Japanese Dramas ^_^
I just realized that for the past 6 months I’ve been watching a lot of J-dramas and got quite addicted although I watched my very 1st J-drama back in 2006. Being the introvert that I am I always think about the things I’ve watched and give opinions about it to myself. The following are all the J-dramas I’ve watched arranged from the very 1st to my most recent and my thoughts about them. The end of my J-drama streak seems to be imminent so I thought of doing this, though I plan to update this whenever I see something new. ^_^
Gokusen (Season 1)
Month or Year seen: 2006
Cast:
Nakama Yukie as Yamaguchi Kumiko/Yankumi
Matsumoto Jun as Sawada Shin
Oguri Shun as Uchiyama Haruhiko/Uchi
Reason for watching:
It’s the very 1st J-drama shown on local Philippine TV (by GMA-7). I’ve seen the anime version on Animax before so I got really curious how the live-action would look like.
My Thoughts:
I’m glad this is my 1st J-drama because it left me a good impression. Seeing the anime-ish humor done by real people made me happy…and laugh! Some parts of the story are different from the anime version, which I later realized is common among other J-dramas based on anime or manga. It’s not the first time I’ve seen a story about a teacher who helps delinquent students (I saw GTO the anime first and still prefer it over Gokusen) but still seeing how the students learn and change w/ the help of Yankumi is quite inspiring. It’s also because of this show that MatsuJun became popular among girls in this country (my classmates were going “kyaa…” while talking about him and the show.)
My Rating: 9/10
Hana Yori Dango (Season 1)
Month or Year seen: February-March 2007
Cast:
Inoue Mao as Makino Tsukushi
Matsumoto Jun as Domyouji Tsukasa
Oguri Shun as Hanazawa Rui
Reason for watching:
My classmate suddenly invited me and 2 other friends to come over to their house and watch VCD’s of a J-drama that her brother bought for her. Turns out it’s Hana Yori Dango.
My Thoughts:
I was really surprised to find out that Japan made a live action version of Hana Yori Dango only in 2006. I’ve already seen Meteor Garden (Taiwan version) and the anime version before so I wasn’t sure if I’m going to enjoy this as I already know how the story goes. But then my friends and I had a lot of laughs while watching the whole series. The story wasn’t a drag like Meteor Garden and the presence of Okami-san made it a lot funnier. Seeing MatsuJun and Oguri Shun together again was a bonus for me and my female friends especially who liked them in Gokusen. And although I was familiar of how the story will go there were still a lot of unpredictable parts including the ending, which is very important for me when it comes to remakes.
My Rating: 9/10
Gokusen (Season 2)
Month or Year seen: March-April 2007
Cast:
Nakama Yukie as Yamaguchi Kumiko/Yankumi
Kamenashi Kazuya as Ryu Odagiri
Akanishi Jin as Hayato Yabuki
Koike Teppei as Keita Takeda
Reason for watching:
After the success of Gokusen 1, GMA-7 aired its second season. Because I loved season 1 I decided to give season 2 a try.
My Thoughts:
It was quite disappointing. At first I thought it was a sequel but I was wrong, it’s a new batch of students but still I continued to watch it. I was a bit upset because it’s almost the same kind of plot just different students. Although the character of Yankumi helping her students is essential to the story of Gokusen I was hoping they would add more to that, like maybe an improvement in her love life or a short update of what happened to her first students. But still there are inspiring scenes and words of wisdom, just really wished there was something new or different.
My Rating: 7/10
Hana Yori Dango (Season 2)
Month or Year seen: 2008
Cast:
Inoue Mao as Makino Tsukushi
Matsumoto Jun as Domyouji Tsukasa
Oguri Shun as Hanazawa Rui
Reason for watching:
I really loved season 1 but I wasn’t in a hurry to see season 2. It later turned out that one of my board mates is a big MatsuJun fan so she constantly talks about it. Season 2 was eventually aired in GMA-7 so I watched it there. I was constantly upset of the 30 minute airtime. When my roommate bought a pirated DVD copy of the show I borrowed it and watched it on my laptop.
My Thoughts:
I was glad they made the beginning of season 2 exciting and unexpected, even I was quite surprised that Tsukasa hasn’t contacted Tsukushi for 1 year and kept asking why. The story was a bit more exciting and the humor was still there. I was only upset about the part when Tsukasa suddenly gets amnesia from a bad fall, I was like “that wasn’t part of the original storyline!” and I’ve seen many Asian dramas use amnesia in their story so it has become quite corny for me. I’m glad the amnesia lasted for only 2-3 episodes and the way Tsukasa remembered Tsukushi was really exciting, which somehow lessened my disappointment. There were still a lot of Tsukasa-Tsukushi moments which were great and I’m glad Tsukasa’s mom finally approved of their relationship. The ending was sweet and funny.
My Rating: 9/10
Hana Kimi
Month or Year seen: April-May 2008
Cast:
Horikita Maki as Ashiya Mizuki
Oguri Shun as Sano Izumi
Ikuta Toma as Nakatsu Shuichi
Reason for watching:
It was the beginning of summer vacation and I wanted something to watch. Hana Kimi was aired on GMA-7 replacing Hana Yori Dango 2. I got more curious when ABS-CBN-2 aired the Taiwan version on the same day and timeslot.
My thoughts:
After the success of Coffee Prince (K-drama) on GMA-7 I somehow expected that they would show another Asian drama with a similar story, about a girl who disguises as a boy. The story is really cute and exciting especially when Mizuki’s secret is in danger of being revealed. It’s also quite touching how Mizuki never gave up on Sano and kept encouraging him to go back to high-jumping in which she eventually succeeds. But what really made me enjoy this show is Nakatsu and his antics especially when he starts liking Mizuki who he thinks is a boy causing him to think he’s gay. I like the Japan version better than the Taiwan version especially the ending.
My Rating: 9/10
Nodame Cantabile
Month or Year seen: August 2008
Cast:
Ueno Juri as Noda Megumi/Nodame
Tamaki Hiroshi as Chiaki Shinichi
Eita as Mine Ryuutaro
Mizukawa Asami as Kiyora Miki
Koide Keisuke as Okuyama Masumi
Reason for watching:
I was on extended vacation (I still am) and was bored at home. I checked out Ate Kit’s Friendster profile hoping to know how she’s doing. Instead I saw her primary picture which was a picture of Nodame Cantabile plus a behind the scenes video. I got curious so I searched for it on crunchyroll and watched it.
My Thoughts:
This was the start of my J-drama hobby. Whenever I watch a new show I first watch the 1st episode and if I like it I’ll watch the other episodes and if I don’t I no longer watch the rest. But as for this show, the 1st episode was enough to get me addicted! I just kept on laughing while watching and couldn’t wait to watch the next episodes. Nodame’s weird and cute behavior really made me laugh and love her especially her “gyabo!” and “mukyaa!” moments, it’s hard to resist! Besides the very anime-ish comedy what kept my interest was the music. Most stories related to music are usually about a pianist, guitarist, violinist, or a band. But in this case it was about a talented aspiring conductor. The show takes you inside the world of classical music which I really love. I also learned a lot more about orchestras because of the show and my already deep love for music went deeper.
My Rating: 10/10 (Why? Well, I got so addicted to this show I watched the whole series for 7 times already and still counting.) J
Last Friends
Month or Year seen: August 2008
Cast:
Nagasawa Masami as Aida Michiru
Ueno Juri as Kishimoto Ruka
Eita as Mizushima Takeru
Nishikido Ryo as Oikawa Sousuke
Mizukawa Asami as Takigawa Eri
Reason for watching:
I love Nodame so much that I started searching for other dramas that starred Ueno Juri and I found Last Friends. I was a little hesitant to watch this because it’s a serious drama and I rarely watch such dramas. But since it also stars Eita and Mizukawa Asami I got more curious and watched it.
My Thoughts:
The story tackles a lot of issues that happen in our modern time including domestic violence, gender identity issues, divorce, rape, and many others. I really admire Ueno Juri more as an actress because of her portrayal of Ruka who suffers GID and protects Michiru from her abusive boyfriend Sousuke. Amidst the drama there is suspense because of Sousuke who doesn’t give up on taking Michiru back to the point of stalking Ruka and beating up Takeru which was actually creepy. Because of this I started taking notice of Nishikido Ryo who I believe did a good job of portraying Sousuke because I got scared of him. It’s also because of this show that I started liking the Ueno Juri-Eita tandem. I really like the character of Takeru who falls in love w/ Ruka and despite knowing the truth of her GID continues to love and care for her. I’m a little sad that the character of Eri and Ogurin didn’t have much hype but still I like their story and glad they ended up together.
My Rating: 8.5/10
Tsubasa no Oreta Tenshitachi 1 Episode 4: Slot
Month or Year seen: August 2008
Cast: Ueno Juri as Shimojou Ryoko
Reason for watching:
Because it stars Ueno Juri
My Thoughts:
This is another serious drama that really touches the heart and thus making Ueno Juri one of my favorite actresses. The way Ryoko found the love she’s always wanted from a lonely boy is really touching and teaches a lot.
My Rating: 9/10
Kimi wa Petto
Month or Year seen: September 2008
Cast:
Koyuki as Iwaya Sumire
Matsumoto Jun as Gouda Takeshi/Momo
Reason for watching:
My board mate in Baguio who’s a big MatsuJun fan once mentioned about this drama to me.
My Thoughts:
My board mate told me the story so I already knew some of the things that would happen while I was watching. The story is definitely unrealistic but unique. I think Koyuki did a good job as a high-class career woman who finds it hard to be in a relationship as she has high standards. It also nice to see MatsuJun in a lighter, cuter, and funnier role (his role in Gokusen and HYD are both tough and prone to fights.) The story is more suitable for mature audience (it’s based from a josei manga after all.) There is enough humor to keep you interested and I love all the Momo-Sumire moments, which are happy, sad, or funny.
My Rating: 8.5/10
Liar Game
Month or Year seen: September 2008
Cast:
Toda Erika as Kanzaki Nao
Matsuda Shota as Akiyama Shinichi
Reason for watching:
I’m a fan of the Liar Game manga and I’ve been reading it online unfortunately not all chapters are available online yet so as soon as I found the drama version I immediately watched it.
My Thoughts:
I was really happy to have found this drama because I was getting impatient of the manga (it sometimes takes months for the new chapter to be available online). The drama version is full of suspense that could take you on the edge of your seat. I always like stories where one outwits another in a very cool and unexpected fashion. I just found it funny that the Leronica of the drama version looks like Jigsaw of the Saw franchise (in the manga he only wears a sophisticated mask.) The finale was 3 hours long but was full of flashbacks (although some secrets were revealed during the flashbacks.) For some reason this series is somehow underrated in the online community but I’m glad to have known it was really successful in Japan.
My Rating: 9/10
Kurosagi
Month or Year seen: September 2008
Cast:
Yamashita Tomohisa as Kurosaki/Kurosagi
Horikita Maki as Yoshikawa Tsurara
Reason for watching:
While I was watching Liar Game on crunchyroll I read many comments of people comparing it or were reminded of Kurosagi and many said it was better and since I liked Liar Game I gave Kurosagi a chance.
My Thoughts:
Like I said before I like stories where one outwits another in a very cool and unexpected fashion, and Kurosagi definitely has that. I really enjoyed this series and I like the character of Kurosaki because despite having a cold and cool impression he has a funny and dorky side which he shows in some of his missions when he’s in disguise. This story is definitely dark, showing the complicated and harsh world of swindling and the tragedy it can bring to a person. I’m really glad the character of Tsurara was made in order to keep the ethics within the story, although it’s a bit sad for me that Kurosaki still wants to have his revenge in the end. But overall the story is exciting and quite suspenseful.
My Rating: 9/10
Nobuta wo Produce
Month or Year seen: September 2008
Cast:
Kamensahi Kazuya as Kiritani Shuji
Yamashita Tomohisa as Kusano Akira
Horikita Maki as Kotani Nobuko
Reason for watching:
After watching Kurosagi I searched for other dramas that star YamaPi. I found this and the moment I found out that it also stars Hoirikita Maki watched it right away.
My Thoughts:
A very nice and, at times, funny story that focuses on the friendship among 3 persons. I believe the character of Akira shines the most because of his somewhat weird and silly behavior. There were moments that were a bit boring or slow in pace but the story makes up for such faults. It was a change for me to see Horikita Maki, whom I’ve seen do characters who were usually lively, portray a very shy and demure outcast role. The ending wasn’t the best and quite disappointing but seeing Nobuko finally change for the better made me happy.
My Rating: 8/10
Tsubasa no Oreta Tenshitachi 1 Episode 2: Live Chat
Month or Year seen: September 2008
Cast: Horikita Maki as Yuna
Reason for watching:
Because it stars Horikita Maki
My Thoughts:
Seeing Horikita Maki doing a serioius drama made me love her and be one of my favorite actresses. The story is a bit dark because of Yuna’s past but very touching especially when she was able to reconcile and get back together w/ her ex-boyfriend.
My Rating: 9/10
Attention Please
Month or Year seen: September 2008
Cast:
Ueto Aya as Misaki Yoko
Nishikido Ryo as Nakahara Shota
Reason for watching:
After Nobuta wo Produce I ran out of dramas to watch. I happened to saw Attention Please among the recently watched drama list on crunchyroll and took a look at it. I found out it has lots of comedy and it also stars Nishikido Ryo from Last Friends.
My Thoughts:
It takes you inside the world of Cabin Attendants and the people who work in the airline industry. It’s fun to see Yoko’s transformation from a carefree tomboy to a beautiful eligible cabin attendant. Through the transformation were a lot of trials which were sometimes funny. It’s nice to see Nishikido Ryo in a lighter and more casual role after watching his dark role in Last Friends. After watching this I am now able to appreciate the work of cabin attendants more. I’m just upset that Nishikido Ryo is not in the Sydney SP.
My Rating: 9/10
Tsubasa no Oreta Tenshitachi 1 Episode 1: Celeb
Month or Year seen: September 2008
Cast: Ueto Aya as Komine Nanako
Reason for watching:
Because it stars Ueto Aya
My Thoughts:
This drama made me appreciate Ueto Aya more as an actress. The story is really touching, showing that there are many other things that are more important than money. Money isn’t everything.
My Rating: 8.5/10
Proposal Daisakusen
Month or Year seen: September-October 2008
Cast:
Yamashita Tomohisa as Iwase Ken
Nagasawa Masami as Yoshida Rei
Reason for watching:
This series constantly came up whenever I search for dramas starring YamaPi so I finally decided to give it a shot.
My Thoughts:
It’s a modern fantasy story which I found amusing at first but then became a drag in the middle. The idea of going back in time to fix/change things was alright but by episode 5 I was getting tired of Ken’s continuous time travel where he fails every time to prevent the wedding of Rei. After episode 5 I skipped to episode 10 and 11. The ending wasn’t the best and although they got together how it happened is ethically wrong. I’m glad the SP was able to correct it (only a bit though) and they finally got a happy ending. YamaPi’s “Hallelujah, chance!” was cute though.
My Rating: 8/10
1 Litre of Tears
Month or Year seen: October 2008
Cast:
Sawajiri Erika as Ikeuchi Aya
Nishikido Ryo as Asou Haruto
Reason for watching:
After watching Last Friends I searched for other dramas starring Nishikido Ryo and this came up first but I didn’t watch it right away after reading the story synopsis. I’m not a big fan of dramas that are meant to make you cry but after seeing good reviews of this drama I finally decided to watch.
My Thoughts:
I already knew this was based on a true story so I already knew that Aya will die in the end. What I really liked about it is despite knowing her demise each episode leaves a life lesson, showing how Aya fought her disease. It moves you so much that you’d really wish she didn’t die in the end. Watching this really made me think how I’m living my own life. I only cried on two episodes (9 and 11), I only got teary eyed on the other episodes. But in the end Aya was able to encourage many people who were going through the same experience as her. The SP really made me sad though.
My Rating: 8.5/10
Stand Up!!
Month or Year seen: October 2008
Cast:
Ninomiya Kazunari as Asai Shouhei
Suzuki Anne as Oowada Chie
Yamashita Tomohisa as Iwasaki Kengo
Narimiya Hiroki as Udagawa Hayato
Oguri Shun as Enami Kouji
Reason for watching:
After watching 1 Litre of Tears I needed a funny drama to get over it. I decided to look for a YamaPi drama and found this.
My Thoughts:
It’s the Asian version of American Pie. It’s about 4 boys who were said to be the only remaining virgins in their school. They think of ways of “graduating” but eventually fail. This series is really funny, I laughed a lot. Ethically, it’s wrong to have premarital sex that’s why I was happy when they made their Purity group and promised to remain virgins until marriage. They encounter a lot of temptations though. I got excited when a love triangle built among Shouhei, Chie, and KenKen.
My Rating: 8.5/10
Ganbatte Ikimasshoi
Month or Year seen: October 2008
Cast:
Suzuki Anne as Shinomura Etsuko/Etsune
Nishikido Ryo as Sekino Hiroyuki/Bu
Reason for watching:
It stars Suzuki Anne and Nishikido Ryo
My Thoughts:
A very inspiring and touching sports drama, this series takes you inside the world of rowing. The friendship that was built among the girl’s crew and how they got through different trials together is really touching. Etsune is definitely the star of the story as the captain and the heart of the girl’s crew.
My Rating: 8.5/10
Shikaotoko Aoniyoshi
Month or Year seen: October 2008
Cast:
Tamaki Hiroshi as Ogawa Takanobu
Ayase Haruka as Fujiwara Michiko
Tabe Mikako as Hotta Ito
Yamadera Koichi as the voice of the deer
Reason for watching:
I was looking at an article about the 11th Nikkan Sports Drama Grand Prix and found out this drama won for Best Drama and Best Actor for Tamaki Hiroshi so I got curious, especially when I read the synopsis.
My Thoughts:
A talking deer? I was surprised when I read this on the drama synopsis. Sure enough, there is a talking deer in the drama. A modern fantasy drama which may be based on Japanese mythology (I’m not sure, could be Japanese history?) Even I wondered why a guy like Ogawa-sensei, who has a serious streak of bad luck since childhood, would be chosen by the deer to fulfill a mission that if not accomplished could destroy the whole country of Japan. The drama is cute and has its funny moments, mostly concerning the deer (lol, that deer is really cute!) Some scenes were a bit slow in pace but the excitement of solving the riddles and finding the key to saving Japan kept me going.
My Rating: 8/10
Maou
Month or Year seen: October 2008
Cast:
Ohno Satoshi as Naruse Ryou/Manaka Tomoo
Ikuta Toma as Serizawa Naoto
Kobayashi Ryoko as Sakita Shiori
Reason for watching:
I searched for other dramas of Ikuta Toma before and found this but didn’t watch this immediately but then it had a lot of hype and it recently won awards so I finally decided to watch.
My Thoughts:
It kinda reminded me of Kurosagi but definitely a lot darker. The fact that the main character is also the villain got me interested. I believe Ikuta Toma did a very good job as the detective who struggles with his dark past. All those moments that shows him struggling made me want to hug him (aww…) and Ohno Satoshi did a very good job as well, I was kinda scared and irritated at his character at first but then to find out he still has a good side to him made me happy. Just sad they both had to die in the end in a very, well, unlikely manner. At least they forgave each other in the end. But it means there’s no chance for an SP (I could be wrong though.)
My Rating: 9/10
Hotaru no hikari
Month or Year seen: October 2008
Cast:
Ayase Haruka as Amemiya Hotaru
Fujiki Naohito as Takano Seiichi
Kato Kazuki as Teshima Makoto
Kuninaka Ryoko as Saegusa Yuuko
Reason for watching:
I found a forum about this drama and many said good things about it. The drama also won awards so I gave it a go.
My Thoughts:
It’s unexpectedly very funny, it really is! I can somehow relate to the character of Hotaru in terms of behavior but not to the extent of leaving my house as messy as she does or sleeping with newspapers as a blanket (but those were the funny moments). I’d say Ayase Haruka and Fujiki Naohito did a very good job and their characters are really funny when they’re together.
My Rating: 9/10