans stay away from it because they kind of can't imagine seeing Maru having to deal with murder cases or the dark side of the police world (even though he plays a pretty minor role and he might actually be comedic relief now that I think about it...). I have yet to meet another non-Japanese K8 fan tell me that they enjoyed Strawberry Night...
Lol Hina XD If his real life personality isn't too different, I can imagine it getting tiring to be around him all the time. That's true! Well, Maru mentions that Yoko is very supportive of him, just that Yoko never shows it in front of the camera - too busy dishing out stories lol.
Ah, the Tsubusa making is exactly the reason I thought Subaru's still smoking now, but good to know he quit since then! I didn't know about Ohkura either! Hmm, I guess it's because in comparison to Ryo, Ohkura has a more innocent image? I thought Yasu's voice changed a bit - not as much as Subaru's imo, but rewatching 47 (because of the highlight project XD!), Yasu's voice is a bit higher back then, but the difference could also be a normal process as people age. For some reason, I think I was clinging onto the hope that Maru doesn't smoke - it's just not... him, even though we don't necessary know his personal life either. His reason is really sweet! But it makes sense since he tends to have a brotherly, "Uta no Oniisan" image. I feel like the more I learn about K8 the more I appreciate and love Maru <3 Thanks for answering such a random question! When I Googled, all the search results are dated 2009 etc so I wasn't sure.
I know! I really do appreciate Yasu taking on a role like Yoshiyuki to challenge himself, and show that Johnnys don't have to resort to love stories or comedies to succeed (I know I'm being very generic here, and there's definitely a few good dramas that goes against my generalization, but they are few in comparison :\). True, there's a emphasis on what people would do to protect their own family, even if the decision turns out to be immoral (Kojima, Yoshiyuki, Junko's sister's husband). I 'm a softy for family-orientated dramas and this one hits the spot XD Yes! Ayaka's got a strong personality and it's about time she doesn't exert it on her own family!
I wouldn't suggest Room 0 as a must-watch. It's a series of short stories so nothing gets really developed. It's been a while since I watched it, and it didn't leave a big impression on me :p The only thing I remember is Yoko's role reminds me of the Dye D PV lol, and Yamada play themselves in the second ep. Ugh I need more time too! I started Ryo's Inu o Kau to Iu Koto last October and I'm still on the second episode now /fail. I don't think watching Maru in a drama like that will be a problem for me :p I don't mind watching him play a darker role (heck, I love Ryo in Last Friends!)
I'd certainly get tired being around Hina... any maybe even Maru. Hina and I wouldn't get along and Maru's too random for me even though I love him so very much. I think Yoko's just really embarrassed to let people know his super oniichan side. I know he likes attention and that's why he'll sometimes show off about treating out people, but he doesn't seem to go beyond that.
Haha, I hadn't even thought about them smoking in a long time because I'm just used to the idea of young Japanese guys smoking (although none of my family or friends smoke, my brother-in-law's colleagues at work totally do and they're all about the same age as me). Girls smoke a lot these days, too. I think partly because the nicotine reduces their craving for food, so they can stay really skinny. Aww, you know, I hoped that Maru wouldn't be part of their smoking group, too! I'm pretty sure he's clean, though, because his voice is still as beautiful as it always was - it's gotten even better! Yeah, I googled in Japanese, so the dates were a lot more recent. I think the information I gave you was from the latter half of 2012, so quite recent, I'd say.
Oh, I LOVE family-oriented dramas. I think that's why I liked Ryuusei no Kizuna because the siblings cared so much for one another (and not just because I love Nino and Ryo). Although, I didn't like Inu wo Kau to Iu Koto that much because while it was family-oriented, it was literally about a dog and I would have rather seen more focus on them as a family and not on this dog. I can understand why you're still on the second episode, though. I only sped-watched it because Ryo kisses Mizukawa Asami really sweetly at the end. If those two got together in real life, I'd be incredibly happy. I don't get why Ryo keeps getting these family dramas! He's not believable as a dad!! At least not yet. He needs to grow up a little and show that he can take care of other members. All we ever hear from MCs or other shows is that everyone else takes care of him.
Thanks for the heads-up on Room 0. Haha, I might just watch the second one for Yamada since you say that the stories don't really develop that much. I still have Osozaki no Himawari to watch (my sister says it's good, but she and I don't always agree on dramas even though we do agree on variety shows).
Hina's quite popular with certain people though (there was a "Which K8 member would you marry/date" ranking, and Hina was quite high), and as mean as this sounds, I don't quite understand (in terms of his personality). Ah really? I think you said in one of your summaries that your personality is quite similar to Ryo's? so that makes sense. Personally, I would say I'm similar to Ohkura, so being around Maru should be fun XDb
Same, I only thought about smoking because someone on Tumblr recently brought up that it looks like Yasu was holding a couple packs of cigarettes during Tsubusa making. It was more relevant a few years ago though, when Yoko even talked quitting on Recomen and urging Hina to do the same. I like how in K8's newer songs, the lines are divided up more evenly so we get to hear more of Maru's solos! :) I really like him harmonizing with Yasu too~
For Inu wo Kau to Iu Koto, I thought I was hooked at first, and watched the two episodes within a day! But after a bit of a break, the urge to continue died down, and I think like you said, it's because it doesn't focus as much on the people. But the dog is so adorable omg it's a literal living fluffy ball XD Same, Ryo's the last person I'd imagine as a dad as of now, though he does look after the other members in his own way, but it's usually only in minor details.
Okay, so my memory deteriorates faster than I thought. Yamada are in the second story - not the second episode (but each story is only 3~4 eps - still very short), and they aren't playing themselves, though I'm pretty sure they play a manzai duo, so that's why I remembered it as they playing themselves. Sorry for the misleading info ;_; I haven't heard of Osozaki no Himawari before you mentioned it, but I like Ikuta so it sounds good to me XD Are you watching any new drama for the upcoming season?
Yeah, I don't know how Hina can rank so high for that because he's somewhat misogynistic. Haha, I did say that I'm like Ryo, so I guess that's why I would be really comfortable with Yasu and I'd try to cling to the ossans.
Ahh, that's how the smoking thing came about. Yoko did tell Hina to quit and Hina said he'd only stop when cigarette prices rise to like 10,000 yen a pack. SIGH.
I totally sped-watched Inu. Both kids were kind of annoying (mostly because I work with kids and the son and daughter just make me want to roll my eyes) even though the parents work so hard and try to raise them properly.
I started watching Osozaki today and I like it so far. I don't know if I want to marathon it because ugh, my poor eyes! I actually don't know if I'll watch any dramas this season... spring tends to be really boring for me for some reason. As much as I like Ohkura, I don't really like Takei Emi that much, but I might check out the first episode since my brother really likes her. I MIIIIGHT watch Sho-kun's drama, but I think he needs to work on acting a bit more (or maybe I feel that way because he just gets weird roles like the butler in Nazotoki). How about you?
Haha Ryo's almost too comfortable with Yasu. Janiben is becoming like a compilation of Yanmar moments (not complaining though!)
Same, none of the spring dramas caught my attention. The cast of actors/actresses that I've taken a liking to is really small, so I barely know any of the names for this upcoming season. I've never seen Ohkura in a drama tbh, which probably means I should try watching him at least once, but I heard many people say the same for Takei Emi so... :\ I think I might enjoy Ohkura in funny/silly roles more anyways - the screencaps I saw from the drama he was in with Aiba are hilarious, and Ohkura's character from Eight Ranger is my favourite purely just for the laughs lol.
I started on Strawberry Night this weekend! (and I'm never seeing strawberries in the same way after the intro...) I can't really have a firm opinion on my reactions to the drama for some reason. I like it, it's interesting, but compared to Yakou Kanransha, the cases feel rushed and doesn't have as much complexity. Also, the main character's personality is similar to an overused, female boss stock character - hotheaded, determined, and stubborn. But I do feel the urge to continue watching, so it's good in that sense too! I'm hoping Maru might get a bigger role as the series goes on XD Though like you said, his character is more of a comedy relief, at least for the first 3 episodes I've watched.
Ryo is definitely too comfortable with Yasu. That guy... I guess because Yasu is so nice, Ryo just goes for it and clings all over him. I totally don't mind it because it's so cute and from several articles, Ryo always credits Yasu with being the person who kept him in JE.
Ugh, my brother and I were talking about the spring season dramas and we both agreed that nothing looks worth watching. It's pretty much all police/detective dramas (even Ohkura's is part detective... wtf, I'm definitely not watching it now) and doctor dramas. I enjoy Ohkura in silly roles like when he was in Mikenko Holmes, but I just wonder what prompted him to take the same sort of rookie detective role in Otenki, too. I mean, I thought he'd want to grow as an actor and he had a good start after Umareru, but I guess he might just be taking what he can get since he's the lead male this time around.
Yeah, Strawberry Night is good, but it's not fabulous. I liked it because of the cast (phenomenal!). Even my mom said that she didn't like Takeuchi Yuko's character because she's too hardened by her work. I agree to some degree, but part of it has to do with her traumatic past, so I can sort of see how she turned out that way. I haven't seen the movie yet, so I wonder if she softens up a bit, especially since Kikuta is totally in love with her and she probably feels something for him, too.
Yakou Kanransha is focused on one story, so I think that's why it ended well because everything we wanted to know was resolved by the end. Strawberry Night takes on so many different cases that it's somewhat disjointed despite having a few main stories: Himekawa's past, Hayama's past, Kusaka's weird troupe, and Katsumata's unethical way of work. Strawberry Night is mid/low on my top list, but it's still one of the better ones for the acting. I still think that my number one has to be Kaseifu no Mita. It's crazy but like Yakou Kanransha, it pretty much follows one main story.
Yasu XD I guess writing lyrics is a lot different from talking! I think it's just, during MCs, he usually zones out so his responses are always a bit awkward, but with lyrics, he gets to think it through and as you said, get someone else to look over it. Which reminds me... in the 47 Neoki Dokkiri, when they read Yasu's "Aitai (?)", the rest of the members giggled through the whole thing. Is it because of his weak Japanese or is it just too sappy in general XD?
Haha I didn't think MC were such a big deal until I start following K8 :) True, Yoko directs the MC but he's hilarious so I don't mind~ He does find topics to tempt the quieter members to talk though. It just shows how all the members have time to shine during concerts! (It's cute how Yoko dotes on his brothers, he's such a family person <3) Ohkura has been more active during MCs since ExE and I'm glad. I like his dynamic with Yoko; sometimes, Yoko ends up behaving like the younger one lol.
Same! I haven't watched many dramas with K8 (or any Johnnys in them) in general :\ But I'm really enjoying Yakou Kanransha right now. The way the drama unfolds is really captiviating, and Yasu has done a pretty good job as Yoshiyuki. I didn't care for Nakuna Hara-chan much from its summary but many ppl likes it so I'm a bit curious now. There's so many dramas I want to watch, like Ryuusei, but never find time for (this is a reoccuring theme for me lol) @_@ I watched 1 Liter of Tears and while the story is touching, it wasn't anything... special? It always comes up as recommendation for jdramas though XD Personally, if I have to recommend anything, it would be Last Friends :p
And thank you for always replying with equally long responses! I literally don't have anyone to talk about K8 to, so I always look forward to your posts, whether for this project or for Janiben ^^
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Yup, that about sums them up! That's why I love them so much. They're less worried about looking cool and more interested in whether or not their fans are having fun with them.
Yasu does tend to zone out when they talk! But I think by the time MC rolls around, he's one of the guys who looks like he's tired even though he has a lot of stamina. Oh, they laughed at his lyrics because they were sappy. The lyrics were pretty good because they're like about how he wants to see someone and he wants to know why they have to part.
MCs are totally a big deal to many Eighters. Sometimes when I'm knitting and I want to listen to stuff but can't be bothered with music, I'll put in their MC digest disc in and listen to it. That, or Wink Killer. They all have such an interesting dynamic when you break them down into pairs. Yoko and Ohkura get along because they both like to eat, but their relationship is different from either of them with Maru because unlike Maru, they're not total weirdoes and they're pretty serious when removed from the weird guys. I think Yoko just acts like a child because he probably didn't get to do a lot of that growing up. He had to grow up really quickly and take care of his family, so now that he has more leeway to be a brat, he'll do it.
Yakou Kanransha is my #1 this season and not just because Yasu is in it. The story is so weird yet realistic. In my middle class neighbourhood in Shizuoka, even there, you kind of see the housewives who like to gossip and are passively critical of other people. Take a very inclusive and rich neighbourhood and I'm sure the tendency to gossip and pass judgment multiplies tenfold. Hara-chan is just for me to laugh, so out of the comedies this season, it's my favourite. The actors are pretty good and the story is cute, but I don't know if I'd want to watch the whole season again. Haha, I like Last Friends, but sometimes there's too much drama (like Ueno Juri's character). I think for those of us who don't favour 1L, it's mostly because we see that there's very little to connect with in terms of viewers versus characters.
No problem! The people I do talk to about K8 are all off at grad school or getting their PhDs, so they're always busy. I'm glad to be able to talk with other fans.
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I do that sometimes too! I often rewatch Wink Killer or some random backstage footage when I'm bored. I love breaking K8 down into pairs haha, not to ship them, but like you said, they all have such interesting dynamic. True, Ohkura's letter for Yoko during Sugohachi was pretty serious and earnest; it was interesting for me because I don't recall seeing them interact as much until recently. Aw Maru <3 He tends to be the same regardless of who he's with lol except with maybe Ryo? But then Ryo's not entirely immune to Maru so we get some awesome Team Sunshine moments too <3
I started watching Yakou Kanransha because of Yasu, but then, I'm totally hooked now because of the plot (although, up until the recent episode, Ayaka's problem annoys me :\ like, why put yourself in a situation to be bullied continually?). Yeah I can totally see the gossiping and judging happening, it's very realistic in that sense for sure. I see your point, but I love Ueno as an actress so it didn't bother me as much. That makes sense about 1L, I just feel bad when people say they cried a lot over and I'm like, I almost cried once XD?
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I think Ohkura really started opening up more to the older members around Sugohachi and after. I'm not sure what started it, but he really just gets in there and makes fun of Yoko in many of the MC portions from 8EST disc 4. I don't really know what Maru's deal with Ryo might be... it almost feels like he's either just a bit more cautious or even a bit afraid of Ryo... which is hilarious because Ryo is like the loser of the group since nobody ever wants to hang out with him!
Yakou Kanransha is amazing! It's so creepy to have this microscopic look at a high-class enclosed community. Ah, actually, Ayaka's problems are really common in Japan, especially at the junior high level. If we look at it from a more realistic perspective, I'd really question what the teachers are doing because that kind of bullying has got to be apparent to even ONE teacher... but if you think about it, Shiho and her brainless followers bully Ayaka out of jealousy. They might say that her house is small, but owning a house in Japan, especially one that you built and in an exclusive community, is exceptionally hard to do (and they live in Yokohama, too. If they lived in the country, it wouldn't be hard). Shiho's bullying comes all out of jealousy and I'm not defending what she's doing because I've seen it and stopped it several times being a teacher myself, but when Ayaka doesn't get into private school, it's a small victory for Shiho who isn't able to move up from her situation.
HAHA, yeah, I think I ALMOST cried for 1L, but I don't remember it. After I finished the last episode, I deleted the entire folder because I knew I'm never, ever watching it again. You know another one that makes those best-of lists? Nobuta. That was a waste of my time, too. I think I was already almost done uni by then, so I felt zero connection to the story.
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Hmm, that's an interesting analysis! I feel like I'm learning a lot about the Japanese culture just from watching Yakou Kanransha, from the gossiping to bullying to expectations etc. Ayaka's story isn't as relatable for me, but to know bullying is still common in Japan is a bit disappointing (not saying that bullying is completely gone in Vancouver, but there has been much news and awareness on the issue which I feel isn't the same in Asian countries? I may be wrong though.) I see you mentioning Shizuoka a few times, did you teach there?
I watched one or two episodes of Nobuta since it was playing on TV, but I wasn't interested in the plot to finish the series. I don't see the appeal of it tbh. I'm impressed with your ability to finish dramas you don't like! XD I think it's only popular because it has Kame AND Yamapi in it? and aired during what was arguably the height of their popularity. I'm... okay with Kame/Yamapi so :\
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Yoko surprises me every now and then with his voice. I mean, honestly, as tone-deaf as he is, I can forgive him for that and a lot of other things just because I know he's actually trying (typical Type A personality!). He wants to be a better singer and he's definitely improved from when they debuted (uh... who actually knows what he sounds like since they didn't let him sing!).
Well, I have a degree in teaching, so I'm pretty well-informed about bullying in schools. The only reason I analyzed it that way is because Shiho says to Ayaka a few times times, "I'm glad you failed your entrance exam for that private school. You can be with us now." Shiho also found out that Ayaka wants to take the entrance exam for private high school but she tells her, "You're going to public high school with us, aren't you?" Also, remember early on when the girls found out that Ayaka lives close to and is friendly with Shinji? That's another reason to add to the list. And yes, I taught in Shizuoka, but I lived there and I also have family all over the prefecture.
Even I'm impressed with my ability to finish dramas! I hardly ever give up unless something really creeps me out or I'm just dying of boredom. I kept hoping that Nobuta would get better but it didn't. I'm ashamed to admit that I watched a LOT of stupid dramas in their entirety.... :( I guess part of the reason is also because I'm always analyzing dramas, so I stick it out to see if writers can pull off a good story or if they failed completely.
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I prefer Yoko's voice over Hina's :p since tone-deafness can be conquered through practice. Although, Yoko do get out of breath while singing easily too. But yes! He definitely improved, and is getting more lines in their newer songs too, which is great :) HAHA oh the clapping story for Naniwa.... never gets old.
I see! I didn't take those quotes that way at first, because I felt the tension between Ayaka and Shiho was initiated by Ayaka. Her failing the examination is a huge blow to her self-esteem, especially after her mother mentions her wish for Ayaka to enter the private school to Takahashi, and her own failure is amplified by Shiho's words, especially when Shinji is mentioned. But now I totally understand what you mean, how Shiho is jealous from the very beginning, which leads to the bullying escalating so quickly. I need to rewatch Yakou Kanransha! It's ending soon :'(
Did you watch/finish Papadoru? I... can't make up my mind if I should try getting through it just for K8 and random Johnnys cameos, but definitely not for the storyline, in any case. I'll be honest, I'm a lazy drama audience. But Yakou Kanransha sparked a lot of interest and analysis for me, which ends up -imo- helping me in my schoolwork when I have to analyze readings as well XD
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Yoko... is out of shape. Haha. He might be okay to do choreography, but I think beyond that, he has no stamina to do both dancing and singing. That's one of the reasons why the guys always tell him to go exercise (also because they think he's chubby but I think he's perfect) and I guess also because he's ALWAYS complaining about being constipated. I guess if he doesn't move much and he eats unhealthy (truth be told, nobody really knows what he eats except that he's got a sweet tooth and won't ever opt to eat the low-fat version of anything), then he can't really go to the bathroom well. SIGH, Yoko.
Oh no, you're totally free to interpret Yakou Kanransha whichever way you want! Sorry, I hope I didn't sound like I was telling you, "This is how it is!" But yeah, many Japanese kids that age have a lot of pressure to enter the "right" school, so while Ayaka takes her own failure very poorly (I have ALL kinds of complaints about that, too...), Shiho's jealousy really does amplify everything. Man, I could really talk about Yakou Kanransha at length because there are so many places where I want to know exactly what a character's reasoning was for doing whatever it is s/he did in the first place.
Yup, I saw all of Papadoru. It's... I don't know. I have it stored on my external HD for now, but if I ever end up running out of space, I wonder if it'll go on my delete list. It's a flawed drama in many ways, but Ryo's really playing true to himself (he's all kinds of fail and if any of that stuff ever happened in real life, I can just imagine how badly Yoko would rip into him) and the K8 cameos get bigger and more important in the last few episodes. Otherwise, I don't know if I'd really recommend it to other people as a must-watch (I actually only saw the whole thing because I was bored and had nothing else to do).
I'd suggest that you watch Strawberry Night first and save Papadoru for when you're really bored and have a lot of time. If you do kind of like it, then you can just marathon watch without worrying how you'll make time for other episodes. I'm glad to hear that you're starting to watch dramas more seriously! I wish other fans would too instead of recommending crappy series that don't deserve half the recognition they ended up getting...
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...but ironically, Yoko fails at the choreography too XD But your point must be true to an extent, if the members keep telling him to exercise. But even in some recordings, Yoko sounds short on breath (but not as obvious), so I'm wondering if it's something more than stamina? I thought it could be because he used to smoke (and quit, good for him!) and it had more effect on him than on the other members. (Btw, do you know who still smokes? This is so random, but I've been wondering for a while. I know Hina, Subaru, and Ryo does. I think Yasu does too?)
Don't worry, you didn't sound like that! In fact, I enjoy listening to other's interpretations - it opens up way more perspectives! I thought Yoshiyuki turned out to be one of the most interesting characters in the drama - regardless of his few appearances from the earlier episodes. (I'm trying to look past the fact that he was played by Yasu, and I think I have a solid argument XD) He was put in probably the most difficult situation by the end, and all his decisions are controversial yet very understandable.
That's my plan! Now that Yakou Kanransha's finished, I'll watch Strawberry Night. I think the last time I watched Yamada act was in Room 0, so I'm extremely curiuos to see how Maru is now - especially after Yasu's performance with Yakou Kanransha! Haha true, but it's hard, since everyone's preferences is different. Prior to this, I was searching around for good dramas to watch, and the dramas ppl recommend are either ones I know aren't that good/"cliche", or ones that I have no clue who any of the actors are :S
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Hmm... I think it almost totally has to do with stamina. From what I've read (I also just googled it to check more recent news ^_^), Yoko used to smoke a really long time ago and he quit not long after, so it's probably been a while since he's done it. I think maybe his mom passing at a relatively young age might also have really hit home that he's now the only one left to take care of his family, so if anything, he probably wouldn't pick up smoking again to jeopardize that. As for the others... Subaru quit a while back, too. Not as long ago as Yoko, but he quit probably after Tsubusa (if you saw the making of, there's 2-3 seconds of him just casually sitting back and smoking while they watch replays). Hina is apparently a crazy heavy smoker, but people guess that it's because he's really stressed out (he's the only one with a ton of side projects) and perhaps that's why he plays a lot of soccer/futsal to sort of... counter all the smoking. Ryo is definitely still a smoker, Yasu is, too, but I don't think Yasu's that bad because I haven't heard it in his voice at all and there isn't a single picture or video of him doing it, so I'm guessing he might be a social smoker. I didn't even know this, but Ohkura smokes nearly as much as Hina which sort of surprises me but I can't really explain why. Maru is the only one who hasn't smoked because, according to fans, he feels like he needs to be a good role model to his younger sister and brother (aww!). Half of this is hearsay, so I can't stand by anything except that I know for sure that Hina and Ryo still smoke quite frequently and that Yoko and Subaru have quit.
Haha, oh, good. I'm glad I didn't sound that way to you. No, you know, you're pretty justified in viewing Yasu that way because as I was watching, there wasn't even a second where I thought, "Aww, Yasu." If you read my Janiben summaries, I'm always calling him cute or adorable and that's sort of his existence to me, but I guess coupled with the fact that Yoshiyuki is not supposed to be a cute character (he's wayyy too serious and hardworking) and Yasu probably trying to be taken as an actor (not an idol who just wants to act, too), it makes for a very different feeling we get when we see Yoshiyuki. Yeah, I was wondering about the ending because I can understand why he did it, but like Hinako, I also felt that it was a cold decision to make. However, if one of the last messages is that we all have difficult choices to make and that we have to live with them, then what he did was right because he has a duty to take care of his family now rather than relying on people to help them out. I thought the end was so cute when the kids are going to high school and Ayaka really gives it to those snooty girls heading up the hill.
Whoa, I haven't even seen Room 0. Is it worth watching? Heck, I've watched much worse, so I guess if I'm really bored and have time (which I don't T_T) I'll watch it. I hope you enjoy Strawberry Night! It's really NOT cute, so I guess that's why a bunch of K8 fans stay away from it because they kind of can't imagine seeing Maru having to deal with murder cases or the dark side of the police world (even though he plays a pretty minor role and he might actually be comedic relief now that I think about it...). I have yet to meet another non-Japanese K8 fan tell me that they enjoyed Strawberry Night...
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Ah, the Tsubusa making is exactly the reason I thought Subaru's still smoking now, but good to know he quit since then! I didn't know about Ohkura either! Hmm, I guess it's because in comparison to Ryo, Ohkura has a more innocent image? I thought Yasu's voice changed a bit - not as much as Subaru's imo, but rewatching 47 (because of the highlight project XD!), Yasu's voice is a bit higher back then, but the difference could also be a normal process as people age. For some reason, I think I was clinging onto the hope that Maru doesn't smoke - it's just not... him, even though we don't necessary know his personal life either. His reason is really sweet! But it makes sense since he tends to have a brotherly, "Uta no Oniisan" image. I feel like the more I learn about K8 the more I appreciate and love Maru <3 Thanks for answering such a random question! When I Googled, all the search results are dated 2009 etc so I wasn't sure.
I know! I really do appreciate Yasu taking on a role like Yoshiyuki to challenge himself, and show that Johnnys don't have to resort to love stories or comedies to succeed (I know I'm being very generic here, and there's definitely a few good dramas that goes against my generalization, but they are few in comparison :\). True, there's a emphasis on what people would do to protect their own family, even if the decision turns out to be immoral (Kojima, Yoshiyuki, Junko's sister's husband). I 'm a softy for family-orientated dramas and this one hits the spot XD Yes! Ayaka's got a strong personality and it's about time she doesn't exert it on her own family!
I wouldn't suggest Room 0 as a must-watch. It's a series of short stories so nothing gets really developed. It's been a while since I watched it, and it didn't leave a big impression on me :p The only thing I remember is Yoko's role reminds me of the Dye D PV lol, and Yamada play themselves in the second ep. Ugh I need more time too! I started Ryo's Inu o Kau to Iu Koto last October and I'm still on the second episode now /fail. I don't think watching Maru in a drama like that will be a problem for me :p I don't mind watching him play a darker role (heck, I love Ryo in Last Friends!)
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Haha, I hadn't even thought about them smoking in a long time because I'm just used to the idea of young Japanese guys smoking (although none of my family or friends smoke, my brother-in-law's colleagues at work totally do and they're all about the same age as me). Girls smoke a lot these days, too. I think partly because the nicotine reduces their craving for food, so they can stay really skinny. Aww, you know, I hoped that Maru wouldn't be part of their smoking group, too! I'm pretty sure he's clean, though, because his voice is still as beautiful as it always was - it's gotten even better! Yeah, I googled in Japanese, so the dates were a lot more recent. I think the information I gave you was from the latter half of 2012, so quite recent, I'd say.
Oh, I LOVE family-oriented dramas. I think that's why I liked Ryuusei no Kizuna because the siblings cared so much for one another (and not just because I love Nino and Ryo). Although, I didn't like Inu wo Kau to Iu Koto that much because while it was family-oriented, it was literally about a dog and I would have rather seen more focus on them as a family and not on this dog. I can understand why you're still on the second episode, though. I only sped-watched it because Ryo kisses Mizukawa Asami really sweetly at the end. If those two got together in real life, I'd be incredibly happy. I don't get why Ryo keeps getting these family dramas! He's not believable as a dad!! At least not yet. He needs to grow up a little and show that he can take care of other members. All we ever hear from MCs or other shows is that everyone else takes care of him.
Thanks for the heads-up on Room 0. Haha, I might just watch the second one for Yamada since you say that the stories don't really develop that much. I still have Osozaki no Himawari to watch (my sister says it's good, but she and I don't always agree on dramas even though we do agree on variety shows).
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Same, I only thought about smoking because someone on Tumblr recently brought up that it looks like Yasu was holding a couple packs of cigarettes during Tsubusa making. It was more relevant a few years ago though, when Yoko even talked quitting on Recomen and urging Hina to do the same. I like how in K8's newer songs, the lines are divided up more evenly so we get to hear more of Maru's solos! :) I really like him harmonizing with Yasu too~
For Inu wo Kau to Iu Koto, I thought I was hooked at first, and watched the two episodes within a day! But after a bit of a break, the urge to continue died down, and I think like you said, it's because it doesn't focus as much on the people. But the dog is so adorable omg it's a literal living fluffy ball XD Same, Ryo's the last person I'd imagine as a dad as of now, though he does look after the other members in his own way, but it's usually only in minor details.
Okay, so my memory deteriorates faster than I thought. Yamada are in the second story - not the second episode (but each story is only 3~4 eps - still very short), and they aren't playing themselves, though I'm pretty sure they play a manzai duo, so that's why I remembered it as they playing themselves. Sorry for the misleading info ;_; I haven't heard of Osozaki no Himawari before you mentioned it, but I like Ikuta so it sounds good to me XD Are you watching any new drama for the upcoming season?
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Ahh, that's how the smoking thing came about. Yoko did tell Hina to quit and Hina said he'd only stop when cigarette prices rise to like 10,000 yen a pack. SIGH.
I totally sped-watched Inu. Both kids were kind of annoying (mostly because I work with kids and the son and daughter just make me want to roll my eyes) even though the parents work so hard and try to raise them properly.
I started watching Osozaki today and I like it so far. I don't know if I want to marathon it because ugh, my poor eyes! I actually don't know if I'll watch any dramas this season... spring tends to be really boring for me for some reason. As much as I like Ohkura, I don't really like Takei Emi that much, but I might check out the first episode since my brother really likes her. I MIIIIGHT watch Sho-kun's drama, but I think he needs to work on acting a bit more (or maybe I feel that way because he just gets weird roles like the butler in Nazotoki). How about you?
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Same, none of the spring dramas caught my attention. The cast of actors/actresses that I've taken a liking to is really small, so I barely know any of the names for this upcoming season. I've never seen Ohkura in a drama tbh, which probably means I should try watching him at least once, but I heard many people say the same for Takei Emi so... :\ I think I might enjoy Ohkura in funny/silly roles more anyways - the screencaps I saw from the drama he was in with Aiba are hilarious, and Ohkura's character from Eight Ranger is my favourite purely just for the laughs lol.
I started on Strawberry Night this weekend! (and I'm never seeing strawberries in the same way after the intro...) I can't really have a firm opinion on my reactions to the drama for some reason. I like it, it's interesting, but compared to Yakou Kanransha, the cases feel rushed and doesn't have as much complexity. Also, the main character's personality is similar to an overused, female boss stock character - hotheaded, determined, and stubborn. But I do feel the urge to continue watching, so it's good in that sense too! I'm hoping Maru might get a bigger role as the series goes on XD Though like you said, his character is more of a comedy relief, at least for the first 3 episodes I've watched.
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Ugh, my brother and I were talking about the spring season dramas and we both agreed that nothing looks worth watching. It's pretty much all police/detective dramas (even Ohkura's is part detective... wtf, I'm definitely not watching it now) and doctor dramas. I enjoy Ohkura in silly roles like when he was in Mikenko Holmes, but I just wonder what prompted him to take the same sort of rookie detective role in Otenki, too. I mean, I thought he'd want to grow as an actor and he had a good start after Umareru, but I guess he might just be taking what he can get since he's the lead male this time around.
Yeah, Strawberry Night is good, but it's not fabulous. I liked it because of the cast (phenomenal!). Even my mom said that she didn't like Takeuchi Yuko's character because she's too hardened by her work. I agree to some degree, but part of it has to do with her traumatic past, so I can sort of see how she turned out that way. I haven't seen the movie yet, so I wonder if she softens up a bit, especially since Kikuta is totally in love with her and she probably feels something for him, too.
Yakou Kanransha is focused on one story, so I think that's why it ended well because everything we wanted to know was resolved by the end. Strawberry Night takes on so many different cases that it's somewhat disjointed despite having a few main stories: Himekawa's past, Hayama's past, Kusaka's weird troupe, and Katsumata's unethical way of work. Strawberry Night is mid/low on my top list, but it's still one of the better ones for the acting. I still think that my number one has to be Kaseifu no Mita. It's crazy but like Yakou Kanransha, it pretty much follows one main story.
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