[#039] Meme Day 6!
Day 01 → Your favourite song | Day 02 → Your favourite movie | Day 03 → Your favourite television programme | Day 04 → Your favourite book | Day 05 → Your favourite quote
Day 06 → Whatever tickles your fancy
Day 07 → A photo that makes you happy
Day 08 → A photo that makes you angry/sad
Day 09 → A photo you took
Day 10 → A photo of you taken over ten years ago
Day 11 → A photo of you taken recently
Day 12 → Whatever tickles your fancy
Day 13 → A fictional book
Day 14 → A non-fictional book
Day 15 → A fanfic
Day 16 → A song that makes you cry (or nearly)
Day 17 → An art piece (painting, drawing, sculpture, etc.)
Day 18 → Whatever tickles your fancy
Day 19 → A talent of yours
Day 20 → A hobbie of yours
Day 21 → A recipe
Day 22 → A website
Day 23 → A YouTube video
Day 24 → Whatever tickles your fancy
Day 25 → Your day, in great detail
Day 26 → Your week, in great detail
Day 27 → This month, in great detail
Day 28 → This year, in great detail
Day 29 → Hopes, dreams and plans for the next 365 days
Day 30 → Whatever tickles your fancy
Well, I've had this in the works since.. what? over a year ago? Just stopped working on it for no real good reason. Then I saw a video yesterday of a scene in Orange Days that reminded me of this list and made me want to go back and actually finish it. I also realized that I had to change shit around because new dramas came and knocked old dramas out of the water so yes. It had to be updated. Anyway, I've been wanting to make a top ten j-dramas list for ages which is why I made a post like this. Mind you, I love things very often so this list can change easily. XD
10) Seigi no Mikata - 2008. (10 Episodes)
Starring: Shida Mirai, Yamada Yuu, Mukai Osamu, Hongo Kanata.
Summary: 15-year-old Yoko, a young girl who is constantly tormented by her self-centered and devilish older sister Makiko, who works for a government office after having graduated from a famous university. But despite her ill nature, Makiko's actions tend to somehow make things better for those around her, causing others to praise her as an "ally of justice."
Comment: This drama was taken away by Shida Mirai. And her wardrobe. lol When I watched this drama, I was blown away by the relationships. The relationship between the sisters, the parents, the parents with the sisters. Sure, Makiko's antics got old after a while, but I still loved her and Yamada Yuu played her brilliantly. The dynamic between the sisters was great because despite the fact that Yoko obviously hated being pushed around by her sister and she constantly tried to get her out of the house by marrying her off--in a way, she still wanted her sister to be happy because she was her sister. And let us not even TALK about the epic that is Riku and Yoko. D: I'm still sad there's no fic. (Also, Hongo Kanata is ridiculously thin in this drama. WTF, eat something damnit.)
Music Video:
Random Scene:
AHAHA. Makiko's just horrible.
8) Hanazakari no Kimitachi e - 2007, 2008. (12 Episodes, Special)
Starring: Horikita Maki, Oguri Shun, Ikuta Toma (and so much more - ...another really strong supporting cast. I seem to like those. ...A lot.).
Summary: Based on a popular comic, this hilarious comedy follows the chaos, troubles and friendship at a boys’ boarding school after a girl-disguising-a-boy joins. Ashiya Mizuki has just come back to Japan from California where she was raised. She fell in love with Sano Izumi, a hopeful high jump hero, who has quit after an accident. As she wants him to go back to the sport once again, she enters the same high school as a boy! With a short hair, flattened chest and lowered voice, she starts sharing the same room with Sano.
Comment: This drama... If anything came out of this drama, it was the start of my adoration for Ikuta Toma. I had only seen him in that one episode of Hanadan 2 before this and I remember bashing him--appearance-wise more so than acting-wise. Granted, that was due to his role and how much I wanted them not to have that storyline. Anyway, I'd read the manga before this and so had already known what was likely going to happen, the characters, and all that. Nakatsu had always been my favorite and Mizuki/Sano was definitely my OTP in the manga. But in the drama? Nakatsu blew my mind--the comedy, his love for Mizuki. Hell, this drama made me want Mizuki/Nakatsu instead! So yes, I did really like this. (Okay, I did totally ship Sano/Mizuki in the drama too. I mean really, OGURI SHUN towering over petite Horikita Maki? Who could resist! Actually, Sano/Mizuki/Nakatsu should just exist.) Also, you didn't read wrong--this is totally tied with the next one for 8. I couldn't decide!
Music Video:
I really tried to find an MV that wasn't Nakatsu/Mizuki but they were the ones that I really liked. My biases. XD
Random Scene:
lol I knew that for this it had to be this scene.
8) Atashinchi no Danshi - 2009. (11 Episodes)
Starring: Horikita Maki, Kaname Jun, Okada Yoshinori, Mukai Osamu, Yamamoto Yusuke, Seto Koji, Okayama Tomoki.
Summary: These days, the term "homeless" has taken on new meaning. There are youths referred to as "net cafe refugees," who have neither a job nor a place to live, but who find themselves hopping around internet cafes. One such refugee is a 20-year-old girl named Chisato, who lost her mother at a young age due to sickness. She spent her youth trying to escape from the huge debt her father left her, and her battle with the repossessors unfolded every night. However, her life changed after meeting one man named Shinzo, changing her views on the meaning of "family." Shinzo comes from a rich family tracing back to the Edo period, and he adopted six good-looking sons with the hope of one becoming his successor, but all of them have strange personalities. Shinzo promises to free Chisato from her debt if she marries him and becomes the mother of his sons. However, a life with these six guys under one roof will not go smoothly...
Comment: The season this aired, this drama took over my life. I was in love with Chisato/Sho in more ways than you can believe. Even now when I rewatch the scene with that kiss, I squeal. That's how much I loved it and them. Hell, it is taking me a lot of effort not to write this whole thing about Chisato/Sho even though I really really want to. XD Overall, I think the family was just so much FUN. The interactions that Chisato had with each and every one of them--how she got them to open up and change. Granted, the plot was a little sketch at times, but I ignored that in favorite of the comedic vaule and the relationships. They were just GREAT. Plus Maki was kick-ass as you can see in the sole picture I chose. lol
Music Video:
Random Scene:
...I first wanted to resist choosing a Chisato/Sho scene. Then I saw this and died when I rewatched it. The random appearance of Hard Gay was such crack. And I didn't even know he was still getting work! XD
7) Yasashii Jikan - 2005. (11 Episodes)
Starring: Terao Akira, Ninomiya Kazunari, Nagasawa Masami, Yo Kimiko, Otake Shinobu.
Summary: This is the story about one small coffee shop located in the northern island of Hokkaido.
Yukichi Wakui used to work as a successful businessman at a prestigious trading firm. He worked for several years in New York as well as other cities around the world. When his wife Megumi died at the age of 47 in a car accident three years ago, he decided to leave the company. He was only 57. When Megumi died in the accident, her 18-year-old son Takuro was at the wheel.
Yukichi declined an offer to switch to an affiliate company after his retirement, and moved to Megumi's hometown Furano, Hokkaido instead. There he started a small coffee shop named "The Forest Clock."
Unbeknownst to Yukichi, Takuro is working as an apprentice pottery maker in Biei-a town located 50km away from Furano. His father hasn't spoken a word to him since the accident.
One day, Takuro meets Azusa, the lovely Forest Clock employee who has a habit of accidentally breaking the shop's plates and cups. It doesn't take long for the two to fall in love.
Will the wall of ice between father and son ever melt?
Adding color to the drama are the conversations between Yukichi and the tourists and café-goers who drop in the shop.
Comment: First of all, WHY IS THERE NOTHING RELATED TO THIS DRAMA ON THE INTERWEBS? D: I couldn't find anything--pictures, music video, or even a clip. That's ridiculous! (Granted most people aren't fans, but there has to be someone out there who likes it like I do. ...Anybody?) Anyway, if I were to surprise anyone with this list, I think that this drama would surprise everyone. I say this because I know that everyone that's seen it has been pretty much "eh" about it, but something about this drama took my soul and ate it. XD Most people complain about the slowness of the drama, but I actually quite loved the pace--even if it was painstakingly slow. I loved the father/son relationship in this because although they didn't even really see each other until the very end, we could see that they loved and thought about each other constantly. It was just a moving drama. Also, I just loved Takuro/Azusa. I am weak to cute romances. :D Which they were.
6) Ninkyo Helper - 2009. (11 Episodes)
Starring: Kusanagi Tsuyoshi, Kuroki Meisa, Natsukawa Yui, Kato Seishiro (and of course, so much more).
Summary: Tsubasa Hikoichi is a yakuza underling who runs a loan shark operation in Roppongi. Hikoichi is brutal and efficient, and has no compunction about cheating the weak and poor out of their hard-earned money. When Hikoichi's boss dies, his replacement, Takayama Gensuke, wants the young hood to prepare himself for an executive position, and orders Hikoichi, along with other subordinate bosses, to get a job in an elderly care facility. Suffice it to say, the position isn't what Hikoichi expected it to be...
Comment: This drama. Oh man. I half can't believe I'm putting this so far up in the list especially since it's more of a recent drama, but I fell head-over-heels in love with it that it cannot be helped. Let's ignore first that I haven't even FINISHED it yet--I do know what happens in the end and only have two episodes left just sitting in my harddrive. Every episode I've seen of this drama has knocked it out of the park--the emotions, the storylines, the characters. Every episode was strong and meaningful, and I don't even think any episode disappointed me! I loved the transformation of Hikoichi--when he realized that this stupid job became more than that. Where he started to really care. It doesn't hurt that I also shipped Hikoichi/Riko throughout most of it. XD OH. And I can't believe I forgot to mention!! The best character of the drama--the little boy--just makes you fall in love with him. He's the cutest thing in the entire drama and his relationship with everyone is just love.
Music Video:
Warning! Spoilers for the ending. I'm warning since it is a rather recent drama.
Random Scene:
Just so cute! Thought I'd take off the shipping hat for a second and show a really adorable little boy scene~
5) Nodame Cantabile - 2006, 2008. (11 Episodes, Specials)
Because Tamaki Hiroshi is ridiculously hot.
Starring: Tamaki Hiroshi, Ueno Juri, Eita, Koide Keisuke, Mizukawa Asami (and so much more - strong supporting cast, guys).
Summary: Based on the hit comic book by Tomoko Ninomiya, this is a fun-filled quirky romantic story of two very opposite people.
Megumi Noda, or “Nodame” is a piano student at Momogaoka College of Music. An extremely talented pianist who wants to be a kindergarten teacher, she prefers playing by ear rather than reading the music score. She is messy and disorganized, takes baths several days apart and loves to eat, sometimes stealing her friend’s lunchbox when it is filled with delicacies.
Shinichi Chiaki, is Momogaoka’s top student. Born into a musical family, he is talented in piano and violin and has secret ambitions to become a conductor. An arrogant multi-lingual perfectionist who once lived abroad in the music capitals of the world as a young boy, he feels mired in Japan because of a childhood phobia.
They meet by accident. Nodame quickly falls in love, but it takes much longer for Chiaki to even begin to appreciate Nodame’s unusual qualities. Their relationship causes them both to develop and grow. Because of Nodame, Chiaki got the opportunity to lead a student orchestra and begins to have a broader appreciation of people's musical abilities. Because of Chiaki, Nodame faces her fears and enters a piano competition. Opportunities open up as both begin taking risks, stretching themselves far more than they ever thought possible.
Comment: This drama pulls me in with two things: the music and Tamaki Hiroshi. I can't help the second! He's just ridiculous hot in this drama! The crack takes a bit of getting used to but it's hysterical and very much manga-fied. Which makes sense since it comes from a manga. As for the music... Oh man, just so beautiful. It makes you want to sit back and just close your eyes and listen--although you shouldn't because half of the love of the music also comes from seeing the characters get into it as well. Just mind-blowing. Chiaki and Nodame are just amazing--the way that Nodame completely latches onto Chiaki and how he tries, at first, to get away but just finds himself falling. a;sldkfjasldj She's also fucking crazy, but that's her charm. lol I also love the side characters and their insanity.
Music Video:
Random Scene:
This just takes my breath away whenever I listen to it.
4) Sore wa Totsuzen, Arashi no You ni - 2004. (10 Episodes)
Starring: Esumi Makiko, Yamashita Tomohisa, Yanagiba Toshiro, Miyaji Mao.
Summary: Kozue Ogawa (Esumi Makiko) is a housewife and has been married to Hideo (Yanagiba Toshiro) for seven years. They don't have any children but as they live with her parents at their flower shop, everyday is still lively. She is happy with her life and her husband but she wonders if it is enough. From time to time, she is gripped by this doubt that she cannot raise with anyone.
Kozue starts a part-time job in the editing department of the magazine where she used to work. Her former colleague is now working hard as the editor-in-chief.
One rainy day, Kozue meets a young man. He is Takuma Fukazawa (Yamashita Tomohisa), a high school student. He seems somehow shrouded in sadness. He is a dance teacher. In the dance studio, there is just the two of them.
Takuma curls his hands around Kozue's body and his dance instruction begins. Their unexpected closeness causes Kozue to hesitate. With her heart pounding, she pushes Takuma's hands away and runs home. But the throbbing in her chest continues. It can't be. But what is this feeling?
Comment: This drama is just... I don't know. I can't even say why I love it specifically--so many things come into play really. I'm not even a big fan of younger boy/older woman romance stories, but something about this just takes my breath away. For one thing, there's no specific one "evil" in this drama. They're all just people whose lives just happen to get intertwined. Kozue's happy with her husband--they're a good pair and they love each other, but something about Takuma pulls her to him. And that's real too. I just love Kozue/Takuma's relationship--the pain, the good, the happy, the sad. a;ksdfjaslkdj I'm also happy that there is now fic--albeit a small portion--and that I totally contributed! :D
Music Video:
Random Scene:
This is the closest I could get to a scene. It's all caps though and with random music in the background. D: It's such an important scene for Kozue/Takuma though so at least it was a really impressionable scene. lol
3) Hana Yori Dango - 2005, 2007, 2008. (9 Episodes, 11 Episodes, Movie)
Because this shoot is hot and I wish I sat in that cafeteria so I could stare at it ALL THE TIME. Also anyone notice how they shot it so that Domyouji isn't the shortest? lol Smart photographer! Messing with focal points and making Rui stand all the way in the back. lol
Starring: Inoue Mao, Matsumoto Jun, Oguri Shun, Matsuda Shota, Abe Tsuyoshi.
Summary: Makino Tsukushi is the only poor student at Eitoku Gakuen, the school of the ridiculously rich and privileged that is ruled by Flower 4 or F4, a group of four boys who come from extremely powerful families: Domyoji Tsukasa, the leader and heir of the Domyoji World Finance Group; Hanazawa Rui, the introverted son of a large company; Nishikado Sojiro, a player who is the heir of a tea ceremony school; and Mimasaka Akira, a madam killer with ties to the underground. If a student gets on the F4’s bad side, he/she gets a red notice and is bullied and driven out of school.
Makino hopes to pass her days quietly-- without drawing any attention to herself-- but one day, she stands up to Domyoji in defense of her friend. The next day, Makino gets the dreaded red notice. Even though she is harassed, Makino decides to keep going to school because she is a “tough weed”. She declares war right back on the F4. Her resolve gets the attention of her crush Hanazawa Rui and oddly enough, rouses romantic feelings in her worst enemy, Domyoji Tsukasa.
The series is based on the Japanese shoujo manga "Hana Yori Dango" (Boys Before Flowers) by Kamio Yoko.
Comment: Wanna know the funniest thing? I still haven't finished this. I've been stuck at mid Season 2 and just never got around to picking it up again. So why is it so high up even though I haven't finished the series? Because despite some parts of the story being utter over-dramatic and stupid (like my hatred for Sakurako's plot in Season 1), it is still one of my favorite manga/anime storylines. I have pretty much read/watched everything related to Hana Yori Dango and I know just how stupid it can get, but it can still do no wrong for me--well, it can do wrong, but I can look past it. lol And it doesn't hurt that a lot of my love is centered towards Hanazawa Rui and his relationship with Tsukushi. I know they don't get together and there's no way of it happening, but I love him and his friendship with her. I do ship Tsukushi/Tsukasa in the long run though--the way their relationship has molded and Tsukasa's general stupidity. lol I also loved Yuuki/Soujirou and wished they'd had a happy ending as well. All in all, Hana Yori Dango is just one of my constants. :D I love it in almost any form. (This also goes to show you how much I love manga adaptations as HALF this list are those. XD)
Music Video:
(Focuses on Shigeru's story--I really did love Shigeru. <3)
Random Scene:
Because Tsuksasa's stupidity is what makes him so endearing.
2) Long Love Letter - 2002. (11 Episodes)
It was only one more step.
Starring: Tokiwa Takako, Kubozuka Yosuke, Yamashita Tomohisa, Yamada Tarayuki (and so much more).
Summary: Yuka Misaki, whose parents run a flower shop, casually begins dating college student Akio Asami, and later falls for him. But due to some type of accident, the two lose contact with one another.
One year after the accident, the two suddenly meet again. Yuka is still working at her father Shigeo's flower shop, and Akio is a teacher at a nearby high school.
It's January 7, just right after the New Year begins. Make up classes are being held for students that aren't keeping up with their daily studies. Taking the classes are the popular Tadashi Otomo, and the leader of the delinquent students, Sho Takamatsu. And giving the lecturers is Noriko Sekiya, a teacher that has taken out all kinds of loans to pay for the popular brand items that she buys.
Yuka comes to the school to collect money from Noriko. While at the school, with thoughts of the past in the back of her mind, Yuka and Akio meet, and get into a fight. Then all of a sudden, there is a small tremor, and after it subsides..
Comment: I will honestly say that if I hadn't rewatched this for jep_cast ages ago, I would not have this so high up. And I will also say that the summary on dramawiki is totally wrong. They don't start casually dating. They had this great accidental meeting in a bookstore, have this amazing conversation and Asami's going to call her to meet again, but gets his cell phone stolen. As for the drama itself... the summary seems like it's leading one way, but honestly, it's a drama that you won't expect. Lord knows that when I saw the last scene in the first episode I went, "WHAT IS THIS?" It's an amazing drama--the human connection between these kids and the teachers. They essentially fall into a freaking apocalyptic situation and it's a view of what happens when kids have to face such a thing. It made me cry, it made me root for the characters, it made me fall in love with some of the characters. The only weak part is the ending, but that's just something to attribute to time and a tough scenario. Nonetheless, it is a great watch and I'm still a little miserable that THERE IS NO FIC ON IT. D: (GIVE ME MY ASAMI/MISAKI DAMNIT.)
Music Video:
Random Scene:
I would've loved to have had some Asami/Misaki scene... Any other, but I suppose what better than with their meeting again in the worst possible manner? :D (Plus it's the only clip I could find on youtube, what is this?!
1) Orange Days - 2004. (11 Episodes)
Because Tsumabuki Satoshi prettiness is too much to pass up. XP
Their very first meeting. With an orange. Go figure.
Starring: Tsumabuki Satoshi, Shibasaki Kou, Narimiya Hiroki, Shiraishi Miho, Eita.
Summary: Kai Yuuki (Satoshi Tsumabuki) is in his senior year at university studying social welfare psychology. At present, he is in the middle of job-hunting season. He is finding it difficult with no job offers so far. One day, he meets a girl who is playing violin in the campus. She is Sae Hagio (Kou Shibasaki). In marked contrast to her beautiful tone and attractive looks, her personality is somewhat impertinent. And to top it off, she communicates through very vulgar sign language. Four years ago, she lost the most important thing for a violinist - her hearing. As a result Sae closed off her inner self from the outside world. Kai finds himself on a date with Sae, in place of his best friend. Unexpectedly, he comes into contact with Sae's private side. Love, job-hunting, friendship... Setting a campus in spring as a dorama`s backdrop, it's the start of a glittering youth drama.
Comment: If you know me at all, you know that this is by far one of my favorite dramas in the world. I can't tell you how much I love this drama. First of all, without even going into the romance, the friendship between the five characters is just love. They're all so great with each other and I love how Sae and Akane get integrated into the friendship of the three boys. *_________* Kai is one of my favorite male characters ever--his personality, his understanding, his connection with Sae. The way he pretty much wears his heart on his sleeve. I just love him. And Sae is no simpering female lead--hell, she starts out being a bitch. But the way her character develops and opens up throughout the series is just amazing. Kai/Sae is just pure love, honestly. And more than anything, the sign language. Yes, I am a weirdo and I know it, but the way they all signed like they were pros was fabulous. Just watching them sign is amazing, almost beautiful. Then they also hit on another kink of mine--MUSIC. With Sae being a musician and even though she's deaf, she still can play that violin and that piano like she was hearing--well almost as well anyway. *_______________* All in all, this drama has it all for me. The comedy, the friendship, the relationship, the characters, THE SIGN LANGUAGE, and the music. I can't think of what drama could ever knock it out of the water.
Music Video:
Random Scene:
I thought I'd choose a scene that wasn't one of the romantic ones but focuses on the friendship! :D I love that they sign-sing the song.
Okay! This was a long post. XD hopefully my other "whatever tickles your fancy" won't be as insane. lol
Day 06 → Whatever tickles your fancy
Day 07 → A photo that makes you happy
Day 08 → A photo that makes you angry/sad
Day 09 → A photo you took
Day 10 → A photo of you taken over ten years ago
Day 11 → A photo of you taken recently
Day 12 → Whatever tickles your fancy
Day 13 → A fictional book
Day 14 → A non-fictional book
Day 15 → A fanfic
Day 16 → A song that makes you cry (or nearly)
Day 17 → An art piece (painting, drawing, sculpture, etc.)
Day 18 → Whatever tickles your fancy
Day 19 → A talent of yours
Day 20 → A hobbie of yours
Day 21 → A recipe
Day 22 → A website
Day 23 → A YouTube video
Day 24 → Whatever tickles your fancy
Day 25 → Your day, in great detail
Day 26 → Your week, in great detail
Day 27 → This month, in great detail
Day 28 → This year, in great detail
Day 29 → Hopes, dreams and plans for the next 365 days
Day 30 → Whatever tickles your fancy
Well, I've had this in the works since.. what? over a year ago? Just stopped working on it for no real good reason. Then I saw a video yesterday of a scene in Orange Days that reminded me of this list and made me want to go back and actually finish it. I also realized that I had to change shit around because new dramas came and knocked old dramas out of the water so yes. It had to be updated. Anyway, I've been wanting to make a top ten j-dramas list for ages which is why I made a post like this. Mind you, I love things very often so this list can change easily. XD
10) Seigi no Mikata - 2008. (10 Episodes)
Starring: Shida Mirai, Yamada Yuu, Mukai Osamu, Hongo Kanata.
Summary: 15-year-old Yoko, a young girl who is constantly tormented by her self-centered and devilish older sister Makiko, who works for a government office after having graduated from a famous university. But despite her ill nature, Makiko's actions tend to somehow make things better for those around her, causing others to praise her as an "ally of justice."
Comment: This drama was taken away by Shida Mirai. And her wardrobe. lol When I watched this drama, I was blown away by the relationships. The relationship between the sisters, the parents, the parents with the sisters. Sure, Makiko's antics got old after a while, but I still loved her and Yamada Yuu played her brilliantly. The dynamic between the sisters was great because despite the fact that Yoko obviously hated being pushed around by her sister and she constantly tried to get her out of the house by marrying her off--in a way, she still wanted her sister to be happy because she was her sister. And let us not even TALK about the epic that is Riku and Yoko. D: I'm still sad there's no fic. (Also, Hongo Kanata is ridiculously thin in this drama. WTF, eat something damnit.)
Music Video:
Click to viewRandom Scene:
AHAHA. Makiko's just horrible.
8) Hanazakari no Kimitachi e - 2007, 2008. (12 Episodes, Special)
Starring: Horikita Maki, Oguri Shun, Ikuta Toma (and so much more - ...another really strong supporting cast. I seem to like those. ...A lot.).
Summary: Based on a popular comic, this hilarious comedy follows the chaos, troubles and friendship at a boys’ boarding school after a girl-disguising-a-boy joins. Ashiya Mizuki has just come back to Japan from California where she was raised. She fell in love with Sano Izumi, a hopeful high jump hero, who has quit after an accident. As she wants him to go back to the sport once again, she enters the same high school as a boy! With a short hair, flattened chest and lowered voice, she starts sharing the same room with Sano.
Comment: This drama... If anything came out of this drama, it was the start of my adoration for Ikuta Toma. I had only seen him in that one episode of Hanadan 2 before this and I remember bashing him--appearance-wise more so than acting-wise. Granted, that was due to his role and how much I wanted them not to have that storyline. Anyway, I'd read the manga before this and so had already known what was likely going to happen, the characters, and all that. Nakatsu had always been my favorite and Mizuki/Sano was definitely my OTP in the manga. But in the drama? Nakatsu blew my mind--the comedy, his love for Mizuki. Hell, this drama made me want Mizuki/Nakatsu instead! So yes, I did really like this. (Okay, I did totally ship Sano/Mizuki in the drama too. I mean really, OGURI SHUN towering over petite Horikita Maki? Who could resist! Actually, Sano/Mizuki/Nakatsu should just exist.) Also, you didn't read wrong--this is totally tied with the next one for 8. I couldn't decide!
Music Video:
I really tried to find an MV that wasn't Nakatsu/Mizuki but they were the ones that I really liked. My biases. XD
Random Scene:
lol I knew that for this it had to be this scene.
8) Atashinchi no Danshi - 2009. (11 Episodes)
Starring: Horikita Maki, Kaname Jun, Okada Yoshinori, Mukai Osamu, Yamamoto Yusuke, Seto Koji, Okayama Tomoki.
Summary: These days, the term "homeless" has taken on new meaning. There are youths referred to as "net cafe refugees," who have neither a job nor a place to live, but who find themselves hopping around internet cafes. One such refugee is a 20-year-old girl named Chisato, who lost her mother at a young age due to sickness. She spent her youth trying to escape from the huge debt her father left her, and her battle with the repossessors unfolded every night. However, her life changed after meeting one man named Shinzo, changing her views on the meaning of "family." Shinzo comes from a rich family tracing back to the Edo period, and he adopted six good-looking sons with the hope of one becoming his successor, but all of them have strange personalities. Shinzo promises to free Chisato from her debt if she marries him and becomes the mother of his sons. However, a life with these six guys under one roof will not go smoothly...
Comment: The season this aired, this drama took over my life. I was in love with Chisato/Sho in more ways than you can believe. Even now when I rewatch the scene with that kiss, I squeal. That's how much I loved it and them. Hell, it is taking me a lot of effort not to write this whole thing about Chisato/Sho even though I really really want to. XD Overall, I think the family was just so much FUN. The interactions that Chisato had with each and every one of them--how she got them to open up and change. Granted, the plot was a little sketch at times, but I ignored that in favorite of the comedic vaule and the relationships. They were just GREAT. Plus Maki was kick-ass as you can see in the sole picture I chose. lol
Music Video:
Random Scene:
...I first wanted to resist choosing a Chisato/Sho scene. Then I saw this and died when I rewatched it. The random appearance of Hard Gay was such crack. And I didn't even know he was still getting work! XD
7) Yasashii Jikan - 2005. (11 Episodes)
Starring: Terao Akira, Ninomiya Kazunari, Nagasawa Masami, Yo Kimiko, Otake Shinobu.
Summary: This is the story about one small coffee shop located in the northern island of Hokkaido.
Yukichi Wakui used to work as a successful businessman at a prestigious trading firm. He worked for several years in New York as well as other cities around the world. When his wife Megumi died at the age of 47 in a car accident three years ago, he decided to leave the company. He was only 57. When Megumi died in the accident, her 18-year-old son Takuro was at the wheel.
Yukichi declined an offer to switch to an affiliate company after his retirement, and moved to Megumi's hometown Furano, Hokkaido instead. There he started a small coffee shop named "The Forest Clock."
Unbeknownst to Yukichi, Takuro is working as an apprentice pottery maker in Biei-a town located 50km away from Furano. His father hasn't spoken a word to him since the accident.
One day, Takuro meets Azusa, the lovely Forest Clock employee who has a habit of accidentally breaking the shop's plates and cups. It doesn't take long for the two to fall in love.
Will the wall of ice between father and son ever melt?
Adding color to the drama are the conversations between Yukichi and the tourists and café-goers who drop in the shop.
Comment: First of all, WHY IS THERE NOTHING RELATED TO THIS DRAMA ON THE INTERWEBS? D: I couldn't find anything--pictures, music video, or even a clip. That's ridiculous! (Granted most people aren't fans, but there has to be someone out there who likes it like I do. ...Anybody?) Anyway, if I were to surprise anyone with this list, I think that this drama would surprise everyone. I say this because I know that everyone that's seen it has been pretty much "eh" about it, but something about this drama took my soul and ate it. XD Most people complain about the slowness of the drama, but I actually quite loved the pace--even if it was painstakingly slow. I loved the father/son relationship in this because although they didn't even really see each other until the very end, we could see that they loved and thought about each other constantly. It was just a moving drama. Also, I just loved Takuro/Azusa. I am weak to cute romances. :D Which they were.
6) Ninkyo Helper - 2009. (11 Episodes)
Starring: Kusanagi Tsuyoshi, Kuroki Meisa, Natsukawa Yui, Kato Seishiro (and of course, so much more).
Summary: Tsubasa Hikoichi is a yakuza underling who runs a loan shark operation in Roppongi. Hikoichi is brutal and efficient, and has no compunction about cheating the weak and poor out of their hard-earned money. When Hikoichi's boss dies, his replacement, Takayama Gensuke, wants the young hood to prepare himself for an executive position, and orders Hikoichi, along with other subordinate bosses, to get a job in an elderly care facility. Suffice it to say, the position isn't what Hikoichi expected it to be...
Comment: This drama. Oh man. I half can't believe I'm putting this so far up in the list especially since it's more of a recent drama, but I fell head-over-heels in love with it that it cannot be helped. Let's ignore first that I haven't even FINISHED it yet--I do know what happens in the end and only have two episodes left just sitting in my harddrive. Every episode I've seen of this drama has knocked it out of the park--the emotions, the storylines, the characters. Every episode was strong and meaningful, and I don't even think any episode disappointed me! I loved the transformation of Hikoichi--when he realized that this stupid job became more than that. Where he started to really care. It doesn't hurt that I also shipped Hikoichi/Riko throughout most of it. XD OH. And I can't believe I forgot to mention!! The best character of the drama--the little boy--just makes you fall in love with him. He's the cutest thing in the entire drama and his relationship with everyone is just love.
Music Video:
Warning! Spoilers for the ending. I'm warning since it is a rather recent drama.
Random Scene:
Just so cute! Thought I'd take off the shipping hat for a second and show a really adorable little boy scene~
5) Nodame Cantabile - 2006, 2008. (11 Episodes, Specials)
Because Tamaki Hiroshi is ridiculously hot.
Starring: Tamaki Hiroshi, Ueno Juri, Eita, Koide Keisuke, Mizukawa Asami (and so much more - strong supporting cast, guys).
Summary: Based on the hit comic book by Tomoko Ninomiya, this is a fun-filled quirky romantic story of two very opposite people.
Megumi Noda, or “Nodame” is a piano student at Momogaoka College of Music. An extremely talented pianist who wants to be a kindergarten teacher, she prefers playing by ear rather than reading the music score. She is messy and disorganized, takes baths several days apart and loves to eat, sometimes stealing her friend’s lunchbox when it is filled with delicacies.
Shinichi Chiaki, is Momogaoka’s top student. Born into a musical family, he is talented in piano and violin and has secret ambitions to become a conductor. An arrogant multi-lingual perfectionist who once lived abroad in the music capitals of the world as a young boy, he feels mired in Japan because of a childhood phobia.
They meet by accident. Nodame quickly falls in love, but it takes much longer for Chiaki to even begin to appreciate Nodame’s unusual qualities. Their relationship causes them both to develop and grow. Because of Nodame, Chiaki got the opportunity to lead a student orchestra and begins to have a broader appreciation of people's musical abilities. Because of Chiaki, Nodame faces her fears and enters a piano competition. Opportunities open up as both begin taking risks, stretching themselves far more than they ever thought possible.
Comment: This drama pulls me in with two things: the music and Tamaki Hiroshi. I can't help the second! He's just ridiculous hot in this drama! The crack takes a bit of getting used to but it's hysterical and very much manga-fied. Which makes sense since it comes from a manga. As for the music... Oh man, just so beautiful. It makes you want to sit back and just close your eyes and listen--although you shouldn't because half of the love of the music also comes from seeing the characters get into it as well. Just mind-blowing. Chiaki and Nodame are just amazing--the way that Nodame completely latches onto Chiaki and how he tries, at first, to get away but just finds himself falling. a;sldkfjasldj She's also fucking crazy, but that's her charm. lol I also love the side characters and their insanity.
Music Video:
Random Scene:
This just takes my breath away whenever I listen to it.
4) Sore wa Totsuzen, Arashi no You ni - 2004. (10 Episodes)
Starring: Esumi Makiko, Yamashita Tomohisa, Yanagiba Toshiro, Miyaji Mao.
Summary: Kozue Ogawa (Esumi Makiko) is a housewife and has been married to Hideo (Yanagiba Toshiro) for seven years. They don't have any children but as they live with her parents at their flower shop, everyday is still lively. She is happy with her life and her husband but she wonders if it is enough. From time to time, she is gripped by this doubt that she cannot raise with anyone.
Kozue starts a part-time job in the editing department of the magazine where she used to work. Her former colleague is now working hard as the editor-in-chief.
One rainy day, Kozue meets a young man. He is Takuma Fukazawa (Yamashita Tomohisa), a high school student. He seems somehow shrouded in sadness. He is a dance teacher. In the dance studio, there is just the two of them.
Takuma curls his hands around Kozue's body and his dance instruction begins. Their unexpected closeness causes Kozue to hesitate. With her heart pounding, she pushes Takuma's hands away and runs home. But the throbbing in her chest continues. It can't be. But what is this feeling?
Comment: This drama is just... I don't know. I can't even say why I love it specifically--so many things come into play really. I'm not even a big fan of younger boy/older woman romance stories, but something about this just takes my breath away. For one thing, there's no specific one "evil" in this drama. They're all just people whose lives just happen to get intertwined. Kozue's happy with her husband--they're a good pair and they love each other, but something about Takuma pulls her to him. And that's real too. I just love Kozue/Takuma's relationship--the pain, the good, the happy, the sad. a;ksdfjaslkdj I'm also happy that there is now fic--albeit a small portion--and that I totally contributed! :D
Music Video:
Random Scene:
This is the closest I could get to a scene. It's all caps though and with random music in the background. D: It's such an important scene for Kozue/Takuma though so at least it was a really impressionable scene. lol
3) Hana Yori Dango - 2005, 2007, 2008. (9 Episodes, 11 Episodes, Movie)
Because this shoot is hot and I wish I sat in that cafeteria so I could stare at it ALL THE TIME. Also anyone notice how they shot it so that Domyouji isn't the shortest? lol Smart photographer! Messing with focal points and making Rui stand all the way in the back. lol
Starring: Inoue Mao, Matsumoto Jun, Oguri Shun, Matsuda Shota, Abe Tsuyoshi.
Summary: Makino Tsukushi is the only poor student at Eitoku Gakuen, the school of the ridiculously rich and privileged that is ruled by Flower 4 or F4, a group of four boys who come from extremely powerful families: Domyoji Tsukasa, the leader and heir of the Domyoji World Finance Group; Hanazawa Rui, the introverted son of a large company; Nishikado Sojiro, a player who is the heir of a tea ceremony school; and Mimasaka Akira, a madam killer with ties to the underground. If a student gets on the F4’s bad side, he/she gets a red notice and is bullied and driven out of school.
Makino hopes to pass her days quietly-- without drawing any attention to herself-- but one day, she stands up to Domyoji in defense of her friend. The next day, Makino gets the dreaded red notice. Even though she is harassed, Makino decides to keep going to school because she is a “tough weed”. She declares war right back on the F4. Her resolve gets the attention of her crush Hanazawa Rui and oddly enough, rouses romantic feelings in her worst enemy, Domyoji Tsukasa.
The series is based on the Japanese shoujo manga "Hana Yori Dango" (Boys Before Flowers) by Kamio Yoko.
Comment: Wanna know the funniest thing? I still haven't finished this. I've been stuck at mid Season 2 and just never got around to picking it up again. So why is it so high up even though I haven't finished the series? Because despite some parts of the story being utter over-dramatic and stupid (like my hatred for Sakurako's plot in Season 1), it is still one of my favorite manga/anime storylines. I have pretty much read/watched everything related to Hana Yori Dango and I know just how stupid it can get, but it can still do no wrong for me--well, it can do wrong, but I can look past it. lol And it doesn't hurt that a lot of my love is centered towards Hanazawa Rui and his relationship with Tsukushi. I know they don't get together and there's no way of it happening, but I love him and his friendship with her. I do ship Tsukushi/Tsukasa in the long run though--the way their relationship has molded and Tsukasa's general stupidity. lol I also loved Yuuki/Soujirou and wished they'd had a happy ending as well. All in all, Hana Yori Dango is just one of my constants. :D I love it in almost any form. (This also goes to show you how much I love manga adaptations as HALF this list are those. XD)
Music Video:
(Focuses on Shigeru's story--I really did love Shigeru. <3)
Random Scene:
Because Tsuksasa's stupidity is what makes him so endearing.
2) Long Love Letter - 2002. (11 Episodes)
It was only one more step.
Starring: Tokiwa Takako, Kubozuka Yosuke, Yamashita Tomohisa, Yamada Tarayuki (and so much more).
Summary: Yuka Misaki, whose parents run a flower shop, casually begins dating college student Akio Asami, and later falls for him. But due to some type of accident, the two lose contact with one another.
One year after the accident, the two suddenly meet again. Yuka is still working at her father Shigeo's flower shop, and Akio is a teacher at a nearby high school.
It's January 7, just right after the New Year begins. Make up classes are being held for students that aren't keeping up with their daily studies. Taking the classes are the popular Tadashi Otomo, and the leader of the delinquent students, Sho Takamatsu. And giving the lecturers is Noriko Sekiya, a teacher that has taken out all kinds of loans to pay for the popular brand items that she buys.
Yuka comes to the school to collect money from Noriko. While at the school, with thoughts of the past in the back of her mind, Yuka and Akio meet, and get into a fight. Then all of a sudden, there is a small tremor, and after it subsides..
Comment: I will honestly say that if I hadn't rewatched this for jep_cast ages ago, I would not have this so high up. And I will also say that the summary on dramawiki is totally wrong. They don't start casually dating. They had this great accidental meeting in a bookstore, have this amazing conversation and Asami's going to call her to meet again, but gets his cell phone stolen. As for the drama itself... the summary seems like it's leading one way, but honestly, it's a drama that you won't expect. Lord knows that when I saw the last scene in the first episode I went, "WHAT IS THIS?" It's an amazing drama--the human connection between these kids and the teachers. They essentially fall into a freaking apocalyptic situation and it's a view of what happens when kids have to face such a thing. It made me cry, it made me root for the characters, it made me fall in love with some of the characters. The only weak part is the ending, but that's just something to attribute to time and a tough scenario. Nonetheless, it is a great watch and I'm still a little miserable that THERE IS NO FIC ON IT. D: (GIVE ME MY ASAMI/MISAKI DAMNIT.)
Music Video:
Random Scene:
I would've loved to have had some Asami/Misaki scene... Any other, but I suppose what better than with their meeting again in the worst possible manner? :D (Plus it's the only clip I could find on youtube, what is this?!
1) Orange Days - 2004. (11 Episodes)
Because Tsumabuki Satoshi prettiness is too much to pass up. XP
Their very first meeting. With an orange. Go figure.
Starring: Tsumabuki Satoshi, Shibasaki Kou, Narimiya Hiroki, Shiraishi Miho, Eita.
Summary: Kai Yuuki (Satoshi Tsumabuki) is in his senior year at university studying social welfare psychology. At present, he is in the middle of job-hunting season. He is finding it difficult with no job offers so far. One day, he meets a girl who is playing violin in the campus. She is Sae Hagio (Kou Shibasaki). In marked contrast to her beautiful tone and attractive looks, her personality is somewhat impertinent. And to top it off, she communicates through very vulgar sign language. Four years ago, she lost the most important thing for a violinist - her hearing. As a result Sae closed off her inner self from the outside world. Kai finds himself on a date with Sae, in place of his best friend. Unexpectedly, he comes into contact with Sae's private side. Love, job-hunting, friendship... Setting a campus in spring as a dorama`s backdrop, it's the start of a glittering youth drama.
Comment: If you know me at all, you know that this is by far one of my favorite dramas in the world. I can't tell you how much I love this drama. First of all, without even going into the romance, the friendship between the five characters is just love. They're all so great with each other and I love how Sae and Akane get integrated into the friendship of the three boys. *_________* Kai is one of my favorite male characters ever--his personality, his understanding, his connection with Sae. The way he pretty much wears his heart on his sleeve. I just love him. And Sae is no simpering female lead--hell, she starts out being a bitch. But the way her character develops and opens up throughout the series is just amazing. Kai/Sae is just pure love, honestly. And more than anything, the sign language. Yes, I am a weirdo and I know it, but the way they all signed like they were pros was fabulous. Just watching them sign is amazing, almost beautiful. Then they also hit on another kink of mine--MUSIC. With Sae being a musician and even though she's deaf, she still can play that violin and that piano like she was hearing--well almost as well anyway. *_______________* All in all, this drama has it all for me. The comedy, the friendship, the relationship, the characters, THE SIGN LANGUAGE, and the music. I can't think of what drama could ever knock it out of the water.
Music Video:
Random Scene:
I thought I'd choose a scene that wasn't one of the romantic ones but focuses on the friendship! :D I love that they sign-sing the song.
Okay! This was a long post. XD hopefully my other "whatever tickles your fancy" won't be as insane. lol