[Overview in Retrospect] J-Dorama Season - Spring 2014
The Spring Dorama Season has almost finished and so it's time to look back on what we got. Just like last time I'll list again those dorama series I commented on in my last overview and will leave a short comment about those that I watched.
As always, those are only my personal opinions. I'm aware of the fact that your opinion might differ and of course I respect that and hope you do the same! =)
So if you're interested, please come along! ^^
Alice no Toge
Station: TBS (Website)
Broadcasting time: 11.04. - 13.06.2014, Fridays, 10.00 p.m.
Episodes: 10
Watchig status: finished
Cast: Ueno Juri, Odagiri Joe, Kuriyama Chiaki, Nakamura Aoi, Nakamura Baijaku, Fujiwara Norika, Iwaki Koichi, Kunimura Jun, Tanaka Naoki
I was really looking forward to this dorama since the synopsis and cast sounded promising and I can say, I didn't get disappointed at all! This dorama is not only a story about revenge, it's also a story about how people who seek for revenge can grow to devote themselves to even more important things. It's a story that deals with life and death in general and shows a lot of moral aspects, especially about the medical world.
This dorama was really really good, the script, the directing, the actors, the soundtrack, everything was great (I was especially fond of Ueno Juri and Odagiri Joe! If I wasn't a fan of them already, now at the latest I would be!). The atmosphere was really intense and each episode left me behind thrilled and impatiently waiting for the next one! This dorama counts definitely to my favorites of this season, maybe of this year already. I can highly recommend this dorama to those of you who like suspense, thrilling and interesting doramas with a lot of story twists! Must watch!
Btw, a first impression about this dorama was shared here. You're welcome to share your opinion and discuss about this dorama there, or course! =)
Bitter Blood
Station: Fuji TV (Website)
Broadcasting time: 15.04. - 24.06.2014, Tuesdays 9.00 p.m.
Episodes: 11
Watchig status: 10/11
Cast: Watabe Atsuro, Sato Takeru, Kutsuna Shiori, Fukikoshi Mitsuru, Tanaka Tetsushi, Minagawa Sarutoki, KEIJI, Hirose Suzu, Kusamura Reiko, Takahashi Katsumi
I expected a funny, nice family-themed detective dorama, well, that's almost what I got so for this dorama I can say as well that I didn't get disappointed! The criminal cases are as expected not the most interesting but also not the most important in this series so if you are searching for a thrilling detective dorama, maybe you're wrong here. Only the setting is detective oriented but this series is definitely more dealing about the father and son relationship of two men who are more or less forced to work together. Despite their differences they share more as they might admit and that's why they click with each other so well! It's really funny to watch Watabe Atsuko and Sato Takeru - in my opinion both really brilliant actors - in their roles, they really do an awesome job!
The characters are really lovely (OMG, Natsuki is such an awesome and cute man, I think I don't exaggerate if I describe him as my ideal type XD I want to marry him! lol) and the actors are great! The detective setting is nice and the cases are OK for that. So for a funny (and sometimes also really thrilling) watch, you should pick this dorama! It also counts to my top 5 of this season so I highly recommend it!
A first impression about this dorama was also shared here. You're welcome to share your opinion and discuss about this dorama there as well! ^^
Black President
Since I don't really like Kuroki Meisa I didn't want to watch this dorama and well, that's why I didn't watch it. A friend though told me that it was surprisingly entertaining so maybe one day I'll take a glimpse at it.
Border ~ Keishichou Sousa Ikka Satsujinhan Sousa Dai 4-gakkari
Station: TV Asahi (Website)
Broadcasting time: 10.04. - 05.06.2014, Thursdays, 9.00 p.m.
Episodes: 9
Watchig status: 5/9
Cast: Oguri Shun, Aoki Munetaka, Haru, Endo Kenichi, Furuta Arata, Takito Kenichi, Nomaguchi Toru, Hamano Kenta
This dorama was set as a „must watch“ for me but I have to say - and some of you might already know my opinion - that I personally was kinda disappointed of this dorama. I don't want to make a final statement yet since I still have some episodes to watch but my first impression after watching about half of the dorama wasn't that good to be honest.
Maybe I was expecting too much. I still think that the idea of the dorama is really good but unfortunately I wasn't satisfied with how the idea got put into practice. Also the characters seem to be kinda boring and incredible to me somehow (and maybe I still like Oguri Shun not enough to find his acting really appealing here). Maybe this will get better when I watch the second half of this dorama. I have heard a lot of opinions about the dorama, some people like it a lot, some people don't like it or just think it's not special enough. Well, taste differs, right? I can understand both opinions about this dorama and as I told, I'll make my final decision about it once I've finished watching it.
Bungo no Shokusai
This dorama didn't cross my way somehow so I skipped it completely. It was set as a „wanna try“ at the beginning of this season for me so maybe if I come across it in the future...
First Class
Station: Fuji TV (Website)
Broadcasting time: 19.04. - 21.06.2014, Saturdays, 11.10 p.m.
Episodes: 10
Watchig status: not even 1/10
Cast: Sawajiri Erika, Nakamaru Yuichi (KAT-TUN), Sasaki Nozomi, Nanao, Ishida Nicole, Yui Ryoko, Miura Rieko, Hirayama Hiroyuki, Tabata Tomoko, Itaya Yuka
I wanted to try this dorama and I did. But honestly spoken, I didn't even watch the whole first episode and dropped it because this dorama just didn't click with me. I maybe have given up too easily though (and I have to admit I wanted to watch it because of Nakamaru Yuichi but didn't really get to see much of him yet) and I heard from some people that it is kinda amusing so I consider to give it another try once I have a bit more time!
Ginnikan
Station: NKH
Broadcasting time: 10.04. - 05.06.2014, Thursdays, 8.00 p.m.
Episodes: 9
Watchig status: Not watched yet
Cast: Hayashi Kento, Matsuoka Mayu, Ashida Mana, Ishiguro Ken, Kazama Shunsuke, Shiomi Sansei, Tsugawa Masahiko
Last time I put this dorama into the cathegory „not interested“. A friend of me recommended it to me though so I consider to try it once I have more time. With that, I'll keep it on my watch-list for now. I heard though, that there are still no subs for this dorama yet.
Gokuaku Ganbo
Station: Fuji TV (Website)
Broadcasting time: 14.04. - 23.06.2014, Mondays 9.00 p.m.
Episodes: 11
Watchig status: 4/11
Cast: Ono Machiko, Shiina Kippei, Miura Shohei, Naka Riisa, Kobayashi Kaoru Takeuchi Riki, Itao Itsuji, Miura Tomokazu, Kudo Kankuro, Odagiri Joe
To still call this dorama a „must watch“ might be a bit exaggorated and I still didn't finish watching it due to a lack of time and because the subs aren't finished yet but I have to say, that I like this dorama and that it is really entertaining! The setting as well as the characters and the whole presentation of this Yakuza-like story is used really funny and I laughed a lot already! I was expecting a bit too much although I think. Nevertheless I want to finish watching this dorama!
All the actors are doing a really good job! Miura Shohei btw has a really funny but annoying character in this dorama (you want to hit him but you can't hate him lol XD)! Again I already can't wait to see him acting in another dorama soon! I'm really fond of his acting, he can portray a huge variety of different roles and that's what I really like about actors! (Also, Odagiri Joe again XD Oh yes, I really turned into a fan of him this season!)
Searching for something funny for in between? Then I recommend Gokuaku Ganbo to you! (I looove the opening btw!)
Hanasaki Mai ga Damattenai
Station: NTV (Website)
Broadcasting time: 16.04. - 18.06.2014, Wednesdays, 10.00 p.m.
Episodes: 10
Watchig status: not watched yet
Cast: Anne, Kamikawa Takaya, Tsukaji Muga, Enoki Takaaki, Komoto Masahiro, Osugi Ren, Namase Katsuhisa, Kimura Yoshino (guest star)
Even if I only set it as a maybe, lately I got interested in watching this dorama because it got really good ratings! I think it was the highest rating dorama of this season? And I read that the broadcasting station was really proud of that and wants to make Anne into their exclusive lead acting actress or something like that? XD Anyways, the story still doesn't sound that interesting to me but the high ratings made me curious so I guess I'll try this dorama when I have a free weekend again.
Kamiya Genjiro Torimono Hikae
Wasn't interested in this one and didn't really hear anything significant about it.
Keiji 110 kg 2
As told I didn't watch the first season yet and so I skipped this one as well. I heard some people saying that this dorama was nice but I also heard that the rating wasn't that good. Still hesitating if I should give season 1 a try or not...
Kohiya no Hitobito
Station: NHK BS Premium (Website)
Broadcasting time: 06.04. - 04.05.2014, Sundays 10.00 p.m.
Episodes: 5
Watchig status: 1/
Cast: Takahashi Katsunori, Kimura Tae, Kurashina Kana, Yashima Norita, Watanabe Eri, Yoshiyuki Kazuko, Kobayashi Nenji
I really wanted to watch this dorama because of the coffee house setting and everything. It's kinda short with only 5 episodes but I didn't manage to watch more than 1 episode yet because I had trouble to find good files and then the 1st episode wasn't thaaaat impressive to be honest. Nevertheless this one seems to be a decent dorama and as I told with the length of only 6 episodes it's not too long so I will finish watching it when there's the opportunity to do so.
Long Goodbye
Station: NHK
Broadcasting time: 19.04. - 17.05.2014, Saturdays 9.00 p.m.
Episodes: 5
Watchig status: Not watched yet
Cast: Asano Tadanobu, Ayano Go, Koyuki, Furuta Arata, Tominaga Ai, Ota Rina, Takito Kenichi, Taguchi Tomorowo, Fukushima Rira, Iwamatsu Ryo, Denden, Izumisawa Yuki, Yabe Kyosuke, Horibe Keisuke, Watanabe Daichi, Ishida Eri, Endo Kenichi, Yoshida Kotaro, Emoto Akira
Due to a lack of time I couldn't watch this dorama yet but I have it here and still want to try it once! If anyone of you watched it already, please tell me if you recommend it (without spoilering too much please =P)!
Maruho no Onna ~ Houken Hanzai Chousain
I wasn't interested in this one and didn't hear anything good or bad about it so I guess I didn't miss anything?
Mosaic Japan
Station: WOWOW (Website)
Broadcasting time: 18.05.2014 - ?, Sundays, 11.00 p.m.
Episodes: ?
Watchig status: Not watched yet
Cast: Nagayama Kento, Takahashi Issei, Hamakawa Fumie
Still considering it as a maybe, the opinion of a friend made me even more curious about this one. Will keep it on my watch list in case there's the chance to watch it one day. Btw, I noticed the lack of information about this dorama on the net or am I (again) just to stupid to use google? D=
Mozu 1 ~ Mozu no Sakebu Yoru
Station: TBS (Website)
Broadcasting time: 10.04. - 12.06.2014, Thursdays, 9.00 p.m.
Episodes: 10
Watchig status: Not watched yet
Cast: Nishijima Hidetoshi, Kagawa Teruyuki, Maki Yoko, Namase Katsuhisa, Yoshida Kotaro, Ito Atsushi, Arimura Kasumi, Ikematsu Sosuke, Okunuki Kaoru, Toda Masahiro, Tsurumi Shingo, Sometani Shota, Taguchi Hiromasa, Tanaka Yoji, Horiuchi Keiko, Sugisaki Hana, Otozuki Kei, Abe Tsuyoshi, Sagawa Tetsuro, Shinagawa Toru, Hasegawa Hiroki, Ishida Yuriko, Kohinata Fumiyo
I wanted to try this one but somehow - just like my first impression in the beginning - it didn't interest me enough to really try it yet (didn't have that much time anyways). Since I heard kinda mixed opinions of people, I'm not sure yet if I will like it or not... in case you watched it, would you recommend it?
Naruyouni Narusa 2
Station: TBS (Website)
Broadcasting time: 22.04. - 24.06.2014, Tuesdays 10.00 p.m.
Episodes: 10
Watchig status: Not watched yet
Cast: Tachi Hiroshi, Asano Atsuko, Shida Mirai (guest star), Yasuda Shota (Kanjani8, guest star), Konno Mahiru (guest star), Watanabe Misako, Minamisawa Nao, Inoo Kei (Hey! Say! JUMP), Izumi Pinko
I didn't have a chance to watch season 1 yet and so of course I also didn't watch season 2 even if I still want to watch this dorama! Maybe there's more time next season for me to properly catch up with my watching list... >.<
Ore no Dandyism
I guess I didn't missed anything with that since I didn't hear any people talking about it? XD Didn't want to watch it so I don't really care...
Platonic
I didn't get much news about it in the beginning of this season and this didn't change so I didn't pay attention to this one.
River’s Edge Okawabata Tanteisha
Station: TV Tokyo (Website)
Broadcasting time: 19.04. - 05.07.2014, Saturdays, 12.12 p.m.
Episodes: 12
Watchig status: Not watched yet
Cast: Odagiri Joe, Ishibashi Nenji, Koizumi Maya, Yabe Kyosuke (guest star), Makita Sports (guest star), Hoshino Akari (guest star), Iwai Hideto (guest star), Uchida Chika (guest star), Koike Rina (guest star)
For me this was set as a „maybe“ but to be honest, after I became a fan of Odagiri Joe... now I want to try this one! XD I didn't have time to check it out yet though so I'll put it onto my watch list and hope for more spare time I guess? o.o
Roosevelt Game
Did someone of you watch this dorama? I wasn't interested in it so I just let it pass but the ratings don't seem thaaat bad (even if the station didn't manage to get a „second Hanzawa Naoki“ with this rating-wise - well, I guess Sakai Masato was missing in this one? =P Sorry for stupid comment). Still, I'm not interested in this dorama. Tell me, if I missed something big.
Saigo kara Nibanme no Koi 2
Station: Fuji TV (Website)
Broadcasting time: 17.04. - 26.06.2014, Thursdays, 10.00 p.m.
Episodes: 11
Watchig status: Not watched yet
Cast: Koizumi Kyoko, Nakai Kiichi, Sakaguchi Kenji, Uchida Yuki, Kase Ryo, Hasegawa Kyoko, Shibata Rie, Kubota Maki, Matsuo Satoru, Satsukawa Aimi, Shiramoto Ayana, Sakamoto Makoto, Hiroyama Kotoha, Suzuki Takayuki, Tanaka Ohga, Orimoto Junkichi, Watanabe Makiko, Moriguchi Hiroko, Asano Kazuyuki, Iijima Naoko
Still set as a maybe but didn't have time yet to even watch the 1st season...
Sailor Zombie
Did someone try this one? If yes, how was it? XD Seriously, I would be interested in how people liked this dorama since it soundes just too trashy for me to try it myself.
Shark 2
Station: NTV (Website)
Broadcasting time: 20.04.2014 - ?, Sundays, 12.50 a.m.
Episodes: 12
Watchig status: Not watched yet
Cast: Shigeoka Daiki, Hamada Takahiro, Kamiyama Tomohiro, Yasui Kentaro, Abe Aran, Hagiya Keigo, Jinguji Yuta, Iwahashi Genki, Matsukura Kaito, Negishi Aomi, Ujiki Tsuyoshi, Okada Koki, Toyohara Kosuke
My best friend and I in the meantime managed to finish watching season 1 but after the ending somehow our motivation to watch season 2 was kinda low. Nevertheless I still want to give it a try and I guess we will watch it together as well once we have time to gather for that purpose!
Shinigami-kun
Station: TV Asahi (Website)
Broadcasting time: 18.04. - 20.06.2014, Fridays, 11.15 p.m.
Episodes: 9
Watchig status: Finished
Cast: Ohno Satoshi (Arashi), Kiritani Mirei, Suda Masaki, Matsushige Yutaka,...
Completely watched this dorama and loved it to bits! Not only because of Ohno Satoshi's (really awesome) acting (those faces!!!) as well as Suda Masaki's acting who finally managed to make me interested in him, also because of how a lot of sensitive topics got treaten in this dorama. This one was really really great, it was interesting, intense, touching. It might not have been as gloomy and thrilling as some might have expected but in trade therefore it was a highly emotional and moral dorama which made you think a lot about a huge variety of topics, naming fate, life and death only as some of them.
The dorama was kinda short with 9 episodes but I think the length o it is totally OK. It wasn't too long or too short (even if I of course wouldn't have minded to watch some more episodes) and the ending was brilliant. Really, it was brilliant! In my opinion there are a lot of J-doramas which get ruined with their ending but this one definitely is a best example for a dorama with a fitting and great ending! I enjoyed almost every episode (with one expection but well, this was the only thing I didn't enjoy that much about the whole series wo I will overlook it). The dorama was also surprisingly humorous and the creators managed to find a really good balance of serious and funny moments, I was impressed!
I can highly recommend this dorama to every dorama-fan! Next to Alice no Toge, this is my favorite of the Spring season!
For a more detailed opinion about this dorama, please read my dorama-reviews/discussions which you can find in the masterpost here.
Shinkaishaku, Nihonshi
Had set it as a maybe but it never crossed my path so I guess I'll let this slip through...
Silent Poor
I wasn't interested in this one and a friend told me that it really wasn't thaat impressive so I guess I didn't miss anything.
Smoking Gun ~ Ketteiteki Shouko
Station: Fuji TV (Website)
Broadcasting time: 09.04. - 18.06.2014, Wednesdays, 10.00 p.m.
Episodes: 11
Watchig status: 5/11
Cast: Katori Shingo, Nishiuchi Mariya, Nakayama Yuma, Ando Tamae, Hamada Kokone, Kurashina Kana, Suzuki Honami, Issey Ogata, Tanihara Shosuke
I wanted to try Smoking Gun and I can say, it's a nice dorama. It's not especially mindblowing or anything but I enjoy watching it, even if it's not my priority on my watching list. The first half of the dorama was OK and finally it seems to get a bit more interesting regarding the „read thread“-case of the series so I hope I'll have time to finish this series soon. For now it's too early for me to clearly voice a recommendation I think, though.
Sono Hi no Maeni
I wasn't interested because it sounded too sad for me... and it didn't cross my way, I didn't hear anything about it. Did someone of you watch it?
Team ~ Keishichou Tokubetsu Hanzai Sousa Honbu
Wasn't interested in this either. Any comments about this dorama from your side?
Tokubou ~ Keisatsuchou Tokushu Bouhan-ka
Station: NTV (Website)
Broadcasting time: 03.04. - 26.06.2014, Thursdays, 11.59 p.m.
Episodes: 13
Watchig status: Not watched yet
Cast: Ihara Tsuyoshi, Matsushita Kohei, Adachi Yumi, Takuma Takayuki
First, I wasn't interested in this dorama but I heard some people saying that it was good and even if the ratings seemed to be kinda bad I think I'll put it onto my watchlist for later.
Tokusou
Did someone watch this? I wasn't interested and didn't hear anything good or bad about this one.
Tokyo Guard Centre
Skipped it just like I thought.
Watashi to iu Unmei ni Tsuite
Same here.
White Lab ~ Keishichou Tokubetsu Kagaku Sousahan
Station: TBS (Website)
Broadcasting time: 14.04. - 23.06.2014, Mondays, 8.00 p.m.
Episodes: 11
Watchig status: 1/11
Cast: Kitamura Kazuki, Miyasako Hiroyuki, Yabu Kota (Hey! Say! JUMP), Tanihara Shosuke, Wakui Emi
As I told last time, I wanted to try this dorama and after watching the first episode I thought, it's OK. I didn't have time for more yet but I will watch it once subs are finished I think. =)
Yowakutemo, Katemasu ~ Aoshi-sensei to Heppoko Koukoukyuuji no Yabou
Station: NTV (Website)
Broadcasting time: 12.04. - 21.06.2014, Saturdays 9.00 p.m.
Episodes: 11
Watchig status: Finished watching
Cast: Ninomiya Kazunari (Arashi), Fukushi Sota, Arimura Kasumi, Nakajima Yuto (Hey! Say! JUMP), Yamazaki Kento, Hongo Kanata, Mamiya Shotaro, Sakurada Dori, Suzuki Katsuhiro, Yanagi Shuntaro, Hiraoka Takuma, Yakushimaru Hiroko, Aso Kumiko, Mitsuishi Ken, Arakawa Yoshiyoshi, Kawahara Kazuhisa, Sasano Takashi, Ichikawa Ebizo
As you might now, I finished watching this dorama this weekend and what should I say. It's not the best dorama Nino acted in so far and it's not the best dorama of this season either but I definitely had fun watching this dorama. Not only because I was totally flailing about Aoshi-sensei (Nino's role) but also because I liked the subtle humour the show provided. It also brought me closer to baseball, I have to admit (which I find waaay more interesting than soccer now for example XD) and all of the characters had their own charm. It's a bit disappointing, that character development as well as the story lacked depth most of the time (yes, I can't ignore that), the pace of the story was too slow most of the time and there were a lot of things they just could have made better.
I mostly blame this onto the script because I think the cinematographic work was satisfying for this genre and most of the actors did a really good job! I think, this story might have been better used as a movie or something, but that's just my personal opinion. Btw, I think the soundtrack (expect from the theme song, I love it!) was more or less annoying but well...
I can't fully recommend this dorama, it's not a „must watch“ (only for Nino-fans I guess, yes, I'm biased! XD) but if you like the cast, I'd say, give it a try! =)
For a more detailed opinion about this dorama, please read my dorama-reviews/discussions which you can find in the masterpost here.
Fazit for this season:
I definitely watched too less doramas this seasons o_O lol
Well, this might be because I fully devoted myself to review Shinigami-kun and Yowakutemo and this took a looot of time xD There are still some series that I have to finish yet and if I have enough time I want to watch another 3 - 4 of those listed above. Let's see...
From those doramas I watched, only three of them fully met my expectation, these would be Shinigami-kun, Alice no Toge and Bitter Blood. Gokuaku Ganbo is also nice and I want to finish it no matter what. Yowakuteme Katemasu was a bit of a dissappointment I have to admit but nevertheless I like it and I had fun watching it. The rest was so - so or I didn't have the chance to finish and make my final opinion about them. I'll try to finish those as soon as possible. ^^
So, your turn, which doramas did you watch?
Which did you like, which disappointed you and can you recommend some of those I didn't watch yet maybe?
Any new actors you got fond of (for example I really started liking Sudo Masaki and Odagiri Joe!)
Whatever comes to your mind, please don't be shy and share your opinion about the Spring season of 2014 with me!
Sky
♥
As always, those are only my personal opinions. I'm aware of the fact that your opinion might differ and of course I respect that and hope you do the same! =)
So if you're interested, please come along! ^^
Alice no Toge
Station: TBS (Website)
Broadcasting time: 11.04. - 13.06.2014, Fridays, 10.00 p.m.
Episodes: 10
Watchig status: finished
Cast: Ueno Juri, Odagiri Joe, Kuriyama Chiaki, Nakamura Aoi, Nakamura Baijaku, Fujiwara Norika, Iwaki Koichi, Kunimura Jun, Tanaka Naoki
I was really looking forward to this dorama since the synopsis and cast sounded promising and I can say, I didn't get disappointed at all! This dorama is not only a story about revenge, it's also a story about how people who seek for revenge can grow to devote themselves to even more important things. It's a story that deals with life and death in general and shows a lot of moral aspects, especially about the medical world.
This dorama was really really good, the script, the directing, the actors, the soundtrack, everything was great (I was especially fond of Ueno Juri and Odagiri Joe! If I wasn't a fan of them already, now at the latest I would be!). The atmosphere was really intense and each episode left me behind thrilled and impatiently waiting for the next one! This dorama counts definitely to my favorites of this season, maybe of this year already. I can highly recommend this dorama to those of you who like suspense, thrilling and interesting doramas with a lot of story twists! Must watch!
Btw, a first impression about this dorama was shared here. You're welcome to share your opinion and discuss about this dorama there, or course! =)
Bitter Blood
Station: Fuji TV (Website)
Broadcasting time: 15.04. - 24.06.2014, Tuesdays 9.00 p.m.
Episodes: 11
Watchig status: 10/11
Cast: Watabe Atsuro, Sato Takeru, Kutsuna Shiori, Fukikoshi Mitsuru, Tanaka Tetsushi, Minagawa Sarutoki, KEIJI, Hirose Suzu, Kusamura Reiko, Takahashi Katsumi
I expected a funny, nice family-themed detective dorama, well, that's almost what I got so for this dorama I can say as well that I didn't get disappointed! The criminal cases are as expected not the most interesting but also not the most important in this series so if you are searching for a thrilling detective dorama, maybe you're wrong here. Only the setting is detective oriented but this series is definitely more dealing about the father and son relationship of two men who are more or less forced to work together. Despite their differences they share more as they might admit and that's why they click with each other so well! It's really funny to watch Watabe Atsuko and Sato Takeru - in my opinion both really brilliant actors - in their roles, they really do an awesome job!
The characters are really lovely (OMG, Natsuki is such an awesome and cute man, I think I don't exaggerate if I describe him as my ideal type XD I want to marry him! lol) and the actors are great! The detective setting is nice and the cases are OK for that. So for a funny (and sometimes also really thrilling) watch, you should pick this dorama! It also counts to my top 5 of this season so I highly recommend it!
A first impression about this dorama was also shared here. You're welcome to share your opinion and discuss about this dorama there as well! ^^
Black President
Since I don't really like Kuroki Meisa I didn't want to watch this dorama and well, that's why I didn't watch it. A friend though told me that it was surprisingly entertaining so maybe one day I'll take a glimpse at it.
Border ~ Keishichou Sousa Ikka Satsujinhan Sousa Dai 4-gakkari
Station: TV Asahi (Website)
Broadcasting time: 10.04. - 05.06.2014, Thursdays, 9.00 p.m.
Episodes: 9
Watchig status: 5/9
Cast: Oguri Shun, Aoki Munetaka, Haru, Endo Kenichi, Furuta Arata, Takito Kenichi, Nomaguchi Toru, Hamano Kenta
This dorama was set as a „must watch“ for me but I have to say - and some of you might already know my opinion - that I personally was kinda disappointed of this dorama. I don't want to make a final statement yet since I still have some episodes to watch but my first impression after watching about half of the dorama wasn't that good to be honest.
Maybe I was expecting too much. I still think that the idea of the dorama is really good but unfortunately I wasn't satisfied with how the idea got put into practice. Also the characters seem to be kinda boring and incredible to me somehow (and maybe I still like Oguri Shun not enough to find his acting really appealing here). Maybe this will get better when I watch the second half of this dorama. I have heard a lot of opinions about the dorama, some people like it a lot, some people don't like it or just think it's not special enough. Well, taste differs, right? I can understand both opinions about this dorama and as I told, I'll make my final decision about it once I've finished watching it.
Bungo no Shokusai
This dorama didn't cross my way somehow so I skipped it completely. It was set as a „wanna try“ at the beginning of this season for me so maybe if I come across it in the future...
First Class
Station: Fuji TV (Website)
Broadcasting time: 19.04. - 21.06.2014, Saturdays, 11.10 p.m.
Episodes: 10
Watchig status: not even 1/10
Cast: Sawajiri Erika, Nakamaru Yuichi (KAT-TUN), Sasaki Nozomi, Nanao, Ishida Nicole, Yui Ryoko, Miura Rieko, Hirayama Hiroyuki, Tabata Tomoko, Itaya Yuka
I wanted to try this dorama and I did. But honestly spoken, I didn't even watch the whole first episode and dropped it because this dorama just didn't click with me. I maybe have given up too easily though (and I have to admit I wanted to watch it because of Nakamaru Yuichi but didn't really get to see much of him yet) and I heard from some people that it is kinda amusing so I consider to give it another try once I have a bit more time!
Ginnikan
Station: NKH
Broadcasting time: 10.04. - 05.06.2014, Thursdays, 8.00 p.m.
Episodes: 9
Watchig status: Not watched yet
Cast: Hayashi Kento, Matsuoka Mayu, Ashida Mana, Ishiguro Ken, Kazama Shunsuke, Shiomi Sansei, Tsugawa Masahiko
Last time I put this dorama into the cathegory „not interested“. A friend of me recommended it to me though so I consider to try it once I have more time. With that, I'll keep it on my watch-list for now. I heard though, that there are still no subs for this dorama yet.
Gokuaku Ganbo
Station: Fuji TV (Website)
Broadcasting time: 14.04. - 23.06.2014, Mondays 9.00 p.m.
Episodes: 11
Watchig status: 4/11
Cast: Ono Machiko, Shiina Kippei, Miura Shohei, Naka Riisa, Kobayashi Kaoru Takeuchi Riki, Itao Itsuji, Miura Tomokazu, Kudo Kankuro, Odagiri Joe
To still call this dorama a „must watch“ might be a bit exaggorated and I still didn't finish watching it due to a lack of time and because the subs aren't finished yet but I have to say, that I like this dorama and that it is really entertaining! The setting as well as the characters and the whole presentation of this Yakuza-like story is used really funny and I laughed a lot already! I was expecting a bit too much although I think. Nevertheless I want to finish watching this dorama!
All the actors are doing a really good job! Miura Shohei btw has a really funny but annoying character in this dorama (you want to hit him but you can't hate him lol XD)! Again I already can't wait to see him acting in another dorama soon! I'm really fond of his acting, he can portray a huge variety of different roles and that's what I really like about actors! (Also, Odagiri Joe again XD Oh yes, I really turned into a fan of him this season!)
Searching for something funny for in between? Then I recommend Gokuaku Ganbo to you! (I looove the opening btw!)
Hanasaki Mai ga Damattenai
Station: NTV (Website)
Broadcasting time: 16.04. - 18.06.2014, Wednesdays, 10.00 p.m.
Episodes: 10
Watchig status: not watched yet
Cast: Anne, Kamikawa Takaya, Tsukaji Muga, Enoki Takaaki, Komoto Masahiro, Osugi Ren, Namase Katsuhisa, Kimura Yoshino (guest star)
Even if I only set it as a maybe, lately I got interested in watching this dorama because it got really good ratings! I think it was the highest rating dorama of this season? And I read that the broadcasting station was really proud of that and wants to make Anne into their exclusive lead acting actress or something like that? XD Anyways, the story still doesn't sound that interesting to me but the high ratings made me curious so I guess I'll try this dorama when I have a free weekend again.
Kamiya Genjiro Torimono Hikae
Wasn't interested in this one and didn't really hear anything significant about it.
Keiji 110 kg 2
As told I didn't watch the first season yet and so I skipped this one as well. I heard some people saying that this dorama was nice but I also heard that the rating wasn't that good. Still hesitating if I should give season 1 a try or not...
Kohiya no Hitobito
Station: NHK BS Premium (Website)
Broadcasting time: 06.04. - 04.05.2014, Sundays 10.00 p.m.
Episodes: 5
Watchig status: 1/
Cast: Takahashi Katsunori, Kimura Tae, Kurashina Kana, Yashima Norita, Watanabe Eri, Yoshiyuki Kazuko, Kobayashi Nenji
I really wanted to watch this dorama because of the coffee house setting and everything. It's kinda short with only 5 episodes but I didn't manage to watch more than 1 episode yet because I had trouble to find good files and then the 1st episode wasn't thaaaat impressive to be honest. Nevertheless this one seems to be a decent dorama and as I told with the length of only 6 episodes it's not too long so I will finish watching it when there's the opportunity to do so.
Long Goodbye
Station: NHK
Broadcasting time: 19.04. - 17.05.2014, Saturdays 9.00 p.m.
Episodes: 5
Watchig status: Not watched yet
Cast: Asano Tadanobu, Ayano Go, Koyuki, Furuta Arata, Tominaga Ai, Ota Rina, Takito Kenichi, Taguchi Tomorowo, Fukushima Rira, Iwamatsu Ryo, Denden, Izumisawa Yuki, Yabe Kyosuke, Horibe Keisuke, Watanabe Daichi, Ishida Eri, Endo Kenichi, Yoshida Kotaro, Emoto Akira
Due to a lack of time I couldn't watch this dorama yet but I have it here and still want to try it once! If anyone of you watched it already, please tell me if you recommend it (without spoilering too much please =P)!
Maruho no Onna ~ Houken Hanzai Chousain
I wasn't interested in this one and didn't hear anything good or bad about it so I guess I didn't miss anything?
Mosaic Japan
Station: WOWOW (Website)
Broadcasting time: 18.05.2014 - ?, Sundays, 11.00 p.m.
Episodes: ?
Watchig status: Not watched yet
Cast: Nagayama Kento, Takahashi Issei, Hamakawa Fumie
Still considering it as a maybe, the opinion of a friend made me even more curious about this one. Will keep it on my watch list in case there's the chance to watch it one day. Btw, I noticed the lack of information about this dorama on the net or am I (again) just to stupid to use google? D=
Mozu 1 ~ Mozu no Sakebu Yoru
Station: TBS (Website)
Broadcasting time: 10.04. - 12.06.2014, Thursdays, 9.00 p.m.
Episodes: 10
Watchig status: Not watched yet
Cast: Nishijima Hidetoshi, Kagawa Teruyuki, Maki Yoko, Namase Katsuhisa, Yoshida Kotaro, Ito Atsushi, Arimura Kasumi, Ikematsu Sosuke, Okunuki Kaoru, Toda Masahiro, Tsurumi Shingo, Sometani Shota, Taguchi Hiromasa, Tanaka Yoji, Horiuchi Keiko, Sugisaki Hana, Otozuki Kei, Abe Tsuyoshi, Sagawa Tetsuro, Shinagawa Toru, Hasegawa Hiroki, Ishida Yuriko, Kohinata Fumiyo
I wanted to try this one but somehow - just like my first impression in the beginning - it didn't interest me enough to really try it yet (didn't have that much time anyways). Since I heard kinda mixed opinions of people, I'm not sure yet if I will like it or not... in case you watched it, would you recommend it?
Naruyouni Narusa 2
Station: TBS (Website)
Broadcasting time: 22.04. - 24.06.2014, Tuesdays 10.00 p.m.
Episodes: 10
Watchig status: Not watched yet
Cast: Tachi Hiroshi, Asano Atsuko, Shida Mirai (guest star), Yasuda Shota (Kanjani8, guest star), Konno Mahiru (guest star), Watanabe Misako, Minamisawa Nao, Inoo Kei (Hey! Say! JUMP), Izumi Pinko
I didn't have a chance to watch season 1 yet and so of course I also didn't watch season 2 even if I still want to watch this dorama! Maybe there's more time next season for me to properly catch up with my watching list... >.<
Ore no Dandyism
I guess I didn't missed anything with that since I didn't hear any people talking about it? XD Didn't want to watch it so I don't really care...
Platonic
I didn't get much news about it in the beginning of this season and this didn't change so I didn't pay attention to this one.
River’s Edge Okawabata Tanteisha
Station: TV Tokyo (Website)
Broadcasting time: 19.04. - 05.07.2014, Saturdays, 12.12 p.m.
Episodes: 12
Watchig status: Not watched yet
Cast: Odagiri Joe, Ishibashi Nenji, Koizumi Maya, Yabe Kyosuke (guest star), Makita Sports (guest star), Hoshino Akari (guest star), Iwai Hideto (guest star), Uchida Chika (guest star), Koike Rina (guest star)
For me this was set as a „maybe“ but to be honest, after I became a fan of Odagiri Joe... now I want to try this one! XD I didn't have time to check it out yet though so I'll put it onto my watch list and hope for more spare time I guess? o.o
Roosevelt Game
Did someone of you watch this dorama? I wasn't interested in it so I just let it pass but the ratings don't seem thaaat bad (even if the station didn't manage to get a „second Hanzawa Naoki“ with this rating-wise - well, I guess Sakai Masato was missing in this one? =P Sorry for stupid comment). Still, I'm not interested in this dorama. Tell me, if I missed something big.
Saigo kara Nibanme no Koi 2
Station: Fuji TV (Website)
Broadcasting time: 17.04. - 26.06.2014, Thursdays, 10.00 p.m.
Episodes: 11
Watchig status: Not watched yet
Cast: Koizumi Kyoko, Nakai Kiichi, Sakaguchi Kenji, Uchida Yuki, Kase Ryo, Hasegawa Kyoko, Shibata Rie, Kubota Maki, Matsuo Satoru, Satsukawa Aimi, Shiramoto Ayana, Sakamoto Makoto, Hiroyama Kotoha, Suzuki Takayuki, Tanaka Ohga, Orimoto Junkichi, Watanabe Makiko, Moriguchi Hiroko, Asano Kazuyuki, Iijima Naoko
Still set as a maybe but didn't have time yet to even watch the 1st season...
Sailor Zombie
Did someone try this one? If yes, how was it? XD Seriously, I would be interested in how people liked this dorama since it soundes just too trashy for me to try it myself.
Shark 2
Station: NTV (Website)
Broadcasting time: 20.04.2014 - ?, Sundays, 12.50 a.m.
Episodes: 12
Watchig status: Not watched yet
Cast: Shigeoka Daiki, Hamada Takahiro, Kamiyama Tomohiro, Yasui Kentaro, Abe Aran, Hagiya Keigo, Jinguji Yuta, Iwahashi Genki, Matsukura Kaito, Negishi Aomi, Ujiki Tsuyoshi, Okada Koki, Toyohara Kosuke
My best friend and I in the meantime managed to finish watching season 1 but after the ending somehow our motivation to watch season 2 was kinda low. Nevertheless I still want to give it a try and I guess we will watch it together as well once we have time to gather for that purpose!
Shinigami-kun
Station: TV Asahi (Website)
Broadcasting time: 18.04. - 20.06.2014, Fridays, 11.15 p.m.
Episodes: 9
Watchig status: Finished
Cast: Ohno Satoshi (Arashi), Kiritani Mirei, Suda Masaki, Matsushige Yutaka,...
Completely watched this dorama and loved it to bits! Not only because of Ohno Satoshi's (really awesome) acting (those faces!!!) as well as Suda Masaki's acting who finally managed to make me interested in him, also because of how a lot of sensitive topics got treaten in this dorama. This one was really really great, it was interesting, intense, touching. It might not have been as gloomy and thrilling as some might have expected but in trade therefore it was a highly emotional and moral dorama which made you think a lot about a huge variety of topics, naming fate, life and death only as some of them.
The dorama was kinda short with 9 episodes but I think the length o it is totally OK. It wasn't too long or too short (even if I of course wouldn't have minded to watch some more episodes) and the ending was brilliant. Really, it was brilliant! In my opinion there are a lot of J-doramas which get ruined with their ending but this one definitely is a best example for a dorama with a fitting and great ending! I enjoyed almost every episode (with one expection but well, this was the only thing I didn't enjoy that much about the whole series wo I will overlook it). The dorama was also surprisingly humorous and the creators managed to find a really good balance of serious and funny moments, I was impressed!
I can highly recommend this dorama to every dorama-fan! Next to Alice no Toge, this is my favorite of the Spring season!
For a more detailed opinion about this dorama, please read my dorama-reviews/discussions which you can find in the masterpost here.
Shinkaishaku, Nihonshi
Had set it as a maybe but it never crossed my path so I guess I'll let this slip through...
Silent Poor
I wasn't interested in this one and a friend told me that it really wasn't thaat impressive so I guess I didn't miss anything.
Smoking Gun ~ Ketteiteki Shouko
Station: Fuji TV (Website)
Broadcasting time: 09.04. - 18.06.2014, Wednesdays, 10.00 p.m.
Episodes: 11
Watchig status: 5/11
Cast: Katori Shingo, Nishiuchi Mariya, Nakayama Yuma, Ando Tamae, Hamada Kokone, Kurashina Kana, Suzuki Honami, Issey Ogata, Tanihara Shosuke
I wanted to try Smoking Gun and I can say, it's a nice dorama. It's not especially mindblowing or anything but I enjoy watching it, even if it's not my priority on my watching list. The first half of the dorama was OK and finally it seems to get a bit more interesting regarding the „read thread“-case of the series so I hope I'll have time to finish this series soon. For now it's too early for me to clearly voice a recommendation I think, though.
Sono Hi no Maeni
I wasn't interested because it sounded too sad for me... and it didn't cross my way, I didn't hear anything about it. Did someone of you watch it?
Team ~ Keishichou Tokubetsu Hanzai Sousa Honbu
Wasn't interested in this either. Any comments about this dorama from your side?
Tokubou ~ Keisatsuchou Tokushu Bouhan-ka
Station: NTV (Website)
Broadcasting time: 03.04. - 26.06.2014, Thursdays, 11.59 p.m.
Episodes: 13
Watchig status: Not watched yet
Cast: Ihara Tsuyoshi, Matsushita Kohei, Adachi Yumi, Takuma Takayuki
First, I wasn't interested in this dorama but I heard some people saying that it was good and even if the ratings seemed to be kinda bad I think I'll put it onto my watchlist for later.
Tokusou
Did someone watch this? I wasn't interested and didn't hear anything good or bad about this one.
Tokyo Guard Centre
Skipped it just like I thought.
Watashi to iu Unmei ni Tsuite
Same here.
White Lab ~ Keishichou Tokubetsu Kagaku Sousahan
Station: TBS (Website)
Broadcasting time: 14.04. - 23.06.2014, Mondays, 8.00 p.m.
Episodes: 11
Watchig status: 1/11
Cast: Kitamura Kazuki, Miyasako Hiroyuki, Yabu Kota (Hey! Say! JUMP), Tanihara Shosuke, Wakui Emi
As I told last time, I wanted to try this dorama and after watching the first episode I thought, it's OK. I didn't have time for more yet but I will watch it once subs are finished I think. =)
Yowakutemo, Katemasu ~ Aoshi-sensei to Heppoko Koukoukyuuji no Yabou
Station: NTV (Website)
Broadcasting time: 12.04. - 21.06.2014, Saturdays 9.00 p.m.
Episodes: 11
Watchig status: Finished watching
Cast: Ninomiya Kazunari (Arashi), Fukushi Sota, Arimura Kasumi, Nakajima Yuto (Hey! Say! JUMP), Yamazaki Kento, Hongo Kanata, Mamiya Shotaro, Sakurada Dori, Suzuki Katsuhiro, Yanagi Shuntaro, Hiraoka Takuma, Yakushimaru Hiroko, Aso Kumiko, Mitsuishi Ken, Arakawa Yoshiyoshi, Kawahara Kazuhisa, Sasano Takashi, Ichikawa Ebizo
As you might now, I finished watching this dorama this weekend and what should I say. It's not the best dorama Nino acted in so far and it's not the best dorama of this season either but I definitely had fun watching this dorama. Not only because I was totally flailing about Aoshi-sensei (Nino's role) but also because I liked the subtle humour the show provided. It also brought me closer to baseball, I have to admit (which I find waaay more interesting than soccer now for example XD) and all of the characters had their own charm. It's a bit disappointing, that character development as well as the story lacked depth most of the time (yes, I can't ignore that), the pace of the story was too slow most of the time and there were a lot of things they just could have made better.
I mostly blame this onto the script because I think the cinematographic work was satisfying for this genre and most of the actors did a really good job! I think, this story might have been better used as a movie or something, but that's just my personal opinion. Btw, I think the soundtrack (expect from the theme song, I love it!) was more or less annoying but well...
I can't fully recommend this dorama, it's not a „must watch“ (only for Nino-fans I guess, yes, I'm biased! XD) but if you like the cast, I'd say, give it a try! =)
For a more detailed opinion about this dorama, please read my dorama-reviews/discussions which you can find in the masterpost here.
Fazit for this season:
I definitely watched too less doramas this seasons o_O lol
Well, this might be because I fully devoted myself to review Shinigami-kun and Yowakutemo and this took a looot of time xD There are still some series that I have to finish yet and if I have enough time I want to watch another 3 - 4 of those listed above. Let's see...
From those doramas I watched, only three of them fully met my expectation, these would be Shinigami-kun, Alice no Toge and Bitter Blood. Gokuaku Ganbo is also nice and I want to finish it no matter what. Yowakuteme Katemasu was a bit of a dissappointment I have to admit but nevertheless I like it and I had fun watching it. The rest was so - so or I didn't have the chance to finish and make my final opinion about them. I'll try to finish those as soon as possible. ^^
So, your turn, which doramas did you watch?
Which did you like, which disappointed you and can you recommend some of those I didn't watch yet maybe?
Any new actors you got fond of (for example I really started liking Sudo Masaki and Odagiri Joe!)
Whatever comes to your mind, please don't be shy and share your opinion about the Spring season of 2014 with me!
Sky
♥