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VCD Box
VCD Box
Soundtrack
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| Synopsis |
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| Three years ago, because of a dispute over his father's corruption, Shuichi left home and settled down in a small clinic in Hokkaido. There, he met a hearing and vocal impaired girl, Aya, and fell deeply in love with her. However, upon recieving an invitation from a Tokyo well-known hospital, he decided to make a short trip back. But, he never returns ... Aya, being very worried, goes to Tokyo too, and is shocked to find Shuichi injured and suffering from a memory loss. | | Snowflakes |
| Soundtrack and Theme Songs (1) |
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| 1. | Aoi Usagi 碧いうさぎ [Sakai Noriko 酒井法子] | [ LYRICS | MIDI ] |
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| Drama Reviews (18) |
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!!WARNING!!
The review section may contain spoilers! Please understand
that you may find out about this drama's endings and plots!
| | 1. | Too Much Work For Too Little Gain [Rating: 4/10]
Television shows and movies that center on a disabled person have been around a long time -- it's really nothing new. What's Eating Gilbert Grape is a classic and even in the world of Japanese dramas they appear, such as the autistic girl Mayuko in Kimi ga Oshietekureta Koto. Most of the time, as these examples illustrate, the disabled characters are both a source and cause of pity. In Hoshi no Kinka, the central character Aya, a deaf girl, is refreshingly strong and encouraging, taking almost all negativity and turning it into something positive. Hoshi no Kinka is about Aya, a nurse, falling in love with the doctor she works for, Shuichi. Shuichi experiences a massive head injury and loses his memory of everybody, including her. The trials the two experience is the central plot of the story.
I wanted so much to like this drama. The character of Aya is so compelling and acted so wonderfully by Sakai Noriko that I felt it was completely wasted by incredibly horrible writing full of unrealstic events and inept characterization. The motives for Shoko's love for Shuichi, for example, were non-existant. I had no clue as to how she came to love that guy to the point that she did; they expected you to understand her love, but never explained a good reason why. Just because you screw someone over and tend to there needs is not a basis for love at all. Ever. And Shuichi never gave her any reason to love him and even shrugged her off. That said, I didn't give a flaming fart about her character and I felt her actions were pointless. I felt any association she made with another character was fake. It's not that I didn't trust her character. It's that I didn't trust her characterization -- the writing blew. I was frustrated through the entire drama because of the absurdity of most of the situations. They simply felt forced.
Most of the actors weren't that great, but they really didn't have much to work with. Takenouchi Yutaka did a decent job through the whole series with a strong performance in the last two episodes. He also had the only character that actually grew as the series progressed. Osawa Takao I felt was sub par, but nowhere near as bad as the remaining actors. As I stated previously, I really enjoyed Sakai Noriko. I felt her facial expressions were real and thus I felt I could sympathize with her, not as a disabled person but simply as a human being. The frustration of being disabled was there, but it wasn't overdone at all -- just enough to experience it as the audience.
There were a few other good points, though. I managed to shed a tear a few times during the series. Most of the time they were for Aya's character (her selflessness was very moving... I'm a sucker for that sort of thing) and specifically the scene between the father and his children during the final episode. Unfortunately the bad far outweighs the good for this particular drama.
I compare this drama to the old video game Bubble Bobble. I sat through 255 stages of that game, fighting through one frustrating level after another, just so I can see what the end would be like. After finishing the last boss, you find you get the crappy ending, and you need to go through all 255 levels again to get the good ending. And just like in Bubble Bobble, I'm going to watch season two of this drama in hopes I can get a good ending. I have my doubts. | | Reviewed by chesed on 6 August 2006 | | 2. | One of the most meaningful movies I've ever seen [Rating: 10/10]
Noriko Sakai's acting brought me from wonder to wonder!!!
At the beginning, I like Shuichi's character a lot: he's just the opposite of Takumi, an exemplar to any doctor! But as soon as he got amnesia, he started acting ridiculously leading to tragedy Not totally his fault, though: b/c this story also shows me how scary it was when women became jealous =))
Takumi Nagai : At the beginning, he made me go: I wish I were ur boss so I could fire u : you didn't deserve to wear the white coat!! I couldn't wait to see him die (lol) but, just a second thought (for having seen many evil-turn-good characters before), I kept a neutral view, thinking: well, IF he ever overcame his flaws, then he'd definitely become a memorable character! My thought was right: Thanks to Aya, Takumi has changed from being rebellious to a sensible young man who knows how to love, and to be loved. To Takumi, Aya is an angel who's always there to emphathize and encourage him to overcome many painful moments and to realize his true self. Takenouchi Yutaka's acting was very compelling and interesting to watch - his performance touched a lot of viewers, so he was awarded Golden Arrow Hoso Shinjin-sho !
Part II : worst sequel of all times with characters doing many, many absurd things. Really. Part 1 successfully established Aya's image as a "lucky star" that fell upon everyone she's met, but Part 2 made it look like she brought misfortune to everyone (quite a contrast)! Only the 1st part is enough, no need for Part II. Like part 2 of many other movies, this shamed part 1!!! | | Reviewed by Tenken on 15 August 2008 | | 3. | Silent beauty [Rating: 9/10]
I really enjoyed this drama. The simplicity and integirty of the script, so well written, really touches my heart. The complexity of human nature, the selflessness and unconditional love for one another is overwhelming. The overpowering performances by Yutaka + Takao + Noriko are just splendid. Especially the credulous portrayal of a deaf-mute (impaired) girl by Noriko, just SPEECHLESS, outstanding! Noriko's character equates to the 'less is more' ideology; she is deaf-mute however emits more luminous glow and energy than any other characters in the drama. Realistically, the ending lived up to my expectation, because of the selflessness of Noriko's character, however it would have been more satisfying if the stars did rain on her!
It was also interesting to see how people rank this drama; some people focus too much on the ending and if it is not a happy and satisfying ending, their judgement becomes clouded thus disliking the entire show. Admittedly this drama is a great dismal, leaving a sweet bitter after taste, but still worth the watch! | | Reviewed by carnie_webb on 25 June 2005 | | 4. | Contrived but moving. [Rating: 9/10]
Contrived on every step of the way, and the surgery segments were so silly that they were almost impossible to watch! But what kept me coming back was the sincerity of the actors. Noriko Sakai, without saying a word, expressed more emotion here than most actresses express in their lifetime; this is possibly one of my favorite acting roles ever. I also loved the arc that Yutaka Takenouchi's character underwent (especially touching was the relationship with his father), though I found that he overshadowed Takao Osawa's character perhaps a little too much. My only real disappointment lies with the final episode: excellent build-up, decent (though perhaps contrived) ending... but it just tries too hard. Whereas the other episodes draw emotion effortlessly, this one just wants to shock and shock and shock and comes out feeling a little hollow as a result. I was expecting to cry a river, but my eyes were as dry as a desert the whole episode through! | | Reviewed by Kam on 11 March 2005 | | 5. | What a stressy drama! [Rating: 4/10]
If you don't want to know wether it ends good or bad, stop reading.
Ok I'll be honest. The drama was very great, but the ending just sucked! Until episode 10 I would have given it an 9 or so, but the end makes it a final 4. Some people call it 'dramatic' and 'touching' but they were probably crying too much to notice the damn freaking frustration you get at the end!!! And worse, when I checked for the sequel, it ends even more different from what you want. So I'm not going to watch that one definately. Right now, I just finished watching the final episode, and I really liked the series until episode 11 or maybe even until half of 12. Then the final moment comes and the whole series just COLLAPSES into a piece of crap. You can't believe how frustrated I am now. GRRRRR! Don't watch it if you want to save yourself a couple of days (or weeks if I'm unlucky) after-stress. | | Reviewed by supermidget on 10 March 2005 | | 6. | bad soap opera [Rating: 4/10]
Given the other good reviews I read this was surprisingly bad.
I'm usually an easy touch for sentimental romances but this one
was ridiculous. Amnesia, murder, suicide, cheating spouses,
evil doctors, pregnancy, terminal illnesses, etc. , this one pulls out every
cliche from the hackneyed soap opera handbook. Even the
"good" doctors are incredibly incompetent and no one behaves
with an ounce of good sense. Can't believe there are two sequels. | | Reviewed by johnjeon on 19 September 2005 | | 7. | A true classic [Rating: 9/10]
One of the best j-drama I have watched. Everything from the script to the acting deserve A+. Even though the love story itself is a bit too melodramatic, it outlines the self-giving nature of love beautifully. Thumbs up for the outstanding moral character of the protagonists (there are several). This is one drama you will watch and savor for years to come. | | Reviewed by ystlu on 12 June 2002 | | 8. | Among the stars [Rating: 9/10]
From the doramas I've seen, this series definitely ranks among the finest I've watched. Character development is an important point of the series and the cast did wonderfully in this respect. The storyline itself was quite captivating aside from the slightly hurried and what I found to be a bit contrived ending. In general, very very well done! | | Reviewed by Shindou on 10 January 2007 | | 9. | Go see it! [Rating: 10/10]
Truthfully, I was skeptical about this drama because it was the first one I'd seen with a speech/hearing impaired character (Aya). I gave it a try due to the interesting plot and Noriko Sakai. Surprisingly, I instantly fell in love with it and felt drawn to keep watching it. Great acting all around...it seemed like everything meshed together. | | Reviewed by biga816 on 23 July 2002 | | 10. | Great drama!!! [Rating: 9/10]
This is the kind of drama that once put in your DVD player, you forget there is a pause/stop button!
Sakai noriki as Aya was a memorable performance. Just like real life, we don't always end up with the person we love the most and we sometimes stay in a relationship that hurts us more than nourishing. I look foward to wathing II & III. | | Reviewed by lovejdorama on 14 April 2005 | | 11. | One of the Best! [Rating: 10/10]
I love everything about this show, the plot the casts and even the cat. I love Yutaka, he appeared to be the "bad brother" at first but as you watch further, he is the selfless one (especially in part 2). One down side about him is when he raises his voice, his voice breaks easily. Everytimes he crys, I melt. | | Reviewed by ladyelf on 9 October 2003 | | 12. | Ending ruined it for me... [Rating: 7/10]
I hated Shoko...why they would make her pregnant and end up with Shuichi is just wrong. I was so hoping it was a lie and that he would slap the huge eyes out of her face. Horrible ending...everything up to the episode where Aya got stabbed was awesome....after that the series went downhill...Evil Shoko! | | Reviewed by k4g0me on 9 April 2006 | | 13. | Old but far from dated [Rating: 9/10]
Pure love is caught in a world of intrigue where doctors should be wearing straight-jackets and handcuffs instead of white blouses. But this dorama from another century still cruises nicely thanks to its first-rate cast, great music score and beautiful photography. The melodrama is sometimes overdone. | | Reviewed by shari on 29 December 2006 | | 14. | Wow!!! [Rating: 10/10]
Great cast chemistry and great performances. That why this series became a classic. You will stay till the end.
| | Reviewed by jdfan on 1 July 2002 | | 15. | took 2 days to finish it [Rating: 9/10]
sakai noriki did a marvellous job in portraying aya. thumbs up... highly recommended.. | | Reviewed by juliana_phang on 30 October 2004 | | 16. | Dramatic [Rating: 6/10]
Too dramatic
Frustating ending | | Reviewed by ester_grace on 21 March 2011 | | 17. | Dramatic [Rating: 6/10]
Too dramatic
Frustating ending | | Reviewed by ester_grace on 21 March 2011 | | 18. | Dramatic [Rating: 6/10]
Too dramatic
Frustating ending | | Reviewed by ester_grace on 21 March 2011 |
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| Comments From Users (111) |
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!!WARNING!!
This section may contain spoilers! Do not proceed if you
do not want to read about this drama's endings and plots!
| | 1. | Comments by supermidget [Rating: 6/10]
[On DVD] Ok, first I shouted "don't watch it!", but now I got over the shock of the senseless ending, I might be able to give this series a better judgement. The story goes as follows: A man (Shuichi) and woman (Aya), who is mute and deaf, are working in a small clinic in Hokkaido. They're actually in love but haven't confessed their feelings yet. Shuichi has to go to Tokyo for business. Before he enters the plain, he promises Aya to get married but at Tokyo airport, he gets a terrible accident. When Shuichi doesn't return to Hokkaido, Aya goes after him, but discovers that Shuichi lost all his memory. The series is about the battle of Shuichi trying to regain his memory (and remembering his promise), and Aya to win Shuichi back.
Too bad. It won't happen. Sorry for spoiling, but this series is great until the last episode, where the makers just want to kill you by making the most horrible ending possible. | | 2. | Comments by rele [Rating: 4/10]
The main idea and story is captivating. Very good main actress and i was completely suck in after 1st episode. Heart warming at first...
---Spoiler alert----
Up to the 10th episode while this series had a bit too dramatical and useless side plots i considered this as a 9 series. But the last 2 episodes really spoiled this all. Murder?... Cheap and over dramatic cliche tricks... And the moral of this whole series is that lying suicidal woman in the end takes it all. By getting your self pregnant without discussing it first in that kind of relationship is completely immoral. If this series should have unhappy ending then killing one of the main characters would have been ok, but immoral ending that should make viewers to give their consent on is complete BS. | | 3. | Comments by donna8157 [Rating: 8/10]
It's a fun/soap-opera style drama to watch. The main three actors and actresses did wonderfully portraying their characters and at times I found myself completely drawn into the story. There was so much emotion that I'm sure anyone who watches this will feel something for Aya played by Noriko Sakai or any of the other characters.
My favorite male lead was none other than Takenouchi Yutaka. His character change leading towards the end of the series was touching and believable. Some parts of this series may seem a little overbearing/far-fetched, but it was still a pleasure to sit through. I recommend this one if you're a fan of romance/angst series, such as "Autumn Tale" (KDrama). | | 4. | Comments by jdfan [Rating: 10/10]
For you who like tragedy dramas to weep buckets on, stop your search! This is the one of best tear-jerker drama ever written. The cast is well-known for their strong acting. Just watch how Noriko makes Aya's sign-language look so tragically beautiful and you'll start wiping your eyes already. Plus great theme songs and melodious soundtrack to add to the sad atmostphere! Great cast chemistry and great performances. That why this series became a classic. And Noriko has to learn sigh language first! This show will keep you around for every epidsode until the end. And you would want to see more�c. | | 5. | Comments by compaqmac321 [Rating: 10/10]
its a bit annoying how they run in circles but its really good surprisingly, i have a connection to all three characters so far..the scene where takumi tries to get aya to tell him not to kill shuichi is amazing, the acting was amazing, some of the best ive ever seen actually...everyone did an amazing job acting, i was annoyed by a few things but the amazing acting from the cast made up for it, theres no way this show can get less than a 10 from me...japan should forgive noriko for her mistake and let her continue acting...thats just how i feel though | | 6. | Comments by nadrika [Rating: 10/10]
Takumi, Aya and Shuichi. LOVE all three of them. I am definitely biased here. Watched this as a teenager back in the 90s. I can't really separate Heaven's Coins 1 from Heaven's Coins 2, unlike some or most of jdorama members here.
In my mind, they are one and the same. Loved Aya's cute handwriting. Love how Takumi and Shuichi use sign language. Love how protective Takumi is of Aya. Frustrated, though with Shuichi's indecisiveness. What else? Loved Takumi laughing AND crying at the same time. Loved the parting scenes at the airport. | | 7. | Comments by sucigam [Rating: 6/10]
This is probably the most frustrating show I've ever watched. Sakai Noriko puts on the best performance from any actress in any drama I've seen but it's SO WASTED on this terribly cliche story. chesed sums it up quite well, I suggest you read his full review.
I guess the only good thing that came out of this whole ordeal is that I found another talented actress in a sea of mediocre ones. It's almost assured that you will fall in love with her talent and natural beauty if you watch this drama. | | 8. | Comments by michelle [Rating: 10/10]
This has gotta' be the saddest drama after Shiroi Kage. I'm truly touched by this drama. The whole plot is so convincing and Noriko Sakai's performance is absolutely convincing enough as the deaf-and-mute Aya. Music is wonderful as well. Though I don't know the meaning of the lyrics, I feel that it must be something really meaningful. Sometimes I wonder, are all Japanese dramas so meaningful and heart captivating? ^_^ Thumbs up for this drama...I love it! | | 9. | Comments by xploring [Rating: ?/10]
Great performance from Noriko Sakai. This was compelling at the beginning when the story focussed on Aya, but after that ... I wanted to stop watching many times. The plot was ordinary, and I was not interested in the characters too (apart from Aya). Osawa Takao's role was particularly thankless. Stopped watching during episode 8, much of Aya's writing was not translated for this chinese-subbed version. | | 10. | Comments by pandora [Rating: 10/10]
This is so so sad. we often joke with my siblings that Aya (Noripi) is the queen of adversity in this ^0^. Dispite it's sadness and sometimes infuriating charecters (like the girl who goes after shuichi) It was a great watch. Just really really sad. I liked the ending. She shouldda ended up with Takumi I thought. I really realyy wish they had not made a part 2. But watch this one huh? | | 11. | Comments by kaonashi [Rating: 9/10]
An American style soap opera full of intrigues, betrayals & unexpected turns. If this overly melodramatic plot was to be characteristic for a J-drama in general, then I would certainly not be a fan. But since it's more of an exception, I felt it was nice for a change & got addicted to it. Terrific show & I even liked the disputed ending. 9- | | 12. | Comments by enen_shun [Rating: 9/10]
this drama indeed made me cry & cry all da way ! Aya (Noriko Sakai) is really a very brave character !! she's so pure and gentle !!! all the casts are perfect ~ great casts , great storyline , great director ... what else can u ask for ?! if u enjoy watching shows which moved & touched u ~ u must really watch this show !!!!! | | 13. | Comments by eltinator [Rating: 10/10]
Started off a bit slow but really picked up quickly. Sakai Noriko, Osawa Takao, and Takenouchi Yutaka all delivered stellar performances. The supporting cast was great the whole way as well. It's no wonder why this drama received ratings into the 30% viewership. Definately a classic for the ages! | | 14. | Comments by Shindou [Rating: 9/10]
A wonderfully constructed dorama. Noriko Sakai's performance is exceptionally well done and each of the character's really made their presence felt on this dorama. The acting and storyline was first class and as was the OST. I would definitely not hesitate to recommend this dorama. | | 15. | Comments by kartanoman [Rating: 9/10]
Absolutely loved Noriko Sakai in this dorama! The number of plot twists bordered on the excessive; however, you were always held by the suspense whether Aya and Shuichi would finally be together ... only to learn that the cat and mouse game would continue into a season two. | | 16. | Comments by moonchyld [Rating: 10/10]
*drool* this has got to be THE best drama!!! (well at least for me it is V^^V).. it actually made me wanna learn sign lang. hehehe... i really fell in love with noriko here, and she's been my fave Japanese actress since. now THAT'S what i call great acting! ^-^ | | 17. | Comments by zhirong [Rating: 6/10]
One of the earliest Jdrama I watched. Maybe at that time I am too young to comprehend this drama. Bascially about Noriko Sakai as Aya, a deaf and mute girl. Pretty touching plot but once you've seen other touching drama, you'll feel that it's pretty average. | | 18. | Comments by lawsco [Rating: 9/10]
This is the one that got me hooked. Saw parts of it on TV and bought the DVD for this and part 2 at the same time (thank god) 60+ J-dramas later and I'm still watching and still hooked. Not many have been better than this one in my opinion. | | 19. | Comments by kamikaze54 [Rating: 9/10]
Classic love story! I enjoy it but it got a bit out of control as the story progressed. It seems the drama couldn't decide on how it wanted to end. Too many twist and turns made it a bit frustrating. Maybe that is why there is a sequel. | | 20. | Comments by norz [Rating: 10/10]
First drama ive ever watched and got me hooked into dramas! the love triangle and the strange circumstancs make the drama very exciting to watch. You can really feel for the characters and they do excellent acting in this one! | | 21. | Comments by sweetkisses7574 [Rating: 10/10]
SOO good!!! i really loved this drama. I swear i cried in every episode. Its just so almost painful to have to watch what she had to go threw. But it was really interesting to see alot of sign language. :) i liked this one alot | | 22. | Comments by laramatsu [Rating: 7/10]
definitely a tearjerker and makes me want to learn sign language, which I already did really for a very short time because my room-mate's sister is deaf but lost it since there were no one to speak sign language with. Tsk, tsk | | 23. | Comments by Taurmindo [Rating: 8/10]
for not being 'able' to speak during the whole series, sakai noriko manages to do outstanding acting using all her other elements. a sad story with convincing acting, a little to easy to forseen somethimes, but alltimes good. | | 24. | Comments by tetsukei [Rating: 8/10]
Bitter-sweet story of Aya and her relationship with 2 estranged brothers. Very captivating indeed. Worth buying. And I missed the FIRST EPISODE for 3 times!! Gracious!
Humour 4/10 Story 8/10 Actors 8/10 Music 8/10 | | 25. | Comments by SharontheK [Rating: 10/10]
Sakai Noriko is GREAT in the role of Aya. Your heart just breaks for this character. Wonderful love story with not the ending that I expected. My best guy friend liked it too (well anyway, he sure likes Sakai). | | 26. | Comments by GIGI [Rating: ?/10]
One of those doramas that I can't decide if I love or just like. And the most melodramatic as well. What's unbelievable is how the writers and director was able to squeeze all those twists in a short series. | | 27. | Comments by arashinokoto [Rating: 7/10]
to be honest i likes shin.hoshi no kinka better.. at least it had an ending i liked.. but this was good because as the show goes on.. you'll like the main actor more and more.. and pity sakai noriko so much.. | | 28. | Comments by Aunty Coco [Rating: 9/10]
I was immediately attracted to Takenouchi Yutaka when I saw this show a long time ago.. Missed a few episodes here & there... So I bought the dvd recently & watch it all over again... Very touching... | | 29. | Comments by i_heart_jrock [Rating: 10/10]
I WANT TO BUY THIS JDORAMA!! T.T it is probably the best show i've watched in a LONG time... T.T i cried the first time i watched it.. and i cried the second time! >.< i recomend this jdorama to ANYONE! | | 30. | Comments by yanie_chan [Rating: 7/10]
I usually don't like sad dramas, but I was intrigued with Yutaka Takenouchi's acting and the sign language in this drama!!^_^ And, I ended up liking it so much!! Esp. Yutaka's character, Takumi!! =P
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Read all 111 comments from users
| Users who voted for this drama (29) |
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| 1. | ahochaude
A real "tear jerker" drama. This is indeed the drama that got me hooked back onto watching Japanese dramas again after a short interlude.
I will never forget how I felt when I first saw this drama. Sakai Noriko is a very talented actress and she has to be one of the best actresses that Japan has to offer. | | 2. | moonchyld
It's drama at its best. I cried my heart out watching this, attesting to how poignant and effective the casts were in delivering their roles. If you even slightly like Noriko, you should check this out, and I'm sure you'll fall in love with her afterwards. ^_^ | | 3. | Lisachan
Noriko Sakai and Takao Osawa were great in this TV drama. This drama is unknown, but it was very entertaining. I hope many people will watch and enjoy this show. | | 4. | Ushiroyubi
A fantastic syrupy story...
enough emotion to clear the sinuses if you enjoy such syrup....
and, an amazing cast. I love this series. | | 5. | aki_07
Touching and good plot that makes you look forward to the next episode. Great soundtrack. This is better than its over-tragic sequel. | | 6. | Shani
One of the best dramas I've ever seen. The acting is wonderful and the story pulls you in right from the beginning | | 7. | Sun_Shang_Xiang
Great drama , a little sad but great perfomances from Takao Osawa , Sakai Noriko and a young Takenouchi Yutaka. | | 8. | hina-sama
wow ! great drama ! it really moved me !
- watching Hoshi no Kinka 2- | | 9. | cyberarts
Most moving soap opera ever watched. Nice OST. | | 10. | silverline
It was a great drama, the casting was great. | | 11. | gince
I love Noriko Sakai & Yutaka Takenouchi... | | 12. | xoai
One of the best dramas I have ever seen! | | 13. | dan-p
I love Noriko Sakai | | 14. | gomibagu
Great but stressful | | 15. | ct_subang
sad,sappy drama | | 16. | ladyelf
very touching | | 17. | Kamikashi
speechless | | 18. | Mask Maker
Awesome ! | | 19. | diesterntaler
voila | | 20. | garyura_akira | | 21. | DJstreetball | | 22. | boro240 | | 23. | HeLLoMinna | | 24. | muub | | 25. | bakayaro | | 26. | Kicchan86 | | 27. | itsuki | | 28. | kamikaze54 | | 29. | MAT_13 |
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Hoshi no kinka Season 2 / Zoku hoshi no kinka
Shin Hoshi no kinka
